GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity: All Years & Engines

The GMC Savana 3500 has been produced from 1996 to present with multiple engine options across gasoline and diesel variants. Using the correct oil capacity, viscosity, and type is essential for maintaining performance and longevity. This guide lists all model years with full oil specifications and maintenance recommendations.

2025 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2025 GMC Savana 3500 uses either a 4.3L V6 or 6.6L V8 gasoline engine requiring full synthetic dexos1 certified oil. The V6 requires 6.0 quarts while the V8 takes 8.0 quarts with filter replacement. Using SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil provides the right balance of protection and efficiency under normal driving conditions.

2024 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2024 GMC Savana 3500 maintains identical engine oil specifications to the 2025 model. Both the 4.3L V6 and 6.6L V8 require Dexos1-certified full synthetic 5W-30 motor oil. These specifications ensure proper engine lubrication and protection across all operating temperatures.

2023 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2023 GMC Savana 3500 dropped the 2.8L turbodiesel engine option and continued with only gasoline engines. The 4.3L V6 requires 6.0 quarts while the 6.6L V8 needs 8.0 quarts of dexos1 5W-30 full synthetic oil. GMC recommends oil changes based on the Oil Life System monitoring or at least annually.

2022 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2022 GMC Savana 3500 offered three engine options including the 2.8L turbodiesel Duramax. The flex-fuel 4.3L V6 accepts either 5W-30 or 0W-30 viscosity oil. Diesel engines require specialized diesel-rated synthetic oil with different viscosity specifications.

2021 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2021 GMC Savana 3500 uses a 4.3L V6 requiring 6.0 quarts of full synthetic oil. The 6.6L V8 L8T engine needs 8.1 quarts with a filter change. All engines benefit from regular oil changes following the manufacturer’s Oil Life System recommendations.

2020 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2020 GMC Savana 3500 uses full synthetic oil across all three available engine options. The diesel turbo 2.8L engine requires specialized synthetic oil with 0W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity ratings. Oil capacity ranges from 5.9 quarts for the diesel to 8.1 quarts for the V8 gasoline engine.

2019 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2019 GMC Savana 3500 uses a 6.0L V8 L96 as the mid-range gasoline option, requiring 6.0 quarts. Both the 4.3L V6 and 6.0L V8 flex-fuel engines share the same oil capacity specifications. The turbodiesel option provides better fuel economy with slightly lower oil capacity requirements.

2018 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2018 GMC Savana 3500 uses full synthetic motor oil across all engine configurations. The 4.3L and 6.0L engines both require 6.0 quarts when changing the oil filter. Proper oil viscosity selection ensures optimal protection in varying temperature conditions.

2017 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2017 GMC Savana 3500 offers the 4.8L V8 L20 and 6.0L V8 L96 engine options. Both engines maintain a consistent 6.0 quart oil capacity with filter. The flex-fuel variants accept the same oil specifications as their standard counterparts.

2016 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2016 GMC Savana 3500 requires 6.0 quarts of synthetic oil for all V8 engine configurations. The maintenance schedule recommends oil changes based on the Oil Life System monitoring. Tire rotation and multi-point inspection should coincide with oil change intervals.

2015 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2015 GMC Savana 3500 uses Generation III small-block V8 engines requiring full synthetic motor oil. The 4.8L and 6.0L V8 options both require 6.0 quarts with filter replacement. Consistent oil maintenance extends engine life and maintains warranty coverage.

2014 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2014 GMC Savana 3500 maintains consistent oil capacity specifications across all V8 engine options. Using manufacturer-approved full synthetic oil ensures proper engine protection and performance. Oil changes should follow the vehicle’s Oil Life System recommendations.

2013 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2013 GMC Savana 3500 uses LS-series V8 engines with 6.0 quart oil capacity. Both standard and flex-fuel 6.0L engines share identical oil specifications. Regular oil filter replacement maintains proper oil flow and engine protection.

