← 20072006 model year2005 β†’
⚑ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: May 2026How we calculate this
Good Record

2006 Gmc Savana: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

Shopping for a used 2006 Gmc Savana? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 10 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.

10
Complaints
β€”
Crashes
β€”
Fires
β€”
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
7
Recalls

2006 Gmc Savana Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2006 Gmc Savana trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

13
MPG City
13–14 range
17
MPG Hwy
17–19 range
14
MPG Combined
14–15 range
635
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
⚠️Costs $12,000 more than avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.

2006 Gmc Savana Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Side Crash

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated
β—‹Stability Control: Optionalβ—‹Forward Collision Warning: Noβ—‹Lane Departure Warning: No

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2006 Gmc Savana has 10 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.

2006 Gmc Savana β€” key reliability facts
Make
Gmc
Model
Savana
Model year
2006
NHTSA owner complaints
10
Crash-related complaints
0
Safety recall campaigns
7
Top reported component
Steering Defects
Reliability signal
Good Record
EPA MPG combined
14
EPA MPG city / highway
13 / 17
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
Electronic stability control
Optional

Most Common 2006 Gmc Savana Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
3
complaints

Steering Defects

#2
2
complaints

Engine Problems

#3
1
complaints

Seat-Related Issues

Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Engine Problems, Seat-Related Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Should You Buy a Used 2006 Gmc Savana?

The 2006 Gmc Savana looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.

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 2006 Gmc Savana

Inspection Focus

  • Inspect steering components for play or unusual noises.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine and steering repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Inspect steering components for play or unusual noises.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for engine 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 2006 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 10 NHTSA complaints for the 2006 GMC Savana, issues appear concentrated in steering and engine components. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the low complaint volume limits confidence. Recalls total 7, which may indicate known issues addressed by manufacturers.

Key Findings
  • Steering Defects account for the highest number of complaints (3 out of 10).
  • Engine Problems are the second most reported component (2 complaints).
  • No crash-related complaints were filed for the 2006 model year.
Top Concerns
  • Steering Defects
  • Engine Problems
  • Airbag Malfunctions
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. With only 10 complaints, the data may not represent the full population of vehicles. Confidence level is Low due to small sample size.

All 2006 Gmc Savana Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Gmc Savana. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Steering Defects3β€”β€”β€”
Engine Problems2β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions1β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems1β€”β€”β€”
Brake System1β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic1β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults1β€”β€”β€”

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 2006 Gmc Savana. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 10 most recent complaints

Engine ProblemsApr 25, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SAVANA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN PROMPTED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NO…

Seat-Related IssuesFeb 24, 2016

I OWN 6 GMC SAVANA 3500 "3" 2005 & "3" 2006 I FOUND ON LINE THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR SEAT BELTS FOR BOTH YEARS AND CAN NOT FIND IT ON YOUR SITE THE RECALL # IS 05113

Engine ProblemsMar 23, 2015

TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE MECHANIC BECAUSE IT WAS MAKING A NOISE,HE LOOKED AT IT AND FOUND 5 EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS BROKEN,CHECKED THE INTERNET TO FIND THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES WITH GM V8 MOTORS HAVE THIS PROBLEM.THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR BEING PASSED ON TO CONSUMERS BY A LARGE CORPO…

Airbag MalfunctionsNov 18, 2014

OUR TECHNICIAN WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE AIRBAG SIGNAL CAME ON IN THE LOWER LEFT CORNER OF THE DASH AND WAS ON FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS, TECH SMELT AN ODOR SIMILAR TO SOMETHING SHORTING OUT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE HE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THE ENTIR…

Steering DefectsApr 23, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SAVANNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL TO START AND THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE WHEN BRAKING. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SEIZE ABNORMALLY WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE CONTA…

Steering DefectsMay 16, 2011

HAD PROBLEMS WITH TIE RODS IN GMC SAVANA 2006 AND THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME. SOMEONE SHOULD BE CHECKING INTO WHY THESE TIE RODS ARE BREAKING, CRACKING, LOOSENING UP CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL AND PULL TO ONE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS ALSO A CUSTOM HANDICAP…

Structural ProblemsNov 24, 2009

THE 2 SIDE DOORS FOR PASSENGERS FAIL TO OPEN PROPERLY BECAUSE THE HINGES FAIL TO OPERATE CORRECTLY AND STOP THE DOORS FROM OPENING PROPERLY. SO WHEN OUR CHILDREN ARE IN THE VAN, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO OPEN THE DOORS TO ALLOW THEM TO EXIT BECAUSE THE HINGES LOCK UP. WE HAVE ALR…

Steering DefectsJun 1, 2008

THE POWER STEERING HOSE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE POWER STEERING PULLEY. THE RUBBING CAUSE THE HOSE TO FAIL AND LEAK POWER STEERING FLUID ON THE PULLEY, SERPENTINE BELT AND NEARBY COMPONENTS. I DID NOT SEE ANY CLAMPS TO HOLD THE HOSE AWAY FROM ANY MOVING PARTS. *TR

Brake SystemMay 15, 2008

GMC SAVANA 2006 WITH ONLY 9,300 MILES ON IT. HAD DEALER IN FL CHECK VEH BEFORE WE LEFT ON VAC TO NJ. ON WAY TO NJ WE KEPT HEARING THINGS HITTING UNDER THE CARRIAGE NOISES. TOOK TO DEALER HERE IN NJ AND THEY CHECKED AND SAW THAT ALL THE WEIGHTS HAD COME OFF THE RIMS/TIRES. THE…

Electrical FaultsJan 30, 2008

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SAVANNA CARGO VAN WITH AN ODOMETER READING OF 26,000 MILES. THE HORN ON THE VEHICLE DOES NOT WORK. THE CONTACT HAS TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER (DON MACKEY GMC) FOR REPAIR WHICH WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE DEALER REFUSE TO FIX THE FAILURE…

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2006 Gmc Savana.

2006 Gmc Savana Recalls

7 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 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.

08V23800015/04/2008
SEAT BELTS

09V272000Jun 7, 2009
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

09V270000Jun 7, 2009
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

05V455000May 10, 2005
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

05V55800019/12/2005
SEAT BELTS

05V552000Jul 12, 2005
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

23V247000Jun 4, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Compare Gmc Savana Model Years

Compare complaint and recall volume across years to see whether 2006 lands in a lower-risk or higher-risk part of the model timeline.

202520232022202120202019201820172009200820072006200520042003200220012000

2006 Gmc Savana Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2006 Gmc Savana reliable?β–Ύ

Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 10 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2006 Gmc Savana looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 2006 Gmc Savana?β–Ύ

#1: Steering Defects (3 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (2 complaints). #3: Seat-Related Issues (1 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Gmc Savana?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2006 Gmc Savana?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2006 Gmc Savana, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 10 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2006 Gmc Savana have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2006 Gmc Savana. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS. 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 2006 Gmc Savana?β–Ύ

The 2006 Gmc Savana looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 Steering Defects 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 2006 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.