1990 GMC Safari: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1990 GMC Safari: 4 recalls, 35 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #90V146000 · 1990 · 30,640 vehicles
What's wrong: Fuel return hoses May break at either crimped coupling, causing a leakage of fuel.
Why it matters: In the event of a fuel return line separation, a fuelleak occurring in the presence of an ignition source could cause a fire.
The fix: Install a properly crimped fuel return hose.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #91V164000 · 1991 · 4,842 vehicles
What's wrong: Seat belt anchorage bar for rear sofa failed to sustain loads required by fmvss 210.
Why it matters: Vehicles would not comply with fmvss 210.
The fix: Replace noncomplying sofa bar with bar that meets requirements.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #93V119000 · 1993 · 341,364 vehicles
What's wrong: Severe corrosion due to road salt at the joint of the stamped steel center section and the cast outer section can cause the sections to separate.
Why it matters: Separation of the rotor sections can cause loss ofbraking ability in the affected wheel. This could result in increased stoppingdistance and/or loss of vehicle control and an accident.
The fix: Replace the front brake rotors with new rotors with a corrosion protection coating. However, if replacement of brake linings are necessary, it will be done at owner's expense since brake linings are normal maintenance items.
Seats Vehicle recall #93V187000 · 1993 · 604,207 vehicles
What's wrong: The recliner mechanism and the seat frame May have foam and/or vinyl between them, creating a "soft" joint. This "soft" joint results in lower than specified bolt torque which leads to joint looseness, causing bolt fatigue and eventual bolt failure.
Why it matters: If bolt failure occurs to the driver's seat, it wouldallow the seat back to suddenly recline, and could result in loss of vehiclecontrol and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will remove the foam and/or vinyl from between the recliner mechanism and the seat frame "soft" joint and replace the recliner bolts.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (15): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (6), warning light on (5).
- Body & structure (6): the most common themes are door / lock issues (6).
- Seats (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Seat belts (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1990 GMC Safari has 35 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 16 Safari model years for complaints (well below the 68 average). Complaints peaked in 1996 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old. Neighboring years: 1991 (39 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | Regular |
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 18 | 16 | Regular |
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 1990 GMC Safari.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 1990 GMC Safari have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1990 GMC Safari. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1990 GMC Safari problems?
Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (15), body & structure (6), seats (4).
What gas mileage does the 1990 GMC Safari get?
EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (2.5 L, Manual 5-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1990 GMC Safari repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.