2006 GMC Savana 3500

The 2006 GMC Savana 3500 is a full-size van known for its durability and cargo capacity, making it a popular choice for commercial use and conversion vans. The 2006 model year offered several engine options including a 4.3L V6 producing around 195 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, a 4.8L V8 with approximately 285 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 5.3L V8 delivering about 295 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.0L V8 that produced around 300 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. Common transmissions paired with these engines were the 4L60-E and 4L80-E four-speed automatic transmissions. Owners often praise the Savana 3500 for its ruggedness and spaciousness, but some complain about fuel economy and the aging design.

Engine

4.3L V6

• No Issues Found

4.8L V8

• No Issues Found

5.3L V8

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. May be accompanied by blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to determine the cause (worn piston rings, valve seals, PCV valve, etc.). Repair or replacement of affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+ depending on the cause and extent of the damage.
  • Recalls: None Found

6.0L V8

• No Issues Found

Transmission

4L60-E

• Shifting Problems/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, slipping between gears, failure to shift into gear, or harsh engagement.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to determine the root cause, often related to worn clutch packs or a faulty valve body. Replacement of the transmission or a rebuild may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
  • Recalls: None Found

4L80-E

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Blower Motor Resistor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: HVAC blower motor only works on certain speeds or not at all.
  • Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges failing to read correctly, flickering lights in the instrument cluster, or complete failure of the cluster.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Hinge Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging doors, difficulty closing the doors, or excessive wear on the door hinges.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door hinges or hinge pins.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ per hinge
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Headliner material detaching from the roof, causing sagging.
  • Solution: Replacing the headliner material or the entire headliner assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dash Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 GMC Savana 3500 is generally a reliable work van, but owners should be aware of potential issues such as oil consumption in the 5.3L V8 engine and transmission problems with the 4L60-E transmission. Electrical issues like blower motor resistor failure and instrument cluster problems are also relatively common. Exterior door hinge problems and interior issues such as headliner sagging and dash cracking can also occur due to age and exposure. The severity and cost of these issues range from minor repairs to more extensive replacements, so a thorough inspection is recommended before purchasing a used 2006 Savana 3500.