CarBrief

The 2013 GMC Savana Cargo has very few owner complaints on file, just 2 at NHTSA[1], but it has 9 recalls in our data[2]. Check every recall against the exact van you are looking at, and plan for fuel costs of $3,950 to $5,600 a year depending on version[3][4].

2owner complaints[1]
9recalls[2]
12–17MPG combined (EPA)[3]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 2 owner complaints on file for this model year[1]. None mention a crash, a fire, an injury or a death[1]. Both name the tires component group[5].

In the two complaints we read, owners describe tires bubbling, separating or failing on work vans, and they say other tire brands on the same vans did not have the problem[5]. These are fleet reports about tires bought for the vans, so they say little about the van itself.

Two complaints is a very small sample. It does not show that the van is trouble free, and it does not show a pattern. Complaints are unverified reports sent in by owners[1].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 9 recalls tied to this van or its chassis[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. Some apply only to certain versions, such as natural gas vans, cutaway vehicles or vans converted by another company. Use the VIN to find out which ones apply to a given van. Newest first:

None of the recalls above says the remedy is still pending. Eight of them say the fix is free of charge. For the natural gas solenoid recall, our fact does not state the cost.

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on engine and drive. Combined mpg runs from 12 to 17[3][4]. The estimated annual fuel cost runs from $3,950 to $5,600, based on EPA's current fuel price assumptions[3][4].

EPA test version City / Hwy / Combined Annual fuel cost
1500 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[3] 15 / 20 / 17 $3,950
1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[15] 13 / 18 / 15 $4,450
1500 2WD Conversion, 5.3L 8-cyl[16] 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800
1500 AWD, 5.3L 8-cyl[17] 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800
1500 AWD Conversion, 5.3L 8-cyl[18] 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800
2500 2WD Conversion, 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd[4] 10 / 15 / 12 $5,600

The 5.3L and 6.0L versions are rated for gasoline or E85[15][4]. The 4.3L is rated for regular gasoline[3].

Engine and size

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US vans. SWB means short wheelbase and LWB means long wheelbase.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
1500 SWB[19] 224 in 80 in 81 in 135 in 4,846 lb
1500 SWB AWD[20] 224 in 80 in 81 in 135 in 5,218 lb
2500 SWB[21] 224 in 80 in 81 in 135 in 5,018 lb
2500 LWB[22] 244 in 80 in 82 in 155 in 6,074 lb
3500 SWB[23] 224 in 80 in 81 in 135 in 5,428 lb
3500 LWB[24] 244 in 80 in 82 in 155 in 5,626 lb

The long wheelbase versions are 20 inches longer than the short ones[22][19].

How 2013 compares with other years

1996: 35 complaints, 2 recalls19961997: 49 complaints, 1 recalls1998: 33 complaints, 1 recalls19981999: 52 complaints, 1 recalls2000: 56 complaints, 2 recalls20002001: 24 complaints, 0 recalls2002: 19 complaints, 0 recalls20022003: 33 complaints, 11 recalls2004: 18 complaints, 7 recalls20042005: 24 complaints, 5 recalls2006: 10 complaints, 10 recalls20062007: 13 complaints, 4 recalls2008: 6 complaints, 7 recalls20082009: 7 complaints, 8 recalls2010: 7 complaints, 4 recalls20102011: 4 complaints, 7 recalls2012: 4 complaints, 7 recalls20122013: 2 complaints, 9 recalls220132014: 8 complaints, 7 recalls20142015: 6 complaints, 4 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Savana Cargo model year. The 2013 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1996352
1997491
1998331
1999521
2000562
2001240
2002190
20033311
2004187
2005245
20061010
2007134
200867
200978
201074
201147
201247
201329
201487
201564

Among the model years from 1996 to 2015 in our data, 2013 has the fewest complaints, with 2[2]. The years closest to it are 2011 and 2012 with 4 each, then 2008 and 2015 with 6 each[2].

Recalls tell a different story. The 2013 model year has 9 recalls[2]. Only 2003, with 11, and 2006, with 10, have more[2]. Complaint and recall counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as rough signals.

Should you buy a used 2013 Savana Cargo?

The complaint record is thin, which is neither good nor bad news. Two complaints, both about tires, is not enough to judge how the van holds up[1][5]. The recall list is longer, at 9[2], but each recall we hold has a remedy described, and none is listed as pending[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. Before you buy, check the VIN for open recalls. Budget for fuel as well, since EPA estimates run from $3,950 to $5,600 a year depending on version[3][4].

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the 2013 GMC Savana Cargo have?
NHTSA data in our pack lists 9 recalls for the 2013 model year[2]. Some apply only to natural gas vans, cutaways or conversions[6][8][9][11][12].
What are the common problems of the 2013 GMC Savana Cargo?
NHTSA has just 2 complaints for this year, both about tires[1][5]. That is too few to call anything a common problem.
What is the gas mileage of a 2013 GMC Savana Cargo?
EPA combined ratings run from 12 to 17 mpg depending on engine and drive[3][4]. The 4.3L 6-cyl is rated 17 and the 6.0L 8-cyl is rated 12[3][4].
How big is a 2013 Savana Cargo?
Short wheelbase versions are 224 in long and long wheelbase versions are 244 in long, per Canadian-market specifications[19][22].
Is 2013 a good year for the Savana Cargo?
It has the fewest complaints of any year from 1996 to 2015, with 2, but also 9 recalls[2]. Check the VIN for open recalls.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 2 owner complaints on file for the 2013 GMC Savana Cargo (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Savana Cargo model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for Savana 1500 2WD (cargo), 4.3L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. EPA rating for Savana 2500 2WD Conversion (cargo), 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 10 city / 15 highway / 12 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 2 complaints name the tires component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. Recall 23V247, filed April 6, 2023: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 18V267, filed April 26, 2018: Equipment. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 13V544, filed October 30, 2015: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  9. Recall 14V500, filed August 13, 2014: Fuel System, Other. NHTSA recall database
  10. Recall 14V117, filed March 17, 2014: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  11. Recall 13V225, filed May 15, 2013: Fuel System, Other. NHTSA recall database
  12. Recall 13V147, filed April 17, 2013: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 13V010, filed January 14, 2013: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 13V001, filed January 2, 2013: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
  15. EPA rating for Savana 1500 2WD (cargo), 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Savana 1500 2WD Conversion (cargo), 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Savana 1500 AWD (cargo), 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Savana 1500 AWD Conversion (cargo), 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Gasoline or E85, All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. 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 4,846 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  20. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 1500 SAVANA CARGO VAN SWB AWD: 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
  21. 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 5,018 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. 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
  23. 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 5,428 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. 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 5,626 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.