Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Gmc SAVANA 3500: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

3 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

54,459 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: . 3 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 3 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Engine operation133.3%
Braking behavior133.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine And Engine Cooling
1
Tires
1
Unknown Or Other
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine And Engine Cooling1
Tires1
Unknown Or Other1

Engine And Engine Cooling: 1; Tires: 1; Unknown Or Other: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
2
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
0
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,9992
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9990
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 0 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2006
1
2008
1
2013
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20061
20081
20131

2006: 1; 2008: 1; 2013: 1

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10177357 · 2006-12-29 (December 29, 2006)

BRAKE LIGHTS FAIL DUE TO BURNED GROUND CONNECTION IN SOCKETS. SINGS OF PLASTIC MELTING IN EACH BRAKE LIGHT SOCKET

Owner-reported narrative. 65,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10177357 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10240503 · 2008-09-01 (September 1, 2008)

THE NHTSA ISSUED A RECALL ON 2001 CHEVY SILVERADOS WITH 8.1L ENGINES DUE A INTERMITTENT CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILURE CAUSING THE TRUCK TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. (SEE RECALL ID# 53021). I OWN A 2002 GMC SAVANNA 3500 VAN WITH A 8.1L ENGINE (THE VAN WAS FACTORY ORDERED BY US IN AUG 2001) THAT HAS EXHIBITED THE SAME STALLING FAILURES FOR MORE THAN 6 MONTHS. THE VAN HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES AT SPEEDS IN EXCEEDS OF 40 MPH. AFTER BRINGING THE VAN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE ON 3/26/08 (AND THEY FINDING NOTHING WRONG WITH IT), I HAVE LOGGED T…

Owner-reported narrative. 42,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10240503 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10523079 · 2013-07-03 (July 3, 2013)

B F GOODRICH TIRES HAVE DEEP CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALLS AND THE TIRE DEALER SAYS THEY ARE UNSAFE AND COULD FAIL. BFG OFFERED TO PAY 30% FOR NEW ONES. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 54,459 miles reported. Look up ODI 10523079 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

3 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

100.0%Usable mileage3 / 3 records
100.0%Valid incident date3 / 3 records
100.0%Valid filing date3 / 3 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates3 / 3 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2001200220032005200620072009201020142015
Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10262640 · 58,500 mi

VAN WAS BEING DRIVEN EARLY MORNING FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. NO RAIN, 45 DEGREE OUTSIDE TEMP., HEADLIGHTS ON. DRIVER FIRST NOTICED DASH LIGHTS FLICKER & ALTERNATOR GAUGE SHOWING A DISCHARGE, THEN THESE ISSUES RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VAN CONTINUED BEING DRIVEN FOR 15 MINUTES TO DESTINATION W/O FURTHER ISSUES. UPON DEPARTING VAN, DRIVER NOTICED UNUSUAL SMELL AND WAS TOLD BY ANOTHER PERSON THAT SMOKE AND FIRE WERE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VAN AT ABOUT MIDPOINT. UPON INSPECTION THE DRIVER SAW FLAMES EMANATING FROM SAID POINT UNDERNEATH THE VAN AND LI…

Look up ODI 10262640 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 11523648

We received a Safety Recall for our GMC 2005 G3500 school bus in the mail. The GM recall # is N222386050. The NHTSA Campaign ID number for this recall is 23V247. I have contacted our local dealer to resolve the recall and I was informed by the dealer that they are not sure if they can perform this type of work. I then called the Manufacturer's number on our recall letter to find out where to get this work done, I keep getting transferred to different departments only to reach voicemail boxes. Can anyone please let me know if this recall can be …

Look up ODI 11523648 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 10983371

WHILE OPERATING MY VAN IT WOULD HESITATE AND MISSED THREE WOULD BE INTERMITTANT FIRING ISSUES. 2,4,6,8 ON DIAGNOSTIC REPORT IT SAID MISFIRING. I REPLACED ALL INJECTORS, COIL PACKS, COIL WIRES, AND ALL SPARK PLUGS. I WAS STILL HAVING THE MISFIRE ON 2, 4, 6, 8. I TOOK IT INTO PAT OBRIEN CHEVY AND THEY SAID IT WAS ECM WHICH A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON 2010 GMC SAVANNAS. THE BULLETIN #1451B. THE ECM # 86AAF7K23177BCWL. PART # 368850 SERVICE #12633238. MODULE 12633238 $344.01 LABOR $ 400.95 I HAVE REPAIR RECEIPTS IF NEEDED. [XXX] [XXX]. INFORM…

