1996 GMC Safari: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 GMC Safari: 4 recalls, 139 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #97V057000 · 1997 · 18,972 vehicles
What's wrong: The outboard safety belt webbing on the right-hand rear bucket seat can separate during a vehicle crash.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the vehicle occupant would not be properly restrained and personal injury could result.
The fix: Dealers will install a protector on the rear seat cushion frame.
Child seat Vehicle recall #99V009000 · 1999 · 2,090 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these vehicles May be missing a seat belt retractor clutch spring and/or pawl spring in the child seat. If the clutch spring was missing, the seat belt would lock in the retracted position and could not be used. If the pawl spring was missing, the seat belt restraint would continually play out and would not lock.
Why it matters: These conditions could increase the occupant's risk of injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the seat belts on the child seats, and if necessary, replace the child seat.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #01V123000 · 2001 · 461,851 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these vehicles fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection." the "fasten safety-belt" audible warning occasionally May not come on or May terminate in less than four seconds as required by the standard.
Why it matters: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The fix: Dealers will install a new alarm module. Owner notification began June 27, 2001.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #03V159000 · 2003 · 1,755,876 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor May fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.
Why it matters: If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on June 19, 2003.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from October 18, 2005, through March 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The…
Why it matters: This condition May cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 12 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (33): the most common themes are electrical failure (4), leaks (2).
- Suspension (29): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4), steering problems (3).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (27): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (11), noise or vibration (7).
- Electrical (12): the most common themes are electrical failure (6), stalls / loses power (2).
The 1996 GMC Safari has 139 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 16 Safari model years for complaints (2.0× the average Safari year). Complaints peaked in 1997 (24 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 93,615 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (195 complaints, 3 recalls), 1997 (135 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | 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 1996 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.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 GMC Safari have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1996 GMC Safari, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. 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 1996 GMC Safari problems?
Owners have filed 139 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility (wipers, glass) (33), suspension (29), brakes (hydraulic) (27).
What gas mileage does the 1996 GMC Safari get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 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.