Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
No brakes (3) times, pedal goes to floor, hit another vehicle 2 times. When taken to dealer, they find nothing wrong. Sometimes jumps when first started up like it is going to jump forward out of gear. Dealer found nothing wrong. Driver door lock does not unlock with remote when sun hitting on car. Dearler looking at now. When you slow down and then start again transmission jerks. Dealer looking at now.
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.
(1) nothing leading up to event. Suddenly the vehicle was not able to be moved in reverse although the gear selector was able to be placed into r. Also, the vehicle would not drive smoothly in any forward gears. However, it was able to move forward and subsequently able to be driven onto a transport trailer for towing. (2) fortunately, the failure happened in a parking lot and no accident or injuries were incurred. The vehicle was loaded onto a u-haul vehicle transport trailer and taken to a transmission repair facility (ocean side transmission incorporated located in oceanside, ca). (3) transmission was repaired with several parts replaced at the cost of almost $2000.00. Transmission repair shop said the shell was cracked and "this vehicle's transmission is known for having a weak shell". I have this old part available and it is broken into two pieces appearing to have sheared apart.
Dear whom it May concern, last Monday(5-17-04) my car would not start. Prior to that the car was running fine, it has been a dependable vehicle. The f- control had broke in two. The car can not go into gear and/or changes gears without notice when the f control is broken. The car was towed the next day to the dealer. It was at the dealer until Friday(052104), due to the need to order the f control part. The car seems to be repaired. I do have the old part. I am notifying you due to the potential loss of life if a vehicle was being driven when the f control breaks. I was parked at the time my f contol broke. I have notified GMC. I will also notify california safety board. Sincerely, danna williams.
1998 GMC Safari van automatic transmission model 700, failured at 93,000 miles due to a 3rd gear slippage. I found in my research to fix this problem this was common for GMC trucks with this transmission for this to fail between 90,000 and 100,000 even with scheduled service. GMC agreed to replace with a factory rebuild, which they did but at my cost of $2,300.00, with a 36 month/50,000 mile warranty. I could not find any tech service bulletins or recalls on your web site, do you have anyother information. GMC and its dealership is already aware of my product displeasure when I expect quailty and durability it was not there. Please respond, thank you.
I had the automatic transmission on this vehicle repaired on 3 different occasions in the 3 years I have owned it. The dealer did it twice under the extended warranty I had on it, the third time was 3,000 miles after the warranty ended an aamoco transmissions repaired it. This was the first week of December 2002. The transmission is again shifting hard and "jumping" into gear after stopping for red light or any such incident.
97 Safari consistently sets p1870 code, transmission slips when warmed up. The vehicle shift extremely hard (actually slip)1st-2nd-3rd. Hard enough a significant chance of u-joint breakage, uncontrolled tire spinning on ice/slick roads, (I have experienced),whiplash type experience under moderate acceleration. This sudden shift also attributed to causing interior components such as center console to shake loose. Several instances have caused items in center column cup holder to fall out and spill. GM has TSB on record and recognizes this affects 96-02 GM vehicles with the 4l60e trans(vans, SUV's, rear wheel drive cars and front wheel drive cars with similar transmission). GM recognizes in their TSB of an ineffective valve body and that this is a "possible" problem and goes on to state it was corrected in late '02 mfg vehicles and there are no "recalls". …
Had brought the vehicle in at approx 34K. Dealer said left shock was leaky. After that when braking down from higher speed, left tire, jumps until speed is slowed. Now with the new noise, says transfer case is loose.
Frequently asked questions
Which GMC Safari years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (21), 1999 (19), 1998 (8), 1995 (5) and 2000 (5) model years. Transmission complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for GMC Safari transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (46 mentions), followed by the driveline › differential unit (3).
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.