Most common 1999 GMC Safari problems
Share of the 61 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Safari complaints by model year
Best Safari years: 2004, 2003, 2002. Years to avoid: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998. Compare all years →
1999 GMC Safari recalls (1)
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…
What 1999 GMC Safari owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
(1) nothing leading up to event. Suddenly the vehicle was not able to be moved in reverse although the gear selector was able to be placed into r. Also, the vehicle would not drive smoothly in any forward gears. However, it was able to move forward and subsequently able to be driven onto a transport trailer for towing. (2) fortunately, the failure happened in a parking lot and no accident or injuries were incurred. The vehicle was loaded onto a u-haul vehicle transport trailer and taken to a transmission repair facility (ocean side transmission incorporated located in oceanside, ca). (3) transmission was repaired with several parts replaced at the cost of almost $2000.00. Transmission repair shop said the shell was cracked and "this vehicle's transmission is known for having a weak shell". I have this old part available and it is broken into two pieces appearing to have sheared apart.
Dear whom it May concern, last Monday(5-17-04) my car would not start. Prior to that the car was running fine, it has been a dependable vehicle. The f- control had broke in two. The car can not go into gear and/or changes gears without notice when the f control is broken. The car was towed the next day to the dealer. It was at the dealer until Friday(052104), due to the need to order the f control part. The car seems to be repaired. I do have the old part. I am notifying you due to the potential loss of life if a vehicle was being driven when the f control breaks. I was parked at the time my f contol broke. I have notified GMC. I will also notify california safety board. Sincerely, danna williams.
Brakes
Accident occurred due to ABS failure. Accident occurred approx. 10 miles from my residence in a school zone. I was traveling at approx. 30 MPH (35 MPH posted), following other autos and when autos in front of me slowed, I pressed the brake pedal and it went to the floor with no positive results. There was no warning that the brakes were going to perform improperly and I was not attempting to make a sudden stop. Due to the brake failure, I impacted the rear-end of another vehicle, which subsequently hit the auto in front of it. Had van repaired through a shop that was of preferred status with insurance company. Upon pickup of van, was told that it was confirmed that an ABS failure caused wreck. Notified GMC customer service and as per their rep., cased closed due to the fact that they did not inspect damaged van--nor did they want to offer inspection/computer analyis of vehicle now. …
Dt: about a year ago the problem began. When braking at low speeds about 5-10 MPH ABS kicks in and a grinding sound occurs. This causes extended stopping distances. All wheel drive, all wheel antilock to the owner's knowledge. No warning lights illuminated and the dealer said that the ABS sensor looked corroded. The vehicle was put on the diagnostic machine but it showed no codes. When the ABS fuse is pulled the car works fine but has no ABS. The owner hasn't disconnected the ABS fuse. The vehicle has not been repaired yet and the problem has remained about the same. The problem occurs about 90 percent of the time during low speed brake applications.
Seat belts
Seat belts located at the third seating in vehicle can not be fixed or be adjusted. Notified dealer /manufacturer, and informed consumer that nothing can be done. Seeking help from NHTSA in this matter. How can a safety belt save lifes if not ajusted properly.
The vehicle was involved in an accident, where the seat belts in the rear did not hold the passenger in the seat. The dealer has been notified. Mr scc
1999 GMC Safari engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 GMC Safari a good car?
Based on 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Safari rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Safari at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1999 GMC Safari?
The transmission & drivetrain — 19 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the brakes (18) and seat belts (6).
How many recalls does the 1999 GMC Safari have?
There is 1 recall for the 1999 GMC Safari, the most recent from April 10, 2001 (warning light/devices). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Safari?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2003 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998. See the full GMC Safari years comparison.
At what mileage do 1999 GMC Safari problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 43% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.