Two problems related to tire tread/belt have been reported for the 2001 GMC Savana. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 GMC Savana based on all problems reported for the 2001 Savana.
Two tire failures within past 8 weeks. Bought four continental sport lt/SUV tires at walmart in colorado 6/18/04. Installed on 2001 GMC Savana (full size) passenger van 235/75r15. Tires have under 30,000 use by summer 2006. In June 2006, right rear tire failed with major tread separation and metal cords unraveled beneath tread causing egg shape and tire to become partial shrapnel. It was hot day; occurred within 10 minutes of driving at highway speed; tire pressure had been checked same day and was good per sidewall max psi rating. Replaced with pro rated discount. Today, Aug 29, 2006, another one of the tires failed in exact same manner! this was front right tire. Tire had separation just beneath tread causing egg shape and adverse handling. I have photos saved this time of damage. Tire pressure checked earlier same day and perfect per mfg psi rating on tire. Hot day (again), highway travel in arizona for one hour when tire failed. Tire coming apart internally, within tread area. I am now convinced something wrong with this whole batch of continental's from colorado in 2004. Perhaps you will find more complaints as motorists hit 30,000 mark.
While the vehicle was in motion, the rear tire on the drivers side peeled and the tire blew out and caused the vehicle to sway and the sway bar to break. On a separate occasion, the passenger tires rubber peeled away from the steel belt. As the rubber was peeling from the tire, it was hitting the sides of the vehicle causing numerous scratches and rubber marks as well as breaking pieces off of the rear panel.