Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 GMC Safari owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The battery cable line hanging over the the top of the transmission cooling line going into the intake/outtake maniford, which cut it in half. The transmission caught on fire.contacted the dealer.
97 Safari consistently sets p1870 code, transmission slips when warmed up. The vehicle shift extremely hard (actually slip)1st-2nd-3rd. Hard enough a significant chance of u-joint breakage, uncontrolled tire spinning on ice/slick roads, (I have experienced),whiplash type experience under moderate acceleration. This sudden shift also attributed to causing interior components such as center console to shake loose. Several instances have caused items in center column cup holder to fall out and spill. GM has TSB on record and recognizes this affects 96-02 GM vehicles with the 4l60e trans(vans, SUV's, rear wheel drive cars and front wheel drive cars with similar transmission). GM recognizes in their TSB of an ineffective valve body and that this is a "possible" problem and goes on to state it was corrected in late '02 mfg vehicles and there are no "recalls". …
I have repeatly taken this car to a GM dealer for the problem. They charged me twice and finally admitted they could not find problem. Therefore, it left me no choice but to go to any independent transmission dealer, who advised me this is a ongoing GMC problem due to poor techancial design. GM realizes this problem, yet has turned me down for reinbursement due to my having it fixed by independent. All my service work had been previously done by dealer. Dealer told me he was working with GM techs but could not find problem, yet the independent immediately knew of this problem and has serviced over 200 GM cars with same problem..GMC supervisor tiffany baker denied payment. Valve body design problem. Converter slips when hot and driven over 50 miles. I have spent over $600.00 on this problem and feel GM is responsible for the repair and should reimburse me.
Additionally, upon repair of failed powertrain transmission and after spekaing to another Safari owner who had similair faiure, it is also apparnet that the heat sensor to the transmission failed to evoke the check engine light etc.. But the failure code was stored into the onboard computer system. This potentially hazardous situation May be occurring more frequently. I do not have any way of obtaining any "failure" data so that I can run some regression analysis. But if I can just pick up the phone and call another owner who is selling the same year Safari and within 5minutes share with me the same problems.well, just do the math! Let me know what I can do. Thank you.
When starting up from park, the engine roars and looses power, sometimes only for a short distance but sometimes 500 to 600 feet. Also after starting up from a stopped position, the rear of the van gives off a very loud thud and van lurches at the same time as if someone rearended the vehicle. Sometimes, the van after being just started (still in park and not touching the brake or anything other than starting the engine) and sitting for a short while, the van will have a loud thud from the rear of the van and you can also feel movement at the same time.
1997 GMC Safari complete power failure which negates power steering, power brakes, and is a danger to me and my family! I never know when the power will go out. It has gone out on at least 10 occasions since I purchased the vehicle. Also, the transmission "slams" into gear on occasion at no specific interval. There can be several days seperating the incidents; no logical pattern. I have taken the vehicle to martin Cadillac in los angeles at least 4 times to have these problems fixed and so far they have been unable to duplicate the problems and make the fix.
Ongoing problems with defective components on consumer's two vans. Each van has had problems with it's transmission, alternator, motors for door and windows, catalytic converter, fuel pump, oxygen sensors and windshield wiper motor. The consumer has two GMC Safari's both 1997 models. Their VIN's are [redacted] and [redacted].
Transmission over-pressurized and forced fluid out of the dip stick tube onto the engine and exhaust causing a large amount of smoke and creating a fire hazard. After rebuilding the transmission at my expense the same problem has occured 4 more times. The dealer has been very accomodating at trying to remedy this ongoing problem but has not been able to cure it.
Dt: the contact stated the transmission failed . He contacted the dealership, and had repair work done in May 2005. In September 2005 the transmission failed completely. He contacted the manufacturer, they contacted the dealership. The dealership offered to refund the money for service toward a new transmission, but this repair has not currently been made.
This problem rless than 30 days after purchasing the van, it was supposed to have been fixed at the original dealership 12K ago, but this problem has reocurred. In addition, have had a power window motor go out, blower fan burn up, transmission fluid leaks after being serviced by dealership and lastly a fuel gauge that refuses to work.
Transmission complaints in other Safari years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 GMC Safari?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 GMC Safari, 16% of the model year's 135 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 GMC Safari transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1997 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 1997 GMC Safari transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 112,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.