Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Power steering and brake failure without warning .no accident,vehicle was starting out from parked position, when power steering unit failed,which also caused the brakes to fail. Driver was able to get the vehicle stopped. This resulted in the vehicle having to be towed and repair bill of $ 571 dollars. Had the vehicle been out in traffic moving, it could have resulted in a bad accident. This was without any known previous indication or warning. No lights or warning signal of any type.
Power steering failed, drive shaft in pump broke, causing brakes to fail. No accident. Vehicle was being backed out of parking space. Vehicle towed to garage and repaired with new power steering pump installed.
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.
GMC Safari 2000 4.3 liter 6 cylinder engine 2 wd 6000#towing package power steering moans every time turn is made to either side, hasn't failed, but there is a vibration in the steering column. Car dealer said that had been problem with others, steering linkage in column replaced after long wait for part, no change, dealer says that will have to live with it.
Tl contact owns a 1999 GMC Safari. Since the vehicle was purchased in May of 2005, the steering idler arm has been replaced four times. As a result, the vehicle has lost steering ability. The contact has put 30,000 miles on the vehicle in two years. The mechanic stated that the idler arms have failed and need to be replaced. The mechanic also stated that this is a common failure due to a design flaw. She has not contacted a local authorized dealer or the manufacturer. The VIN and engine size were unknown. The current mileage is 99,000 and failure mileage was 70,000.
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. …
While driving 20-25mph and going straight vehicle made a popping noise, and steering failed. Vehicle was forced to go into a ditch due to steering wheel not being able to turn. There was one injury. Dealer was notified, and replaced steering gear box.
Brakes werent working well, then noticed heater didnt work, speed odemter didnt work. Took to GMC repair shop, was told GMC as a problem with fuel injectors leaking in to dash of vehicles. Large repair bill. Needs new wiring harness, fuel injectors, metering body not sure what else til they fix dash. Recommended not to drive more damage will occor or will short out other things. Or cause a fire. GMC wont back up their vehicle. Debbie lull
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Safari years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (14), 1996 (11), 1995 (8), 1998 (6) and 2000 (6) model years. Steering complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for GMC Safari steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist system (12 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist › pump (12).
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.