NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 GMC Savana Safety Ratings
The 2021 GMC Savana scores 62 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), 3 recalls, and 2 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 GMC Savana earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 62/100, placing it in the Below Average band. That score reflects limited crash-test coverage, a park-outside battery recall, and a modest avoidance-tech package. Shoppers should weigh those specific factors carefully before purchasing.
The 2021 GMC Savana received a NHTSA Safety Index of 62/100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, with frontal and side crash-test ratings not assigned by NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 4 Vans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 GMC Savana ranks 1 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
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| NHTSA Safety Index | 62 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 27.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 2 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 1 of 4 Vans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 GMC Savana?
The 2021 GMC Savana registered a Safety Index of 62/100, placing it in the Below Average band. This represents a four-point decline from the 2020 model's 66/100, indicating a downward trend in its safety profile. A significant factor in this year's performance is the crash-protection sub-score of 42 out of 70, largely due to the absence of frontal or side star ratings from NHTSA. The only crash-test data available for the 2021 model year pertains to rollover, where the Savana earned 3 out of 5 stars with a 28-percent risk. In terms of avoidance technology, the Savana received a sub-score of 6 out of 10. While electronic stability control is standard, both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are offered only as optional features. The defect record contributes a sub-score of 14 out of 20, influenced by three recall campaigns. Notably, one of these recalls includes an explicit "park outside" advisory for 6.6L gasoline-engine variants, addressing a battery cable fault. The cumulative data for 2021 shows the Savana's safety profile moving in a concerning direction.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 GMC Savana perform in crash tests?
The 2021 GMC Savana lacks an overall safety rating from NHTSA, as well as frontal and side crash ratings. These critical dimensions remain unassessed by federal standards. The single published figure for the Savana is a 3-out-of-5-star rollover rating, accompanied by a 28-percent rollover risk estimate and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test. The absence of comprehensive crash-test data for this model year represents an incomplete safety profile, leaving significant areas of performance unquantified by federal review.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15322
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 GMC Savana have any recalls?
Yes. The 2021 GMC Savana carries three recall campaigns. One targets electrical wiring across a broad range of 2003-2023 GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express Cutaway incomplete vehicles. A second, covering 2021 Express and Savana models with 6.6L gasoline engines, addresses a positive battery cable fault and carries a park-outside advisory. A third recall involves tires shared across several GM models. The park-outside campaign is the most urgent action item for current owners.
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 GMC Savana?
Two owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 GMC Savana. The top components cited in these unverified allegations are Steering, mentioned in two reports, and Engine, mentioned in one. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged in these filings. All complaints represent unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
2 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 GMC Savana?
For the 2021 GMC Savana, a critical recall regarding the battery cable merits attention from prospective owners. This specific recall advised owners to park outside until the remedy was completed, highlighting a significant safety concern. The presence of any open recall, including this one, can affect both the vehicle's safety profile and its insurability. Buyers are advised to verify that all recall remedies have been completed before purchase, using the vehicle's VIN to check the NHTSA database.
- The 2021 model year Safety Index of 62/100 represents a four-point decline from the 2020 Savana's 66/100, both within the Below Average band, making 2021 the weaker of the two consecutive years.
- A park-outside recall specific to 2021 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles with 6.6L gasoline engines addresses a positive battery cable defect and is the highest-urgency open safety action for this model year.
- NHTSA assigned no overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings to the 2021 Savana; the only rated crash dimension is rollover, which scored 3 out of 5 stars with a 28-percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional equipment on this model year, meaning many in-service 2021 Savanas may lack those avoidance technologies entirely.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 GMC Savana places
The 2021 GMC Savana qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 GMC Savana safety questions
Was the 2021 GMC Savana crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 GMC Savana, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 62 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 GMC Savana crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 GMC Savana earned 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 27.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 GMC Savana have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 GMC Savana, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 GMC Savana?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 2 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 GMC Savana. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Savana years
Rivals in Van (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chevrolet Express | 62/100 | not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 | 39/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 | 39/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15322), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the GMC Savana 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 1 of 4 in the Van class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.