168 consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1996 GMC Safari. Click any complaint to view the full owner description.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 19, 2009
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
STRUCTURESeptember 29, 2009
I LOVE THIS VAN BUT IM BEGINNING TO THINK THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE DOOR HANDLES. WHEN I LEAST EXPECT IT THE HANDLES WILL JUST BREAK OFF IN MY HAND. I HAVE REPLACED EACH ONE AT LEAST TWICE. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THEM THAT I WAS NOT AWARE OF. *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJanuary 31, 2007
TL *- THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING A 1996 GMC SAFARI VAN. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING AT 25 MPH AND WHEN HE APPROACHED A STOP SIGN THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. HIS FOOT REMAINED ON THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED INTO THE INTERSECTION AND WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH OF THE VEHICLES WERE BADLY DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR, BUT HE FELT THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT HAS A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. *AK UPDATED 02/27/07. *JB
Crash reported
NHTSA #10181253SUSPENSIONNovember 15, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS MANEUVERED OFF THE ROAD AND STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A RESIDENCE WHERE A DEALER REPRESENTATIVE CAME FOR AN INSPECTION AND DETERMINED THE PASSENGER SIDE TORSION BAR FRACTURED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
SUSPENSIONJune 29, 2006
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMFebruary 16, 2005
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEFebruary 16, 2005
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, HYDRAULICJanuary 5, 2005
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
VISIBILITYNovember 15, 2004
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
VISIBILITYAugust 30, 2004
THE POWER WINDOWS FAILED. AS A RESULT, WHEN THE WINDOWS WERE UP THEY WERE UNABLE TO COME BACK DOWN. *AK
SUSPENSIONAugust 18, 2004
TORSION BAR BROKEN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEJuly 21, 2004
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 COOLINGJuly 21, 2004
COOLANT LEAK CAUSE BY INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE. *LA
TIRESJuly 8, 2004
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
SUSPENSIONApril 26, 2004
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
SUSPENSIONMarch 23, 2004
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, HYDRAULICFebruary 5, 2004
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
Crash reported
NHTSA #10056627SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 15, 2004
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.
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHERJanuary 15, 2004
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.
SUSPENSIONJanuary 15, 2004
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.
SUSPENSIONJanuary 15, 2004
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.
SUSPENSIONNovember 5, 2003
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
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATSOctober 1, 2003
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, HYDRAULICSeptember 15, 2003
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
SUSPENSIONAugust 14, 2003
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
SUSPENSIONAugust 1, 2003
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
VISIBILITYJuly 31, 2003
CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILED. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH
EQUIPMENTJuly 30, 2003
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
SUSPENSIONJuly 7, 2003
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
VISIBILITYMay 5, 2003
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 BAGSJanuary 29, 2003
CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, AND SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM THE IMPACT.*JB PH
Crash reported1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #10003955STEERINGOctober 24, 2002
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
1 injury(ies)
NHTSA #768815VISIBILITYOctober 10, 2002
WHILE DRIVING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COMES ON AND OFF. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *MR *JG *NLM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 8, 2002
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
STRUCTUREAugust 18, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENTAugust 18, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMAugust 18, 2002
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
TIRESJuly 17, 2002
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
SUSPENSIONJuly 12, 2002
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,SEAT BELTSJune 14, 2002
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
Crash reported4 injury(ies)
NHTSA #8011877SEAT BELTSJune 14, 2002
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
Crash reported
NHTSA #8011878STEERING,SUSPENSIONMarch 5, 2002
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
POWER TRAINNovember 29, 2001
TRANSMISSION FAILURE/HARD SHIFTS/GM SAYS NO PROBLEM HOWEVER I HAVE LOCATED COUNTLESS OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM,GM INSTALLED A NEW TRANS.AT 35000 MILES AND SHORTLY AFTER THE NEW TRANS HAS BEEN HARD SHIFTING CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE REAR DIF.,MY MAIN PROBLEM IS WHAT IS THE FIX!,IF I INSTALL ANOTHER TRANS WILL IT LAST,HOW ABOUT THE REAR DIF.REPAIRS,AT THIS TIME I CAN ONLY DRIVE ABOUT 4-5 MILES BEFORE TRANS ACTS UP,MY WIFE WILL NOT USE TRUCK THIS WAY AND THE $S ARE ADDING UP
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICOctober 27, 2001
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
Crash reported2 injury(ies)
NHTSA #753776STEERINGAugust 29, 2001
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 BELTSAugust 29, 2001
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
SEAT BELTSAugust 29, 2001
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
SUSPENSIONAugust 27, 2001
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
SUSPENSIONAugust 15, 2001
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
SUSPENSIONAugust 15, 2001
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.
