1998 GMC Safari Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
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112
Complaints Reported
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Complaints by Component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
14 complaints
BRAKES FAILED, AND PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER STATED THAT BRAKES SOUNDED AS THEY WERE LOCKING UP. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND DEALER KEPT SAYING THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. CONSUMER ALMOST HAD AN ACCIDENT.*AK
Jan 30, 2002
WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT 25MPH, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS HAD BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *SLC
Jan 22, 2002
ACCORDING TO PARTS WAREHOUSE, OVER 300 OF THESE HOSES HAVE BEEN ORDERED/REPLACED SINCE NOVEMBER 2001.*AK
Jan 17, 2002
THE BROKEN SHAFT ON THE HYD. PUMP CONTROLS BOTH THE BRAKES ,WHICH I HAD NEXT TO NONE ,AND ALSO THE POWER STEERING .I WAS ABLE TO STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD VERY GINGERLY, ONLY BECAUSE AT THAT TIME I WAS COASTING AT ABOUT 10MPH ,ALMOST IN FRONT OF OUR DRIVEWAY.AT THIS TIME I WAS TOWING OUR TRAVEL TRAILER, RETURNING FROM VACATION,FROM THE WEST COAST, VIA INTERSTATES AND MANY MOUNTAINOUS ROADS.GOD HELP IF THIS WOULD HAD HAPPEN AT THE TIME .AFTER UNHITCHING THE 24FT. TRAILER, OUR VAN WAS FLATBEDDED TO OUR DEALER WHO DID A FINE REPAIR JOB ON THE HYD. PUMP PROBLEM.AS FOR THE WIPER CONTROL MODULE THAT IS ANOTHER STORY. THE PROBLEM OCCURED IN RAPID CITY N.D. WHILE TRAVELING 65MPH ALONG A HIGHWAY, DURING A RAIN STORM. THEY JUST QUIT OPERATING WITHOUT WARNING. WE SAT OUT THE STORM, THEN PROCEED BACK TO OUR CAMP GROUND.WE LOCATED A GMC DEALER IN RAPID CITY S.D. WHO REPAIRED THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE MANGER HAD TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM ON MANY VEHICLES AND KEEPS MANY ON THE SHELF.
Sep 09, 2001
CRACKS IN REAR BRAKE DRUMS CAUSE BRAKES TO GRIND WHEN APPLIED. MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK
Sep 06, 2001
+ 9 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
8 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SAFARI. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. HOWEVER, THEY BEGAN OPERATING AGAIN FIVE TO TEN MINUTES LATER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RAINFALL IS FREQUENT IN HIS STATE. NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE PRESENT DURING OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE IS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER). THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 143,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 05/06/08. *LJ UPDATED 05/06/08
Jul 03, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SAFARI. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 160,000. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON A RAINY NIGHT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BE UNABLE TO SEE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. AFTER SWERVING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ALMOST GETTING HIT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED UNTIL IT STOPPED RAINING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MOTOR STOPPED OPERATING BECAUSE THE SOLDER JOINT CRACKED. *AK
May 02, 2007
1998 SAFARI VAN, RANDOM FAILURE OF WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, THERE IS NO PATTERN TO IT, IT FAILS INTERMITTENTLY TO FUNCTION, WHICH IS KIND OF A SAFETY CONCERN, SINCE THE ONLY TIME I USE THE WIPERS IS DURING A RAINSTORM, WHICH REDUCES VISION GREATLY. *NM
Sep 18, 2006
