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2015 GMC Savana 4500

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2015 GMC Savana 4500 is a full-size van primarily used for commercial purposes, offering robust capability and ample cargo space. It’s available with a few different engine options, including a 4.8L V8 producing 280 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 6.0L V8 generating 342 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel V8, which puts out 260 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. The 4.8L V8 is typically paired with a 4L80E four-speed automatic transmission, while the 6.0L V8 is usually paired with a 6L90E six-speed automatic transmission. There is also a CNG version of the 6.0L V8. Owners generally appreciate the Savana 4500’s reliability, spaciousness, and workhorse capabilities. Common complaints include its relatively outdated design, lower fuel economy compared to newer vans, and basic interior features.

Engine

4.8L V8

  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report higher than expected oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include needing to add oil every 1,000-3,000 miles and potentially seeing blue smoke from the exhaust.
    • Solution: Monitoring oil levels frequently, using a heavier-weight oil, or in more severe cases, replacing valve seals or piston rings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+ depending on the severity and the repair needed.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Catalytic Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, check engine light illumination, and potential failure of emissions test.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty catalytic converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

6.0L V8

  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Higher than expected oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include needing to add oil every 1,000-3,000 miles and potentially seeing blue smoke from the exhaust.
    • Solution: Monitoring oil levels frequently, using a heavier-weight oil, or in more severe cases, replacing valve seals or piston rings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $3,000+ depending on the severity and the repair needed.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Catalytic Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, check engine light illumination, and potential failure of emissions test.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty catalytic converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

6.6L Duramax Turbo Diesel V8

  • Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Frequent DPF regenerations, reduced engine performance, check engine light with DPF-related codes, and potential engine damage if not addressed.
    • Solution: Forced DPF regeneration, cleaning the DPF, or replacing the DPF. Addressing underlying issues that cause excessive soot build-up (e.g., faulty injectors).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+ depending on the repair needed.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, reduced power, excessive smoke, and potential engine damage.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty fuel injectors, and potentially cleaning the fuel system.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the number of injectors needing replacement and the labor involved.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4L80E (4-speed automatic)

  • Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jarring shifts between gears, especially 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd.
    • Solution: Check the transmission fluid level and condition, replace the filter and fluid, or replace the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $3,000+ depending on the solution needed.
    • Recalls: None Found

6L90E (6-speed automatic)

  • Torque Converter Shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable shudder or vibration, particularly at lower speeds or during light acceleration, caused by torque converter clutch slippage.
    • Solution: Performing a transmission fluid flush with updated fluid, replacing the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ depending on the repair needed.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Harsh/Delayed Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts, delayed engagement of gears, or slipping between gears.
    • Solution: Check the transmission fluid level and condition, replace the filter and fluid, or replace the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $3,000+ depending on the solution needed.
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Leaf Spring Sagging/Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the van sitting lower than normal, reduced load capacity, and potential noise from the leaf springs. Visible cracks or damage to the leaf springs.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaf springs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+ per side.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Worn Ball Joints/Tie Rod Ends
    • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering on the road, clunking noises from the front suspension, and uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replacing worn ball joints and tie rod ends.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per side depending on parts and labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Faulty Door Lock Actuators
    • Description/Symptoms: Power door locks not working intermittently or failing completely.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per door.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Battery dying overnight or after short periods of inactivity.
    • Solution: Identify and repair parasitic drain.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Sliding Door Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding door, sticking, and unusual noises.
    • Solution: Adjusting or replacing the door rollers, lubricating the tracks, or replacing the entire sliding door mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ depending on the repair needed.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • HVAC Blower Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The HVAC blower motor stops working, resulting in no air flow from the vents.
    • Solution: Replacing the blower motor and/or blower motor resistor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Belt Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat belts not retracting properly.
    • Solution: Replacing the seat belt assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per seat.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 GMC Savana 4500, while generally reliable, can experience issues across various components. Engine issues, particularly oil consumption and catalytic converter failure in the gasoline engines, and DPF problems and fuel injector failures in the diesel engine, are common and can range from relatively inexpensive to costly repairs. Transmission problems, such as torque converter shudder and harsh shifting, can also be problematic. Suspension issues such as leaf spring sagging and worn ball joints affect the vehicle’s handling and ride comfort. Electrical issues like faulty door lock actuators and battery drain, as well as exterior issues with the sliding door, and interior HVAC and seat belt problems also occur. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but some, especially those related to the engine and transmission, can lead to significant expenses.

GMC, Savana 4500
GMC Savana 4500 2015
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