2010 GMC Savana Passenger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Vans, Passenger Type
- Engines
- 5.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV
- MPG (best)
- 14 combined · 13 city / 17 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
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 3 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 GMC Savana Passenger is a van offered with a 5.3L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 14 MPG combined (13 city / 17 highway), for an estimated $4,800 a year in fuel.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the wheels.
What changed for 2010
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 Savana Passenger — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Savana Passenger →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savana 1500 2WD (Passenger) FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | – | $4,800 | 635 |
| Savana 1500 AWD (Passenger) FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | – | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 GMC Savana Passenger under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 vans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 GMC Savana Passenger (this car) | 14 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Chevrolet Express Passenger | 14 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2010 GMC Savana Cargo | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Chevrolet Express Cargo | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (4)
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.
Equipment · Apr 26, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V267000 · 6,154 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
- Risk
- In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
- 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's number for this recall is 18146.
Air Bags › Frontal · Mar 17, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V117000 · 303,013 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel may not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
- 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 this recall is 14082.
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator · Apr 6, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V138000 · 4,485 vehicles
- Problem
- GENERAL MOTORS HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VANS 2500, 3500 AND 4500 SERIES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE GENERATOR MAY DEVELOP A LOW RESISTANCE SHORT WITHIN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR.
- Risk
- THE LOW RESISTANCE SHORT COULD EVENTUALLY GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY SUSPECT GENERATORS IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Not every 2010 GMC Savana Passenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 GMC Savana Passenger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Wheels — 2 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 87,000 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 2010 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 |
| 2009 Savana Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 6 | 1 |
| 2008 Savana Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 2 | 2 |
| 2007 Savana Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 1 | 3 |
| 2006 Savana Passenger | 15 | – | Not rated | 1 | 2 |
| 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 →