2012 GMC Savana Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2012 GMC Savana has a complaint index of 42 with 3 complaints and 7 recall campaigns, ranking 12th out of 20 model years. It sits in the middle of the pack, well below higher-index years like 2017 (100) and 2007 (95).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 42/100
- #12 of 20 Savana years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 3
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 13.5
- 12 city / 17 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2012 GMC Savana problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags2 (67%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (33%)
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 passenger airbag warning light turning on due to a sensor malfunction, unrelated to normal wear, at a median mileage of about 69,837 miles.
- One owner received a recall notice for the airbag campaign (14V117000) but could not get the repair completed because the replacement part was unavailable.
- No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths were reported in connection with these complaints.
2012 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 18V267000Apr 26, 2018Other6,154 vehicles
Equipment
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.
- NHTSA 14V500000Aug 13, 2014Fuel System3,345 vehicles
Fuel system, other
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG)vehicles manufactured September 10, 2010, to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured May 23, 2011, to April 21, 2014. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.
Risk: A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14321.
2012 GMC Savana fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 12 MPG
- Highway
- 17 MPG
- Combined
- 13.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,825
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- 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.
2012 compared with other Savana years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 GMC Savana reliable?
- NHTSA lists a complaint index of 42 for the 2012 Savana with only 3 complaints, ranking 12th out of 20 model years, which is a middling result compared to other Savana years.
- What are the main problems with the 2012 GMC Savana?
- Owners' complaints center on the Airbags category, which accounts for 67% of complaints, including a passenger airbag sensor malfunction. Visibility & Wipers made up the remaining 33%.
- Does the 2012 GMC Savana have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2012 Savana, covering airbags, steering, fuel system, and electrical components, none marked do-not-drive.
- How does the 2012 Savana compare to other model years?
- Its complaint index of 42 is lower than Avoid-rated years like 2005 (84), 2007 (95), 2016 (89), 2017 (100), and 2019 (79), placing it in the middle of the 20-year range.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2012 GMC Savana?
- EPA rates the 2012 Savana at 13.5 mpg combined (12 city / 17 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,825.