2007 GMC Savana 1500
The 2007 GMC Savana 1500 is a full-size van known for its cargo and passenger hauling capabilities. The base engine is a 4.3L V6 producing 200 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options include a 4.8L V8 (285 hp, 295 lb-ft) and a 5.3L V8 (301 hp, 325 lb-ft). Transmission options are either a 4L60E 4-speed automatic. Owners appreciate the Savana’s spacious interior and utility, but often cite fuel economy and dated design as drawbacks.
Engine
4.3L V6
- Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine may stall, run rough, or not start at all. The check engine light will illuminate. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to crankshaft position sensor failure (e.g., P0335, P0336) will be stored.
- Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
- Recalls: None Found
- Fuel Injector Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, poor fuel economy, and hesitation during acceleration. The check engine light may illuminate.
- Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector(s).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$300+ per injector (including labor)
- Recalls: None Found
4.8L V8
- Oil Pressure Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Fluctuating or inaccurate oil pressure readings on the dashboard gauge. Check engine light might come on. May be due to bad oil pressure sensor or faulty oil pump.
- Solution: Replace the oil pressure sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $75 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
5.3L V8
- Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Ticking or knocking noise from the engine, particularly at idle. Misfires, rough running, and potential engine damage can occur if the lifter completely fails.
- Solution: Replace the failed AFM lifters. Some owners opt to disable the AFM system entirely during the repair to prevent future issues.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (depending on the extent of the damage and if AFM is disabled)
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4L60E 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Transmission Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears, especially during acceleration. May also experience delayed or harsh shifts.
- Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement. Could also be a valve body issue.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+ for rebuild or replacement; $500 - $1,500+ for valve body repair
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations, particularly at low speeds or during lockup. May also experience stalling or difficulty shifting.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Hard Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or jerky shifts between gears. Can be caused by valve body issues or worn clutches.
- Solution: Valve body repair or replacement. Transmission rebuild may be necessary if clutches are worn.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ for valve body; $2,000 - $4,000+ for rebuild
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Leaf Spring Sagging/Breakage
- Description/Symptoms: Rear of the van sits lower than normal, especially when loaded. May hear squeaking or popping noises from the rear suspension. Broken leaf springs are visually obvious.
- Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per side (including labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Ball Joint Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning. Loose steering.
- Solution: Replace the worn ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per ball joint (including labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead overnight or within a few days of sitting. Can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty component.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw. Common culprits include the radio, lights, or faulty relays.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on the source of the drain. Can range from a simple relay replacement ($50 - $150) to more complex wiring repairs ($200 - $500+).
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Power window stops working or operates intermittently. May hear a clicking noise from the door when attempting to operate the window.
- Solution: Replace the power window motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rust on Rocker Panels and Wheel Wells
- Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the lower body panels, especially the rocker panels and around the wheel wells. Common in areas with road salt exposure.
- Solution: Repair or replace the affected panels. Rust treatment and prevention measures should be taken.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per panel, depending on the extent of the damage and the repair method.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Blower Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: No air coming from the vents, or weak airflow. Blower motor may only work on certain settings.
- Solution: Replace the blower motor and/or the blower motor resistor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Handle Breakage (Interior and Exterior)
- Description/Symptoms: Door handle breaks, making it difficult or impossible to open the door.
- Solution: Replace the door handle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per handle (including labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2007 GMC Savana 1500, while a capable and practical van, suffers from several common issues. Engine problems, particularly with the 5.3L AFM lifters and oil pressure sensor, can be costly to repair. Transmission slipping is another significant concern. Suspension issues, such as leaf spring sagging and ball joint wear, are also common, especially in older vans. Electrical problems like battery drain and power window motor failure are also known. Rust on the rocker panels and wheel wells is also common. While some issues like oil pressure sensor replacement are relatively inexpensive, others like AFM lifter failure or transmission rebuild can be quite costly, making it important to thoroughly inspect any potential purchase.