1998 GMC Savana 3500

Introduction

The 1998 GMC Savana 3500 is a full-size van that was available with a choice of two engines and two transmission options. The standard engine was a 5.7-liter V8 with 250 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, while the optional engine was a 6.5-liter turbodiesel V8 with 195 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission was a four-speed automatic, while the optional transmission was a five-speed manual.

People who like the GMC Savana 3500 appreciate its spacious interior, powerful engines, and towing capacity. However, some people have experienced issues with the vehicle’s reliability, especially with the transmission.

Engine

5.7-liter V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause coolant and oil to leak from the intake manifold, leading to overheating and engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: A blown head gasket can cause coolant and oil to mix, leading to overheating and engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.5-liter Turbodiesel V8

• Fuel injector failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause the engine to run rough, lose power, and experience poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause loss of power, excessive smoke, and a rattling noise.
  • Solution: Replace the turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Four-speed Automatic

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause the transmission to fail to shift properly, resulting in loss of power and difficulty driving.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque converter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause the transmission to overheat, shudder, and eventually fail.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Five-speed Manual

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause the clutch to slip, making it difficult to shift gears.
  • Solution: Replace the clutch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission bearing failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause the transmission to make noise, vibrate, and eventually fail.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission bearings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf spring failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause the rear of the van to sag and make it difficult to handle.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Shock absorber failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause the van to ride rough and make it difficult to handle.
  • Solution: Replace the shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause the battery to lose power, leading to electrical problems and a stalled engine.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause the engine to fail to start.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door handle failure
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause the door handle to break off, making it difficult to open the door.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear bumper corrosion
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause the rear bumper to rust and deteriorate.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the rear bumper.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause the dashboard to crack and deteriorate.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Interior trim rattles
  • Description/Symptoms: This issue can cause the interior trim to rattle and make noise.
  • Solution: Loosen or tighten the trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1998 GMC Savana 3500 is a full-size van that offers spacious interior, powerful engines, and a good towing capacity. However, the vehicle has experienced some reliability issues, especially with the transmission. Some of the other issues that have been reported include intake manifold gasket failure, head gasket failure, and alternator failure. The severity of the issues can vary, and the cost to fix them can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.