2004 GMC Safari Problems & Complaints

Better than average89% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Safari at the same age

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2004 GMC Safari with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 89% fewer than a typical Safari model year at the same age, making the 2004 one of the better Safari years. The most reported problem area is the suspension (2 complaints, typically around 17,000 miles).

5complaints
0recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 2004 GMC Safari problems

  • Suspension~17,000 miles
    240%
  • Steering~6,000 miles
    120%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~17,000 miles
    120%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~134,000 miles
    120%
  • A/C & heater~134,000 miles
    120%
  • Brakes~180,000 miles
    120%

Share of the 5 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

GMC Safari complaints by model year

19951996199719981999200020012002200320041951391358961683925185
Owner complaints per model year, GMC Safari. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Safari years: 2004, 2003, 2002. Years to avoid: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998. Compare all years →

2004 GMC Safari engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
4.3L 6-cyl4-speed automaticRWD14 / 19 / 16
4.3L 6-cyl4-speed automatic4WD/AWD14 / 18 / 15

EPA ratings. Class: Van.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2004 GMC Safari a good car?

Based on 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Safari rates better than average: 89% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Safari at the same age. It is one of the best Safari years by this measure. 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 2004 GMC Safari?

The suspension — 2 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year, most often about rear. Next are the steering (1) and transmission & drivetrain (1).

How many recalls does the 2004 GMC Safari have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 GMC Safari. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2004 GMC Safari problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 17,000 miles; 60% 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.