DecodedCars2006 GMC Savana Passenger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.
- Class
- Vans, Passenger Type
- Engines
- 4.3L 6-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 15 combined · 13 city / 18 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2006 GMC Savana Passenger is a van offered with 2 engines (4.3L 6-cyl and 5.3L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 15 MPG combined (13 city / 18 highway), 5% better than the 2006 van average of 14.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,450 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2006
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2005 Savana Passenger — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Savana Passenger →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savana 1500/2500 2WD (Passenger) | 4.3L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | +5% | $4,450 | 592 |
| Savana 1500/2500 2WD (Passenger) | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -2% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Savana 1500 AWD (Passenger) | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | -2% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 GMC Savana Passenger under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2006 vans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 GMC Savana Passenger (this car) | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Express Passenger | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Ford E150 Econoline | 15 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2006 GMC Savana Cargo | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Van 1500 | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Van 15/25 Conversion | 14 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2006 Chevrolet Van 1500/2500 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
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.
Not every 2006 GMC Savana Passenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2006 GMC Savana Passenger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 72,000 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 2006 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 |
| 2013 Savana Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 9 | 2 |
| 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 |
| 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 →