Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 GMC Safari owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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.
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.
I had the air conditioner replaced in dec. And in feb. I had just driven in from ga to ca and it was 7:30 am 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.. …
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.
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.
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. Vehicle lost power and brakes due to tension pulley was broke.
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.
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.
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.
Brake complaints in other Safari years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 GMC Safari?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 GMC Safari, 21% of the model year's 139 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 GMC Safari brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 GMC Safari, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Safari brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.