2012 GMC Savana Passenger

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Class
Vans, Passenger Type
Engines
5.3L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FFV
MPG (best)
14 combined · 13 city / 17 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • 7 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 GMC Savana Passenger is a van offered with 3 engines (5.3L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl and 6.0L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 14 MPG combined (13 city / 17 highway), 7% better than the 2012 van average of 13.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,800 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 1 complaint with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Savana Passenger — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Savana Passenger →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Savana 1500 2WD (Passenger) FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14+7%$4,800635
Savana 1500 AWD (Passenger) FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdAll-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14+7%$4,800635
Savana 2500 2WD (Passenger) FFV4.8L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive11 / 17 / 13-1%$5,150684
Savana 3500 2WD (Passenger) FFV4.8L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive11 / 17 / 13-1%$5,150684
Savana 2500 2WD (Passenger) FFV6.0L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive11 / 16 / 13-1%$5,150684
Savana 3500 2WD (Passenger) FFV6.0L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive10 / 15 / 12-8%$5,600741
Spend $12,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
13.1 MPG2012 Vans, Passenger Type average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 GMC Savana Passenger.

Similar 2012 vans

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 GMC Savana Passenger (this car)14 MPGNot rated7
2012 Chevrolet Express Passenger14 MPGNot rated6
2012 Ford E350 Wagon13 MPGNot rated12
2012 GMC Savana Cargo17 MPGNot rated0
2012 Chevrolet Express Cargo17 MPGNot rated0
2012 Ford E350 Van13 MPGNot rated0
2012 Ford E250 Van15 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (7)

Electrical System › Wiring · Apr 6, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V247000 · 150,830 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2003-2023 Chevrolet Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway incomplete vehicles equipped with wiring for an optional rear heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. When the HVAC blower motor circuit is left unused with exposed connectors and wiring, the circuit can corrode and overheat.
Risk
An overheated electrical circuit increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
Dealers will properly seal the rear HVAC blower motor circuits at the left side B-pillar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222386050.
Equipment · Apr 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V267000 · 6,154 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.
Fuel System, Other · Aug 13, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V500000 · 3,345 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG)vehicles manufactured September 10, 2010, to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured May 23, 2011, to April 21, 2014. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.
Risk
A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14321.
Air Bags › Frontal · Mar 17, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V117000 · 303,013 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags. In the affected vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel may not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Risk
In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel free of charge. Notices to the owners of the heavy duty vans were mailed on April 28, 2014. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14082.
Fuel System, Other · May 15, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V225000 · 1,791 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) and IMPCO Automotive Division of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (IMPCO) are recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo vans that have a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system installed as original equipment by IMPCO. The fuel systems, manufactured February 14, 2011, through February 20, 2013, have a fuel shut-off solenoid connector to the CNG tank that may corrode and form a short.
Risk
A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.
Fix
GM will notify owners and GM dealers/fleets will perform the remedy which will include replacing the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses and adjusting the wiring routing. The recall began on August 5, 2013. GM's number for this recall is 13139. Impco's number for this recall is FA13GM001. Owner's may contact GM Fleet Action Center at 1-800-353-3867.
Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Pitman · Mar 22, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V112000 · 6,159 vehicles

Problem
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND SUBURBAN VEHICLES, AND GMC SAVANA AND YUKON XL HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES. THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY HARDENED AND COULD FRACTURE.
Risk
IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, A LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 4, 2012.
Air Bags · Nov 8, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V543000 · 1,798 vehicles

Problem
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2011. THE SECOND STAGE OF THE DUAL-STAGE AIR BAG WILL NOT INFLATE IN A SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT. ACCORDINGLY, THE AIR BAGS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Risk
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIR BAG WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.
Fix
GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GMC AT 1-800-462-8782 OR CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 GMC Savana Passenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

1Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
69,837 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 GMC Savana Passenger buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 1 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 69,837 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  4. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 GMC Savana Passenger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Savana Passenger years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2017 Savana Passenger13–Not rated67
2016 Savana Passenger13–Not rated76
2015 Savana Passenger13–Not rated42
2014 Savana Passenger14–Not rated71
2013 Savana Passenger14–Not rated92
2011 Savana Passenger14–Not rated51
2010 Savana Passenger14–Not rated42
2009 Savana Passenger14–Not rated61
2008 Savana Passenger14–Not rated22
2007 Savana Passenger14–Not rated13
2006 Savana Passenger15–Not rated12
2005 Savana Passenger15–Not rated12

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →