1996 GMC Safari Problems

VIN Decoder

Premium Report

168

Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

SUSPENSION

27 complaints

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT WAS MANEUVERED OFF THE ROAD AND STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A RESIDENCE WHERE A DEALER REPRESENTATIVE CAME FOR AN INSPECTION AND DETERMINED THE PASSENGER SIDE TORSION BAR FRACTURED, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Nov 15, 2006

GMC SAFARI VAN WAS PARKED IN DRIVEWAY, NEXT MORNING IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT HAD COLLAPSED AND WAS JUST 2 INCHES OFF THE PAVEMENT, INNER FENDERS WERE TOUCHING THE TIRES. DISCOVERED THAT THE TORSION BARS HAD FAILED, DEALER SAID REPAIRS WILL BE $1000, PART HAS BEEN REDESIGNED AND HAS A NEW MOUNTING KIT TO GO ALONG WITH NEW TORSION BARS . VEHICLE IS USED AS SECOND FAMILY CAR AND DRIVEN BY DAUGHTER FOR SCHOOL AND WORK, LUCKILY FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE PARKED. *NM

Jun 29, 2006

TORSION BAR BROKEN

Aug 18, 2004

WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH CONSUMER HEARD A BOOMING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND PULLED OVER. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT PASSENGER SIDE TORSION BAR BROKE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TORSION BAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.*AK

Apr 26, 2004

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS BROKE. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE SWERVED OUT OF CONTROL. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO GAIN CONTROL AND STOP. *AK

Mar 23, 2004

+ 22 more complaints for this component

VISIBILITY

26 complaints

POWER WINDOWS DO NOT WORK. CONSUMER CHECKED THE FUSES, AND THE FUSES ARE NOT THE PROBLEM. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AFTER MARKET REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE DEFECT WAS NOTICED. *AK NO RECALL FOUND ON THIS ISSUE. *TC

Nov 15, 2004

THE POWER WINDOWS FAILED. AS A RESULT, WHEN THE WINDOWS WERE UP THEY WERE UNABLE TO COME BACK DOWN. *AK

Aug 30, 2004

CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILED. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH

Jul 31, 2003

VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD WIPER EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 03 V 159 000, BUT IT'S VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED.

May 05, 2003

WHILE DRIVING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COMES ON AND OFF. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *MR *JG *NLM

Oct 10, 2002

+ 21 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

21 complaints

THE BRAKES WILL NOT ENGAGE INTERMITTENTLY. AT TIMES THERE WAS A NOISE. DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO THEY WILL REPLACE THE ABS SYSTEM. *AK

Jan 05, 2005

ABS SYSTEM ENGAGES WHEN BRAKES PRESSED ON DRY PAVEMENT, WHICH CAUSES A DELAYED STOP-TIME OF ABOUT 3 SECONDS. HAS HAPPENED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. *JB

Feb 05, 2004

Crash: 1

SINCE THE MIDDLE OF LAST YEAR, WE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM W/ABS BRAKES. WHEN YOU WOULD SLOW DOWN & GET TO ABOUT 20 MPH, THE VAN WOULD START TO LOCK UP RENDERING THE VEHICLE OUT OF CONTROL & UNABLE TO STOP. WE TOOK IT TO OUR USUAL MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE SENSOR ON THE DRIVER SIDE WAS BAD & REPLACED IT. THAT LASTED ABOUT 6 MONTHS & WE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM REOCCUR. AGAIN, OUR MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT (PULLING HIS HAIR OUT MIND YOU) & DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS UNEQUAL VOLTAGE, SO HE REPLACED BOTH SENSORS. NOW AGAIN WE STARTED HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. AS OF TODAY, THE ABS LIGHT IS ON & THE SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING. WE ARE NOT HAVING ANY PROBLEMS STOPPING NOW. ANYWAY, I'VE DONE SOME RESEARCH & NOTICED THAT A GOOD NUMBER OF GM VEHICLES HAVE HAD ABS RECALLS, 1 STORY I READ WAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I REQUESTED SEVERAL THINGS FROM GM. 1) DIRECTION TO GO NOW; 2) REIMBURSEMENT FOR THESE EXPENSES(APPROX $800); 3) ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM CORRECTED THE RIGHT WAY & 4)A RECALL BE PLACED ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE ALSO. IF THERE WAS A RECALL PLACED ON IT, WE DID NOT RECEIVE IT IN THE MAIL. UNFORTUNATELEY, I WAS SENT A REPLY BASICALLY SAYING THAT THE 1996 MODEL WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALL. IF I FEEL THERE'S A FAILURE, THEN I SHOULD VISIT A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT (AT MY OWN EXPENSE PROBABLY). THERE'S AN OBVIOUS TRACK RECORD WITH THIS ABS SYSTEM, HOWEVER IT DOESNT SEEM LIKE THEY WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILTY FOR IT.

