Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 5 | −89% | — | Suspension | Good |
| 2003 | 18 | −73% | 1 | Brake | Good |
| 2002 | 25 | −61% | 1 | Brake | Good |
| 2001 | 39 | −44% | 1 | Brake | Good |
| 2000 | 68 | typical | — | Brake | Average |
| 1999 | 61 | typical | 1 | Transmission | Average |
| 1998 | 89 | 1.4× | 3 | Brake | Caution |
| 1997 | 135 | 2.1× | 4 | Window & Wiper | Avoid |
| 1996 | 139 | 2.2× | 4 | Window & Wiper | Avoid |
| 1995 | 195 | 2.9× | 3 | Brake | Avoid |
* Complaints compared with the median Safari year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common GMC Safari problems
Latest GMC Safari recalls
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
On certain minivans, the multifunction switch May develop an open circuit condition in the stop lamp or hazard lamp circuit that results in the stop lamps and hazard lamps being inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hazard warning flasher switch and apply special grease to the contacts at the time of installation of the module free of charge.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Certain minivans have an interference condition between the lower ball joint rubber boot and the steering knuckle (both left/right sides), which could result in cutting of the boot that is intended to seal the ball joint.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering knuckles. Owner notification is expected to begin on April 8, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
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.
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…
Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Certain sport utility vehicles, Mini vans, and pickup trucks May develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Remedy: Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on April 24, 2003.
Seat belts › Front › Warning light/devices
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.
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…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the GMC Safari should you avoid?
1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Safari years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 1995.
What is the best year for the GMC Safari?
2004 has the fewest complaints compared with other Safari years at the same age, followed by 2003 and 2002. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common GMC Safari problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (201), windows, wipers & sunroof (117) and suspension (85). Brake complaints peak in the 1995 model year.
How many recalls has the GMC Safari had?
9 recalls across 1995–2004. The model year with the most is 1996. See all GMC Safari recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.