MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 GMC Savana

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

3Recalls
2Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE GMC SAVANA

The GMC Savana is a full-size van built for work, hauling, and passenger transport rather than the typical family sedan segment. Aimed at fleet operators, contractors, and large-family buyers who need serious cargo or seating capacity, the Savana has remained a utilitarian staple in the commercial and passenger van space across its 2019 to 2025 model years covered here.

VERDICT

Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2021 GMC Savana carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. It has 3 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the GMC Savana as a capable, straightforward workhorse that excels at raw hauling and passenger capacity. Most acknowledge its aging platform and note it lacks the modern driver-assistance technology found in newer van competitors. It is typically recommended for commercial or fleet use rather than as a primary family vehicle.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

OverallNot rated
FrontalNot rated
SideNot rated
Rollover
Rollover risk 27.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15322

Index breakdown

Crash protection42/70
Avoidance tech6/10
Defect record14/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

Park outside / do not drive This vehicle has a recall advising owners to park away from structures or stop driving until repaired. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING23V247000

Risk: An overheated electrical circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

Reported 2023-04-06

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES21V189000

Risk: A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is complete. GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove a portion of the anti-rotation tab on both positive battery cable terminals near the fuse block assembly attachments, free of charge. If too much of the tab had been removed during prior servicing, the battery cable will be replaced, free of charge

Reported 2021-03-18

TIRES21V115000

Risk: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Reported 2021-02-25

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsSteering 2Engine 1

Other Savana years

Rivals in Van (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15322), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for GMC Savana 2021. Class rank 1 of 4 in Van 2021. Methodology · Disclosure