Jan 15, 2004

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED, SUDDENLY THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. *AK *TS *JB

Sep 15, 2003

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN TRYING TO APPLY THE BRAKES THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL GO TO THE FLOOR CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO HAVE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *MRTHE BRAKE LINE RUPTURED CAUSING TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKES. THERE WAS AN AIR CONDITIONING LINE ROUTED ACROSS THE BRAKE LINE WHICH WORE A HOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE CAUSING THE FAILURE. *JG

Oct 08, 2002

+ 16 more complaints for this component

STRUCTURE

11 complaints

I LOVE THIS VAN BUT IM BEGINNING TO THINK THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE DOOR HANDLES. WHEN I LEAST EXPECT IT THE HANDLES WILL JUST BREAK OFF IN MY HAND. I HAVE REPLACED EACH ONE AT LEAST TWICE. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE IS A RECALL ON THEM THAT I WAS NOT AWARE OF. *TR

Sep 29, 2009

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Aug 18, 2002

SLIDING DOOR DOES NOT SIT ON TRACK PROPERLY. INTERMITTENTLY DOOR IS INOPERABLE. DEALER HAS REPAIRED VEHICLE MORE THAN FIFTEEN TIMES.*AK CONSUMER STATES DOOR WILL NOT OPEN WITHOUT BANGING, CONSUMER LISTED THAT 2 PEOPLE HAD BEEN INJURED. *SLC

May 23, 2001

Injuries: 2

BACK DOOR POST BROKEN AT ITS BASE, THRU INSIDE C CHANNEL (OUTSIDE SKIN STILL INTACT). EXACT FAILURE TIME NOT KNOWN, JUST NOTICED CRACK WHEN ENTERING CAR. APPARENT FAILURE FROM METAL FATIGUE; NO KNOWN IMPACT OR CAUSE OF FAILURE. GMC HAS DENIED WARRANTY CLAIM SAYING THAT IT IS SHEET METAL FAILURE, WHICH IS NOT COVERED. I'M CONTENDING THAT IS A FIALURE TO A STRUCTURAL MEMBER AND THEREFORE COVERED. IS THERE ANY RECORD OF SIMILAR FAILURES ON ANY GMC PRODUCT THAT MAY UTILIZE THE SAME DOOR?*AK

Dec 08, 1999

SLIDING DOOR FAILED SIX TIMES.

May 24, 1998

+ 6 more complaints for this component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

8 complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILS EVEN WITH NEW BATTERY, ALTERNATOR. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO START VEHICLE ALL POWER IS LOST. HAPPENED LAST YEAR IS HAPPENING AGAIN, ONLY IN WINTER. KILLS BATTERY AFTER BATTERY. HAVE BOUGHT 3 BATTERIES, NOW THE ELECTRICAL POWER JUST DOES NOT COME ON. *TR

Dec 19, 2009

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Aug 18, 2002

THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT DUE TO A FUSE BLOWING OUT. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 10 MINUTES AFTER FUSE WAS INSTALLED. DEALER HAS REPLACED AT LEAST 25 TIMES. PROBLEM IS DUE TO A SHORT IN THE VEHICLE. *AK

Sep 14, 1999

GENERATOR ASSEMBLY FAILED.

Mar 17, 1998

ELECTRICAL STARTER MOTOR FAILED.

Nov 04, 1997

+ 3 more complaints for this component

EQUIPMENT

7 complaints

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHEN THE AIR CONDITONER IS TURNED ON AIR DOES NOT GET COLD. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THE DEALER SAYS AIR CONDITIONER HOSE IS LEAKING FREON. DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO LOCATE THE LEAK. *AK

Jul 30, 2003

CONSUMER TRIED TO TURN ON AIR CONDITIONER, AND IT BLEWOUT HOT AIR. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID IT WAS EVAPORATER CORE THAT NEEDED REPLACING.*AK *JB

May 02, 2001

RADIO LIGHTS BEGAN TO FAIL, RADIO BECAME HOT TO TOUCH. PULLED FUSE FOR RADIO BUT IT CONTINUED TO GET HOTTER WHEN WE STOPPED AT OUR DESTINATION AND TURNED OFF VEHICLE, THE DASH LIGHTS FLASHED OFF AND ON THEN THE RADIO BEGAN TO SMOKE THEN FLAMES COULD BE SEEN COMING FROM THE BACK OF RADIO CHASSIS. *AK

Dec 27, 2000

Fire: 1

I WORK AT A PEP BOY SERVICE CENTER AND HAVE SEEN 2 OTHER SAFARI VANS WITH THE SAME A/C HOSE FAILURE. THE HOSE IS ROUTED THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT UNDER THE VAN AN DAFTER A WILE THE HOSE BEGINS TO RUB ON THE ENGINE TO THE POINT THAT THE FREON LEAKS OUT AND THE HOSE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR REPAPIRED AT A SUBSTANTIAL COST TO THE OWNER

Oct 20, 1999

AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. MJS

Jul 06, 1999

+ 2 more complaints for this component

STEERING

6 complaints

FINGERS BENT AND TWISTED FROM DRIVING STIFF/TIGHT STEERING ON VEHICLES. INDEX AND MIDDLE BENT TOWARDS BABY FINGER. SEE PHOTOS AT HTTP:PHOTOS.YAHOO.COM/MIKETOMICH. THIS INFORMATION IS BEING SUBMITTED BY LANA'S COUSIN MIKE TOMICH. LANA'S FINGERS ARE ALL BENT AND TWISTED FROM THE HIGH EFFORT STEERING. LANA HAS DRIVEN ONLY GM VEHICLES WHICH INCLUDED THE SAFARI VAN, MALIBU, CAPRICE CLASSIC AND TRANS AM. MIKE TOMICH 989, 665-2311 LANA HAS EXPERIENCED SHOULDER PAIN AND CARPAL TUNNEL PROBLEMS, ETC. DT

Oct 24, 2002

Injuries: 1

FRONT TIE RODS, WITHIN 1500 MILES APART, BROKE. DEALER STATED VEHICLE HAS A BAD SETUP, AND TIE RODS COULD BREAK AT ANY TIME.*AK

Aug 29, 2001

LEFT IDLE ARM HAS EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE WEAR AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER FOR VEHICLE TO PASS INSPECTION. *NOTE: CONSUMER STATED THAT THIS WAS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM IN THESE VEHICLES BASED ON RESEARCH HE HAS DONE. *AK

Jun 18, 2001

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED/ CRACKED IN HALF, CAUSING LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. POWER STEERING PUMP CONTROLS BOTH POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CRASH. *AK

Oct 27, 1999

BELT TENSIONER LOOSE. NLM

Oct 26, 1999

+ 1 more complaint for this component

SEAT BELTS

6 complaints

DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO LOCK WHEN VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Jun 14, 2002

Crash: 1

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE BUT UPON CALLING TO MAKE AN APPOINMENT FOR REPAIR THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR.(RECALL # 01V-123) *YH

Aug 29, 2001

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE BUT UPON CALLING TO MAKE AN APPOINMENT FOR REPAIR THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR.(RECALL # 01V-123) *YH

Aug 29, 2001

REAR SEAT BELTS DO NOT LOCK. WHEN USED, THE FEMALE END STRAP CONTINUES TO TIGHTEN.

