2012 GMC Savana 3500

Introduction

The 2012 GMC Savana 3500 is a full-size van offered with three engine options: a 4.8L V8, a 5.3L V8, and a 6.0L V8. The 4.8L V8 produces 280 horsepower and 296 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.3L V8 produces 310 horsepower and 334 lb-ft of torque. The 6.0L V8 produces 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. All three engines are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Owners of the 2012 GMC Savana 3500 praise its spacious interior, powerful engine options, and towing capacity. However, some have reported experiencing various issues with the vehicle.

Engine

4.8L V8

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating, decreased performance
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks, engine ticking noise, decreased performance
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Knock Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine knocking, decreased performance, illuminated check engine light
  • Solution: Replace knock sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine ticking noise, decreased performance, illuminated check engine light
  • Solution: Replace lifters and camshaft
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: 14V697
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling noise, decreased performance, illuminated check engine light
  • Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Spark Plug Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, decreased performance, illuminated check engine light
  • Solution: Replace spark plugs
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

6.0L V8

• Engine Knock
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine knocking noise, decreased performance, illuminated check engine light
  • Solution: Replace connecting rods and pistons
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $6,000 - $10,000+
  • Recalls: 14V542
• Oil Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from various gaskets or seals, low oil level
  • Solution: Replace faulty gaskets or seals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, decreased performance, illuminated check engine light
  • Solution: Replace fuel injectors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shuddering during gear changes, especially when accelerating or upshifting
  • Solution: Replace torque converter or transmission fluid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: 14V390
• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or failing to engage gears, especially when accelerating or climbing hills
  • Solution: Replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, delayed shifting, or transmission not shifting gears
  • Solution: Replace valve body
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front End Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Noises from the front suspension, such as clunking, squeaking, or rattling
  • Solution: Replace worn or damaged suspension components, such as ball joints, tie rods, or struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Axle Seal Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the rear axle seal
  • Solution: Replace rear axle seal
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Brake Rotor Warping
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration or pulsation when braking
  • Solution: Replace warped brake rotors
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead after a short period of time, especially when the vehicle is parked
  • Solution: Replace faulty battery or alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electrical Short
  • Description/Symptoms: Electrical system malfunctions, such as flickering lights, blown fuses, or intermittent problems
  • Solution: Trace and repair faulty wiring or components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuse Box Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Blown fuses, electrical system malfunctions
  • Solution: Replace fuse box
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Body Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust spots or corrosion on various body panels, such as the roof, doors, or fenders
  • Solution: Rust repair
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Liftgate Cable Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Liftgate fails to open or close properly
  • Solution: Replace liftgate cable
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Side Mirror Puddle Light Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Side mirror puddle lights do not illuminate
  • Solution: Replace side mirror puddle light
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Rattle
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattles or squeaks from the dashboard
  • Solution: Locate and tighten loose screws or clips
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Adjustment Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seat adjustments do not work properly
  • Solution: Replace seat adjustment motor or switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Climate control system does not blow air, temperature control does not work properly
  • Solution: Replace faulty climate control unit or components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

Overall, the 2012 GMC Savana 3500 is a capable van with a spacious interior and powerful engine options. However, it has been reported to experience a number of issues, particularly with its engine, transmission, and electrical systems. The severity and cost of these issues can vary greatly, so it is important for potential buyers to be aware of the potential risks before purchasing.