1996 GMC Safari

Routine

Owners filed 139 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the suspension. It has been recalled 6 times.

Avoid One of the GMC Safari years to avoid: 2.3× the complaints of a typical Safari year. Which GMC Safari years to avoid →

Most common 1996 GMC Safari problems

28 of the 139 complaints (20%) are about the suspension.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar19
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes14
412
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer12
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor7
000
Structure › Body › Door · body and frame6
002
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner6
000
Suspension › Front5
100
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls4
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes4
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags3
307

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Exterior Lighting06E026000
Filed Mar 23, 200661,944 vehiclesPro-A Motors, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer03V159000
Filed Apr 28, 20031,755,876 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.

Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices01V123000
Filed Apr 10, 2001461,851 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE "FASTEN SAFETY-BELT" AUDIBLE WARNING OCCASIONALLY MAY NOT COME ON OR MAY TERMINATE IN LESS THAN FOUR SECONDS AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

Risk. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW ALARM MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 27, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.

Child Seat99V009000
Filed Jan 20, 19992,090 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRATED DUAL CHILD SEATS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY BE MISSING A SEAT BELT RETRACTOR CLUTCH SPRING AND/OR PAWL SPRING IN THE CHILD SEAT. IF THE CLUTCH SPRING WAS MISSING, THE SEAT BELT WOULD LOCK IN THE RETRACTED POSITION AND COULD NOT BE USED. IF THE PAWL SPRING WAS MISSING, THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT WOULD CONTINUALLY PLAY OUT AND WOULD NOT LOCK.

Risk. THESE CONDITIONS COULD INCREASE THE OCCUPANT'S RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELTS ON THE CHILD SEATS, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CHILD SEAT.

Seat Belts › Rear/Other97V057000
Filed Apr 8, 199718,972 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE RIGHT-HAND REAR BUCKET SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A VEHICLE CRASH.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD RESULT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTOR ON THE REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME.

All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Dec 19, 2009130,000 milesCT

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILS EVEN WITH NEW BATTERY, ALTERNATOR. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO START VEHICLE ALL POWER IS LOST. HAPPENED LAST YEAR IS HAPPENING AGAIN, ONLY IN WINTER. KILLS BATTERY AFTER BATTERY. HAVE BOUGHT 3 BATTERIES, NOW THE ELECTRICAL POWER JUST DOES NOT COME ON. *TR

Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar
Filed Jun 29, 2006132,890 milesMN

GMC SAFARI VAN WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, NEXT MORNING IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT HAD COLLAPSED AND WAS JUST 2 INCHES OFF THE PAVEMENT, INNER FENDERS WERE TOUCHING THE TIRES. DISCOVERED THAT THE TORSION BARS HAD FAILED, DEALER SAID REPAIRS WILL BE $1000, PART HAS BEEN REDESIGNED AND HAS A NEW MOUNTING KIT TO GO ALONG WITH NEW TORSION BARS . VEHICLE IS USED AS SECOND FAMILY CAR AND DRIVEN BY DAUGHTER FOR SCHOOL AND WORK, LUCKILY FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE PARKED. *NM

Electrical System
Filed Feb 16, 200587,000 milesNY

THE CONSUMER 1996 GMC SAFARI VAN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH FUEL PUMP. *BF THE FUEL PUMP DID NOT PUMP FUEL. THE FUEL PUMP SUFFERED ELECTRICAL DAMAGE. THE FUEL FILTER WAS CHANGED WHEN THE REBUILT ENGINE WAS PLACED IN THE VEHICLE. THE MAIN BEARING WAS SHOT. *SC

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Feb 16, 200587,000 milesNY

PROBLEM WITH 1996 GMC SAFARI VAN NOT STARTING. *BF THE MECHANIC FOUND THE FUEL PUMP WAS NOT PUMPING FUEL. UPON RETRIEVING THE FUEL PUMP FROM THE GAS TANK, HE FOUND IT TO HAVE SUFFERED SEVERE ELECTRICAL DAMAGE. THE ACTUAL FAILURE WAS NOT THE FUEL PUMP, BUT BECAUSE IT GENERATED ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT THE HOSE COMING FROM THE PUMP ALONG THE CONNECTION. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED HE HAD TO HAVE A REBUILT ENGINE INSTALLED AFTER THE FIRST ENGINE FAILED WITH ONLY 87,000 MILES. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 5, 200579,000 milesMI

THE BRAKES WILL NOT ENGAGE INTERMITTENTLY. AT TIMES THERE WAS A NOISE. DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO THEY WILL REPLACE THE ABS SYSTEM. *AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Nov 15, 200478,000 milesGA

POWER WINDOWS DO NOT WORK. CONSUMER CHECKED THE FUSES, AND THE FUSES ARE NOT THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AFTER MARKET REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE DEFECT WAS NOTICED. *AK NO RECALL FOUND ON THIS ISSUE. *TC

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Aug 30, 200478,000 milesGA

THE POWER WINDOWS FAILED. AS A RESULT, WHEN THE WINDOWS WERE UP THEY WERE UNABLE TO COME BACK DOWN. *AK

Suspension › Front
Filed Aug 18, 200496,000 milesWI

TORSION BAR BROKEN

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors
Filed Jul 21, 200498,162 milesMI

THE VEHICLE IDLED ROUGH,THE SERVICE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THEN THE ENGINE MIFIRED. THIS OCCURED BECAUSE THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE EITHER STUCK IN THE OPEN OR CLOSE POSITION. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED DUE TO DEPOSIT BUILD UP WHICH CAUSED THE POPPET VALVE TO STICK AND FAIL. THERE WAS TSB #000604003B ON THIS ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP CLEANED THE INJECTORS, BUT SHOULD OF REPLACED THE CSFI FUEL SYSTEM AS PER THE TSB. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jul 21, 200493,230 milesMI

COOLANT LEAK CAUSE BY INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE. *LA

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Jul 8, 20041,700 milesFL

DUNLOP ROVER TIRE FAILED AT 17000 MILES. TIRE A COMPLETE LOSS .TIRE REPLACED BLAMED ON POOR WORKMANSHIP.OLD TIRE KEEP AT PLACE OF PURCHASE.*AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar
Filed Apr 26, 2004UT

WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A BOOMING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT PASSENGER SIDE TORSION BAR BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TORSION BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Mar 23, 2004100,000 milesMO

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS BROKE. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE SWERVED OUT OF CONTROL. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL AND STOP. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash
Filed Feb 5, 2004140,450 milesOH

ABS SYSTEM ENGAGES WHEN BRAKES PRESSED ON DRY PAVEMENT, WHICH CAUSES A DELAYED STOP-TIME OF ABOUT 3 SECONDS. HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 15, 2004109,000 milesNJ

SINCE THE MIDDLE OF LAST YEAR, WE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM W/ABS BRAKES. WHEN YOU WOULD SLOW DOWN & GET TO ABOUT 20 MPH, THE VAN WOULD START TO LOCK UP RENDERING THE VEHICLE OUT OF CONTROL & UNABLE TO STOP. WE TOOK IT TO OUR USUAL MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE SENSOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS BAD & REPLACED IT. THAT LASTED ABOUT 6 MONTHS & WE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM REOCCUR. AGAIN, OUR MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT (PULLING HIS HAIR OUT MIND YOU) & DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS UNEQUAL VOLTAGE, SO HE REPLACED BOTH SENSORS. NOW AGAIN WE STARTED HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. AS OF TODAY, THE ABS LIGHT IS ON & THE SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING. WE ARE NOT HAVING ANY PROBLEMS STOPPING NOW. ANYWAY, I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH & NOTICED THAT A GOOD NUMBER OF GM VEHICLES HAVE HAD ABS RECALLS, 1 STORY I READ WAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I REQUESTED SEVERAL THINGS FROM GM. 1) DIRECTION TO GO NOW; 2) REIMBURSEMENT FOR THESE EXPENSES(APPROX $800); 3) ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED THE RIGHT WAY & 4)A RECALL BE PLACED ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE ALSO. IF THERE WAS A RECALL PLACED ON IT, WE DID NOT RECEIVE IT IN THE MAIL. UNFORTUNATELEY, I WAS SENT A REPLY BASICALLY SAYING THAT THE 1996 MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. IF I FEEL THERE'S A FAILURE, THEN I SHOULD VISIT A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT (AT MY OWN EXPENSE PROBABLY). THERE'S AN OBVIOUS TRACK RECORD WITH THIS ABS SYSTEM, HOWEVER IT DOESNT SEEM LIKE THEY WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILTY FOR IT.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 15, 200466,000 milesNC

WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT OPERATE - RECALLED - DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS REPAIRED, NOW WIPERS OPERATE WHENEVER IT FEELS LIKE IT. BOTH TORSION RODS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WITHIN 1 DAY APART OF EACH OTHER. MECHANIC REVEALED THAT GM NOW HAS A SPECIAL TECHNIQUE TO BE DONE WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND IT COSTS AN EXTRA $90 TO REPAIR. WHICH MEANS THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND WILL NOT RECALL THE VEHICLES AND REPLACE AT THEIR COST. BROKEN SPARK PLUG ALMOST KILLED MY FAMILY. FUEL PUMP WENT OUT. DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DOES NOT ROLL DOWN, DRIVER'S SIDE VIEW MIRROR DOES NOT OPERATE.

Suspension
Filed Jan 15, 200494,000 milesUN

LEFT SIDE TORSION BAR SNAPPED WHEN DRIVING. THE REPAIR SHOP CHANGED BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE TORSION BARS AND ARMS EVEN THOUGH THE RIGHT SIDE WAS FULLY FUNCTIONAL. GM'S PARTS DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THIS WAS A MANUFACTURING DESIGN PROBLEM AND THUS I HAD TO CHANGE BOTH SIDES. THIS HAS APPARENTLY BEEN A PROBLEM WITH OTHER SAME MODEL CARS AS WELL. I FEEL THAT IF THAT IS THE CASE, THEN THEY SHOULD RECALL ALL CARS BECAUSE IT POSES A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD.

Suspension
Filed Jan 15, 2004170,625 milesUN

ON AUGUST 13TH, 2003, I BACKED THE VAN OUT OF THE GARAGE, WHICH HAS AN ABOUT 2 INCH DROP. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, I COULD FEEL THE TIRE SCRAPING. BY THE TIME I GOT OUT OF THE CAR,THE DRIVERS' SIDE WAS ALMOST ON THE GROUND. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST GARAGE, WHERE WE HAVE MOST OF OUR WORK DONE.I THOUGHT IT WAS THE STRUT, BUT IT WAS THE TORSION BAR. WE HAD TO REPLACE BOTH TORSION BARS. THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THE REPLACEMENT BARS WERE DIFFERENT FROM THE ORIGINALS. I CHECKED AROUND AND WAS TOLD, THAT BOTH HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE PRICES WERE ABOUT THE SAME. I WROTE TO GMC, AND TOLD THEM THEY KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TORSION BARS, OTHERWISE THE REPLACEMENTS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT. ON THE 4TH OF SEPT. WE RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM THEM. THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL 01036, BUT OUR VEHICLE IS TOO OLD , SO THEY ARE NO LONGER RESPONSIBLE. WHERE CAN I FIND OUT WHEN THIS RECALL WAS, SINCE WE'VE OWNED THE SAFARI SINCE 1999, AND NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM.IN THE FIVE YEARS WE'VE HAD THIS VAN, WE HAVE SPENT MORE THAN $3000.00 ON REPAIRS, NOT COUNTING REGULAR MAINTENANCE.

Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar
Filed Nov 5, 2003MI

WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE VEHICLE HIT A POTHOLE, CAUSING THE LEFT SIDE OF THE TORSION BAR TO BREAK. *AK WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VAN HAD DROPPED DOWN ON THE LEFT TIRE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP SUDDENLY. THE TIRE RUBBED ON THE FENDER AND CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO STEER HARD, THEN THE TORSION BAR SNAPPED. *SCC *JB

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Filed Oct 1, 200393,000 milesMS

INTERMITTENTLY REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE, OBSTRUCTING DRIVER'S VIEW. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW MOTOR WAS REPLACED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT MOTOR FAILED. THE HATCH FAILED. THE REAR CAPTAIN CHAIRS SEAT BELTS BROKE. *AK *NLM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 15, 2003110,000 milesNY

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED, SUDDENLY THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. *AK *TS *JB

Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar
Filed Aug 14, 2003103,265 milesNY

WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH DRIVERS SIDE TORSION BAR INEXPLICABLY AND WITHOUT WARNING BROKE. ENTIRE VEHICLE SHUDDERED AND PULLED SHARPLY TO THE LEFT. FORTUNATELY FOR MY PASSENGERS AND MYSELF I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY REGAIN CONTROL AND COME TO A SAFE STOP. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. SUCH A FAILURE COULD EASILY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. SINCE THE TORSION BAR FAILURE I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY DIFFERENT MECHANICS "THEY BREAK ALL THE TIME" AND "IT IS A DESIGN FLAW". I UNDERSTAND THAT GENERAL MOTORS IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS REDESIGNED THE AFFECTED PARTS. THIS IS A FAR MORE SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS ISSUE THAN THOSE ADDRESSED BY OTHER RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE (SEATBELT WARNING BUZZER AND WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILURES). IN THE INTEREST OF SAFETY FOR ALL OWNERS, PASSENGERS AND ANYONE IN THE PROXIMITY OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES I BELIEVE A RECALL IS IN ORDER.*AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar
Filed Aug 1, 2003MI

WHILE DRIVING TORSION BAR BROKE ON THE FRONT LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DOWN ON THE FRONT TIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT GMC NEEDS TO NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS ABOUT THE DEFECTS OF HOW BAD OF A DESIGN THE TORSION BARS ARE. *AK *CB

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Jul 31, 2003AR

CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILED. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH

Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner
Filed Jul 30, 2003CA

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE AIR CONDITONER IS TURNED ON AIR DOES NOT GET COLD. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER SAYS AIR CONDITIONER HOSE IS LEAKING FREON. DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO LOCATE THE LEAK. *AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar
Filed Jul 7, 2003MI

THE CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD "BANG." FRONT RIGHT SIDE WAS VERY LOW TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON 7/7/2003 WHO REPAIRED THE TORSION BAR. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed May 5, 200358,000 milesNY

VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD WIPER EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 03 V 159 000, BUT IT'S VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 29, 2003RI

CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, AND SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM THE IMPACT.*JB PH

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System1 injured
Filed Oct 24, 2002MI

FINGERS BENT AND TWISTED FROM DRIVING STIFF/TIGHT STEERING ON VEHICLES. INDEX AND MIDDLE BENT TOWARDS BABY FINGER. SEE PHOTOS AT HTTP:PHOTOS.YAHOO.COM/MIKETOMICH. THIS INFORMATION IS BEING SUBMITTED BY LANA'S COUSIN MIKE TOMICH. LANA'S FINGERS ARE ALL BENT AND TWISTED FROM THE HIGH EFFORT STEERING. LANA HAS DRIVEN ONLY GM VEHICLES WHICH INCLUDED THE SAFARI VAN, MALIBU, CAPRICE CLASSIC AND TRANS AM. MIKE TOMICH 989, 665-2311 LANA HAS EXPERIENCED SHOULDER PAIN AND CARPAL TUNNEL PROBLEMS, ETC. DT

