2019 GMC Savana
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2019 GMC Savana maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your GMC Savana.
For oil changes, the 2019 GMC Savana takes 15W-40 motor oil with a capacity of 10 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Dex-Cool (OAT), and transmission fluid is Dexron VI. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the GMC Savana, torque the lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2019 GMC Savana have reported 5 common issues including "Transmission Control Module Software Defect", "Rear Wheel Momentary Lockup at Low Speed" and "6.6L V8 Engine Compartment Fire Risk". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 5 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2019 GMC Savana. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2019 GMC Savana uses 15W-40 motor oil (10 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 140 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2019 GMC Savana. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2019 GMC Savana.
Common problems reported by 2019 GMC Savana owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Transmission Control Module Software Defect
The Savana shares the same TCM software defect as the Express. Vans with the 4.3L V6/8-speed or 2.8L turbodiesel/8-speed combinations have software that can cause harsh shifting, sudden deceleration, and unintended vehicle direction changes from a stop. A total of 23,102 Savana units are affected.
GM recall for TCM software reprogramming. Dealers update the transmission control module with corrected software at no cost to the owner.
Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)Rear Wheel Momentary Lockup at Low Speed
Like the Express, the Savana can experience brief rear wheel lockup or sudden direction change at low speed due to transmission control valve wear. This poses a risk to both the driver and nearby pedestrians or vehicles, especially in parking lots and loading areas where these vans are frequently operated.
GM safety recall for updated TCM software that monitors valve wear and prevents lockup conditions. If internal transmission damage is detected, the valve body is replaced under a special coverage program.
Est. Cost: $0 (recall) - $2,000 (valve body replacement)6.6L V8 Engine Compartment Fire Risk
Savana vans with the 6.6L gas V8 share the wiring harness short circuit risk with the Express. A short circuit can cause low battery voltage warnings, battery failure, or engine compartment fire. Commercial fleet operators should be particularly vigilant as these vans often carry cargo and passengers.
GM recall for wiring harness inspection and repair. Dealers install protective conduit over the vulnerable section of the engine wiring harness. The repair is performed free of charge.
Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)Brake System Component Wear
The Savana's heavy-duty usage leads to accelerated brake wear, especially on vans configured for passenger or heavy cargo use. Front brake rotors are prone to warping, causing pulsation during braking. Rear drum brake hardware can seize, leading to uneven brake application and increased stopping distances.
Replace front brake pads and rotors. Recondition or replace rear brake drums and hardware kit. Inspect wheel cylinders for leaks. For vans used in heavy-duty applications, consider upgrading to premium brake components rated for higher temperatures.
Est. Cost: $400 - $1,200HVAC and Heater Core Issues
The heating and air conditioning system can develop problems including weak airflow, no heat from the vents, and coolant leaks from the heater core. Heater core failure causes coolant to leak into the cabin, producing a sweet smell and fogging the windshield. The heater core on the Savana is particularly labor-intensive to replace.
Inspect the heater core for leaks and replace if necessary. The labor-intensive replacement requires significant dashboard disassembly. Replace the blower motor if airflow is weak. Check the coolant level and thermostat operation for no-heat conditions.
Est. Cost: $300 (blower motor) - $1,800 (heater core replacement)5 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2019 GMC Savana. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
An overheated electrical circuit increases the risk of a fire.
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.
TIRES
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles. The seatbelt-unfastened warning light will not illuminate for approximately five seconds after the ignition is moved to the "on" or "start" position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Without the seatbelt warning reminder, the driver may forget to fasten the seatbelt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192264500.
EQUIPMENT
Unicell Body Company Inc. (Unicell) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanna, 2018-2019 Hino 155, Ford Econoline and Transit and Isuzu NPR, and 2018 Ram ProMaster-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The affected monitors may revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Unicell will work with ASA Electronics to notify owners and offer a remedy, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics customer service 1-800-384-4400 or Unicell at 1-716-853-8628.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles. One or both of the rear-quarter windows may be tempered glass instead of laminated glass. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Tempered glass increases the risk of injury in the event of a side impact or rollover crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tempered glass windows with laminated glass windows, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N192218960.
