Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
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.
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.
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. No recall found on this issue.
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!
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.
While traveling in rain windshield wipers stopped working. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Vehicle's windshield wiper experienced the same defect as stated in recall 03 v 159 000, but it's VIN number is not included.
Related recalls
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…
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, GM has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my m/l vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Safari years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1996 GMC Safari?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1996 GMC Safari, 23% of the model year's 139 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 GMC Safari window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-159 (windshield wiper/washer, Apr 28, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Safari window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles.
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.