VISIBILITYAugust 7, 2001
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
SUSPENSIONJuly 17, 2001
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, GASOLINEJuly 9, 2001
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
VISIBILITYJune 27, 2001
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY . NOT DEPENDABLE. *AK
SUSPENSIONJune 20, 2001
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
STEERINGJune 18, 2001
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
SUSPENSIONJune 18, 2001
AFTER RETURNING HOME WE HEARD A LOUD BANG IN THE GARAGE. WE WENT OUT AND THE VAN WAS HEADING DOWNWARDS IN THE FRONT. WE THOUGHT MAYBE A TIRE BLEW. THE DRIVER'S SIDE TORSION BAR BROKE. AFTER LOOKING ON THE INTERNET, WE REALIZE HOW MANY SAFARIS THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. LUCKILY WE THE FOUR OF US (2 KIDS, AGES 3&6) WERE NOT IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS BLEW AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL.*AK
STRUCTUREMay 23, 2001
SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT SIT ON TRACK PROPERLY. INTERMITTENTLY DOOR IS INOPERABLE. DEALER HAS REPAIRED VEHICLE MORE THAN FIFTEEN TIMES.*AK CONSUMER STATES DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WITHOUT BANGING, CONSUMER LISTED THAT 2 PEOPLE HAD BEEN INJURED. *SLC
2 injury(ies)
NHTSA #888968STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMay 14, 2001
HYDROBOOST UNIT FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY .5-10 MPH, CAUSING INOPERATIVE BRAKES. CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK. CONSUMER STATES HYDROBOOST UNIT FAILED.*JB
EQUIPMENTMay 2, 2001
CONSUMER TRIED TO TURN ON AIR CONDITIONER, AND IT BLEWOUT HOT AIR. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID IT WAS EVAPORATER CORE THAT NEEDED REPLACING.*AK *JB
VISIBILITYApril 23, 2001
WHILE TRAVELING IN RAIN WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. *AK CONSUMER CALLED DEALERSHIP TO INQUIRE IF THERE WERE ANY PROBLEMS BUT ADVISED THERE WERE NO RECALLS, CONSUMER CALLED A SECOND TIME AFTER WIPERS COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING IN HEAVY RAIN STORM AND THEN WERE TOLD THERE HAVE BEEN SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE WIPERS INCLUDING THEIR VEHICLE, BUT THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS TO DATE, CONSUMER HAS PURCHASED REPLACEMENT PARTS.*JB
STEERING,SUSPENSIONApril 23, 2001
WHILE TURNING OR BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE OR MAKING A TURN STEERING WHEEL WOULD MAKE A LOUD NOISE. *AK CONSUMER STATES HE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED THAT BOTH FRONT TIE ROD ENDS WERE LOOSE AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE ALIGNED PROPERLY WHICH WAS CAUSING ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR ON THE FRONT, CONSUMER HAD THE PARTS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REALIGNED, CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT IDLER ARMS WERE NOT BUIILT STRONG ENOUGH. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITYFebruary 2, 2001
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET - NEEDED REPLACED WITH LESS THAN 70K MILES ON VAN. HEATER FAN DASHBOARD SWITCH - WHEN SET ON FLOOR HEAT ONLY, IT BLOWS OUT BOTH AT THE DEFROSTER AND THE FLOOR. WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR - AFTER IT STOPPED WORKING, WE GROUNDED THE MOTOR AND IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN - NOW IT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY, BUT NOT WHEN YOU USUALLY NEED IT MOST. DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW MOTOR - FAILED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. AIR CONDITIONING TUBE - BECAME BRITTLE AND BROKE - REPAIRED IT AND THE A/C WORKS CORRECTLY AGAIN.
SUSPENSIONJanuary 25, 2001
FRONT TORSION BAR BROKE WHILE BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
EQUIPMENTDecember 27, 2000
RADIO LIGHTS BEGAN TO FAIL, RADIO BECAME HOT TO TOUCH. PULLED FUSE FOR RADIO BUT IT CONTINUED TO GET HOTTER WHEN WE STOPPED AT OUR DESTINATION AND TURNED OFF VEHICLE, THE DASH LIGHTS FLASHED OFF AND ON THEN THE RADIO BEGAN TO SMOKE THEN FLAMES COULD BE SEEN COMING FROM THE BACK OF RADIO CHASSIS. *AK
Fire reported
NHTSA #738327VISIBILITYNovember 8, 2000
WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN. SOMETIMES WORK, AND SOMETIMES DON'T. NO WARNING IS GIVEN BEFORE FAILURE. *AK
VISIBILITYOctober 30, 2000
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK AS THEY PLEASE. THEY WILL CUT ON AND OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THERE IS A RECALL ON OTHER GMC VEHICLES FOR THIS PROBLEM. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 27, 2000
BELT TENSIONER FELL OFF, CAUSING CAUSING A LOSS OF BRAKES . BELT RUNS THE POWER BRAKE SYSTEM. *AK
VISIBILITYAugust 28, 2000
WHILE TURNING ON WINDSHIELD WIPERS DURING RAIN WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT RUN. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHR INFORMATION.*AK
SUSPENSIONAugust 22, 2000
WHILE PARKED RIGHT TORSION BAR SNAPPED IN HALF WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE 2 TORSION BARS AT CONSUMER EXPENSE. COMMON PROBLEM. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENTAugust 10, 2000
ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEN, AIR CONDITIONER WAS BLOWING HOT AIR, AND CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP. THEY TOLD HER THAT INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS RUBBING AGAINST A BLOCK CONNECTING WITH AIR CONDITIONING UNIT, AND THIS WAS CAUSING AIR CONDITIONING COOLANT TO RUN OUT ONTO THE GROUND. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJuly 31, 2000
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCLERATED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ACCLERATOR WHICH GOT STUCK. DRIVER COULD NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN VEHICLE. TRIED APPLY BRAKES, BUT BRAKES BURNED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE, HAD TO PLACE VEHICLE IN PARK POSITION TO STOP IT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJuly 27, 2000
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 WHEN ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, AND IT WAS HARD TO PREVENT VEHICLE FROM SPEEDING UP AND TO TRYING TO KEEP CONTROL, VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. CONSUMER FINALLY SHIFTED GEAR INTO PARK, WHICH THEN STOPPED VEHICLE. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME, AND NOTICED BRAKES HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK
Fire reported
NHTSA #866120SUSPENSIONJuly 12, 2000
WHILE VEHICLE WAS STANDING WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING FRONT OF THE VAN FELL TO THE GROUND. VAN WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP FOUND TWO TORISON BARS BROKE IN HALF. DEALER STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATON.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 19, 2000
ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON/ PEDAL JERKED, AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. CONTACTED DEALER. HE SAID THAT IT WAS A SENSOR THAT NEEDED TO BE RESET. REPLACED COMPUTER MODULE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN DEALER ABOUT FIVE TIMES, AND IS STILL AT THE DEALER. *AK
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENTJune 19, 2000
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL EITHER NOT COME ON OR STOP WORKING WHEN ON. ALSO AIR CONDITIONER FAILED WHEN COOLANT LINE RUBBED AGAINST UNDERBODY, FORMED A HOLE, AND LEAKED OUT COOLANT GAS. *AK
SUSPENSIONJune 15, 2000
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 15MPH AND HEARD A KNOCKING AND BOOMING NOISE, TORSION BAR BROKE. VEHICLE'S FRONT END JUST DROPPED DOWN TO THE GROUND. NO PRIOR WARNING. *AK
SUSPENSIONJune 5, 2000
WHILE VAN WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY TORISION BAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE COLLAPSED. VAN WAS IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR ABOUT 1/2 WHEN THIS HAPPENED. VAN WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURHTER INFORMATION. *AK
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMay 18, 2000
STARTED VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE AND HEARD A CLUNKING & GRINDING NOISE. KEPT VEHICLE RUNNING, BACKED OUT OF THE GARAGE, TURNED THE WHEEL, AND THERE WAS NO STEERING. WENT TO APPLY BRAKES , AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK. VEHICLE LOST POWER AND BRAKES DUE TO TENSION PULLEY WAS BROKE. *YH
VISIBILITYMay 2, 2000
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENTMay 1, 2000
I HAD THE AIR CONDITIONER REPLACED IN DEC. AND IN FEB. I HAD JUST DRIVEN IN FROM GA TO CA AND IT WAS 7:30AM IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND THE FRONT OF THE AIR CONDIT. UNIT FELL OFF. I HEARD WHAT I THOUGHT WAS ROCKS HITTING UNDER THE FRONT END AND LATER FOUND OUT IT WAS BEARINGS, BUT JUST AS I HEARD THE SOUND I LOST MY POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. I HAD NO BRAKES AT ALL .. I HIT MY EMERGENCY BRAKE SLOWLY AND POWER STEERED MY VAN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT TOOK EVERYTHING I HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL . IF I HAD BEEN GOING 60 ON THE FREEWAY INSTEAD OF 10 MILES AN HR. I PROBLEY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE BIGGEST TROUBLE OF MY LIFE. I COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE NOT HAVING ANY BRAKES OR STEERING, SOMEHOW THE TWO ARE CONNECTED. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING TO ANYONE AND WHEN I SPOKE TO DIFFERENT AUTO REPAIRMEN. THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF IT EITHER.. I HAD REPLACE THE AC IN THE VAN IN DEC, AND PAID 500.00 . I HAVE HAD ON GOING PROBLEMS WITH THE AC FROM THE TIME I FIRST GOT THE VAN. I HOPE NO ONE EVER HAS THIS PROBLEM OR HURTS SOMEONE BECAUSE THERE AIR CONDITIONER FALLS APART. THE RUNNING OF THE AUTO AND THE CONNECTION TO THE A/C SHOULD NEVER BE HOOKED TOGETHER. AC'S GO OUT ALOT IN AUTO'S AND THIS IS A SURE WAY TO KILL SOMEONE.*AK
VISIBILITYApril 13, 2000
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INADVERTENTLY. CONSUMER WAS DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. DEALER WILL BE INSPECTING VEHICLE. *AK
VISIBILITY,STRUCTUREApril 12, 2000
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY, NEVER KNOW WHEN THEY WILL WORK, OR WON'T WORK. 1996 GMC JIMMY'S HAD SAME PROBLEM, WHICH WAS RECALLED AND FIXED BY GMC DEALERS, WHY HAVEN'T THE SAFARIS? I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED, THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD!!!!!! SOME TIMES THEY WORK AND SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. I HAVE HAD TO DRIVE IN THE RAIN W/O WIPERS, AND IT'S DANGEROUS!!!!! ALSO THE HYDRAULICS THAT HOLD THE TOP HALF OF TEH REAR HATCH DOOR OPEN, HAVE FAILED THREE TIMES. WE HAD THE DEALER REPLACE THEM TWICE, BUT AT OVER $100.00 EACH TIME, IT'S GETTING EXPENSIVE. FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY FACTOR AS WELL, DUE TO NOT KNOWING WHEN THE LIFTS WILL FAIL, THE TOP HALF OF THE DOOR, WHICH IS HEAVY, COULD FALL ON SOMEONE'S HEAD, AND HAS HAPPENED. TRUST ME, IT HURTS! *AK
SUSPENSIONApril 6, 2000
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE FRONT END TORSION BAR BROKE, CAUSING THE FRONT END TO COLLAPSE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 7, 2000
OCCASIONALLY VEHICLE PULLS TO THE RIGHT ON BRAKING. YH
STRUCTUREDecember 8, 1999
BACK DOOR POST BROKEN AT ITS BASE, THRU INSIDE C CHANNEL (OUTSIDE SKIN STILL INTACT). EXACT FAILURE TIME NOT KNOWN, JUST NOTICED CRACK WHEN ENTERING CAR. APPARENT FAILURE FROM METAL FATIGUE; NO KNOWN IMPACT OR CAUSE OF FAILURE. GMC HAS DENIED WARRANTY CLAIM SAYING THAT IT IS SHEET METAL FAILURE, WHICH IS NOT COVERED. I'M CONTENDING THAT IS A FIALURE TO A STRUCTURAL MEMBER AND THEREFORE COVERED. IS THERE ANY RECORD OF SIMILAR FAILURES ON ANY GMC PRODUCT THAT MAY UTILIZE THE SAME DOOR?*AK
VISIBILITYNovember 16, 1999
WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED FUNCTIONING DURING PERFORMANCE IN RAINY WEATHER. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN VEHICLE. *AK
STEERINGOctober 27, 1999
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED/ CRACKED IN HALF, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. POWER STEERING PUMP CONTROLS BOTH POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. *AK
STEERINGOctober 26, 1999
BELT TENSIONER LOOSE. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 26, 1999
BELT TENSIONER LOOSE. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGOctober 26, 1999
BELT TENSIONER LOOSE. NLM
EQUIPMENTOctober 20, 1999
I WORK AT A PEP BOY SERVICE CENTER AND HAVE SEEN 2 OTHER SAFARI VANS WITH THE SAME A/C HOSE FAILURE. THE HOSE IS ROUTED THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT UNDER THE VAN AN DAFTER A WILE THE HOSE BEGINS TO RUB ON THE ENGINE TO THE POINT THAT THE FREON LEAKS OUT AND THE HOSE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR REPAPIRED AT A SUBSTANTIAL COST TO THE OWNER
VISIBILITYSeptember 28, 1999
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. *AK UNKNOWN WHEN THEY WILL WORK. JN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMSeptember 14, 1999
THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT DUE TO A FUSE BLOWING OUT. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 10 MINUTES AFTER FUSE WAS INSTALLED. DEALER HAS REPLACED AT LEAST 25 TIMES. PROBLEM IS DUE TO A SHORT IN THE VEHICLE. *AK
VISIBILITYJuly 21, 1999
WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 6, 1999
BRAKES FAILED CAUSING NOISE. MJS
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLJuly 6, 1999
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DUE TO BROKEN ACCELERATOR CABLE. MJS
EQUIPMENTJuly 6, 1999
AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. MJS
VISIBILITYJuly 6, 1999
POWER WINDOW STICKS ON OCCASIONS. MJS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGJuly 6, 1999
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES ENGINE VIBRATION. MJS
VISIBILITYJune 17, 1999
WHENEVER WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE IN USE, THEY STOP OR WORK INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO HAVE POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING IN RAIN OR SNOW. *AK
VISIBILITYJune 1, 1999
THE DEFECTIVE PULSE MODULE IN THE CIRCUIT BOARD MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY WHICH COULD CAUSE VISIBILITY PROBLEMS, AND MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN #. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
VISIBILITYApril 13, 1999
POWER WINDOW ON DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT GO UP OR DOWN. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE MOTOR FOR THE POWER WINDOW IS BEING REPLACED AT OWNERS' EXPENSE. *AK
VISIBILITYMarch 23, 1999
WIPER SWITCH DISCONNECTS WHEN TURNED "ON". GMC SERVICE MANAGER BELIEVES THERE WERE RECALLS FOR THIS DEFECT BUT UNABLE TO FIND FOR GMC VEHICLE; BELIEVES THERE WAS RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM ON OTHER GMC - CHEVROLET ASTROL MODELS. REPORTS THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF SIMILAR DEFECTS SEEN AND TO WAIT UNTIL RECALL IS OFFICIAL BEFORE REPLACING $100. SWITCH.
VISIBILITYMarch 11, 1999
PASSENGER'S SIDE AUTOMATIC WINDOW MOTOR MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE WINDOW TO GET STUCK IN THE MIDDLE. BEEN REPLACED TWICE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
VISIBILITYOctober 29, 1998
WHENEVER IT RAINS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD STOP WORKING. CAN HEAR MOTOR GOING. WIPERS WOULD BLOW EVERY TIME IT RAINS. MECHANIC SAYS ITS THE FUSE EACH TIME, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEOctober 29, 1998
FUEL PUMP FAILURE PROBLEMS NOTED ON VARIOUS WEBSITES CONCERNING GMC SAFARI VANS.ALSO,MECHANIC STATED FIRST REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMP HE ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE WAS DEFECTIVE. I WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED IF THERE IS A RECALL OR TECHNICAL SEVICE BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM SO I MAY BE REIMBURSED. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO REGISTER THIS COMPLAINT ABOUT MY VEHICLE WITH YOU.
VISIBILITY,STRUCTUREOctober 20, 1998
WHILE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE IN USE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING VISUAL DIFFCULTY WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. BEEN TO DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. DEALER REPLACED THE FUSES. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AKPOWER DOOR LOCKS INOPERABLE. *YH
VISIBILITYSeptember 9, 1998
INTERMITTENTLY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COME ON WITHOUT BEING ACTIVATED. THE DEALER HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TWICE, AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
POWER TRAINSeptember 9, 1998
HAD BROUGHT THE VEHICLE IN AT APPROX 34K. DEALER SAID LEFT SHOCK WAS LEAKY. AFTER THAT WHEN BRAKING DOWN FROM HIGHER SPEED, LEFT TIRE, JUMPS UNTIL SPEED IS SLOWED. NOW WITH THE NEW NOISE, SAYS TRANSFER CASE IS LOOSE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRESJune 15, 1998
APPLIED BRAKES AND SYSTEM FAILED SPORADICALY, MOST FAILURES UNDER DRY CONDITION ON ASPHALT. TWO BRAKE MODULES, COMPUTER MODULE, MASTER CYLINDER, CALIPERS, PADS, ROTORS ALL BEEN REPLACED. FRONT TIRES REPLACED AT 24,000 MILES. PEDAL CAN BE PRESSED TO FLOOR AT ANY TIME, FAILURE HAS A MUSHY PEDAL WITH A COASTING TO A STOP. SOME TIME MAKING NOISE (UNLIKE THAT OF ABS SYSTEM) UNTIL PEDAL IS RELEASED.
POWER TRAINMay 24, 1998
TRANSMISSION FAILED.
STRUCTUREMay 24, 1998
SLIDING DOOR FAILED SIX TIMES.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 31, 1998
ABS BRAKE PROBLEMS,;THE BRAKES RELEASE AT TIMES WHEN IN A HARD BRAKING SITUATION. THIS HAPPENS ON ROUGH ROAD/PAVEMENT/DIRT OR GRAVEL. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKING SYSTEM. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMarch 17, 1998
BELT SLIPS WHEN WET, CAUSING ENGINE HESITATION.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMarch 17, 1998
BRAKES OVERHEAT TO LOCKING UP.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMMarch 17, 1998
GENERATOR ASSEMBLY FAILED.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGMarch 2, 1998
ALL REAR LIGHTS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIRFebruary 8, 1998
FRONT BRAKE CALIPER BUSHINGS MAKE A POPPING NOISES JUST BEFORE STOPPING.
POWER TRAINFebruary 4, 1998
DRIVE TRAIN MAKES NOISE, RECALL NOTICE HOWEVER DEALER DOESN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAINDecember 5, 1997
AT APPROXIMATELY 14,000 MPH, EXPERIENCED LACK OF ADEQUATE BRAKES. AT 17895, BRAKES SQUEALED AND FADED. DEALER EXPLAINED TO CONSUMER THAT TRUCK WAS ONLY DESIGNED TO CARRY 6, 200 LBS AS TOTAL VEHICLE WEIGHT. THE TRUCK'S EMPTY WEIGHT WAS 4850 LBS. WHEN A FULL TANK OF FUEL WAS ADDED, IT INCREASED THE TOTAL WEIGHT TO 5100 LBS. THIS ONLY LEFT 1100 LBS AND NO PASENGERS' LUGGAGE WAS ADDED. WITH 5 ADULTS IN THE TRUCK, THE VEHICLE WAS OVERLOADED. THIS AFFECTED THE BRAKING CAPACITY. ALSO REPLACED LEAKING AXLE ASSEMBLY SEAL. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICDecember 4, 1997
WHEN APPLYING FOOT TO THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE WILL PULL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL LOSE PRESSURE AND GO TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN AT A STOP SIGN, CAUSING THE TRUCK TO MOVE FORWARD A LITTLE. *AK *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNovember 14, 1997
ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED SEVERAL TIMES, ESPECIALLY IN WET CONDITIONS.
SEATSNovember 7, 1997
DRIVER'S SEAT BACK BROKE IN ACCIDENT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNovember 4, 1997
ELECTRICAL STARTER MOTOR FAILED.
EQUIPMENTOctober 27, 1997
AIR CONDITIONER COMPRESSOR SWITCH FAILED SEVERAL TIMES.
TIRESOctober 22, 1997
WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY, WHOLE STEEL TOP OF LEFT FRONT TIRE CAME OFF, HIT RUNNER, RUNNER CAME OFF, BENT LEFT FENDER, NO CRASH, DRIVER PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD TO AVOID CRASH, VEHICLE WITH DEALER FOR INSPECTION/REPAIRS. *AK *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEOctober 22, 1997
FUEL INJECTORS FAILED.
STRUCTUREOctober 14, 1997
THE VEHICLE HAD CAME TO A STOP OWNER OPENED THE DOOR AND IT FELL OFF. DEALER WILL TRY TO FIX PROBLEM. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICSeptember 30, 1997
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN WET CONDITIONS AND PUTTING FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP, THE TRUCK JUST KEPT GOING. HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE TRUCK WILL STOP. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESSeptember 19, 1997
SLIDING DOOR LOCKS AND LINKS FAILED.
STRUCTURESeptember 10, 1997
SLIDING DOOR FAILED.
STRUCTURESeptember 9, 1997
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT CLOSE.
EQUIPMENTAugust 29, 1997
AIR CONDITIONER FAILED.
VISIBILITYAugust 29, 1997
HEATER FAILED.
INTERIOR LIGHTINGAugust 29, 1997
INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED.
SEATSAugust 29, 1997
SEAT FOLDING MECHANISM FAILED.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESAugust 29, 1997
DOOR LATCH TO SLIDE DOOR FAILED.
SEAT BELTSAugust 18, 1997
REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT LOCK. WHEN USED, THE FEMALE END STRAP CONTINUES TO TIGHTEN.
SUSPENSIONAugust 13, 1997
VEHICLE PULLS HARD TO RIGHT, EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL, ALL SPEEDS, DEALER HAS MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CORRECT PROBLEM, STILL EXISTS. *AK
STRUCTUREJuly 26, 1997
THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR HINGE WELDS ARE DEFECTIVE. THE WELDS ARE CRACKING ON THE TOP AND BOTTOM OF THE HINGE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJuly 15, 1997
USING THE POWER WINDOWS CAUSES THE WIRING TO RUB WHICH COULD CAUSE A SHORT, AND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE WIRING HAS BEEN CORRECTED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. *AK *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJuly 15, 1997
BRAKE PROBLEMS INTERMITTENTLY, WHEN COMING TO A STOP WITH FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD AND FEELS LIKE THE TRANSMISSION AND THE DRIVELINE IS MOVING FORWARD. THE DEALER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
SUSPENSIONJuly 3, 1997
WHEN DRIVING THE CAR IT PULLS TO THE RIGHT HAND SIDE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMay 20, 1997
UPON MAKING A STOP THE FRONT BRAKES GRAB, RESULTING IN A LOUD GRINDING SOUND, CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS WERE CLEANED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICMay 13, 1997
OWNER HAS ABS BRAKES. HE STATES THAT IN WET WHEATHER THE REAR ABS BRAKES LOCK UP AND DO NOT RELEASE.OWNER IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICApril 10, 1997
BRAKE NOISE.
STEERINGApril 10, 1997
STEERING WHEEL HARD TO TURN.
SUSPENSIONApril 7, 1997
WHILE DRIVING LOW TO HIGH SPEEDS EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURES, VEHICLE WANDERS ALL OVER ROAD, RIGHT TO LEFT, DLR'S REPLACED STEERING GEAR BOX, TIRES AND REALIGNED VEHICLE SIX TIMES, DLR CAN'T CORRECT, PROBLEM PERSISTS. *AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #810769VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLApril 4, 1997
WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE AND MAKING A STOP, VEHICLE WILL ROLL FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHEN CHANGING FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *AK
STRUCTUREMarch 25, 1997
OWNER STATES THAT THE SLIDING DOOR ON HER VEHICLE WILL NOT OPEN AND THAT SHE IS CONCERNED THAT IF SHE WAS TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT IT WILL NOT OPEN. DEALERS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO PROVIDE A REMEDY TO THIS PROBLEM. *AK
AIR BAGSMarch 24, 1997
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION TRAVELING 40-45 MPH AND THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK
Crash reported2 injury(ies)
NHTSA #809574POWER TRAINMarch 14, 1997
ALIGNMENT PROBLEM 4 WHEEL DRIVE, TWO NEW FRONT TIRES, ALSO MAKES LOUD CLUNKY NOISE.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 20, 1997
BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING A POPPING NOISE FROM LEFT FRONT WHEEL AREA.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFebruary 12, 1997
OWNER HAS ABS BRAKES, SHE STATES WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AND COMING OUT OF DRIVEWAY BRAKES DID NOT WORK, SHE ALSO NOTES THAT HER BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #808846VISIBILITYFebruary 12, 1997
PROBLEM WITH WINDSHIELD.
UNKNOWN OR OTHERFebruary 12, 1997
ROOF RACK FAILED.
STRUCTUREFebruary 12, 1997
WATER LEAK IN SUB ROOF.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICJanuary 7, 1997
ABS BRAKE FAILURE, ON WET ROAD SURFACE VEHICLE HAS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE .AK
VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESDecember 30, 1996
WINDSHIELD LEAKS WATER DURING RAINY WEATHER; ALSO, SLIDING DOOR IS OPENED W/DIFFICULTY WITH LATCH DESIGN POSSIBLE FAILURE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMDecember 17, 1996
OWNER HAS THE TRAVEL QUEST CONVERSION KIT, HE STATES THAT THERE IS A POWER OUTLET THATS IS EXPOSED AND THAT HE FEARS THAT HIS KIDS MAY GET A SHOCK FROM WIRING, ALSO BLEW FUSE. *AK
PARKING BRAKENovember 27, 1996
EMERGENCY BRAKE PEDAL IS SO HIGH THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ENGAGE WITH FOOT.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESNovember 27, 1996
PASSENGER'S VISION IS IMPAIRED FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO LOCATE DOOR LOCK BUTTON TO UNLOCK DOOR.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGSNovember 12, 1996
WHILE DRIVING ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE ABS BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD-ON AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK
Crash reported
NHTSA #804788SEAT BELTSJuly 10, 1996
SEAT BELT IS TOO SHORT TO BE USED ON THE REAR SEAT WHEN IT IS MOVING FORWARD. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMJune 10, 1996
VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING DUE WIRE CONNECTIONS AT THE IGNITION COIL. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLMay 22, 1996
SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SD
SEAT BELTSFebruary 9, 1996
FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT FAILURE, SEAT BELT IS NOT LOCKING, AND FAILS TO RETRACT. TT