Most common 2001 GMC Safari problems
Share of the 39 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 →
2001 GMC Safari recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2001 GMC Safari:
Loss of brake lamp illumination
In its letter dated March 9, 2005, GM stated that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy a faulty multifunction switch in certain model year (my) 2001 and 2002 Chevrolet astro and GMC safari vehicles; specifically, all my 2001 vehicles and early my 2002 vehicles built between March and August 2001.see NHTSA recall no.
What 2001 GMC Safari owners say
Brakes
I have a 2001 GMC Safari van.approx 49000 miles.I first expierenced my antiloc brake system activating when not needed at slow speeds.thinking this was a little odd and I thought I would need to get it to act up more in order to properly explain what is happening to my service personel.and I thought it was minor as even tho the antiloc system activated the brakes seemed to work fine.untill one day when all I heard was the noise accustomed with the antilock system but the brake pedal went to the floor.after pushing as hard as I have ever pushed on a brake pedal the van stopped. Being afraid to drive it anymore I got it into my service dept.who replaced both front wheel speed sensors.
Brakes faulty. Brand new pads installed last week all around adjusted and dealer claims all is well but problem still exists. It takes an extreme amount of force applied to the pedal to stop this vehicle, noticed at 35K. Dangerous and not easy to get used to. In addition, windshield leaks on the top drivers side and the rear right door handle is failing on back dutch doors now at 65K. Also, both power door actuators on the drivers side and the passenger side failed completely at 34K.
Electrical system
Open circuit condition that results in stop lamps and rear hazard lamps becoming inoperative. Center high mounted stop lamp and turn signal functions are not affected. The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and or is stopped and could result in a crash. This description was taken from NHTSA campaign id # 01V364000 and is the exact same problem I am having with my 2001 GMC Safari van. The local GMC dealer wants almost $500.00 to repair this item. I feel GMC should repair this at no charge 1st because it is a safety defect which could cause serious injury if involved in an accident and 2nd they have the exact same problems on several other models as per your campaign id # 01V364000. GMC say's there is no recall on the Safari van so they will not cover the repair. Any help you can provide will be greatly appreciated! …
After running errands, vehicle would not restart. Time in between errands 2 hours. Outside temp 95. Had to wait 15 - 30 minutes in hot vehicle trying to start vehicle every 20-30 seconds. Problem with passlock/passkey security system as listed on various web sites. Checked with personal OBD ii & can scan tool and found no DTC's. This problem is becoming more constant and occupant safety is a major concern.
Lights
Was driving, at night, approximately 30mph, the interior lights went out. The problem would be intermittently. Was informed by another motorist that no rear brake lights were visible. This only happens when the interior lights go out. Had taken vehicle to a mechanic who repaired the multifunction switch.
While driving driver's seat belt unbuckled on its own. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the seat belt buckle needed to be replaced. Then, driver noticed that the turn signal and brake lights were inoperative. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic informed determined that the brake light and turn signal flasher switch needed to be replaced.
2001 GMC Safari engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 GMC Safari a good car?
Based on 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Safari rates better than average: 44% fewer complaints than 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 2001 GMC Safari?
The brakes — 14 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the electrical system (9) and lights (6).
How many recalls does the 2001 GMC Safari have?
There is 1 recall for the 2001 GMC Safari, the most recent from March 14, 2005 (switch). 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 2001 GMC Safari problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 56,000 miles; 42% 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.