I OWN A 1998 GMC SAFARI VAN; I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE WIPERS WORKING WHEN EVER THEY WANTED TO" SINCE PURCHASING THE VAN. YESTERDAY DURING A HEAVY THUNDERSTORM, THE WIPERS QUIT COMPLETELY WITH ZERO WARNING. THE ONLY REASON THAT THERE WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT WAS BECAUSE LUCKILY THERE WAS NOTHING FOR ME TO HIT WHEN I LOST CONTROL DUE TO NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE. I HAVE SPOKEN TO GM CUSTOMER SERVICE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS TO ONLY BE TOLD THAT ALTHOUGH THE CIRCUIT BOARD THAT CAUSES THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR OTHER YEARS, IT IS NOT RECALLED ON 1998 YEAR MODELS. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS ISSUE FOR SAFETY SAKE BEFORE SOME IS KILLED. *JB
Aug 10, 2006
WHILE USING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND WITHOUT WARNING THE WIPERS STOPPED WORKING. *AK THE CONSUMER WAITED 1 MINUTE AND THEN WAS ABLE TO TURN THEM BACK ON. THE 1992-1997 CHEVROLET TRUCKS WERE RECALLED FOR THE SAME WIPER SWITCH PROBLEM. THE 1998 WIPER SWITCH WAS BELIEVED TO BE THE SAME AS THE 1997 WIPER SWITCH. *SCC *JB
Aug 07, 2003
+ 3 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 complaints
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FORWARD, THE GAS PEDAL WOULD STICK AND HARD PRESSURE HAD TO BE APPLIED IN ORDER FOR THE PEDAL TO WORK. CAUTION WAS USED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED FORWARD BECAUSE THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER. *AK *SCC *JB
Jun 27, 2003
ENGINE ACCELERATES SPONTANEOUSLY WHEN AT IDLE STOPPED. FOOT NOT ON GAS PEDAL
Feb 13, 2002
THROTTLE CABLE FRAYED CAUSING EXTREME AND UNWARRANTED ACCELERATION FROM 65 MPH FWY SPEED TO 90 MPH AND THEN STUCK OPEN AT THIS POINT. BRAKING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT DUE TO SPEED, HOWEVER MANAGED TO REDUCE SPEED TO POINT OF BEING ABLE TO PLACE GEAR IN NUETRAL POSITION AND STOP. AS A RESULT BRAKE PADS WERE RUINED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT AS WELL AS ACCELERATOR CABLE.*AK
Aug 23, 2001
ACCELERATOR STICKS . WHEN BACKING OUT AND TRYING TO GIVE VEHICLE GAS ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL NOT GO DOWN TO FLOOR. *AK
Jul 03, 2001
INTERMITTENTLY THROTTLE STICKS AND VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE. DEALER HAS CLEANED THROTTLE BODY.*AK
Apr 02, 2001
+ 3 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
6 complaints
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.*AK
Feb 10, 2005
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.*JB
Apr 07, 2003
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING GEARS WILL SWITCH FROM 1ST TO 2ND, AND IT WILL BE HARD TO CHANGE BACK TO 1ST GEAR. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK
Aug 14, 2002
SHORTLY AFTER SIGNING A LEASE TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE, THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP IN REVERSE WHILE I WAS USING IT COMMERCIALLY. THE TRUCK HAD SEVERAL YEARS, OR 25000 MILES, LEFT ON WARRANTY SO I CALLED GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR REPAIR.THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT AN AUTHORIZED GMC DEALERS'SHOP, PERFORMANCE CHEVROLET,SACRAMENTO,CA. ONE WEEK LATER THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP AGAIN, ONLY THIS TIME I COULDN'T AFFORD TO LOSE THE WORK (SELF-EMPLOYED) AS I DID THE FIRST LOCK UP. SO, I GATHERED MY WITS ABOUT ME AND OPENED THE TOWER/SHIFTER ROD TOP OF THE TRANNY. I FOUND THE BOTTOM OF THE SHIFTER ROD OUT OF ITS DIVIT IN WHICH IT SHIFTS GEARS, AND ALSO SAW THAT THE REVERSE GEAR WAS THROWN INTO REVERSE. I THEN USED A SCREWDRIVER TO PRY THAT GEAR BACK INTO A NUETRAL POSITION. I BUTTONED EVERYTHING BACK INTO PLACE AND RESUMED WORK. THIS BECAME A REGULAR PART OF MY JOBS; THAT IS, "FIXING" THE MANUFACTURER'S PROBLEMED PRODUCT. ABOUT 6 TO 8 MONTHS OF THIS MADDNESS WENT BY, WHEN ONE OF MY CLIENTS COMPLAINED THAT I SEEMED TO BE FIXING THE TRUCK MORE THAN WORKING IT TO FULFIL MY THE CONTRACT WITH HIM. AT THAT, I DECIDED ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH, AND VOWED THAT NEXT TIME THE LOCK UP OCCURED, I WOULD NOT FIX IT. I DIDN'T HAVE LONG TO WAIT BEFORE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO KEEP THAT PROMISE,AND THIS TIME I SENT THE TRUCK TO GMC'S OTHER REPAIR SHOP IN THE SACRAMENTO AREA, FB HART, HOPING FOR A REAL CURE. ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER I RECEIVED A CALL SAYING MY TRUCK WAS REPAIRED. IT DIDN'T LAST,BUT FEELING SIMPLY BEATEN BY THE BIG BOYS, I RESOLVED TO BEING A NOBODY AND KEPT FIXING IT MYSELF. HOWEVER, THIS TIME THE LOCK UP CAUSED REAR END DAMAGE, AMOUNTING TO $3501.44 AND RENTALS TOTALLING TO $9,000! I'M NEAR RUINED. GMC'S GAYLA CHASE SAYS THEY'RE ONLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TRANSMISSION. MY LOST INCOME ALONE, AMOUNTS TO APPOX $22,000. HOW IS IT A CUSTOMER CAN SUFFER LIKE THIS ON ACCOUNT OF A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT? DOES BIG BUSINESS HAVE SO MUCH CLOUT THAT OUR COUNTRY'S GOVERNMENT. *AK
Sep 07, 2001
TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED, FAILED AGAIN TWELVE HOURS AFTER WE GOT IT BACK! THEN ALL WAS FINE UNTIL 4-17-99 WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED AGAIN. DEALERSHIP IS CURRENTLY LOOKING INTO FIXING IT AGAIN. *AK
Apr 23, 1999
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaints
I HAVE A 98 GMC SAFARI, I HAVE HAD THREE (3) REAR AC BLOWER CONTROL SWITCHES BURN UP IN IT SIX (6) YEARS. THE SWITCHES ARE MELTED FROM OVERHEATING. DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OVER THIS ISSUE? THE DATE LISTED BELOW IS THE LAST ONE. *JB
Dec 19, 2004
RECALL COMPLETED SEPT 19. ELECTRIC WONDOW ON DRIVER SIDE NOT FUNCTIONING PROPROPERLY STARTED SEPT 21. REPORTED TO DEALER STATED NOT RELATED PROBLEMS. ON SEPT 24 WINDSHIELD WASHER NOT WORKING. ON SEPT 26 A/C & VENT BLOWER NOT WORKING. NONE THESE PROBLEMS EXISTED UNTIL RECALL # 03V093000 WAS DONE.
Sep 29, 2003
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, THE EXTERIOR TAIL LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE UNLESS THE HIGH BEAMS WERE TURNED ON. *NLM *TS *JB
Jun 26, 2003
THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SYMPTOMS OF NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03-V-930-000 RELATED TO A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR SWITCH. *NLM
May 23, 2003
IGNITION COIL WIRE FAILED. YH
Feb 01, 1999
+ 1 more complaint for this component
STEERING
6 complaints
WHILE DRIVING 20-25MPH AND GOING STRAIGHT VEHICLE MADE A POPPING NOISE, AND STEERING FAILED. VEHICLE WAS FORCED TO GO INTO A DITCH DUE TO STEERING WHEEL NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN. THERE WAS ONE INJURY. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND REPLACED STEERING GEAR BOX. *AK *YH
Aug 21, 2002
WE HAVE TALKED TO MANUFACTURER NUMEROUS TIMES IN THE PAST THREE YEARS ABOUT STEERING PROBLEM ON THESE SCHOOL BUSES, THE POWER STEERING FLUID IS GETTING HOT AND GAULDING STEERING BOXES. OIL TEMPERATURE IS AROUND 220 TO 320 DEGREES, THE MANUFACTURE HAS BEEN REPLACING GEAR BOXES AND SOME GEAR BOXES ARE FAILING THE SECOND TIME.*AK
Feb 22, 2002
EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. WOULD NOTE THE STEERING AS BEING VERY LOOSE OR SOFT, EVEN NONE RESPONSIVE. DRIVER HAD NO CONTROL OF THIS VEHICLE WHILE ENTERING A CURVE AND STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE LUCKILY WITHOUT MAJOR DAMAGE SUSTAINED. *AK
Feb 08, 2002
DRIVER COULD NOT AVOID HITTING OTHER VEHICLE DUE TO STEERING LOCKING UP WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES.
