Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Vehicle has experienced severe electrical problems. While driving power locks intermittently popped up and down on their own. Right side windows will go down, but will not come back up with out physically pulling them up by hand. Dome light popped on intermittently, and the vehicle had to be jump started at least six times since eleven months of ownership.
Consumer states that the instrument panel goes out with out warning at night. The overhead information panel has not worked since vehicle was purchased. Mr the vehicle stalled due to battery failure. The driver's and passenger side doors failed due to electrical lock failure. The right passenger window fogs up and cannot see mirror. Key less security failed.
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.
Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 2000 GMC Safari at 55 MPH on cruise control. He came to a traffic light and contact pressed on the brake pedal trying to disengage the cruise control, but the cruise control did not disengage. The contact had to use the on and off switch to shut off cruise control. The contact stated that since the cruise control incident cruise control could not be used. Also, all of his electronic gauges displayed erroneous readings.
Transmission intermittently would slip when accelerating from a stop position or while traveling at a regular speed. Vehicle been in / out of dealer shop on two or more occasions, and unable to locate cause. The vehicle stalls on the road and would not restart. The dealer repaired all connection at starter and engine. Also the vehicle had popping sound when brakes was applied due to problem with rear right suspension and tire. The driver side seat riser was inoperable. The vehicle had a roaring noise on hard stop and extended crank intermeting rough stand due to rotors failure.
I have had to replace the coil wire twice on this vehicle. When the wire fails, the engine cuts off causing complete loss of control of the vehicle. The power steering and power brakes fail to work. This causes a severe safety hazard to vehicle occupants and other vehicles on the highway. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**767118
On 4 occasions, approximately once a month, the key has been inserted into the ignition and failed to turn. On 3rd occasion, dealer found shifter cable intermittently getting stuck, and not allowing ignition to release. They also found case jamming up. They replaced steering column assembly. Currently car is at dealer for the 4th occurrence. They are suggesting that our driving/parking habits are perhaps to blame; we feel that, as mature, good-driving adults in our late 40's who have driven many types of cars and vans throughout the years without ever encountering this problem, - that there is no way we could be causing this problem. Obviously the mechanism in the ignition/steering column is highly sensitive, and definitely has a defect. My husband and I fear that we are someday going to get stuck in a far-away place or in the middle of a job with a car whose key will not turn. …
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Safari years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1996 (12), 1997 (11), 1995 (9), 1998 (9) and 2001 (9) model years. Electrical complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1996.
Is there a recall for GMC Safari electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the alternator/generator/regulator (8 mentions), followed by the wiring › interior/under dash (8).
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.