Model year guide

2011 GMC Savana

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2011 GMC Savana is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 10 on record.

2011 GMC Savana — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2011 GMC Savana at a glance

Safety recalls5
Combined12–17 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2011 GMC Savana recalls 5

Electrical System:wiring NHTSA Campaign #23V247000 · manufacturer #N222386050 · 06/04/2023

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.

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 N2…

Equipment NHTSA Campaign #18V267000 · manufacturer #18146 · 26/04/2018

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 ex…

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'…

Fuel System, Other NHTSA Campaign #14V500000 · manufacturer #14321 / 14758 · 13/08/2014

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.

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 NHTSA Campaign #14V117000 · manufacturer #14082 · 17/03/2014

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 abo…

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 t…

Fuel System, Other NHTSA Campaign #13V225000 · manufacturer #13139/FA13GM001 · 15/05/2013

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 corro…

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…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 8 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2011 GMC Savana MPG & running costs

Combined12–17 mpg
City12 mpg
Highway17 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$5,008
EPA size classVans, Cargo Type
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd or Automatic 6-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$13,038 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 13 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2011 GMC Savana costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$25,040
Fuel only$25,040
Per mile$0.33

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Investigations & service bulletins

Manufacturer service bulletins 1712

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 1712.

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902W · Sep 2026

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

Bulletin PIT3271Q · Apr 2026

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

Bulletin PIP6104 · Mar 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902V · Mar 2026

This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax Coating on Frame Peeling, Metal Shows Corrosion/Rusting due to issue with getting product from current supplier listed in the bulletin.

Bulletin PIT6400A · Jan 2026

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Bulletin PIP4902U · Jan 2026

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit vibration conditions without utilizing the support of General M…

Bulletin PIT5214G · Nov 2025

This preliminary information states to reuse a fastener during a front sensor replacement due to a supply issue.

Bulletin PIT6448 · Nov 2025

This preliminary information states to reuse a fastener during a front sensor replacement due to a supply issue.

Bulletin PIT6448 · Oct 2025

New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

Bulletin 13598 · Sep 2025

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SAVANA CARGO 1500 RWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 7

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2011 GMC Savana. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Electrical

Issue: On certain vehicles, an unused wiring harness for a rear HVAC blower motor, located in the left B-pillar area, could become damaged if exposed to moisture or contaminants. If this happens, the wires could short circuit. Note: This recall only affects cutaway chassis incomplete vehicles. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Gener…

Transport Canada #2023210 · Apr 2023

Other

Issue: Certain vehicles may have incorrect body control module software. As a result, the immobilization system is not active during the learning procedure for a new "unlearned" blank replacement key could be used during a 30 minute reprogramming procedure to disable the immobilization system. During this time, the vehicle cannot be driven. Safety Risk: This small error does no…

Transport Canada #2020479 · Oct 2020

Brakes

Certain vehicles equipped with a hinged left side rear door may have a condition where inadequate clearance between the rear brake lines and the lower fuel filler hose clamp may result in abrasion to one or both rear brake lines. This condition could cause brake fluid loss which could result in decreased brake line pressure, increased brake pedal travel and increased stopping d…

Transport Canada #2015352 · Aug 2015

Fuel System

On certain compressed natural gas (CNG) fuelled vehicles, the CNG high pressure regulator may leak natural gas. Should a leak occur in the presence of an ignition source, a fire or explosion could result, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the regulator. Note: If a leak is suspected, owners should not start nor drive their…

Transport Canada #2014352 · Aug 2014

Seats And Restraints

Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 201 - Occupant Protection. During a frontal impact below the airbag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head were to impact the instrument panel where the passenger airbag is located, it could decelerate at a rate higher than what is allowable by the standard. This c…

Transport Canada #2014083 · Mar 2014

Brakes

On certain vehicles, the right rear brake hose may contact the tire or wheel rim, which could cause chafe damage resulting in a brake fluid leak. This could increase stopping distances, possibly resulting in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will secure the right rear brake hose to ensure sufficient clearance to the wheel/tire assembly.…

Transport Canada #2011188 · May 2011

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the GMC Savana

The Chevrolet Express is a series of full-size vans produced by General Motors since 1996. The successor to the Chevrolet G-series van, the Express is produced in passenger and cargo variants. Alongside the standard van body, the line is offered as a cutaway van chassis, which is a chassis cab variant developed for commercial-grade applications, including ambulances, buses, motorhomes, and small trucks.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2011 GMC Savana trims & engines on record

Trims
LS 1500 · EXT LT
Engines
6.0L 8-cyl · 5.3L 8-cyl

2011 GMC Savana vehicles on record

Other GMC Savana model years

2011 GMC Savana — frequently asked questions

Does the 2011 GMC Savana have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2011 GMC Savana. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What gas mileage does the 2011 GMC Savana get?

The 2011 GMC Savana has U.S. EPA estimates of 12–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (13 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.