Apr 30, 2001
ROAD SENSITIVE STEERING GETS HARDER AND EASIER WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING THE STEERING TO JERK ESPECIALLY WHILE GOING AROUND CURVES. *JB ****DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*****742683
Mar 19, 2001
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SUSPENSION
5 complaints
IDLE LINKS HAD TO BE CHANGED AT 21,000 MILES. CONSUMER WENT TO A REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE FRONT END ALIGNED, AND THAT WAS WHEN CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED. *AK *NM
Jan 24, 2005
CAR ALWAYS PULLING TO RIGHT EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE TRIPS TO DEALER. TIRES WORN TO STEEL AT LOW MILES. *AK
Jul 18, 2000
UPON PURCHASE OF VEHICLE WITHIN THE 30 DAY WARRANTY THE CAR BEGAN SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY WHEN BRAKING. THIS HAS CONTINUED OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS. THE CAR IS TEMPORARILY OK . FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS AFTER EACH REPAIR THEN BEGINS SHAKING AGAIN. IN JANUARY MERCHANTS DECIDED THEY WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM AT THEIR EXPENSE ANY LONGER YET THIS HAS NEVER BEEN REMEDIED AND IS IN THE SHOP EVERY 6 WEEKS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *AK
Apr 28, 2000
TIRES ARE WORN ON OUTER EDGES TO WHERE THERE IS NO TREAD. DEALER/MANUFACTURER CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE TIRES, BUT INSISTS THAT PREMATURE TIRE WEAR WAS DUE TO IDLER ARM HAVING TOO MUCH PLAY AND THROWEN OUT OF ALIGNMENT. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
Mar 23, 1999
SHOCK ABSORBER FAILED.
Feb 01, 1999
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
5 complaints
THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THERE WAS A LEAK BETWEEN THE FUEL LINE AND FUEL TANK. *AK *SCC *JB
Dec 10, 2003
CONSUMER NOTICED FUEL RAIL LINE SYSTEM WAS LEAKING GASOLINE, AND CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. DEALER REPLACED FUEL RAIL. *AK
Nov 18, 2003
IN FEB 01 THE DEALERSHIP FIXED A ROUGH IDLE LOW POWER CONDITION BY USING A HIGH PRESSURE TOP END ENGINE CLEAN CALLED PRO TEC. THIS SERVICE IS NOT CALLED OUT IN THE MAINTENCNAE SECTION OF THE OWNERS MANUAL AND IS NOT AUTHOURIZED BY GM. SEVEN MONTHS LATER IN OCTOBER 2001 THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURED AGAIN. THIS TIME THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED ALL OF THE INJECTORS DUE TO "LEAKING' AND ALSO FOUND A LEAKING FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR P/N 17113203 THAT WAS THEN REPLACED. I BELIEVE THE SERVCE IN MARCH CAUSED THESE PROBLEMS, AND THAT THE INVENTORY USAGE ON THE INJECTORS AND ESPECIALLY THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR SHOULD BE FOR A RECALL. THE PRO TEC ENGINE SERVICE SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED TO SEE IF IT IS A SAFE MAINTENANCE PRACTICE, WHICH I BELIEVE IT IS NOT, AND CAN CAUSE DANGEROUS OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS WITH THESE SAFARI VANS. PLUS THE OVER ALL COST WAS OVER A 1000 DOLLARS. DT
