2006 GMC Savana Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2006 GMC Savana has a complaint index of 63 and ranks 8th worst out of 20 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 7 complaints and 7 recall campaigns, with Engine the top problem area at 29% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 63/100
- #8 of 20 Savana years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 7
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 14
- 13 city / 17 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2006 GMC Savana problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine2 (29%)
- Airbags1 (14%)
- Brakes1 (14%)
- Electrical System1 (14%)
- Steering1 (14%)
- Structure & Body1 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (14%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the engine stalling without warning at highway speed and refusing to restart, with the dealer unable to duplicate the fault.
- Some describe broken exhaust manifold bolts on the V8 engine discovered after a mechanic investigated a noise.
- Owners report the power steering hose leaking hydraulic fluid, causing the steering wheel to seize during turns along with increased stopping distance and intermittent no-start issues.
- One owner reported an airbag deploying unexpectedly while driving, preceded by a warning light and a burning smell.
- Owners report side door hinges failing repeatedly, making the doors difficult to open even after multiple dealer repairs.
- One owner reported the horn failing to work at 26,000 miles and the dealer refusing to fix it under warranty.
2006 GMC Savana recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V247000Apr 6, 2023Electrical System150,830 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
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.
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 09V272000Jul 6, 2009Other185 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 09V270000Jul 6, 2009Other185 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility
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.
Remedy: 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.
2006 GMC Savana fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 17 MPG
- Combined
- 14 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other Savana years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 GMC Savana reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2006 Savana a complaint index of 63, ranking 8th worst among 20 model years, which earns it a Caution verdict relative to other Savana years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 GMC Savana?
- Engine issues account for 29% of complaints, including reports of stalling and broken exhaust manifold bolts. Owners also reported steering, airbag, electrical, and door hinge problems.
- Does the 2006 GMC Savana have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2006 Savana, covering seat belt buckles that fail to latch or unlatch, a power steering hose defect, wheelchair lift failures, tire label errors, and an electrical HVAC wiring issue.
- How does the 2006 Savana compare to other model years?
- Its complaint index of 63 is lower than 2007 (95) and 2017 (100), both rated Avoid, but higher than years like 2011 (21) and 2014 (16), which have much lower complaint indexes.
- What is the median mileage for engine failures in the 2006 Savana?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 71,000 miles at the time of engine-related complaints.