Look up ODI 10983371 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
150.0%
ODI 11012339 · 140,000 mi

MY BRAKES WENT OUT (FAILED) ON MY WAY HOME, LUCKILY IT WAS AT A STOP SIGN NEAR MY HOUSE ON A SIDE STREET! WHEN I LOOKED UNDER VAN THE BRAKE LINE WAS LEAKING, PEEING OUT OF A HOLE! LOOKS LIKE ALL THE BRAKE LINES ARE RUSTED AND CORRODED!

Look up ODI 11012339 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10458819 · 190,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED DOWN TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT'S MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 190,000.

Look up ODI 10458819 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

1100.0%
ODI 11413912 · 116,284 mi

TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD AND BETWEEN 35 TO 45 MPH HAS A ROUGH VIBRATION. PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT OR DRIVEWAY THE BRAKES WILL SOMETIMES FEEL DIFFERENT AND THE PEDAL WILL SHAKE.

Look up ODI 11413912 at NHTSA ↗

Tires
150.0%
ODI 10164323 · 22,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH ON DRY PAVEMENT THE STEERING, THE WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN INFORMED. *AK

Look up ODI 10164323 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 10523079 · 54,459 mi

B F GOODRICH TIRES HAVE DEEP CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALLS AND THE TIRE DEALER SAYS THEY ARE UNSAFE AND COULD FAIL. BFG OFFERED TO PAY 30% FOR NEW ONES. *TR

Look up ODI 10523079 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10487345

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANNA 3500 EQUIPPED WITH UNIROYAL LAREDO HD TIRES, SIZE: 245/75/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE TIRES INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRE AND THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10487345 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10177357 · 65,000 mi

BRAKE LIGHTS FAIL DUE TO BURNED GROUND CONNECTION IN SOCKETS. SINGS OF PLASTIC MELTING IN EACH BRAKE LIGHT SOCKET

Look up ODI 10177357 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 10262640 · 58,500 mi

VAN WAS BEING DRIVEN EARLY MORNING FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES. NO RAIN, 45 DEGREE OUTSIDE TEMP., HEADLIGHTS ON. DRIVER FIRST NOTICED DASH LIGHTS FLICKER & ALTERNATOR GAUGE SHOWING A DISCHARGE, THEN THESE ISSUES RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VAN CONTINUED BEING DRIVEN FOR 15 MINUTES TO DESTINATION W/O FURTHER ISSUES. UPON DEPARTING VAN, DRIVER NOTICED UNUSUAL SMELL AND WAS TOLD BY ANOTHER PERSON THAT SMOKE AND FIRE WERE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VAN AT ABOUT MIDPOINT. UPON INSPECTION THE DRIVER SAW FLAMES EMANATING FROM SAID POINT UNDERNEATH THE VAN AND LI…

Look up ODI 10262640 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 11523648

We received a Safety Recall for our GMC 2005 G3500 school bus in the mail. The GM recall # is N222386050. The NHTSA Campaign ID number for this recall is 23V247. I have contacted our local dealer to resolve the recall and I was informed by the dealer that they are not sure if they can perform this type of work. I then called the Manufacturer's number on our recall letter to find out where to get this work done, I keep getting transferred to different departments only to reach voicemail boxes. Can anyone please let me know if this recall can be …

Look up ODI 11523648 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

150.0%
ODI 10576158 · 153,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2007 GMC SAVANNAH 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK WHEN INSERTED INTO THE BUCKLE. THE AIR BAG LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.