Oct 26, 2002
INJECTION CLEANER FAILED ON THREE OCCASIONS. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
TWO FUEL INJECTORS FAILED. MGM
Feb 01, 1999
AIR BAGS
5 complaints
WHILE DRIVING, THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT INPACT. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH
Jul 31, 2003
VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A MOUND OF DIRT AND FLIPPED OVER 3.5 TIMES. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*AK
Aug 07, 2002
CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A 30 MPH HEAD-ON COLLISION IN WHICH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
Feb 28, 2001
WAS CROSSING A 4- LANE HIGHWAY WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE BROADSIDED SAFARI. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER SUFFERED SPINAL INJURY AND WAS HOSPITALIZED. POLICE REPORT INCLUDED. *AK
Jul 06, 1999
DURING FRONTAL IMPACT AT 40 MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
Jun 19, 1998
WHEELS
5 complaints
THE RIM PRESSED ON THE BEAD OF THE TIRE WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT DRIVER TIRE TO BLOW OUT. *JB
Apr 30, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70MPH RIGHT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF WITH 21,000 MILES ON VEHICLE DUE TO 5 BOLTS SHEARING OFF. MAINTAINED CONTROL OF VEHICLE. TOOK DAMAGED PARTS TO MANUFACTURER & WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. HAS ALL REPORTS PERTAINING TO BOLTS. CALLED HOTLINE & LEFT SEVERAL MESSAGES. *AK
Jun 15, 1999
REAR PASSENGER'S WHEEL RIM HAS A HOLE IN IT WHICH ENABLES AIR TO LEAK OUT. DEALER CONTACTED, AND PER TSB THEY CAN JUST FILL HOLE WITH POXY. REPAIRWORK DONE. PROBLEM WILL STILL EXISTS. *AK
Apr 13, 1999
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT705MPH, FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE ROTOR BECAUSE ALL FIVE LUGS, NUTS, & BOLTS CAME OFF. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED & DECLARED NOT THEIR PROBLEM.*AK *ML
Apr 05, 1999
LUG NUT MISSING AND FRONT WHEEL BEARING NUT LOOSE. YH
Feb 01, 1999
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
4 complaints
1998 GMC SAFARI HAS DIED FIVE TIMES AND EACH TIME THERE WAS A LOSS OF BRAKES AND POWER STEERING ABILITY.*MR STALLED WHILE DRIVING (NO START), CHECK FUEL SYSTEM. PERFORM FUEL INDUCTION AND THROTTLE BODY CLEAN. R&R OLD BELT, TENSIONER CAME APART, REPLACE TENSIONER AND BELT TO REPAIR. *BF
May 13, 2005
ENGINE DIES OUT WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSING A LOSS OF ALL POWER EQUIPTMENT, SUCH AS STEERING, AND BRAKES.*AK ENGINE STALLS AND SURGES FORWARD WHEN RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. DEALER REPLACED SENSOR , MASS AIR FLOW, FUEL FILTER, IGNITION COIL WIRE AND PCM STILL THE VEHICLE STALLS. *YH
Nov 20, 2000
WHEN BACKING UP SLOWLY VEHICLE WOULD STALL. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THERE WAS NO POWER, AND NO BRAKES, CAUSING CONSUMER TO ALMOST GO OVER A CLIFF. THIS PROBLEM STARTED AT ABOUT 5000 MILES. *AK
May 31, 2000
EGR VALVE.
