What are the most common GMC Savana problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 350+ owner reports, the 2023-2023 GMC Savana has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: AFM Lifter Failure on V8 Vortec/EcoTec3 Engines, Rear Cargo Door and Side Door Hinge Wear. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the GMC Savana reliable?

The 2023-2023 GMC Savana has 2 known issues documented across 350+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: AFM Lifter Failure on V8 Vortec/EcoTec3 Engines. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common GMC Savana problems?

Repair costs for known GMC Savana issues range from $100 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, AFM Lifter Failure on V8 Vortec/EcoTec3 Engines, typically costs $3,500-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

2023 GMC Savana Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2023 model year · 350+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 350+ owner reports, the 2023 GMC Savana has 2 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is AFM Lifter Failure on V8 Vortec/EcoTec3 Engines ($3,500-$8,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is AFM Lifter Failure on V8 Vortec/EcoTec3 Engines with 350 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 2 Known Issues

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Community Reported

350 owners

On the 2010-2025 GMC Savana, gMC Savana vans equipped with 4.8L (L20), 5.3L (LM7), and 6.0L (L96) V8 engines with Active Fuel Management suffer the same AFM lifter collapse problem documented across the entire GM full-size truck/van lineup. The collapsible AFM lifters on deactivation cylinders fail between 60,000-120,000 miles, causing misfires, engine ticking, rough idle, and potential engine damage. Commercial Savana vans used for fleet operations are especially vulnerable due to high mileage accumulation and variable maintenance practices. The problem affects all GMT600 platform Savana/Express vans with AFM-equipped engines.

This issue also affects: Citroën C3, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson

Common Symptoms

Misfire codes P0300, P0301, P0304, P0306, P0307
Ticking or tapping from engine
Rough idle especially when cold
Check engine light
Reduced power under load
Metal shavings on oil drain plug magnet

How to Fix

Replace all 16 lifters and VLOM (GM 12639516). AFM delete kit for permanent fix. Range Technology RA003B disabler for prevention. Increase oil change frequency to 5,000 miles with Dexos2 full synthetic for commercial use vans.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 350+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeGM 12639516 VLOM (Valve Lifter Oil Manifold) — mandatory replacement with lifters on all Savana AFM repairs. Commercial fleet managers frequently skip this part to save $150-200, causing the new lifter set to fail again within 30,000-50,000 miles. For fleet Savanas with frequent replacements, consider a complete AFM delete (Texas Speed TSP-AFM-DELETE kit) to eliminate the failure mode entirely. (GM OEM #12639516)
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TipCommercial fleet Savanas should have the oil changed every 5,000 miles with full synthetic Dexos2 regardless of the GM oil life monitor. The monitor was calibrated for personal-use duty cycles, not the sustained highway loads typical of delivery or passenger van service. Fleet data shows AFM lifter failure rates double on vans maintaining the GM oil life monitor interval vs fixed 5,000-mile synthetic changes in commercial service.
NoteAFM lifter failure on a Savana loaded with passengers or cargo is a safety situation — if the engine goes into limp mode or loses significant power while loaded and moving in traffic, the driver has reduced ability to merge, accelerate, or climb grades safely. For commercial operator fleets, it is strongly recommended to install a Range Technology AFM disabler (RA003B) on every Savana at fleet intake — the $300 device prevents a potential $6,000 repair and avoids unexpected breakdowns during revenue service.

Typical repair cost:$3,500 - $8,000

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350+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High Confidence350 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 1996-2025 GMC Savana, the rear cargo doors and sliding side door hinges wear out from the weight of the doors and constant commercial use. Doors sag, become difficult to close, and the weatherstripping no longer seals properly.

Common Symptoms

Doors hard to close
Wind noise from door seals
Doors sag visibly
Water leaks around doors

How to Fix

Replace door hinge pins and bushings, or complete hinge assemblies if worn beyond bushing repair. Adjust door striker plates after hinge repair. Lubricate all hinge pivot points with white lithium grease every 6 months.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

UpgradeDorman weatherstrip seal prevents water leaks and wind noise (Dorman Weatherstrip Seal)
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Upgrade3M Super Weatherstrip Adhesive for reattaching loose seals (3M Weatherstrip Adhesive)
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Typical repair cost:$100 - $400

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0+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

2023 GMC Savana Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2010-2025 GMC Savana: AFM Lifter Failure on V8 Vortec/EcoTec3 Engines#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

1996-2025 GMC Savana: Rear Cargo Door and Side Door Hinge Wear#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other GMC Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common GMC Savana problems?

Is the GMC Savana reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common GMC Savana problems?

What is the 2010-2025 GMC Savana AFM Lifter Failure on V8 Vortec/EcoTec3 Engines?

What is the 1996-2025 GMC Savana Rear Cargo Door and Side Door Hinge Wear?