Model-year record

2012 GMC Savana
See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.
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Complaints filed
4
Reports to NHTSA, 2012
Safety recalls
7
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Not rated
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
13.5
EPA estimate
Known issues
Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (50% of 4 reports), followed by fuel/propulsion system (25%).
Share of all 4 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 10721766, ODI 10629431.
Individual complaint reports(4)
Showing the 4 most recent reportsFuel/Propulsion SystemJul 2019 · ODI 11233332Details +Close −
ON MY SECOND GMC SAVANNA 1500 VAN, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT FUEL IS LEAKING OUT THE SIDE OF MY FUEL FILLER PIPE, SLOWLY THEN HEAVILY WHEN I FUEL IT UP. THIS IS THE SAME ISSUE I HAD WITH MY OLD 2003 GMC SAVANNA 1500 VAN. THERE WAS A NATIONAL RECALL ON THE 2003 GMC SAVANNA, YET THERE IS NOT ONE FOR MY 2012. I DID NOT REALIZE THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FILLER TUBE UNTIL I BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE, TO CHECK THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT. A MONTH AGO, THE ERROR CODE WAS A SMALL EVAP LEAK. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THAT THE FILLER TUBE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED SINCE IT IS RUSTED OUT OF THE SIDES. I AM A WHEELCHAIR USER, WHERE I NORMALLY DON'T HAVE TO FILL UP MY TANK. YET, AFTER GETTING THE DIAGNOSIS, I HAD TO FILL UP MY TANK SINCE IT WAS ON EMPTY. WHILE FILLING IT UP, I SMELLED GAS. I THEN NOTICED A PUDDLE FORMING UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. I THOUGHT ABOUT STOPPING, YET I WENT SLOWER. THIS DID NOT SLOW DOWN THE RAPID DRIPPINGS. SO I CONTINUED AS USUAL. IT WAS GETTING BIGGER WHERE IT WAS STARTING TO EXTEND BEYOND THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THEN IT WAS NEARLY FILLED UP WHEN I HEAR THE GAS SPILLING OUT ONTO THE LEFT REAR TIRE. I QUICKLY SHUT OFF THE NOZZLE, AND WIPED UP THE EXCESS FUEL OFF THE TIRE.
- Reported
- Jul 2019
- Incident date
- Jul 2019
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsMay 2015 · ODI 10721766Details +Close −
THE VAN IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD BUT HAS WELL OVER 36,000 MILES ON IT, SO IT IS OFF WARRANTY. THE PASSANGER SEAT IS RARELY USED BUT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ON THE PASSANGER SIDE CAME ON INDICATING AIR BAG MAL-FUNCTION. THE DEALER WANTS $350 PLUS POSSIBLE HIGHER CHARGE IF DIFFICULTY ARISES IN REPLACING THE SENSOR. THIS IS REALLY A NON-WEAR ITEM.
- Reported
- May 2015
- Incident date
- Dec 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Air BagsAug 2014 · ODI 10629431Details +Close −
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 GMC SAVANA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V117000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 10/23/14*CN
- Reported
- Aug 2014
- Incident date
- Aug 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
VisibilityMay 2014 · ODI 10594605Details +Close −
THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MOTOR NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. *TR
- Reported
- May 2014
- Incident date
- May 2014
- Mileage
- Not provided
- Outcome flags
- None reported
Recalls(7)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Electrical SystemJun 2023 · 23V247000Details +Close −
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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Air BagsAug 2011 · 11V543000Details +Close −
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."
Risk: 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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Steering · 12V112000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Fuel System · 13V225000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Air Bags · 14V117000Details +Close −
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."
Risk: 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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Fuel System · 14V500000Details +Close −
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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →Equipment · 18V267000Details +Close −
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.
Open full NHTSA recall record →A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
No NHTSA crash test is on record for this year. Some vehicles and model years were not tested or do not have a published NCAP result.
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savana 1500 2WD (cargo) | 4.3L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 4-spd | 15 | 20 | 17 |
| Savana 1500 2WD (cargo) | 5.3L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 4-spd | 13 | 18 | 15 |
| Savana 1500 AWD (Passenger) | 5.3L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 4-spd | 13 | 17 | 14 |
| Savana 1500 2WD Conversion (cargo) | 5.3L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 4-spd | 13 | 17 | 14 |
| Savana 1500 2WD (Passenger) | 5.3L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 4-spd | 13 | 17 | 14 |
| Savana 1500 AWD Conversion (cargo) | 5.3L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 4-spd | 13 | 17 | 14 |
| Savana 1500 AWD (cargo) | 5.3L 8-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 4-spd | 13 | 17 | 14 |
| Savana 3500 2WD (Passenger) | 4.8L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 11 | 17 | 13 |
| Savana 2500 2WD (Passenger) | 6.0L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 11 | 16 | 13 |
| Savana 2500 2WD (Passenger) | 4.8L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 11 | 17 | 13 |
| Savana 3500 2WD (Passenger) | 6.0L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 10 | 15 | 12 |
| Savana 3500 2WD (cargo) | 6.0L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 10 | 14 | 12 |
| Savana 2500 2WD Conversion (cargo) | 6.0L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 10 | 15 | 12 |
| Savana 2500 2WD (cargo) | 6.0L 8-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 10 | 15 | 12 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
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2012 GMC Savana: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2012 GMC Savana?
Owners filed 4 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 GMC Savana. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.
What are the most common problems on the 2012 GMC Savana?
The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (50% of complaints) and fuel/propulsion system (25%).
How many recalls does the 2012 GMC Savana have?
7 recalls have been issued that affect the 2012 GMC Savana, covering components such as electrical system. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2012 GMC Savana get?
The EPA rates the 2012 GMC Savana between 12 and 17 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.