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2004 GMC Savana Cargo: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Savana Cargo and 7 recalls[1][2]. Brakes draw the most complaints, so check every recall against the van's VIN.
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 18 owner complaints for this van[1]. Two mention a crash, one a fire and two an injury. None report a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component. Counts are not adjusted for how many vans were sold.
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Brakes[4] | 4 |
| Steering[5] | 2 |
| Power train[6] | 2 |
| Fuel system, gasoline[7] | 2 |
| Tires[8] | 2 |
| Engine[9] | 1 |
| Suspension[10] | 1 |
| Exterior lighting[11] | 1 |
The counts are small, so none of these is a proven pattern. Here is what owners describe in the small sample of complaint texts we read.
- Brakes. In the 4 brake complaint texts we read[4], owners describe a brake problem. They mention a long stopping distance, a pedal that sank to the floor, and an ABS warning that stayed lit. Two owners say their VIN was not part of a brake recall they had found[4].
- Steering. The texts we read describe a violent shake while driving and broken or failed front-end parts that needed replacing, including a tie rod. Two owners say the same repair had been needed before. Two of the three texts look like the same report[5].
- Power train. One text describes a transmission that stopped shifting normally, with an owner who could not afford a rebuild. Another describes a rear end failure followed by a fire[6].
- Fuel system. One text describes a split fuel line. Another describes a fuel smell after refueling[7].
We did not read complaint texts for tires, engine, suspension or lighting, so we say nothing about their themes.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:
- HVAC wiring (23V247). Unused wiring for an optional rear heating and air-conditioning system can corrode and overheat, which raises the risk of a fire. The recall wording names Express and Savana Cutaway incomplete vehicles, so ask a dealer whether it covers a given van. Dealers seal the circuit free of charge[12].
- Fuel filler pipe (12V388). Water and road contaminants can get trapped around the fuel filler pipe and corrode it. Fuel could then leak while refueling, with a risk of fire. Dealers install a new fuel filler neck free of charge. The recall named vans with a left side cargo door that were sold or registered in certain states[13].
- Seat belt buckles (05V558). Front and rear buckles may not latch or may not unlatch, so an occupant might not be properly restrained in a crash. Dealers inspect the buckles and replace the whole assembly if a buckle is faulty. If a buckle works, they replace only the upper buckle cover. The recall ran in phases[14].
- Hydro-boost accumulator (05V043). The brake booster's pressure accumulator may crack and separate. Fluid can leak, which means more effort to steer and brake, and a crash could happen without warning. Dealers test the assembly and replace it free of charge if it fails[15].
- Shift cable (04V320). A transmission shift cable may separate. The shift lever position and the indicator may then no longer match, and the van could move in a direction the driver does not expect. Dealers inspect the cable and replace it if needed[16].
- Front seat belt buckle (04V189). A buckle latch may be brittle and might not hold in a crash, which could lead to injury. Dealers replace the buckle[17].
- Hydro-boost relief valve (04V045). An out-of-specification part can let a valve seal fracture. Steering and brake pedal effort may increase slightly. Dealers replace the relief valve[18].
All seven recalls list a dealer remedy. Whether a specific van is covered depends on its VIN, so check it with NHTSA or a GMC dealer.
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on engine and drive. Every version below has a 4-speed automatic[19][20][21][22][23].
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG |
|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl, rear-wheel drive[19] | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl, rear-wheel drive[20] | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl, all-wheel drive[21] | 13 / 17 / 14 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl, bi-fuel[22] | 11 / 15 / 12 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl, dedicated CNG[23] | 11 / 15 / 12 |
The EPA also lists conversion-van entries. The 4.3L is 13 / 17 / 15[3], the 5.3L rear-wheel drive is 14 / 18 / 15[24] and the 5.3L all-wheel drive is 13 / 17 / 14[25].
The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $4,450 for the rear-wheel drive gasoline versions[19] and $4,800 for the all-wheel drive versions[21]. The bi-fuel version is estimated at $5,600[22] and the dedicated CNG version at $3,850[23]. These costs use the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the van was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings list this van (4 DR RWD) as not rated[26].
Engine and size
The EPA lists 4.3L 6-cylinder, 5.3L 8-cylinder and 6.0L 8-cylinder engines for this model[19][20][22]. We have no horsepower figures for them. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications.