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Oct 10, 200226,000 milesAZ

WHILE DRIVING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COMES ON AND OFF. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *MR *JG *NLM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Oct 8, 2002OR

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN TRYING TO APPLY THE BRAKES THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *MRTHE BRAKE LINE RUPTURED CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES. THERE WAS AN AIR CONDITIONING LINE ROUTED ACROSS THE BRAKE LINE WHICH WORE A HOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE CAUSING THE FAILURE. *JG

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Aug 18, 2002OK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Aug 18, 2002OK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Aug 18, 2002OK

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Tires
Filed Jul 17, 2002WV

FLAT TIRE CANNOT BE REPAIRED. CAN PRESENT SAFETY PROBLEM IF DRIVER TRIES TO DRIVE CAR WITHOUT FIXING FLAT. *AK *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*764370

Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar
Filed Jul 12, 2002PA

THE DRIVER SIDE TORSION BAR FAILED, CAUSING LEFT FRONT END TO HIT THE GROUND, AND LOSS OF CONTROL. NO DAMAGE OTHER THAN FAILED TORSION BAR.*AKI

Air Bags › FrontalCrash4 injured
Filed Jun 14, 2002GA

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35 MPH. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT BELT FAILED TO HOLD. *YH

Seat Belts › Front › Buckle AssemblyCrash
Filed Jun 14, 2002GA

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Suspension › Front › Stabilizer Bar
Filed Mar 5, 2002PA

VEHICLE COLLASPED TO THE GROUND WITHOUT WARNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT STABLIZER BAR HAD BROKEN. FATIGUE AND STRESS WILL CAUSE STABILIZER BAR TO BREAK. ALSO,, IDLE ARMS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES. DRIVER FELT THIS WAS VERY UNSAFE WHEN TRAVELING A LOT. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 27, 2001MA

MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING ABOUT 10 M.P.H. IN PREPARATION TO STOP BEHIND SEVERAL VEHICLES AT A RED LIGHT. I APPLIED MY BRAKES IN AN ATTEMPT TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP; HOWEVER, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. I THEN PUT FULL PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE PEDAL WENT DOWN ALMOST TO THE FLOOR, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT OF THIS BRAKE FAILURE, MY VEHICLE STRUCK THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT WHICH IN TURN STRUCK A THIRD VEHICLE. MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. AT THIS TIME HOWEVER, HE IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT IS CAUSING THE FAILURE.*AK

Steering › Linkages
Filed Aug 29, 2001MN

FRONT TIE RODS, WITHIN 1500 MILES APART, BROKE. DEALER STATED VEHICLE HAS A BAD SETUP, AND TIE RODS COULD BREAK AT ANY TIME.*AK

Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices
Filed Aug 29, 2001KY

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE BUT UPON CALLING TO MAKE AN APPOINMENT FOR REPAIR THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR.(RECALL # 01V-123) *YH

Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar
Filed Aug 27, 2001MI

WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY TORSION BAR BROKE AND FRONT OF VEHICLE FELL ON TIRES. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER HAD 3 OF THE SAME VEHICLES IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.*AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar
Filed Aug 15, 2001IL

WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY CONSUMER HEARD LOUD CRACKING NOISE. THEN, FRONT OF VEHICLE HIT THE GROUND. DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER THAT TORSION BAR HAD BROKEN, AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. PARTS WERE ORDERED, BUT WERE INCORRECTLY DESIGNED FOR THAT PARTICULAR VEHICLE. BOTH SIDES HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE DESIGN HAS CHANGED. MAMUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. BUT, REFUSED TO REPAIR VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY OR CUSTOMER'S SATISFACTION. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar
Filed Aug 15, 2001WI

