1997 GMC Savana 3500

1997 GMC Savana 3500

The 1997 GMC Savana 3500 is a full-size van that was available with a variety of engine and transmission options. The standard engine was a 5.7L V8 that produced 250 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. A 6.5L V8 diesel engine was also available, producing 190 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual.

People who like the GMC Savana 3500 praise its spacious interior, powerful engines, and towing capability. However, some owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s reliability, particularly with the engine and transmission.

Engine

5.7L V8

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks from the intake manifold, engine overheating, rough idle.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the valve covers, burning oil smell, engine noise.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Knock Sensor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine knocking, reduced engine performance, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the knock sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.5L V8 Diesel

• Fuel Injector Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idle, reduced power.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per injector
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke from the exhaust, turbocharger whine.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks from the head gasket, engine overheating, white smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Four-Speed Automatic

• Slipping Gears:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or refusing to shift gears, delayed engagement.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to shift gears, loss of drive, excessive heat from the transmission.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Five-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Ball Joint Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose or worn ball joints, clunking noises from the suspension, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per ball joint
  • Recalls: None Found
• Leaf Spring Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging or broken leaf springs, reduced load capacity, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per spring
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shock Absorber Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn or leaking shock absorbers, reduced ride comfort, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per shock absorber
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, dead battery, electrical system failure.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to start the engine, clicking or grinding noise from the starter.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the engine, electrical system issues.
  • Solution: Replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust spots or holes in the body panels, particularly around the wheel wells and lower door panels.
  • Solution: Rust repair or replacement of the affected panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of rust damage
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Hinge Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging or loose doors, difficulty opening or closing the doors.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the door hinges.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Regulator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to open or close the windows, loose or sagging windows.
  • Solution: Replace the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC System Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Inoperative heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system, air leaks.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the affected components of the HVAC system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks or warping in the dashboard, particularly on the passenger side.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Belt Retractor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to retract the seat belt, seat belt jams or locks.
  • Solution: Replace the seat belt retractor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: 97V132000

Summary

The 1997 GMC Savana 3500 can be a reliable vehicle, but it has been known to experience issues with the engine, transmission, and suspension. The cost of repairs can be significant, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.