U.S. public vehicle records

2021 Gmc SAVANA: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

2 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

54,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2021 model year. Data updated: 2026-09-30 (September 30, 2026). 1 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 2 of 2 complaints (100.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Steering behavior	2	100.0%

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.

Steering

Engine

Steering: 2; Engine: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 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 (1). 1 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.

2024

2024: 2

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 2 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 11576635 · 2024-03-11 (March 11, 2024)

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Savana. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel was stiff. The power steering fluid was leaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCM, power steering, and sensors had to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 54,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11576635 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11597895 · 2024-07-01 (July 1, 2024)

Power steering lines leaking and hydroboost. Third vehicle in fleet with 64000 miles and same issue.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11597895 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

21V115000 · Tires

Reported: 2021-02-25 (February 25, 2021)

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.

Consequence: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

21V189000 · Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables

Reported: 2021-03-18 (March 18, 2021)

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles equipped with 6.6L gasoline engines. The positive battery cable terminals may contact a fuse block assembly attachment post and cause an electrical short circuit.

Consequence: A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is complete. GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove a portion of the anti-rotation tab on both positive battery cable terminals near the fuse block assembly attachments, free of charge. If too much of the tab had been removed during prior servicing, the battery cable will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202325160.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

23V247000 · Electrical System:Wiring

Reported: 2023-04-06 (April 6, 2023)

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.

Consequence: An overheated electrical circuit increases the risk of a fire.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

