2013 GMC Savana Passenger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 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
- 9 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- 9 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 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 2013 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 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the tires.
What changed for 2013
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Savana Passenger — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Savana Passenger →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savana 1500 2WD (Passenger) FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | +7% | $4,800 | 617 |
| Savana 1500 AWD (Passenger) FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | +7% | $4,800 | 617 |
| Savana 2500 2WD (Passenger) FFV | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -1% | $5,150 | 670 |
| Savana 3500 2WD (Passenger) FFV | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -1% | $5,150 | 670 |
| Savana 2500 2WD (Passenger) FFV | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 16 / 13 | -1% | $5,150 | 705 |
| Savana 3500 2WD (Passenger) FFV | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 16 / 12 | -8% | $5,600 | 714 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 GMC Savana Passenger.
Similar 2013 vans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 GMC Savana Passenger (this car) | 14 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2013 Chevrolet Express Passenger | 14 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2013 Ford E350 Wagon | 13 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2013 GMC Savana Cargo | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Chevrolet Express Cargo | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Ford E350 Van | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Ford E250 Van | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (9)
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.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Oct 30, 2015
NHTSA campaign 13V544000 · 1,808 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, and model year 2013 GMC Savana compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 303 "Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles." In the affected vehicles, the text of the CNG fuel-only label is smaller than the required size, and as a result, may be less noticeable.
- Risk
- Text that does not conform to the required labeling size could inhibit fuel tank inspection practices and safe refueling, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners and will send them a replacement label, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2015. 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 13365.
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.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Apr 17, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V147000 · 885 vehicles
- Problem
- Explorer Van Company, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer and Explorer Limited SE vehicles built on GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express chassis, manufactured August 1, 2012, through April 9, 2013. The wiring harness that powers the seat adjuster and the seat heating circuit may not be properly secured. As a result, the harness may become lodged in the seat riser mechanism.
- Risk
- If the wires become lodged in the seat riser mechanism, they may become severed and potentially short circuit. A short circuit may result in a fire.
- Fix
- Explorer Van Company will notify owners, and dealers will secure the seat wiring harness. Any damaged seat wiring harnesses will be replaced. These services will be completed free of charge. The recall began on May 10, 2013. Customers may contact Explorer Van Company at 1-800-926-7878. Explorer's number for this campaign is 2013-1.
Electrical System › Ignition · Jan 14, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V010000 · 980 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Express vehicles manufactured November 1, 2012, through December 21, 2012; and model year 2013 GMC Savana vehicles, manufactured November 14, 2012, through November 20, 2012. It may be possible to remove the key from the ignition when the vehicle is running or the transmission is not in the Park position. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection."
- Risk
- If the ignition key is removed while the vehicle is still on and/or the vehicle is not in Park, the vehicle may rollaway and the unintended movement of the vehicle may result in a possible crash or injury to pedestrians.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition lock cylinder and the two associated keys. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2013. For more information, GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463 and Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Jan 2, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V001000 · 54,686 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.
- Risk
- As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463.
Not every 2013 GMC Savana Passenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 GMC Savana Passenger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Tires — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 67,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 GMC Savana Passenger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Savana Passenger years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Savana Passenger | 13 | – | Not rated | 6 | 7 |
| 2016 Savana Passenger | 13 | – | Not rated | 7 | 6 |
| 2015 Savana Passenger | 13 | – | Not rated | 4 | 2 |
| 2014 Savana Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 7 | 1 |
| 2012 Savana Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 7 | 1 |
| 2011 Savana Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 5 | 1 |
| 2010 Savana Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 4 | 2 |
| 2009 Savana Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 6 | 1 |
| 2008 Savana Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2007 Savana Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2006 Savana Passenger | 15 | – | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 2005 Savana Passenger | 15 | – | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or GMC. How we calculate this →