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2003 GMC Savana

11 recalls Risk Grade: A+ Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #12V388000 Plain English
Component

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS LLC
What Happened
Your vehicle's fuel filler pipe, which is the tube that connects the gas tank to the gas cap, may be corroded on the left side if you live in a specific region with high humidity and road salt. This is because water and dirt can get trapped in a protective cover over the pipe.
Risk if Unfixed
If the pipe corrodes badly, there's a risk of fuel leaking out when you fill up, which could then ignite and cause a fire.
Free Fix
You'll be notified by GM, and they'll replace the entire fuel filler neck with a new one at no cost to you. Just contact the Chevrolet or GMC owner center to schedule the fix.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with a left side cargo door, and originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Water and road contaminants may become trapped in the protective conduit that covers the fuel filler pipe and may cause the pipe to corrode.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Significant corrosion may allow fuel to leak during refueling, and in the presence of an ignition source; there is an increased risk of fire.
Original — Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fuel filler neck, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 1, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #04V045000 Plain English
Component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
Your vehicle has a brake system issue with a small part called the brake hydro-boost housing relief valve. This part helps your brakes work smoothly.
Risk if Unfixed
If this part isn't fixed, the seal inside it might break, making it harder to press the brake pedal and increasing steering effort while braking or parking. This could make it harder to slow down your vehicle.
Free Fix
We'll replace the hydro-boost relief valve for free. You can contact Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, or Hummer to schedule an appointment starting June 18, 2004.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #02V330000 Plain English
Component

STEERING:LINKAGES

Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
Your vehicle's steering linkage has a small nut that may not be tightened properly. This nut attaches the pitman arm to the steering linkage.
Risk if Unfixed
If the nut separates, you could lose control of your vehicle, which could lead to a serious crash before you even realize what's happening.
Free Fix
We'll fix this for free by tightening the nut to the correct specification. If the nut is missing, we'll install a new one and make sure it's tightened correctly at no cost to you.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN VANS WITH AN 8,500 LB. OR 8,600 LB. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING, THE NUT ATTACHING THE PITMAN ARM TO THE STEERING LINKAGE MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED ADEQUATELY RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE SEPARATION.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A SEPARATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITH PRIOR WARNING.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE PITMAN ARM NUT TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. IF THE NUT IS MISSING, THE DEALER WILL INSTALL A NEW NUT AND TIGHTEN IT CORRECTLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 10, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #02V326000 Plain English
Component

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
A critical part called the tie rod assembly may not be tightened properly, which could cause the tie rod to break loose.
Risk if Unfixed
If the tie rod breaks, you could experience unexpected steering issues, and it could even cause an accident without warning.
Free Fix
Bring your vehicle to an authorized dealer, and they'll tighten the tie rod end nut and replace it if needed, all for free.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN VANS, THE RIGHT-HAND TIE ROD END NUT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED ADEQUATELY. THE NUT CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE TIE ROD FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED VEHICLE STEERING IN SOME MANEUVERS AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE TIE ROD END NUT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE TIE ROD END. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #05V558000 Plain English
Component

SEAT BELTS

Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
Your vehicle's front and rear seat belt buckles may not latch or un-latch properly, which is a problem because it affects the safety of everyone in the vehicle.
Risk if Unfixed
If you're in an accident and your seat belt won't latch or un-latch, you might not be properly restrained, which could lead to serious injury.
Free Fix
Chevrolet and GMC dealers will inspect and fix your seat belt buckles for free, either by replacing the entire buckle assembly or just the cover, depending on what's needed.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN FULL-SIZE PASSENGER, CARGO, OR CUTAWAY VANS, THE FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LATCH OR WILL NOT UNLATCH.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLES AND, IF FOUND TO BE INOPERATIVE, THE ENTIRE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WOULD BE REPLACED. FOR BUCKLES FOUND TO BE OPERATIVE, DEALER WILL REPLACE ONLY THE UPPER BUCKLE COVER. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES. THE FIRST PHASE MAILING BEGAN DURING MARCH 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #04V225000 Plain English
Component

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
Your vehicle's rear seat may not have proper child seat anchorages, which are important for safely securing child seats.
Risk if Unfixed
If you're in a crash, a child seat may not be securely attached, increasing the risk of injury or ejection of the child from the seat.
Free Fix
The dealership will fix your vehicle for free by injecting epoxy into an air bag switch, relocating it, and installing a cover, and also changing the sun visor label and owner's manual. For extended cab vehicles, the front passenger seat will be replaced with one that has child seat anchorages.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
CERTAIN EXTENDED AND REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND CARGO VANS CONVERTED TO COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' THESE VEHICLES HAVE ONE SEATING POSITION, THE CENTER REAR SEAT, EQUIPPED WITH CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THE STANDARD REQUIRES CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN TWO SEATING POSITIONS FOR VEHICLES WITH THREE REAR SEATING POSITIONS. THE STANDARD CAB AND CARGO VAN VEHICLES, WHICH ONLY HAVE FRONT SEATING POSITIONS, HAVE AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH TO DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND DO NOT HAVE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE STANDARD REQUIRES PASSENGER SEAT CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN VEHICLES WITH AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH. HOWEVER, THE STANDARD DOES NOT REQUIRE VEHICLES WITH ONLY FRONT SEATING POSITIONS TO HAVE LOWER ANCHORAGE PROVISIONS IF THE VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AN AIR BAG OFF SWITCH.
Original — Remedy
TO BRING THE STANDARD CAB AND CARGO VAN VEHICLES INTO COMPLIANCE, DEALERS WILL INJECT EPOXY INTO THE AIR BAG OFF SWITCH TO PREVENT AIR BAG ACTIVATION, RELOCATE THE SWITCH BEHIND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THEN INSTALL A COVER OVER THE RESULTING OPENING. THE SUN VISOR LABEL AND OWNER'S MANUAL WILL ALSO BE CHANGED. THE CORRECTION FOR THE EXTENDED CAB VEHICLE WILL CONSIST OF CHANGING THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT TO A SEAT THAT HAS CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #03V050000 Plain English
Component

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
There's a problem with the front seat belt buckles in your vehicle. They might not release properly during a crash, or the latch might come out.
Risk if Unfixed
This could lead to a higher risk of injury to you or your passengers in the event of a crash.
Free Fix
You should take your vehicle to a dealership to have the front driver and passenger side safety belt buckles replaced for free, and you'll be notified starting June 3, 2003. If you don't get it done within a reasonable time, contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN VANS WITH A GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT OF LESS THAN 8,500 POUNDS, DURING A VEHICLE CRASH SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO DEPLOY THE SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER, THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES MAY NOT RELEASE AFTER THE VEHICLE CRASH, OR ALTERNATELY MAY EJECT THE SAFETY BELT LATCH DURING THE VEHICLE CRASH.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 3, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #02V305000 Plain English
Component

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
Your vehicle may have a missing retaining nut on the wheel bearing assembly, which could cause problems with your wheels.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, you might notice a grinding noise, your ABS system could shut down, and your steering might pull to one side, making it harder to control your vehicle, which could lead to a crash.
Free Fix
Take your vehicle to a authorized dealership, and they will inspect the wheel bearing assembly. If they find the problem, they will replace it for free. If it takes too long, you can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782 for help.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
CERTAIN VANS WERE BUILT WITHOUT A WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY RETAINING NUT, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A POSSIBLE BEARING SEPARATION.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE AMBER-COLORED ABS TELL-TALE LAMP IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE ABS SYSTEM WOULD BE DISABLED. THE DRIVER WOULD ALSO NOTICE A GRINDING NOISE, A DECREASE IN THE VEHICLE SPEED, AND THE STEERING WILL PULL IN THE DIRECTION OF THE AFFECTED BRAKE ASSEMBLY. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY. IF THE INSPECTION REVEALS A MISSING RETAINING NUT, THE WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 13, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #23V247000 Plain English
Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Manufacturer
General Motors, LLC
What Happened
Your vehicle may have a problem with the wiring for the rear heating and air conditioning system. This wiring can corrode and overheat if it's not properly sealed.
Risk if Unfixed
If the wiring overheats, it could catch on fire, which can cause serious damage to your vehicle and potentially harm you or others.
Free Fix
You should take your vehicle to a dealership, where they will fix the problem by sealing the wiring at the left side B-pillar, completely free of charge.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2003-2023 Chevrolet Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway incomplete vehicles equipped with wiring for an optional rear heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. When the HVAC blower motor circuit is left unused with exposed connectors and wiring, the circuit can corrode and overheat.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An overheated electrical circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will properly seal the rear HVAC blower motor circuits at the left side B-pillar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222386050.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #03V217000 Plain English
Component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
Your vehicle's rear license plate lamp socket might let water in, which can cause it to corrode and malfunction.
Risk if Unfixed
If the socket melts, it could release an odor and smoke, and potentially ignite, causing a fire inside your vehicle.
Free Fix
You should have a new, sealed rear license plate lamp socket assembly installed at no cost to you, and you can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782 to schedule the repair.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
CERTAIN VANS HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH WATER MAY ENTER AND CORRODE THE REAR LICENSE PLATE LAMP SOCKET. IF THE LAMP SOCKET WERE TO CORRODE, THE REAR LICENSE PLATE LAMP MAY OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL, AND THE LEFT REAR TAIL LAMP MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE LICENSE PLATE LAMP SOCKET COULD INCREASE TO THE POINT THAT IT MAY BEGIN TO SOFTEN AND MELT.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THE SOCKET ASSEMBLY WERE TO REACH THE POINT OF MELTING, THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE MAY NOTICE AN ODOR AND SMOKE AT THE REAR DOORS OF THE VEHICLE. IF THIS ODOR AND SMOKE WERE IGNORED, THE PLASTIC COULD IGNITE AND A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW SEALED REAR LICENSE PLATE LAMP SOCKET ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 21, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #03V250000 Plain English
Component

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
What Happened
The owner's manual in your vehicle doesn't explain what the symbols in your minivan, passenger, or SUV mean for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.
Risk if Unfixed
This means you might not know how to properly use the safety anchors for your child's car seat, which could put your child at risk.
Free Fix
Your dealer will give you a supplement for your owner's manual that explains and shows where the safety anchors are located. This service is free, and you should contact your manufacturer (Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, Oldsmobile, or Cadillac) for more information.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Original — Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

SEAT BELTS
3 recalls
STEERING
2 recalls
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 recall
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 recall
WHEELS
1 recall
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 recall
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 recall
EQUIPMENT
1 recall

Other GMC Savana Years

2019
5 recalls
2018
7 recalls
2017
6 recalls
2016
7 recalls
2015
4 recalls
2014
7 recalls
2013
9 recalls
2012
7 recalls
2011
5 recalls
2010
4 recalls
2009
8 recalls
2008
7 recalls
2007
3 recalls
2006
7 recalls
2005
5 recalls
2004
7 recalls
2000
2 recalls

Related Pages

2002 GMC Savana Recalls 2004 GMC Savana Recalls All GMC Recalls GMC Savana Recall History