Look up ODI 10576158 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10175302 · 70,115 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FROZE UP, AND THE TIRES DID NOT TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS AND THE BRAKE ROTORS. UPDATED 02/12/07. *JB

Look up ODI 10175302 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10359985 · 17,500 mi

WHEN TOWING A TRAILER WITH MY 1 TON GM VAN DOWN HILL AND BRAKING THE FRONT END SHAKES ALMOST UNCONTROLLABLY. THE MANUFACTURER KNOWS ABOUT IT AS THEY HAVE IT IN THE OWNERS MANUAL. THEY CLAIM THE BRAKES GET HOT AND TO DOWN SHIFT THE VAN. THEY ALSO SAY FAILURE TO DO SO COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKES AND A CRASH. GM TECH SAYS ON MY REPAIR ORDER THAT WHEN BRAKES GET HOT THEY WILL PULSATE THEN WHEN THEY COOL THEY GO BACK TO NORMAL. PER TAC NO REPAIRS AT THIS TIME CASE [XXX]...[XXX]. ALL 1/2 TON, 3/4 TON, AND 1 TON VANS ARE IN THIS C…

Look up ODI 10359985 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension
150.0%
ODI 10164323 · 22,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH ON DRY PAVEMENT THE STEERING, THE WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN INFORMED. *AK

Look up ODI 10164323 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

133.3%
ODI 10720994 · 118,602 mi

FLEET VEHICLE I FOR SERVICE THOUGHT TIRE WAS BAD, UNDER CLOSER INSPECTION, WELD FAILED CAUSING RIM TO SPLIT FROM INNER MOUNTING HUB CAUSING 3/-1/2 INCH CRACK AT TIRE BEAD. I HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 22 YEARS I HAVE NEVER SEEN A FAILURE LIKE THIS, I WILL KEEP THE RIM IN CASE YOU WANT IT FOR STUDY.

Look up ODI 10720994 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

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00.0%

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00.0%

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00.0%

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00.0%

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range42,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10240503 · 42,000 mi

THE NHTSA ISSUED A RECALL ON 2001 CHEVY SILVERADOS WITH 8.1L ENGINES DUE A INTERMITTENT CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILURE CAUSING THE TRUCK TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. (SEE RECALL ID# 53021). I OWN A 2002 GMC SAVANNA 3500 VAN WITH A 8.1L ENGINE (THE VAN WAS FACTORY ORDERED BY US IN AUG 2001) THAT HAS EXHIBITED THE SAME STALLING FAILURES FOR MORE THAN 6 MONTHS. THE VAN HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES AT SPEEDS IN EXCEEDS OF 40 MPH. AFTER BRINGING THE VAN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE ON 3/26/08 (AND THEY FINDING NOTHING WRONG WITH IT), I HAVE LOGGED T…

Look up ODI 10240503 at NHTSA ↗

TiresToo few reports for a range54,459 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10523079 · 54,459 mi

B F GOODRICH TIRES HAVE DEEP CRACKS IN THE SIDEWALLS AND THE TIRE DEALER SAYS THEY ARE UNSAFE AND COULD FAIL. BFG OFFERED TO PAY 30% FOR NEW ONES. *TR

Look up ODI 10523079 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range65,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10177357 · 65,000 mi

BRAKE LIGHTS FAIL DUE TO BURNED GROUND CONNECTION IN SOCKETS. SINGS OF PLASTIC MELTING IN EACH BRAKE LIGHT SOCKET

Look up ODI 10177357 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2014: 0 complaints · 2015: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2014000
2015000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2014001
2015100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentEngine And Engine CoolingTiresUnknown Or Other
Engine And Engine Cooling—00
Tires0—0
Unknown Or Other00—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

1 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 33.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 42,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10240503 · 42,000 mi

THE NHTSA ISSUED A RECALL ON 2001 CHEVY SILVERADOS WITH 8.1L ENGINES DUE A INTERMITTENT CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILURE CAUSING THE TRUCK TO STALL WHILE DRIVING. (SEE RECALL ID# 53021). I OWN A 2002 GMC SAVANNA 3500 VAN WITH A 8.1L ENGINE (THE VAN WAS FACTORY ORDERED BY US IN AUG 2001) THAT HAS EXHIBITED THE SAME STALLING FAILURES FOR MORE THAN 6 MONTHS. THE VAN HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES AT SPEEDS IN EXCEEDS OF 40 MPH. AFTER BRINGING THE VAN TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE ON 3/26/08 (AND THEY FINDING NOTHING WRONG WITH IT), I HAVE LOGGED T…

Look up ODI 10240503 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b