Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl contact owns a 2003 GMC Safari. The vehicle was parked and the contact smelled something burning. He lifted the hood and noticed the clamp that held the brake line was on fire. The contact extinguished the fire, and the vehicle was towed to his residence. He changed the brake line hose, and drove the vehicle for about a mile at 35 MPH. The contact parked the vehicle, and noticed that the brakes were failing when he attempted to shift the vehicle to the drive position. He looked under the hood and realized that the brake line was hot again. The vehicle was towed back to his residence and inspected by a mechanic. The cause of failure has not been determined. The current mileage was 40,924 , and failure mileage was 40,800.
The brake lines in front are rusted out and leaking creating a serious problem, as the brakes are not working. I see this is a re-occurring problem with GMC vehicles. The cost to repair is astronomical. Why isn't GMC recalling these vehicles?
While driving at 30 MPH in rush hour traffic consumer tried to apply the brakes but the brakes locked up. Vehicle shuddered, the ABS kicked in, and a collision occurred. Consumer felt that the brakes failed. The dealer have been notified of the problem.
Dt: the contact owns a 2002 GMC Safari. The contact stated that when trying to stop the ABS activated, and vehicle lost the braking capability on the right front wheel. There was more braking on the left side of the vehicle, and this caused the steering wheel to pull to the left. The consumer asked the service dealer about this problem, and they stated the right hub needed to be replaced, and that the consumer would have to pay for the repairs. The dealership stated that the consumer could take out the fuse to the ABS and this would disable the ABS brakes. The consumer was not aware of a recall for this specific type of vehicle regarding the ABS. The consumer stated that there was a technical service bulletin (TSB) regarding this problem.
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.
There were two cases: first I was involved in a wreck with a car hitting me in the rear so hard that my back compartments wont open and now the air bag light is on and wont go off. Another case was as I was driving slowly to the laundry matt my power steering quit while my brakes went to the floor. It scared me to death and is broke down now. My three children are usually with me always. I have an 18 yr old autistic girl, a 13 yr old boy and a 4 year old boy. I'm a stay at home mom and used my ride for the children. Now I'm scared to drive it and dont know if anyone can help me.
Dt*: the contact stated while applying brake pressure at low speeds of 5-10 MPH the ABS activates and there is decreased braking power and the pedal pulsates. There was an accident relating to this. While parking the vehicle, when applying the brakes, the vehicle rolled off of the parking area and down the hill and hit a tree. There was property damage. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle had to be towed to the dealership and is awaiting inspection. In 2003 with 75,000 miles, the vehicle had the same decreased braking power. At that time, the dealership replaced two front ABS wheel speed sensors.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Safari years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (60), 1996 (29), 2000 (28), 1997 (18) and 1999 (18) model years. Brake complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for GMC Safari brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any GMC Safari model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do GMC Safari brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (111 mentions), followed by the foundation components (19).
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.