2005 GMC Savana recalls and problems

The 2005 GMC Savana has 5 safety recalls and 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
5
Complaints
13
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 GMC Savana vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 GMC Savana recalls

Recall 23V-247: Electrical System

Reported Apr 6, 2023 · 150,830 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Recall 09V-272: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported Jul 6, 2009 · 185 vehicles affected · MAIN MOBILITY, INC.

Problem: Main mobility is recalling 185 model year 2005 through 2009 chevrolet express and gmc savana vans manufactured between april 1, 2005 and june 25, 2009, equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.

Fix: Main mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (Please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or main mobility at 1-716-759-6811.

Recall 09V-270: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported Jul 6, 2009 · 185 vehicles affected · MAIN MOBILITY, INC.

Problem: Main mobility is recalling 185 model year 2005 through 2009 chevrolet express and gmc savana vans manufactured between april 1, 2005 and june 25, 2009, equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.

Risk: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.

Fix: Main mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (Please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or main mobility at 1-716-759-6811.

Recall 05V-558: Seat Belts

Reported Dec 19, 2005 · 425,593 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: On certain full-size passenger, cargo, or cutaway vans, the front and rear seat belt buckles will not latch or will not unlatch.

Risk: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall 05V-043: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Feb 8, 2005 · 77,411 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.

Risk: If a separation occurred and the hood of the vehicle were open, fragments from the accumulator could cause injury to people in the immediate area. The presence of this crack or fractured surface could allow the hydraulic fluid to leak from the accumulator circuit of the booster assembly. The loss of fluid would cause increased steering and braking effort and a crash may occur without prior warning.

Fix: Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge. The recall began on march 23, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc trucks at 1-866-996-9463 and hummer at 1-800-732-5493.

2005 GMC Savana problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Steering2
Electrical System2
Tires2
Structure2
Suspension1
Seat Belts1
Wheels1
Equipment1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1
Visibility1
Air Bags1

Most reported parts

  • Seat Belts › Front — 1
  • Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 41,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 GMC Savana complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported Oct 12, 2026
I was in a crash today october 12th 2026 and the airbags failed to deploy it was a front end collision that resulted in the motor shutting off
Visibility · reported Jul 17, 2023
I had a new front windshield sold by PGW installed by Coughlin Auto Glass in Deer Lodge Montana in November - December 2022. I immediately noticed that the windshield did not allow RED LIGHT to pass through the tinted area. This is most likely due to a manufacturing defect and is dangerous. Unfortunately I did not have time to argue with the installer about a replacement until now, as I have been out of the state until yesterday. The installer confirmed that the glass was defective. He states that he contacted PGW today and that they will not replace the window. He and Pittsburg Glass Works…
Structure · at 78,000 miles · reported Jul 30, 2014
White van since was 4 years old the front hood white paint star peeling off . Know is have paint only. Bad quality paint. You can see in the road almost all chevy or gmc cargo van with the same problem.
Steering · at 100,000 miles · reported Jun 17, 2014
While driving on bumpy road at 30 miles / hour car turns off. I could not turn, power steering locked. Car eventually stopped in the middle of the busy road and I brake, changed gears to park. I turn ignition key off and then turned it on again. This happen a few times. I try to avoid bumpy areas. I took to mechanic & he found nothing wrong with engine. I did to mention it only happens on bumpy rides, ( He drove it on expressway). I just found out gmc cars have a recall on key ignitions but not my 2005 gmc. I contacted gmc and my local dealer but they say it is not recalled and unless it…
Structure · at 49,923 miles · reported Nov 28, 2010
Side cargo rear door hinges siezed and bent after opening. Now it does not close properly (Alignment from hinge), causing front side cargo door to stay open at all times. Rear door is over 1" out of position, preventing front door from closing and engaging latch. If rear door is opened, it does not close without excessive force to realign to latches, but still not enough to close front door.

Other GMC Savana years

Compare all GMC Savana years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 GMC Savana have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2005 GMC Savana: 23V-247 (electrical system), 09V-272 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 09V-270 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 05V-558 (seat belts), 05V-043 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 GMC Savana?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (2 reports), followed by steering (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 41,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.