BOTH TORSION BARS BROKE AT 60 MPH CAUSING FRONT OF VEHICLE TO DROP ON TIRES.VEHICLE SKIDDED TO A STOP WITH NO STEERING.HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER.SERVICE TECH.SAID THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR.CALLED GMC AND THEY AGREED WITH DEALER.I ASK DEALER FOR THE BROKEN TORSION BARS AND HAD THEM ANYLIZED BY A METAL LAB TECH.HIS OPINION WAS THAT THE BARS HAD STRESS CRACKS FROM THE METAL BEING DEFECTIVE.IF THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AFTER ONLY 5 YEARS GM HAS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD DRIVING ON YOUR HIGHWAYS DAILY.HOW MANY TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS,INJURIES OR DEATHS ARE REQUIRED BEFORE AN INVESTIGATION IS STARTED.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 7, 2001FL

WINDSHIELD WIPER CIRCUIT BOARD SHORTED OUT, CAUSING WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO BE INOPERABLE, OBSTRUCTING VIEW OF DRIVER. DEALER HAS INSPECTED VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar
Filed Jul 17, 2001OH

THIS PART FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. I WAS TOLD BY TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS THAT BOTH TORSION BARS MUST BE REPLACED PER THE MANUFACTURER BECAUSE THE TORSION BAR DESIGN HAS BEEN CHANGED SINCE THIS VEHCILE WAS MANUFACTURED. IT WAS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE ORIGINAL 2 PIECE DESIGN RUSTED PREMATURELY AT THE POINT WHERE BOTH COMPONENTS MEET. THE AREA IN QUESTION WAS SUBJECT TO MOISTURE AND SALT ACCUMULATION AND WAS NOT READILY DETECTABLE UNTIL THE UNTIRE SUSPENSION COMPONENT FAILED. THE COST FOR THE REPAIR IS CLOSE TO $1,000.00. GMC CLAIMS THAT THERE ARE NO RECALL CAMPAIGNS FOR THIS COMPONENT. AFTER SOME LOCAL RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM IS FAIRLY COMMON. MOST TECHNICIANS THAT I HAVE SPOKEN WITH AGREE THAT THIS PART IS NOT A WEAR ITEM AND IF PROPERLY DESINGED SHOULD LAST THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD CONSIDER RECALLING THESE COMPONENTS ON ALL GMC SAFARI AND CHEVROLET ASTRO VANS. *AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Jul 9, 2001MA

CONSUMER HAD 8 FUEL PUMPS PUT INTO VEHICLE SINCE SHE HAD IT. FUEL PUMP KEEPS FAILING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING. *AK

Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion Bar
Filed Jun 20, 2001ME

FRONT END TORSION BAR FELL OF VEHICLE. DEALER WAS CONTACTED. *AK CONSUMER FOUND THAT DEALERS HAVE BEEN TOLD TO GREASE THE CUP THAT THE TORSION BAR KNUCKLE GOES INTO, THIS WOULD STOP THE BUILD UP OF ROAD GRIME AND HELP STOP RUST FROM FORMING ON THE KNUCKLE, CONSUMER IS ANGRY THAT HE WAS NEVER TOLD THIS, HE DOES ALL HIS MAINTENANCE AT HIS RESIDENCE, THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *SLC

Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and Attachment
Filed Jun 18, 2001MA

LEFT IDLE ARM HAS EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE WEAR AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER FOR VEHICLE TO PASS INSPECTION. *NOTE: CONSUMER STATED THAT THIS WAS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM IN THESE VEHICLES BASED ON RESEARCH HE HAS DONE. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 139, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20054200Routine
20045200Routine
200318310Routine
200225310Routine
200139320Routine
200068200Routine
199961310Routine
199889510Routine
1997135620Routine
1996 — this page139620Routine
1995195641Fatalities reported
1994119220Routine
199361210Routine
199259320Routine
199139430Routine
199035400Routine

Compare every Safari year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 19, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.