2012 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2012 GMC Savana 3500 offers both gasoline and diesel engine options. The 6.6L Duramax diesel requires significantly more oil at 10.0 quarts compared to gasoline engines. Diesel engines require specialized diesel-rated synthetic oil with higher viscosity ratings.

2011 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2011 GMC Savana 3500 uses synthetic blend oil for gasoline engines and full synthetic for diesel. All three gasoline V8 variants maintain 6.0 quart capacity. The diesel option requires 10.0 quarts to properly lubricate the larger displacement turbocharged engine.

2010 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2010 GMC Savana 3500 features three different 6.0L V8 engine codes with identical oil specifications. Using synthetic blend oil provides enhanced protection compared to conventional oil. The LMM diesel engine requires heavy-duty diesel-rated oil for proper turbocharger lubrication.

2009 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2009 GMC Savana 3500 maintains consistent engine oil specifications with previous model years. Synthetic blend oil offers better temperature resistance than conventional oil. The diesel engine oil capacity is nearly double that of gasoline engines.

2008 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2008 GMC Savana 3500 uses the same engine lineup and oil specifications as 2007-2012 models. All gasoline engines require 6.0 quarts while the diesel needs 10.0 quarts. Proper torque specification on the drain plug prevents leaks and thread damage.

2007 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2007 GMC Savana 3500 marks the beginning of the Generation III LS-series engine era. These engines require 6.0 quarts of synthetic blend oil with 5W-30 or 0W-30 viscosity. The updated engines provide improved fuel economy and performance.

2006 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2006 GMC Savana 3500 offers four engine configurations including the 6.6L Duramax diesel. The diesel turbo engine requires 10.0 quarts of specialized diesel oil. Using AC Delco oil filters ensures proper fitment and filtration efficiency.

2005 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2005 GMC Savana 3500 uses three different V8 gasoline engines with identical oil specifications. All engines require 6.0 quarts of synthetic blend 5W-30 or 0W-30 oil. The flex-fuel 4.8L option provides E85 capability without changing oil requirements.

2004 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2004 GMC Savana 3500 continues with LS-series V8 engines introduced in 2003. These modern engines require 6.0 quarts of oil with improved filtration systems. The transition to Generation III engines improved reliability and efficiency.

2003 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2003 GMC Savana 3500 introduced Generation III LS-series V8 engines to the lineup. The 4.8L and 6.0L engines replaced older generation powertrains with improved efficiency. Both engines require 6.0 quarts of synthetic blend oil for optimal protection.

2002 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2002 GMC Savana 3500 offered six different engine options with varying oil capacities. Conventional oil was standard for this model year with 5,000 mile change intervals. The 7.4L V8 came with two different filter configurations affecting oil capacity.

2001 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2001 GMC Savana 3500 maintains the same six-engine lineup as 2002. Conventional motor oil was recommended with more frequent change intervals. The diesel engine requires higher oil capacity at 8.0 quarts.

2000 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2000 GMC Savana 3500 uses conventional motor oil across all six engine options. Oil capacities range from 4.5 quarts for the V6 to 8.0 quarts for the diesel. The 8.1L big-block V8 provides maximum towing capacity.

1999 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 1999 GMC Savana 3500 maintains identical engine oil specifications to 2000-2002 models. All engines use conventional oil with 5,000 mile change intervals. The variety of engine options provides flexibility for different duty cycles.

1998 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 1998 GMC Savana 3500 offers five engine options including the turbocharged diesel. Conventional motor oil with 5W-30 or 10W-30 viscosity was standard. The diesel engine requires specialized diesel oil with higher viscosity ratings.

1997 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 1997 GMC Savana 3500 marks the second production year with five engine options. All gasoline engines accept either 5W-30 or 10W-30 conventional oil. The 6.5L diesel turbo requires 8.0 quarts of diesel-rated oil.

1996 GMC Savana 3500 Engine Oil Capacity

The 1996 GMC Savana 3500 represents the first model year of production. Five engine options were available, including a 4.3L V6, 5.7L V8, 6.5L diesel, and 7.4L V8. Conventional oil was standard with 5,000 mile or 6 month change intervals.