Aug 18, 1997

SEAT BELT IS TOO SHORT TO BE USED ON THE REAR SEAT WHEN IT IS MOVING FORWARD. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Jul 10, 1996

+ 1 more complaint for this component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 complaints

COOLANT LEAK CAUSE BY INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE. *LA

Jul 21, 2004

BELT TENSIONER LOOSE. NLM

Oct 26, 1999

BELT TENSIONER LOOSE. NLM

Oct 26, 1999

VEHICLE EXPERIENCES ENGINE VIBRATION. MJS

Jul 06, 1999

BELT SLIPS WHEN WET, CAUSING ENGINE HESITATION.

Mar 17, 1998

POWER TRAIN

5 complaints

TRANSMISSION FAILURE/HARD SHIFTS/GM SAYS NO PROBLEM HOWEVER I HAVE LOCATED COUNTLESS OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM,GM INSTALLED A NEW TRANS.AT 35000 MILES AND SHORTLY AFTER THE NEW TRANS HAS BEEN HARD SHIFTING CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE REAR DIF.,MY MAIN PROBLEM IS WHAT IS THE FIX!,IF I INSTALL ANOTHER TRANS WILL IT LAST,HOW ABOUT THE REAR DIF.REPAIRS,AT THIS TIME I CAN ONLY DRIVE ABOUT 4-5 MILES BEFORE TRANS ACTS UP,MY WIFE WILL NOT USE TRUCK THIS WAY AND THE $S ARE ADDING UP

Nov 29, 2001

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.

Sep 09, 1998

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

May 24, 1998

DRIVE TRAIN MAKES NOISE, RECALL NOTICE HOWEVER DEALER DOESN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

Feb 04, 1998

ALIGNMENT PROBLEM 4 WHEEL DRIVE, TWO NEW FRONT TIRES, ALSO MAKES LOUD CLUNKY NOISE.

Mar 14, 1997

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaints

TL *- THE CONTACT CALLED REGARDING A 1996 GMC SAFARI VAN. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING AT 25 MPH AND WHEN HE APPROACHED A STOP SIGN THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED. HIS FOOT REMAINED ON THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED INTO THE INTERSECTION AND WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH OF THE VEHICLES WERE BADLY DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR, BUT HE FELT THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT HAS A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP. *AK UPDATED 02/27/07. *JB

Jan 31, 2007

Crash: 1

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN ACCELERATION ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DUE TO BROKEN ACCELERATOR CABLE. MJS

Jul 06, 1999

WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE AND MAKING A STOP, VEHICLE WILL ROLL FORWARD OR BACKWARD WHEN CHANGING FOOT FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *AK

Apr 04, 1997

SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *SD

May 22, 1996

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 complaints

THE VEHICLE IDLED ROUGH,THE SERVICE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THEN THE ENGINE MIFIRED. THIS OCCURED BECAUSE THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE EITHER STUCK IN THE OPEN OR CLOSE POSITION. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED DUE TO DEPOSIT BUILD UP WHICH CAUSED THE POPPET VALVE TO STICK AND FAIL. THERE WAS TSB #000604003B ON THIS ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP CLEANED THE INJECTORS, BUT SHOULD OF REPLACED THE CSFI FUEL SYSTEM AS PER THE TSB. *JB

Jul 21, 2004

CONSUMER HAD 8 FUEL PUMPS PUT INTO VEHICLE SINCE SHE HAD IT. FUEL PUMP KEEPS FAILING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING. *AK