How 2004 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 35 | 2 |
| 1997 | 49 | 1 |
| 1998 | 33 | 1 |
| 1999 | 52 | 1 |
| 2000 | 56 | 2 |
| 2001 | 24 | 0 |
| 2002 | 19 | 0 |
| 2003 | 33 | 11 |
| 2004 | 18 | 7 |
| 2005 | 24 | 5 |
| 2006 | 10 | 10 |
| 2007 | 13 | 4 |
| 2008 | 6 | 7 |
| 2009 | 7 | 8 |
| 2010 | 7 | 4 |
| 2011 | 4 | 7 |
| 2012 | 4 | 7 |
| 2013 | 2 | 9 |
| 2014 | 8 | 7 |
| 2015 | 6 | 4 |
Among Savana Cargo model years on file, 2004 has 18 complaints[2]. That is fewer than 1996 to 2003 (19 to 56 complaints) and fewer than 2005 (24)[2]. It is more than every year from 2006 to 2015 (2 to 13)[2].
Recalls tell a different story. The 2004 model year has 7[2]. The 2003 year has 11, 2006 has 10, 2013 has 9 and 2009 has 8[2]. Years 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2014 also have 7[2]. The other years have fewer than 7[2].
Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales.
Should you buy a used 2004 Savana Cargo?
The complaint file is small at 18 reports[1], and brakes have the most of them[4]. The bigger task is the paperwork. Seven recalls are on file[2], including two for hydro-boost brakes[15][18] and two for seat belts[14][17], so run the VIN and ask for proof of completed repairs. Fuel economy is modest at 14 to 15 combined MPG for most versions[19][20][21]. Have a mechanic check the brakes, front end and transmission before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 GMC Savana Cargo?
- Brakes have the most complaints with 4 of 18[1][4]. Steering, power train, fuel system and tires have 2 each[5][6][7][8]. The counts are small, so treat them as things to inspect.
- Does the 2004 GMC Savana Cargo have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls, covering seat belts, hydraulic brakes, a shift cable, a fuel filler pipe and HVAC wiring[2][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. Check the VIN for each.
- What is the gas mileage of a 2004 GMC Savana Cargo?
- The EPA rates the 4.3L and 5.3L rear-wheel drive versions at 15 combined MPG[19][20]. The all-wheel drive 5.3L is 14[21], and the 6.0L bi-fuel and CNG versions are 12[22][23].
- Is the 2004 GMC Savana Cargo a good year compared with others?
- It has 18 complaints, fewer than every year from 1996 to 2003 and fewer than 2005, but more than every year from 2006 to 2015[2]. Its 7 recalls are fewer than 2003 (11), 2006 (10), 2013 (9) and 2009 (8), and the same as 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2014[2].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 18 owner complaints on file for the 2004 GMC Savana Cargo (2 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 2 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Savana Cargo model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Savana 15/25 2WD Conversion (cargo), 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 4 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the tires component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 23V247, filed April 6, 2023: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V388, filed August 8, 2012: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe And Cap. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 05V558, filed December 19, 2005: Seat Belts. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 05V043, filed February 8, 2005: Service Brakes, Hydraulic. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 04V320, filed July 6, 2004: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Column Shift. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 04V189, filed April 19, 2004: Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 04V045, filed February 4, 2004: Service Brakes, Hydraulic. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Savana 1500/2500 2WD (cargo), 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Savana 1500/2500 2WD (cargo), 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Savana 1500/2500 AWD (cargo), 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Savana (cargo) (Bi-fuel), 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or natural gas, Rear-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 15 highway / 12 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Savana Cargo (dedicated CNG), 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, CNG, Rear-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 15 highway / 12 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Savana 15/25 2WD Conversion (cargo), 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Savana 15/25 AWD Conversion (cargo), 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 1500 SAVANA CARGO VAN SWB: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 81 in, wheelbase 135 in, curb weight 5,218 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 2500 SAVANA CARGO VAN SWB: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 81 in, wheelbase 135 in, curb weight 5,218 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 3500 SAVANA CARGO VAN SWB: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 81 in, wheelbase 135 in, curb weight 5,218 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 2500 SAVANA CARGO VAN LWB: length 244 in, width 80 in, height 82 in, wheelbase 155 in, curb weight 6,074 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 3500 SAVANA CARGO VAN LWB: length 244 in, width 80 in, height 82 in, wheelbase 155 in, curb weight 6,074 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov