2006 GMC Savana 3500

The 2006 GMC Savana 3500 is a full-size van offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. It comes standard with a 300-horsepower, 5.3L V8 engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. Other available engine and transmission options include:

• 350-horsepower, 6.0L V8 engine with a 4-speed automatic transmission
• 350-horsepower, 6.0L V8 engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission
• 350-horsepower, 6.6L Duramax diesel engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission

The GMC Savana is known for its spacious interior and powerful engines, but it has also been reported to have some issues.

Engine

• 5.3L V8 Engine
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, rough idle, reduced engine power
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Chain Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine noise, reduced engine power, check engine light
    • Solution: Replace timing chain
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• 6.0L V8 Engine
  • Piston Ring Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from exhaust, reduced engine power
    • Solution: Replace piston rings
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• 6.6L Duramax Diesel Engine
  • Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, reduced engine power, check engine light
    • Solution: Replace injectors
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping gears, shuddering, check engine light
    • Solution: Replace torque converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
    • Recalls: None Found
• 6-Speed Automatic Transmission
  • Valve Body Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifting, slipping gears, check engine light
    • Solution: Replace valve body
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension
  • Ball Joint Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Knocking or clunking noises from suspension, reduced steering control
    • Solution: Replace ball joints
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per side
    • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Suspension
  • Leaf Spring Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear suspension, reduced load capacity
    • Solution: Replace leaf springs
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery
  • Battery Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, electrical problems
    • Solution: Replace battery
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
    • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator
  • Alternator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, electrical problems
    • Solution: Replace alternator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Body Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust spots on body panels
  • Solution: Rust repair or replacement of body panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not working
  • Solution: Replace headlights
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Crack
  • Description/Symptoms: Crack in dashboard
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat controls not working
  • Solution: Replace seat switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Overall Summary

The 2006 GMC Savana 3500 is a capable full-size van, but it is not without its issues. Some of the more severe problems, such as engine and transmission failures, can be costly to repair. However, many of the issues, such as electrical and interior problems, are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. Overall, the Savana is a reliable vehicle that can provide years of service with proper maintenance.