Jul 09, 2001

FUEL PUMP FAILURE PROBLEMS NOTED ON VARIOUS WEBSITES CONCERNING GMC SAFARI VANS.ALSO,MECHANIC STATED FIRST REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMP HE ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE WAS DEFECTIVE. I WOULD LIKE TO BE NOTIFIED IF THERE IS A RECALL OR TECHNICAL SEVICE BULLETIN ON THIS PROBLEM SO I MAY BE REIMBURSED. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO REGISTER THIS COMPLAINT ABOUT MY VEHICLE WITH YOU.

Oct 29, 1998

FUEL INJECTORS FAILED.

Oct 22, 1997

TIRES

3 complaints

DUNLOP ROVER TIRE FAILED AT 17000 MILES. TIRE A COMPLETE LOSS .TIRE REPLACED BLAMED ON POOR WORKMANSHIP.OLD TIRE KEEP AT PLACE OF PURCHASE.*AK

Jul 08, 2004

FLAT TIRE CANNOT BE REPAIRED. CAN PRESENT SAFETY PROBLEM IF DRIVER TRIES TO DRIVE CAR WITHOUT FIXING FLAT. *AK *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*764370

Jul 17, 2002

WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY, WHOLE STEEL TOP OF LEFT FRONT TIRE CAME OFF, HIT RUNNER, RUNNER CAME OFF, BENT LEFT FENDER, NO CRASH, DRIVER PULLED TO SIDE OF ROAD TO AVOID CRASH, VEHICLE WITH DEALER FOR INSPECTION/REPAIRS. *AK *JB

Oct 22, 1997

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

3 complaints

SLIDING DOOR LOCKS AND LINKS FAILED.

Sep 19, 1997

DOOR LATCH TO SLIDE DOOR FAILED.

Aug 29, 1997

PASSENGER'S VISION IS IMPAIRED FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO LOCATE DOOR LOCK BUTTON TO UNLOCK DOOR.

Nov 27, 1996

AIR BAGS

2 complaints

CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, AND SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM THE IMPACT.*JB PH

Jan 29, 2003

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION TRAVELING 40-45 MPH AND THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *AK

Mar 24, 1997

Crash: 1

Injuries: 2

STEERING,SUSPENSION

2 complaints

VEHICLE COLLASPED TO THE GROUND WITHOUT WARNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT STABLIZER BAR HAD BROKEN. FATIGUE AND STRESS WILL CAUSE STABILIZER BAR TO BREAK. ALSO,, IDLE ARMS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES. DRIVER FELT THIS WAS VERY UNSAFE WHEN TRAVELING A LOT. *AK

Mar 05, 2002

WHILE TURNING OR BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE OR MAKING A TURN STEERING WHEEL WOULD MAKE A LOUD NOISE. *AK CONSUMER STATES HE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP AND WAS ADVISED THAT BOTH FRONT TIE ROD ENDS WERE LOOSE AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE ALIGNED PROPERLY WHICH WAS CAUSING ABNORMAL TIRE WEAR ON THE FRONT, CONSUMER HAD THE PARTS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REALIGNED, CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT IDLER ARMS WERE NOT BUIILT STRONG ENOUGH. *JB

Apr 23, 2001

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

2 complaints

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCLERATED DUE TO A DEFECTIVE ACCLERATOR WHICH GOT STUCK. DRIVER COULD NOT STOP OR SLOW DOWN VEHICLE. TRIED APPLY BRAKES, BUT BRAKES BURNED AND CAUGHT ON FIRE, HAD TO PLACE VEHICLE IN PARK POSITION TO STOP IT. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Jul 31, 2000

CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 WHEN ACCELERATOR GOT STUCK. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES, AND IT WAS HARD TO PREVENT VEHICLE FROM SPEEDING UP AND TO TRYING TO KEEP CONTROL, VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. CONSUMER FINALLY SHIFTED GEAR INTO PARK, WHICH THEN STOPPED VEHICLE. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME, AND NOTICED BRAKES HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE. *AK

Jul 27, 2000

Fire: 1

VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE

2 complaints

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY, NEVER KNOW WHEN THEY WILL WORK, OR WON'T WORK. 1996 GMC JIMMY'S HAD SAME PROBLEM, WHICH WAS RECALLED AND FIXED BY GMC DEALERS, WHY HAVEN'T THE SAFARIS? I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED, THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD!!!!!! SOME TIMES THEY WORK AND SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. I HAVE HAD TO DRIVE IN THE RAIN W/O WIPERS, AND IT'S DANGEROUS!!!!! ALSO THE HYDRAULICS THAT HOLD THE TOP HALF OF TEH REAR HATCH DOOR OPEN, HAVE FAILED THREE TIMES. WE HAD THE DEALER REPLACE THEM TWICE, BUT AT OVER $100.00 EACH TIME, IT'S GETTING EXPENSIVE. FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY FACTOR AS WELL, DUE TO NOT KNOWING WHEN THE LIFTS WILL FAIL, THE TOP HALF OF THE DOOR, WHICH IS HEAVY, COULD FALL ON SOMEONE'S HEAD, AND HAS HAPPENED. TRUST ME, IT HURTS! *AK

Apr 12, 2000

WHILE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE IN USE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING VISUAL DIFFCULTY WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. BEEN TO DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. DEALER REPLACED THE FUSES. CAUSE UNKNOWN. *AKPOWER DOOR LOCKS INOPERABLE. *YH

Oct 20, 1998

SEATS

2 complaints

DRIVER'S SEAT BACK BROKE IN ACCIDENT.

Nov 07, 1997

SEAT FOLDING MECHANISM FAILED.

Aug 29, 1997

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

THE CONSUMER 1996 GMC SAFARI VAN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH FUEL PUMP. *BF THE FUEL PUMP DID NOT PUMP FUEL. THE FUEL PUMP SUFFERED ELECTRICAL DAMAGE. THE FUEL FILTER WAS CHANGED WHEN THE REBUILT ENGINE WAS PLACED IN THE VEHICLE. THE MAIN BEARING WAS SHOT. *SC

Feb 16, 2005

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

1 complaint

PROBLEM WITH 1996 GMC SAFARI VAN NOT STARTING. *BF THE MECHANIC FOUND THE FUEL PUMP WAS NOT PUMPING FUEL. UPON RETRIEVING THE FUEL PUMP FROM THE GAS TANK, HE FOUND IT TO HAVE SUFFERED SEVERE ELECTRICAL DAMAGE. THE ACTUAL FAILURE WAS NOT THE FUEL PUMP, BUT BECAUSE IT GENERATED ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT THE HOSE COMING FROM THE PUMP ALONG THE CONNECTION. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED HE HAD TO HAVE A REBUILT ENGINE INSTALLED AFTER THE FIRST ENGINE FAILED WITH ONLY 87,000 MILES. *JB

Feb 16, 2005

SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT OPERATE - RECALLED - DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS REPAIRED, NOW WIPERS OPERATE WHENEVER IT FEELS LIKE IT. BOTH TORSION RODS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WITHIN 1 DAY APART OF EACH OTHER. MECHANIC REVEALED THAT GM NOW HAS A SPECIAL TECHNIQUE TO BE DONE WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND IT COSTS AN EXTRA $90 TO REPAIR. WHICH MEANS THEY ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND WILL NOT RECALL THE VEHICLES AND REPLACE AT THEIR COST. BROKEN SPARK PLUG ALMOST KILLED MY FAMILY. FUEL PUMP WENT OUT. DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW DOES NOT ROLL DOWN, DRIVER'S SIDE VIEW MIRROR DOES NOT OPERATE.

Jan 15, 2004

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SEATS

1 complaint

INTERMITTENTLY REAR WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME INOPERABLE, OBSTRUCTING DRIVER'S VIEW. THE ACCELERATOR CABLE WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE WATER PUMP WAS REPLACED TWICE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE POWER WINDOW MOTOR WAS REPLACED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT MOTOR FAILED. THE HATCH FAILED. THE REAR CAPTAIN CHAIRS SEAT BELTS BROKE. *AK *NLM

Oct 01, 2003

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Aug 18, 2002

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 35 MPH. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT BELT FAILED TO HOLD. *YH

Jun 14, 2002

Crash: 1

Injuries: 4

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 complaint

HYDROBOOST UNIT FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY .5-10 MPH, CAUSING INOPERATIVE BRAKES. CAUSE UNKNOWN.*AK. CONSUMER STATES HYDROBOOST UNIT FAILED.*JB

May 14, 2001

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY

1 complaint

INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET - NEEDED REPLACED WITH LESS THAN 70K MILES ON VAN. HEATER FAN DASHBOARD SWITCH - WHEN SET ON FLOOR HEAT ONLY, IT BLOWS OUT BOTH AT THE DEFROSTER AND THE FLOOR. WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR - AFTER IT STOPPED WORKING, WE GROUNDED THE MOTOR AND IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN - NOW IT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY, BUT NOT WHEN YOU USUALLY NEED IT MOST. DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW MOTOR - FAILED AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. AIR CONDITIONING TUBE - BECAME BRITTLE AND BROKE - REPAIRED IT AND THE A/C WORKS CORRECTLY AGAIN.

Feb 02, 2001

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THEN, AIR CONDITIONER WAS BLOWING HOT AIR, AND CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP. THEY TOLD HER THAT INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS RUBBING AGAINST A BLOCK CONNECTING WITH AIR CONDITIONING UNIT, AND THIS WAS CAUSING AIR CONDITIONING COOLANT TO RUN OUT ONTO THE GROUND. *AK

Aug 10, 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON/ PEDAL JERKED, AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. CONTACTED DEALER. HE SAID THAT IT WAS A SENSOR THAT NEEDED TO BE RESET. REPLACED COMPUTER MODULE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN DEALER ABOUT FIVE TIMES, AND IS STILL AT THE DEALER. *AK

Jun 19, 2000

VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL EITHER NOT COME ON OR STOP WORKING WHEN ON. ALSO AIR CONDITIONER FAILED WHEN COOLANT LINE RUBBED AGAINST UNDERBODY, FORMED A HOLE, AND LEAKED OUT COOLANT GAS. *AK

Jun 19, 2000

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 complaint

STARTED VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE AND HEARD A CLUNKING & GRINDING NOISE. KEPT VEHICLE RUNNING, BACKED OUT OF THE GARAGE, TURNED THE WHEEL, AND THERE WAS NO STEERING. WENT TO APPLY BRAKES , AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. CONTACTED DEALER. *AK. VEHICLE LOST POWER AND BRAKES DUE TO TENSION PULLEY WAS BROKE. *YH

May 18, 2000

STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT

1 complaint

I HAD THE AIR CONDITIONER REPLACED IN DEC. AND IN FEB. I HAD JUST DRIVEN IN FROM GA TO CA AND IT WAS 7:30AM IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND THE FRONT OF THE AIR CONDIT. UNIT FELL OFF. I HEARD WHAT I THOUGHT WAS ROCKS HITTING UNDER THE FRONT END AND LATER FOUND OUT IT WAS BEARINGS, BUT JUST AS I HEARD THE SOUND I LOST MY POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. I HAD NO BRAKES AT ALL .. I HIT MY EMERGENCY BRAKE SLOWLY AND POWER STEERED MY VAN TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT TOOK EVERYTHING I HAD TO TURN THE WHEEL . IF I HAD BEEN GOING 60 ON THE FREEWAY INSTEAD OF 10 MILES AN HR. I PROBLEY WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE BIGGEST TROUBLE OF MY LIFE. I COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE NOT HAVING ANY BRAKES OR STEERING, SOMEHOW THE TWO ARE CONNECTED. I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING TO ANYONE AND WHEN I SPOKE TO DIFFERENT AUTO REPAIRMEN. THEY HAVE NOT HEARD OF IT EITHER.. I HAD REPLACE THE AC IN THE VAN IN DEC, AND PAID 500.00 . I HAVE HAD ON GOING PROBLEMS WITH THE AC FROM THE TIME I FIRST GOT THE VAN. I HOPE NO ONE EVER HAS THIS PROBLEM OR HURTS SOMEONE BECAUSE THERE AIR CONDITIONER FALLS APART. THE RUNNING OF THE AUTO AND THE CONNECTION TO THE A/C SHOULD NEVER BE HOOKED TOGETHER. AC'S GO OUT ALOT IN AUTO'S AND THIS IS A SURE WAY TO KILL SOMEONE.*AK

May 01, 2000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES

1 complaint

APPLIED BRAKES AND SYSTEM FAILED SPORADICALY, MOST FAILURES UNDER DRY CONDITION ON ASPHALT. TWO BRAKE MODULES, COMPUTER MODULE, MASTER CYLINDER, CALIPERS, PADS, ROTORS ALL BEEN REPLACED. FRONT TIRES REPLACED AT 24,000 MILES. PEDAL CAN BE PRESSED TO FLOOR AT ANY TIME, FAILURE HAS A MUSHY PEDAL WITH A COASTING TO A STOP. SOME TIME MAKING NOISE (UNLIKE THAT OF ABS SYSTEM) UNTIL PEDAL IS RELEASED.

Jun 15, 1998

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

ALL REAR LIGHTS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY.

Mar 02, 1998

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 complaint

FRONT BRAKE CALIPER BUSHINGS MAKE A POPPING NOISES JUST BEFORE STOPPING.

Feb 08, 1998

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN

1 complaint

AT APPROXIMATELY 14,000 MPH, EXPERIENCED LACK OF ADEQUATE BRAKES. AT 17895, BRAKES SQUEALED AND FADED. DEALER EXPLAINED TO CONSUMER THAT TRUCK WAS ONLY DESIGNED TO CARRY 6, 200 LBS AS TOTAL VEHICLE WEIGHT. THE TRUCK'S EMPTY WEIGHT WAS 4850 LBS. WHEN A FULL TANK OF FUEL WAS ADDED, IT INCREASED THE TOTAL WEIGHT TO 5100 LBS. THIS ONLY LEFT 1100 LBS AND NO PASENGERS' LUGGAGE WAS ADDED. WITH 5 ADULTS IN THE TRUCK, THE VEHICLE WAS OVERLOADED. THIS AFFECTED THE BRAKING CAPACITY. ALSO REPLACED LEAKING AXLE ASSEMBLY SEAL. *AK

Dec 05, 1997

INTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED.

Aug 29, 1997

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

ROOF RACK FAILED.

Feb 12, 1997

VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 complaint

WINDSHIELD LEAKS WATER DURING RAINY WEATHER; ALSO, SLIDING DOOR IS OPENED W/DIFFICULTY WITH LATCH DESIGN POSSIBLE FAILURE. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

Dec 30, 1996

PARKING BRAKE

1 complaint

EMERGENCY BRAKE PEDAL IS SO HIGH THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO ENGAGE WITH FOOT.

Nov 27, 1996

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

WHILE DRIVING ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE ABS BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD-ON AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

Nov 12, 1996

Crash: 1

4.7/5.0

98 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 1996 GMC Safari have?

The 1996 GMC Safari currently has 168 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 1996 GMC Safari?

The most common problems reported for the 1996 GMC Safari are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 1996 GMC Safari problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 1996 GMC Safari comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.