Should I buy a 2006 GMC Savana with documented steering problems?

Depends on the price and the specific vehicle. Documented steering issues should be priced into the purchase — if the seller is asking full retail, negotiate down by the expected repair cost. A pre-purchase inspection from an independent shop tells you whether THIS specific vehicle has already shown the symptoms or not.

2006 GMC Savana steering problems

moderate 3 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700

Complaints

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$700

What owners are reporting 3 most recent

steering · filed 06/01/2008

THE POWER STEERING HOSE WAS RUBBING AGAINST THE POWER STEERING PULLEY. THE RUBBING CAUSE THE HOSE TO FAIL AND LEAK POWER STEERING FLUID ON THE PULLEY, SERPENTINE BELT AND NEARBY COMPONENTS. I DID NOT SEE ANY CLAMPS TO HOLD THE HOSE AWAY FROM ANY MOVING PARTS. *TR

steering · filed 05/16/2011

HAD PROBLEMS WITH TIE RODS IN GMC SAVANA 2006 AND THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME. SOMEONE SHOULD BE CHECKING INTO WHY THESE TIE RODS ARE BREAKING, CRACKING, LOOSENING UP CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL AND PULL TO ONE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS ALSO A CUSTOM HANDICAPPED VAN WITH A HEAVY LIFT AND CARRYING PRECIOUS CARGO : MY SON WHO IS MY LIFE. IF THESE BREAK THE STEERING WILL BE GON…

steering · filed 04/23/2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SAVANNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL TO START AND THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE WHEN BRAKING. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SEIZE ABNORMALLY WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND WAS ADVISED THAT A HOSE WAS LEAKING FROM THE HYDRAULIC ASSIST FROM THE POWER…

Common questions

How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 GMC Savana?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 3 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the steering typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to steering?

No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.