2012 Gmc Savana problems
The Chevrolet Express (also known as the GMC Savana) is a series of full-size vans produced by General Motors since 1996. The successor to the Chevrolet G-series van, the Express is produced in passenger and cargo variants. Alongside the standard van body, the line is offered as a cutaway van chassis; the latter vehicle is a chassis cab variant developed for commercial-grade applications, including ambulances, buses, motorhomes, and small trucks.
In production for a single generation since 1995, over 2.5 million examples of the Express and the Savana have been produced. One of the longest-produced designs in American automotive history, the Express/Savana are rivaled only by the Jeep Wagoneer and Dodge Ram Van for longevity.
Since 1995, General Motors has assembled the Express and Savana at its Wentzville Assembly facility (Wentzville, Missouri). Also, since 2017, GM has sourced commercial cutaway-chassis production from Navistar through its Springfield Assembly Plant (Springfield, Ohio).
Social links
Common 2012 Gmc Savana problems
The 2012 GMC Savana has several common problems based on complaints from owners, which include recalls, excessive oil consumption, leaking coolant, poor undercoating, corroding rims, and engine issues.
Recalls:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued seven recalls for the 2012 GMC Savana, covering various issues such as automatic emergency braking incidents, engine replacements, power tailgate recalls, and shift to park lawsuits. These recalls address significant safety concerns, including fire risks, airbag deployment, and steering issues.
Excessive Oil Consumption:
One of the most common issues reported by Savana owners is excessive oil consumption, particularly in Vortec engines. This problem can lead to increased maintenance costs and potential engine damage if not addressed promptly.
Leaking Coolant:
Another common problem is leaking coolant from a cracked intake manifold. This issue can cause overheating, leading to potential engine damage and the risk of a fire. It is essential to address this problem promptly to avoid further damage and ensure the vehicle's safety.
Poor Undercoating and Corroding Rims:
Some owners have reported poor undercoating and corroding rims, which can lead to additional maintenance costs and potential safety hazards. These issues can be addressed by reapplying undercoating under warranty or replacing the affected parts.
Engine Issues:
Engine issues have also been reported, including overheating electrical circuits that increase the risk of a fire. A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source can also increase the risk of a fire or explosion. It is crucial to address these issues promptly to ensure the vehicle's safety and prevent further damage.
In summary, the 2012 GMC Savana has several common problems, including recalls, excessive oil consumption, leaking coolant, poor undercoating, corroding rims, and engine issues. These problems can lead to increased maintenance costs and potential safety hazards. It is essential to address these issues promptly to ensure the vehicle's safety and prevent further damage.
Are GMC Savana vans reliable?
The GMC Savana 2500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 11th out of 21 for commercial vans.
How long do GMC Savana last?
If you keep up with the maintenance schedule of your Savana, it can last long term, whether you use it each day or a few times a week. The longevity of a GMC Savana is around 20 years at its maximum life span.
How many miles per gallon does a 2012 GMC Savana 1500 get?
Find and Compare Cars
| 2012 GMC Savana 1500 AWD (cargo) | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | Flex-Fuel Vehicle 8 cyl, 5.3 L, Automatic 4-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gas 14 combined city/highway MPG 13 city 17 highway 7.1 gals/100 miles E85 10 combined city/highway MPG 9 city 12 highway 10.0 gal/100mi |
How many miles per gallon does a GMC Savana get?
Find and Compare Cars
| 2017 GMC Savana 2500 2WD (Passenger) | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | 8 cyl, 6.0 L, Automatic 6-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Regular Gasoline 13 combined city/highway MPG 11 city 16 highway 7.7 gals/100 miles |
Are GMC Savana vans reliable?
The GMC Savana 2500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 11th out of 21 for commercial vans.
How long do GMC Savana last?
If you keep up with the maintenance schedule of your Savana, it can last long term, whether you use it each day or a few times a week. The longevity of a GMC Savana is around 20 years at its maximum life span.
What is the gas mileage on a 2012 GMC Savana?
Based on data from 8 vehicles, 286 fuel-ups and 67,920 miles of driving, the 2012 GMC Savana 3500 gets a combined Avg MPG of 9.80 with a 0.21 MPG margin of error.
What is the fuel consumption of a 2013 GMC Savana?
Performance & mpg
EPA-estimated fuel economy with either drivetrain is 13 mpg city/17 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined.
2012 Gmc Savana complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Gmc Savana.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2012 Gmc Savana recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 7 recalls for different components of the 2012 Gmc Savana.
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags. In the affected vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel may not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
- Consequence: In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel free of charge. Notices to the owners of the heavy duty vans were mailed on April 28, 2014. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14082.
- Manufacturer: General Motors LLC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) and IMPCO Automotive Division of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (IMPCO) are recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo vans that have a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system installed as original equipment by IMPCO. The fuel systems, manufactured February 14, 2011, through February 20, 2013, have a fuel shut-off solenoid connector to the CNG tank that may corrode and form a short.