Oil Maintenance and Service Tips

Checking Oil Level

Check engine oil level on a cold engine before starting or wait 15 minutes after shutdown. The vehicle must be parked on level ground for accurate dipstick readings. Oil level should remain between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick.

Oil Change Best Practices

Most GMC Savana 3500 models use the Oil Life System to monitor oil condition and determine change intervals. When the system indicates service is needed, complete the oil change within 600 miles. Oil and filter must be changed at least once annually even if mileage has not been reached.

Oil Filter Replacement

Always replace the oil filter during every oil change to maintain proper filtration. Use OEM AC Delco filters or equivalent quality aftermarket filters that meet GMC specifications. The filter contains approximately 0.5 quarts of the total oil capacity.

Severe Driving Conditions

Vehicles operating under severe conditions require more frequent oil changes. Severe conditions include frequent short trips, extended idling, towing, dusty conditions, and extreme temperatures. Consult your owner’s manual for specific severe service intervals.

Normal vs. Severe Driving Conditions

Proper oil maintenance extends engine life and maintains optimal performance. Using manufacturer-approved oil types and viscosities ensures warranty compliance.

When exploring GMC, don’t miss our detailed guides on popular models like the GMC Terrain, GMC Canyon, GMC Savana 2500, and GMC Sierra 3500. Understanding engine oil capacity is crucial for proper maintenance, and our expert resources explain the exact oil requirements for these models. You’ll also find insights on recommended oil types, service intervals, and common issues linked to incorrect oil levels, ensuring your GMC always delivers reliable performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of oil does a GMC Savana 3500 use?

Most modern GMC Savana 3500 models from 2003-present use full synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil. The recommended viscosity is SAE 5W-30 for gasoline engines, with dexos1 certification required on 2023 and newer models. Diesel engines require specialized diesel-rated synthetic oil with 5W-40 or 15W-40 viscosity.

How much oil does a GMC Savana 3500 take?

Oil capacity varies by engine configuration. Gasoline V6 engines require 6.0 quarts, V8 gasoline engines need 6.0-8.1 quarts, and diesel engines require 5.9-10.0 quarts with filter. The 6.6L Duramax diesel holds the most at 10.0 quarts.

What is the recommended oil type for a GMC Savana 3500?

The recommended oil type depends on model year. Models from 1996-2002 used conventional oil, 2003-2014 used synthetic blend, and 2015-present require full synthetic oil. All 2023 and newer models require dexos1 certified full synthetic motor oil.

What is the oil change interval for a GMC Savana 3500?

Most GMC Savana 3500 models equipped with the Oil Life System should follow system recommendations, typically 7,500 miles under normal driving. Older models using conventional oil require changes every 5,000 miles or 6 months. Oil must be changed at least annually regardless of mileage.

Can I use 0W-30 instead of 5W-30 in my Savana 3500?

Yes, 0W-30 is an acceptable alternative to 5W-30 for most GMC Savana 3500 engines from 2003-2022. The 0W-30 provides better cold-start protection in extremely cold climates. Both viscosities meet GMC specifications for proper engine protection.

What oil filter does a GMC Savana 3500 use?

Oil filter part numbers vary by engine. Common filters include AC Delco PF63 for newer V8 gasoline engines, PF48 for 4.8L and 6.0L LS engines, and PF2232 for diesel engines. Always verify the correct filter for your specific engine code.

Conclusion

The GMC Savana 3500 requires specific oil capacities ranging from 4.5 to 10.0 quarts depending on engine configuration. Modern models from 2015-present require full synthetic dexos1 certified 5W-30 oil, while earlier models used conventional or synthetic blend formulations. Using manufacturer-approved oil specifications ensures optimal engine protection and longevity. Regular oil changes following the Oil Life System recommendations or at least annually maintain warranty coverage and vehicle reliability.