2016 GMC Savana 4500

The 2016 GMC Savana 4500 is a heavy-duty full-size van primarily used for commercial purposes such as cargo transport, passenger shuttle services, and upfitting into ambulances or other specialized vehicles. It’s known for its ruggedness, payload capacity, and straightforward design. Some owners appreciate its simplicity and ease of maintenance. Common dislikes include its dated interior, relatively poor fuel economy, and handling compared to more modern vans. The 2016 Savana 4500 offered a few engine options. The most common is the 6.0L Vortec V8, producing 342 horsepower and 373 lb-ft of torque. Also available was a 6.6L Duramax diesel engine, producing 260 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. The 2016 Savana 4500 was exclusively equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

6.0L Vortec V8 (L96)

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent topping off between oil changes. Blue smoke may be visible from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Possible causes range from worn valve stem seals to piston ring issues. A compression test and leak-down test can help diagnose the source. Depending on the diagnosis, repair may involve replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or even a complete engine rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$5000+ (depending on the severity and repair needed)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light are indicators of a failing fuel injector.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves testing each injector individually. Replacing the faulty injector is the standard fix.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (per injector, including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

6.6L Duramax Diesel (LGH)

• Glow Plug Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard starting, especially in cold weather, excessive white smoke at startup, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Diagnosis involves testing the glow plugs and glow plug control module. Replacement of faulty glow plugs and/or the control module is the typical repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (depending on the number of glow plugs replaced and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6L90 6-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, and general rough operation of the transmission.
  • Solution: A diagnostic scan can reveal trouble codes. Fluid flush, valve body replacement, or complete transmission rebuild might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (for fluid flush) - $4000+ (for rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Sagging/Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear end sagging, especially under load, uneven ride height, and potential snapping noises from the rear suspension.
  • Solution: Inspection of the leaf springs for cracks or excessive sag. Replacement of the leaf spring pack is the recommended repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1200+ (per side, including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front End Noise/Wandering
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, excessive play in the steering wheel, and difficulty keeping the vehicle tracking straight.
  • Solution: Inspection of ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings. Replacement of worn components. An alignment is crucial after these repairs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+ (depending on the number of parts replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially if the vehicle is not driven frequently, leading to difficulty starting.
  • Solution: A parasitic draw test can identify the source of the drain. Common culprits include aftermarket accessories, faulty relays, or a failing alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source and complexity of the repair)
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABS Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: ABS light illumination on the dashboard, loss of ABS functionality, and potential issues with the stability control system.
  • Solution: Diagnostic scan to identify the faulty ABS sensor. Replacement of the sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ (per sensor, including labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Side Door Latch Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the side doors, latch sticking, and potential inability to secure the doors properly.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the latch mechanism. If the latch is damaged, replacement is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ (depending on whether cleaning/lube is sufficient or replacement is needed)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The HVAC blower motor stops working, resulting in no airflow from the vents, or the blower only works on certain speeds.
  • Solution: Testing the blower motor and resistor. Replacement of the faulty blower motor or resistor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 GMC Savana 4500, while a reliable workhorse, presents several common issues owners might encounter. Engine problems such as excessive oil consumption and fuel injector issues can lead to costly repairs. Transmission problems such as harsh shifting and slipping could become severe if not fixed. Electrical problems like battery drain and ABS sensor failures can impact usability and safety. Exterior issues like side door latches and interior problems like the HVAC motor can be inexpensive, but also cause frustration. Overall, most of the issues can be severe if not addressed immediately. The cost to fix depends on the severity of the issue.