- Consequence: A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners and GM dealers/fleets will perform the remedy which will include replacing the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses and adjusting the wiring routing. The recall began on August 5, 2013. GM's number for this recall is 13139. Impco's number for this recall is FA13GM001. Owner's may contact GM Fleet Action Center at 1-800-353-3867.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
- Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN
- Summary: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND SUBURBAN VEHICLES, AND GMC SAVANA AND YUKON XL HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES. THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY HARDENED AND COULD FRACTURE.
- Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, A LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 4, 2012.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2011. THE SECOND STAGE OF THE DUAL-STAGE AIR BAG WILL NOT INFLATE IN A SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT. ACCORDINGLY, THE AIR BAGS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
- Consequence: AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIR BAG WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.
- Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GMC AT 1-800-462-8782 OR CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020.
Negative 2012 Gmc Savana car reviews
Positive 2012 Gmc Savana car reviews
-
Very good in snow and provides smooth acceleration. The 4 speed auto is a little whiny. If you drive up a lot of hills, get the 6.0 v8 because it is a tad stronger off the line. My family loves this van. I'm planning my vacation in Catskills and all wheel drive will be helpful
-
I bought this van used from the previous owner who had a Cadillac Escalade. When I bought it, it had only 90,000 original miles and some aftermarket parts. It has no rust, no engine or transmission issues, and rides great!
-
I really enjoy my 1500 van! It's so much smoother than the bouncy 2500. It has the vortec 350 with 430k miles, but the original motor runs like a champ with no issues passing inspection every year. The transmission has been swapped out once, but it's still driving every day and getting 17 mpg. With the rear A/C, it gets colder than a Cadillac!
-
I've been working since I was young, and GMC is the only work truck for me. If I had used an extended van, I wouldn't have been able to park it in the warm garage away from the birds we feed.
-
If you're looking for a reliable work truck that also looks great, GMC is the way to go. I recently treated myself to a new truck after my 1986 model with 130,000 miles finally gave out. It was actually my partner's idea to upgrade, and I'm so glad I did. With GMC, I can set up my truck just the way I need it and enjoy my job even more.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Gmc Savana problems:
GMC Savana 2500 Problems and Complaints - 22 Issues
Top GMC Savana 2500 Problems · Tail Light Wiring in Cargo Area May be Damaged · Electrical components under front carpet may be damaged when cleaning van interior.
Q&A: GMC Savana Fuse Box Location, Diagram & Turn Signal ...
Sep 24, 2011 ... more than likely what is wrong is the turn signal/hazard flasher module is bad. This is a very common problem causing this concern. You can ...
2012 GMC Savana 2500 - I have a P0300 and P0302 error codes ...
Feb 13, 2021 ... also. What seems to make the problem better or worse? Resetting the PCM smooths out the engine. How long have ...
Q&A: Common Problems with 1997 GMC Savana 1500 & 3500 ...
Dec 20, 2011 ... My 1997 gmc savana 1500 with 5.7 vortec engine stalls,while driving,just cuts off,no check engine light,i replaced fuel - Answered by a ...
GMC Savana 1500 Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
Top GMC Savana 1500 Problems · Tail Light Wiring in Cargo Area May be Damaged · Check Engine Light and Misfire Due to Stuck Fuel Injectors · Fuel Level Sensor ...
Other years of Gmc Savana
Are you having problems with your 2012 Gmc Savana?
Arely Metz 2024-06-05
I hope you're doing well! I noticed that you mentioned using your van to pull your fishing boat to the ocean. That sounds like a lot of fun! I was thinking that it might be helpful to have side mirrors that extend out for better visibility when backing up in tight spaces. I've seen some really nice ones on Ford pickups that might work well for your van. Some of them even retract and fold against the truck when not in use. I know you love your van, and I think this could be a great addition to make your fishing trips even more enjoyable. It's great that you have holders for all your fishing gear, too. Just lock up the van and you're ready for your next adventure!
Benny Tromp 2024-05-15
Although I have always been a GM guy, this particular van has been a disappointment. The windshield cracked on the first day off the lot due to small stones, which is indicative of poor quality glass. Additionally, the AC failed within 6 months. The fuel efficiency is also subpar, with only 10mpg in the city or on the highway, and only 12mpg on the highway on one occasion. When towing my trailer, I was only able to achieve 6mpg. Overall, I would not consider purchasing this van again.
Declan Beahan 2024-02-18
Great van! It's amazing how much power and fuel mileage it provides for such a large vehicle. I'm really looking forward to purchasing the new GM Diesel van. We use it to tow the US Bobsled to shows and take it to a lot of Nascar Races. We're very active in racing, selling our products to several teams and sponsoring others. It's not uncommon to see Nascar drivers catching a ride in our van, which can seat up to 15 people. All in all, we're extremely satisfied with it.
Jamarcus Nikolaus 2024-01-03
After owning 6 GM vans previously, I must say I am disappointed with the configuration of the split mirrors. While driving down the highway, the upper mirror provides an accurate view, albeit smaller than in previous years. However, the lower mirror (installed for backup purposes) gives a distorted view that causes vision nausea, making for an uncomfortable driving experience.