Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl contact owns a 2002 GMC Safari. While driving 5 or 6 MPH, it took 40-50 feet before the contact could stop the vehicle. A mechanic stated that both the passenger and driver side wheel bearings and idler arms needed to be replaced. The local mechanic performed the repairs. GMC denied him reimbursement because they did not make the repair. The consumer had the repairs made a an independent shop the current mileage was 28,550 and failure mileage was 28,530. Updated 5/5/08 updated
When backing out of garage brakes failed and the pedal went all the way to the floor. Dealer told me there was no brake problems, but could be ABS sensors rusted or had dirt build up. The dealer cleaned ABS sensors and sprayed a rust inhibitor on sensors and hubs , and said they hoped this would solve the problem. If problem persists to come back.
I have taken van to the dealer seven times for the front right side lower control arm assembly, twice the van was towed at the expense of GMC roadside assistance. GMC has already stated a manufacturer's defect and a serious safety issue. Two different dealers cannot repair the van. It cannot be driven due to the safety issues!!
Upon purchase of vehicle within the 30 day warranty the car began shaking uncontrollably when braking. This has continued over the last 12 months. The car is temporarily OK . For about 3 weeks after each repair then begins shaking again. In January merchants decided they will not fix the problem at their expense any longer yet this has never been remedied and is in the shop every 6 weeks for the same problem.
Tires are worn on outer edges to where there is no tread. Dealer/manufacturer claims no responsibility for the tires, but insists that premature tire wear was due to idler arm having too much play and throwen out of alignment. Problem still exists. Provide further information.
Antilock brakes fail when coming to a complete stop. The antilock system starts to function and then at about 2 MPH the pedal goes down completely to the floor. You could only regain braking ability if you took your foot off the brakes while the ABS system reset itself. I took the vehicle to the dealer for repairs and the left front hub bearing assembly (part cost $864) was replaced. The dealer's service invoice indicated a test drive found the left front ABS sensor "dropping out" and "tested circuit sensor open". The service advisor said that the speed sensor was an integral part of the front hub bearing assembly. The dealer service invoice no. Is gccs56017. I have the hub at my home address.
When starting up from park, the engine roars and looses power, sometimes only for a short distance but sometimes 500 to 600 feet. Also after starting up from a stopped position, the rear of the van gives off a very loud thud and van lurches at the same time as if someone rearended the vehicle. Sometimes, the van after being just started (still in park and not touching the brake or anything other than starting the engine) and sitting for a short while, the van will have a loud thud from the rear of the van and you can also feel movement at the same time.
On August 13th, 2003, I backed the van out of the garage, which has an about 2 inch drop. While making a left turn, I could feel the tire scraping. By the time I got out of the car,the drivers' side was almost on the ground. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest garage, where we have most of our work done.I thought it was the strut, but it was the torsion bar. We had to replace both torsion bars. The mechanic told me that the replacement bars were different from the originals. I checked around and was told, that both had to be replaced, the prices were about the same. I wrote to GMC, and told them they knew there was a problem with the torsion bars, otherwise the replacements would not have been different. On the 4th of sept. We received a phone call from them. There had been a recall 01036, but our vehicle is too old , so they are no longer responsible. …
Related recalls (2)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
Certain minivans have an interference condition between the lower ball joint rubber boot and the steering knuckle (both left/right sides), which could result in cutting of the boot that is intended to seal the ball joint.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering knuckles. Owner notification is expected to begin on April 8, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
These vehicles were assembled with the left-hand lower control arm-to-frame rear nut not tightened to the specified torque.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the left-hand lower control arm-to- frame rear nut to the proper torque specification.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Safari years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (33), 1996 (29), 1998 (6) and 1997 (5) model years. Suspension complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for GMC Safari suspension problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 03V-328 (lower ball joint, Sep 12, 2003); 95V-175 (lower arm, Sep 13, 1995). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do GMC Safari suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 33% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front › springs › torsion bar (47 mentions), followed by the front (17).
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.