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

Data completeness

2 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

50.0%Usable mileage1 / 2 records

100.0%Valid incident date2 / 2 records

100.0%Valid filing date2 / 2 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates2 / 2 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.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2025	2026
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip	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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Tires	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	2100.0% ODI 10761312 · 67,000 mi WE HAVE PURCHASED 20 HIFLY, LT245-75R16 E RANGE 10 PLY TIRES TO USE ON OUR FLEET OF 15 GMC 3500 VANS.YEAR RANGE IS BETWEEN 2007-2014. WE ARE FINDING SEPARATION AND BUBBLING IN THEM. WE WERE ADVISED THAT "WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM A CHEAP CHINESE TIRE, YOU GOT WHAT YOU PAID FOR.". NO WARRANTY OR EXCHANGE GIVEN. I STILL HAVE 11 ON SHOP FLOOR DUE TO SUCH FAILURES THESE ARE VERY DANGEROUS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHEN THE TREADS AND SIDEWALLS BUBBLE AND BLOW OUT OR TREAD SEPARATES, THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHICH COULD CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL, INJURY, DEA… Look up ODI 10761312 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.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Structure:Body:Door:Hinge And Attachments	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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission	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.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Steering	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.	350.0% ODI 11219707 · 53,900 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC SAVANA. WHILE THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION WITH THE VEHICLE TURNED ON, THE POWER WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED; HOWEVER, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FLASHED ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COOK CHEVROLET BUICK (1193 W SAGINAW RD, VASSAR, MI 48768, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER SWITCH FOR THE WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BRAKE AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILL… Look up ODI 11219707 at NHTSA ↗	114.3% ODI 11426488 Have taken it to the GMC dealership over seven times with same issue. They refuse to fix problem due to not being able to replicate it. Losing steering and braking issue is getting worse. This is a LARGE HEAVY TRUCK and GM refuses to help fix. This is very disturbing. Has to be something in the drive train. Look up ODI 11426488 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 11625413 · 64,000 mi The contact owns a 2019 GMC Savana. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH over a bump in the roadway, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact researched the failure on YouTube and determined the vehicle had experienced the death wobble. The contact called OnStar and was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Penske Buick GMC of Cerri… Look up ODI 11625413 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	2100.0% ODI 11576635 · 54,000 mi The contact owns a 2021 GMC Savana. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel was stiff. The power steering fluid was leaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCM, power steering, and sensors had to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000. Look up ODI 11576635 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Electrical System	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.	116.7% ODI 11230521 · 20,230 mi IN 2004 I PURCHASED A NEW CHEVY VAN. IN 2006 MY LIGHT SWITCH WIRING HARNESS MELTED TOGETHER AND I COULD NOT TURN MY LIGHTS OFF. I PAID TO GET THIS REPAIRED. IN 2008 THIS SAME VAN CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I PARKED THE VAN, OPENED THE DOOR AND GOT OUT.SAFELY. THE VAN WAS A TOTAL LOSS BUT I WAS SAFE. IN 2017 I PURCHASED A 2016 GMC VAN. THIS VAN HAS A FEATURE THAT AUTOMATICALLY LOCKS MY DOORS. THE DOORS DO NOT ALWAYS UNLOCK WHEN I PARK THIS VAN. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHY I HAVE TO HAVE THIS FEATURE. I WAS ABLE TO EGRESS MY OLD VE… Look up ODI 11230521 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	240.0% ODI 11514596 The contact stated that he rented a 2019 GMC Savana from Penske Truck Rental at (1460 Thorne Rd, Tacoma, WA 98421) and the battery shorted out and the vehicle was unable to start. The Penske company sent out a tech who was able to jump-start the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to his residence; however, the vehicle was unable to start the next morning. Penske was called and replaced the battery; however, the next day the voltmeter was operating erratically. The contact stated that he was able to drive but roadside assistance was contacte… Look up ODI 11514596 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Air Bags	266.7% ODI 10629431 TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC SAVANA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V117000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 10/23/14*CN Look up ODI 10629431 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 11681380 While vehicle was parked, both air bags deployed!! Look up ODI 11681380 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	228.6% ODI 11469854 My airbag light will come on randomly . I had it scanned and its coming up as a DTC . Look up ODI 11469854 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.
Unknown Or Other	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.	116.7% ODI 11231878 · 20,300 mi THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCK BUT DO NOT ALWAYS UNLOCK WHEN THEY SHOULD. IN THE PAST, A CAR DOOR WOULD OPEN WHEN THE DOOR RELEASE WAS PULLED, REGARDLESS IF THE DOOR WAS LOCKED. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE. I WOULD LIKE THE OPTION TO TURN OFF THE AUTO LOCK FEATURE. Look up ODI 11231878 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	120.0% ODI 11646707 Sales of this vehicle is currently being attempted. Fraudulant odometer tampering. Vehicle dash reads 70948mi. Carfax shows a consistent progression of mileage. As of october 8th 2024 the actual mileage reported 269,208. This is a federal crime. [XXX] is the seller on facebook marketplace. [XXX] 's business is Premier Motorsports LLC 2800 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN 47250. [XXX] 's phone number is [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) Look up ODI 11646707 at NHTSA ↗	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable No examples available for this selection.	0Unavailable 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
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Steering	Too few reports for a range	54,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11576635 · 54,000 mi The contact owns a 2021 GMC Savana. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel was stiff. The power steering fluid was leaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCM, power steering, and sensors had to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000. Look up ODI 11576635 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	Too few reports for a range	54,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 11576635 · 54,000 mi The contact owns a 2021 GMC Savana. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel was stiff. The power steering fluid was leaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCM, power steering, and sensors had to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000. Look up ODI 11576635 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

ComponentPeriod

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
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09 (partial)	None	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.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2022: 1 complaints · 2023: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2022	0	0	1
2023	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2022	2	0	0
2023	0	0	0

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
Component	Steering	Engine
Steering	—	1 ODI 11576635 · 54,000 mi The contact owns a 2021 GMC Savana. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel was stiff. The power steering fluid was leaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCM, power steering, and sensors had to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000. Look up ODI 11576635 at NHTSA ↗
Engine	1 ODI 11576635 · 54,000 mi The contact owns a 2021 GMC Savana. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel was stiff. The power steering fluid was leaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCM, power steering, and sensors had to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000. Look up ODI 11576635 at NHTSA ↗	—

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.

Search patterns

2 patterns with matching reports.

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 100.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 54,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11576635 · 54,000 mi

Look up ODI 11576635 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11597895

Power steering lines leaking and hydroboost. Third vehicle in fleet with 64000 miles and same issue.

Look up ODI 11597895 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 50.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 54,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 11576635 · 54,000 mi

Look up ODI 11576635 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Component breakdown data
Category	Count
Steering	2
Engine	1