2004 Gmc Savana: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2004 Gmc Savana? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 18 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.
2004 Gmc Savana Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2004 Gmc Savana trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2004 Gmc Savana Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Gmc Savana has 18 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Gmc
- Model
- Savana
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 18
- Crash-related complaints
- 2
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 14
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 13 / 17
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2004 Gmc Savana Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Hydraulic
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Hydraulic, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2004 Gmc Savana?
The 2004 Gmc Savana shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2004 Gmc Savana
Inspection Focus
- Inspect brake system and hydraulic components for leaks or wear.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, fuel, tire, and steering repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect brake system and hydraulic components for leaks or wear.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, fuel, tire, and steering repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Gmc Savana, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 18 NHTSA complaints for the 2004 GMC Savana, issues appear concentrated in the brake system and hydraulic components, with a smaller number of reports involving transmission, fuel, tire, and steering systems. The data includes 2 crash-related complaints and 7 recalls, but the low complaint volume limits confidence in identifying widespread patterns.
- Brake system and hydraulic components account for the highest number of complaints (4 each).
- Transmission/drivetrain, fuel system, gasoline, tire, and steering each have 2 complaints.
- There are 2 crash-related complaints out of 18 total.
- Brake System
- Hydraulic components
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2004 Gmc Savana Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Gmc Savana. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Gmc Savana. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2004 GMC Savana. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor re…
PROBLEM IS WITH A NEW TIRE PURCHASE BF GOODRICH LT245/75R16 BFG COMMERCIAL TA A/S2. I NOTICE FLAT SPOTTING EVERY MORNING AND IT COULD TAKE 1/2 HR OF DRIVING TO CLEAR UP BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER 60 YRS AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS BEFORE. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A BAD TIRE. IF IT HA…
SUBMISSION FROM EXPLORER VAN CO., RE RECEIPT OF YOUR CORRESPONDENCE DATED JULY 10, 2014 REGARDING THE EARLY WARNING REPORTING OF DEATHS AND INJURIES. *SMD THE DRIVER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, WHILE DRIVING A 2004 GMC SAVANA, WHICH RESULTED IN SERIOUS AND PERMANENT INJURIES. …
THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. HOWEVER, IT ONLY HAS 63K PLUS MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY BECAME ERRATIC. IT WOULD NOT SHIFT TO "D", BUT THE SECOND AND THE FIRST GEAR WORKS FINE. WE WERE TOLD BY GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE TO HAVE IT INSPECTED AND HAVE IT DIAGNOSED …
NO INCIDENT ...YET. NOTICED THE SMELL OF GAS AFTER REFUELING JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2012. IT HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE EVER SINCE. CHECKED OUT RECALLS AND SAW THIS ONE, BUT NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. CALLED LOCAL DEALER AND TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED. SOMETHING IS WRON…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SAVANNA EQUIPPED WITH DEFINITY DAKOTA A/T TIRES, SIZE 235/75R16. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE MADE A THUMPING NOISE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED ALL OF THE TREAD ON THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS MISSING. A SPAR…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SAVANNA 1500 WITH FALKEN ZINEN STZ01 TIRES, LINE SIZE P265/50/R20. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. ONE OF THE TIRES EXPERIENCED BELT SEPARATION AND THE REAR BELT FRACTURED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED HOWEVER; WITHIN 20…
THE CARGO DOORS ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO OPEN. THE DOOR HINGES HAVE RUSTED INTERNAL, SO THAT ONE OF THE HINGES SNAPPED OFF (LOWER HINGE, PASSENGER SIDE CARGO DOOR). GM HAS TSB FOR THIS BUT WILL NOT COVER IT. IT IS VERY UNSAFE IF YOU CAN NOT EXIT THE DOOR. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SAVANA. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 20 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE MAXIMUM EFFORT IN ORDER FOR THE BRAKES TO CATCH. HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V043000. TH…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SAVANA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND REMAIN LIT. THE ABS DO NOT WORK WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THE CHIME CONSTANTLY SOUNDS IN THE VEHICLE INDICATING THAT THE ABS DOES NOT WORK. THE MANUFACTURER A…
FUEL LINE FROM GAS TANK TO "QUICK CONNECT" SPLIT NEAR THE MUFFLER. WITH THE PRESSURE OF THE FUEL PUMP, GASOLINE WAS SPEWING OUT OF THE LINE UNDER THE TRUCK NEAR THE MUFFLER. IT HAD HAPPENED TWO WEEKS OR SO EARLIER BUT I DIDN'T NOTICE IT BECAUSE I'D HAD A GAS SPILL FROM A LEAF BL…
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SAVANNA VAN WITH A CURRENT ODOMETER READING OF 10,200 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VAN TOOK A LONG TIME TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE BRAKES THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE WERE TOO SMALL, WHICH RESULTED IN EX…
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE INNER TIE ROD WAS FRACTURED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED…
DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A SEAT BELT FAILURE. THE SECOND ROW RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT WAS INSERTED BACKWARDS INTO THE BUCKLE. THE SEAT BELT LOCKED IN THE BUCKLE AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE SEAT BELT WAS CUT TO RELEASE THE PASSENGER. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY THE D…
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO SUSTAIN MAJOR INJURIES ,AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO A HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. *…
WHILE DRIVING REAR END FAILED, VEHICLE SKIDDED, AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WAS INOPERABLE, AND TAIL LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. CONTACTED GMC. *AK
CONSUMER NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT STEERING SHAFT PITMAN AND IDLER ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY, …
CONSUMER NOTICED VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL, DROPPED ABOUT TWO QUARTS OF OIL. VEHICLE HAD ONLY 1200 MILES. DEALER SATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. *AK
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Gmc Savana.
2004 Gmc Savana Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Gmc Savana. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2004 Gmc Savana Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Gmc Savana reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 18 owner complaints, 2 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Gmc Savana shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Gmc Savana?▾
#1: Brake System (4 complaints). #2: Hydraulic (4 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (2 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Gmc Savana?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Gmc Savana?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Gmc Savana, NHTSA complaints include 2 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 18 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Gmc Savana have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Gmc Savana. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Gmc Savana?▾
The 2004 Gmc Savana shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Gmc Savana reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Gmc Savana based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.