MotorDeets

GMC Safari problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Safari from 1990 to 2005: 1,091 owner complaints and 27 recalls across 16 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1995 (195), 1996 (139), 1997 (135). Best fuel economy: 20 mpg combined (1990).

GMC Safari
Photo: IFCAR · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Brakes (hydraulic)308
Visibility (wipers, glass)158
Suspension122
Electrical88
Transmission & drivetrain85
Engine & cooling82
Steering73
Body & structure59

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
199043520
199133917
199215917
199306117
1994111917
1995319517
1996413917
1997413517
199838916
199916116
200006817
200113917
200212517
200311817
20040516
20050417

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the GMC Safari.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the GMC Safari?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 1995 (195), 1996 (139), 1997 (135).

How many recalls has the GMC Safari had?

Across 1990–2005, NHTSA lists 27 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).