Sep 08, 1999
SEATS
4 complaints
DRIVER'S SEAT TRACK BOLTS/RINGS SNAPPED. THIS CAUSED THE SEAT TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Feb 27, 2004
WAS REAR ENDED BY A VEHICAL TRAVELING ABOUT 2O MPH+ SUPORT BAR AT TOP EDGE OF SEAT DAMAGED MY BACK BETWEEN THE SHOULDER BLADES. *AK
Mar 30, 1999
EXPERIENCING ONGOING PROBLEM WITH A HARD AND SHARP PLASTIC CONNECTED TO THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT. CONSUMER INFORMED THIS PART APPEARED TO BE A GUIDE FOR THE SEAT BELT, BUT NOT BEING USED. THIS CONDITION HAS TORN DRIVER'S PANTS WHENEVER THE CONSUMER WAS GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE. BUT THE MAJOR COMPLAINT IS THAT IT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS CUTS TO ANYONE GETTING INTO THE VEHICLE. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED AND HAD NO POSITIVE RESPONSE TO THIS PROLEM. *AK
Feb 18, 1999
DRIVER HEAD REST FELL APART. YH
Feb 01, 1999
SEAT BELTS
3 complaints
CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SEAT BELT WILL UNLATCH WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BUCKLE. TS
Oct 21, 2002
VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A LARGE AMOUNT OF DIRT AND FLIPPED OVER 3.5 TIMES. THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT HAD COME LOOSE AND THE CONSUMER WAS THROWN FROM VEHICLE. *AK THE CONSUMER'S SON WAS DRIVING DOWN A GRAVEL ROAD TOO FAST AND LOST CONTROL. (NO LOOSE GARVEL-HAD JUST COME OFF OF A BLACK TOP ROAD 4 MILE BEFORE THE ACCIDENT) THE CONSUMER'S SON HAD SWIRVED BACK TO THE LEFT AND WENT OFF OF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, HITTING A BAR DITCH HEAD ON AND THEN HAD FLOWN 51 FEET AND ROLLED 3.5 TIMES, IN THE PASSENGER'S DIRECTION, BEFORE RESTING FACE DOWN. HE WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT THAT HAD COME UNLATCHED AND HE WAS THROWN ON THE FIRST ROLL, THE PASSENGER STAYED IN THE PICKUP WHILE THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL. (THEY WERE BOTH HOSPITALIZED) *SCC
Aug 07, 2002
CONVERSION VAN, SHOULDER SEATBELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE WILL NOT LOCK OR STAY IN PLACE, CAUSING LOSS OF PROTECTION. *AK
Apr 11, 2000
TIRES
3 complaints
WHILE DRIVING RIGHT REAR TIRE EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION AND BLEWOUT. CONTACTED TECHNICAL ADVISOR, THEY STATED THAT THESE TIRES ONLY HOLD 35LBS OF PRESSURE. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TIRES THAT CAN HOLD 60LBS OF PRESSURE. WEIGHT OF VEHICLE IS CAUSING TIRES TO OVERHEAT DUE TO UNDER INFLATION. SIZE 2457516, ORGINAL TIRE. PLEASE INCLUDE DOT #.*AKTHE TIRE MODEL IS ALL-TERRAIN. DOT# AP70 HK11028. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALER, ATTRIBUTED THE TIRE FAILURE ALSO TO ROAD HAZARDS. THE VEHICLE AS PRESENTED IN VINASSIST IS A GENERAL MOTORS CONVENTIONAL CAB GMT400. *JG
Aug 28, 2002
UNIROYAL TIRES SIZE P21575R15 CAME AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON A GMC, SAFARI, 1998. WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED, CAUSING DAMAGES TO FRONT END. GMC AND UNIROYAL WERE CONTACTED.*AK UNIROYAL TIGER PAW P215/75R15, DOT APHFJLIU048. *SLC
Mar 16, 2001
THESE ARE REPLACEMENT TIRES AND DO NOT HAVE THE TRACTION OF THE ORIGINALS. HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF THEY ARE SAFE FOR MY VEHICLE? THE RETAILER SAYS THEY ARE. (TIRESIZE: P215/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/75R15 )
Nov 05, 2000
EQUIPMENT
3 complaints
WIRES IN REAR AIR CONDITIONER SWITCH COMPLETELY MELTED. ELECTRICAL POWER BUTTONS INSIDE OF VEHICLE WERE HOT TO TOUCH. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT CONSUMER COULD BRING VEHICLE IN FOR THEM TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT . WARRANTY EXPIRED ON VEHICLE.*AK
Nov 26, 2001
CD PLAYER FAILED. YH
Feb 01, 1999
A/C FAILED. YH
Feb 01, 1999
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
THE TAIL LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN IN THE DAY OR NIGHT. THE SIGNAL LIGHT WAS NOT LOUD ENOUGH TO HEAR, AND THE BLINKER STAYED ON. *AK *SCC
Jun 26, 2002
THIRD BRAKE LIGHT IS MOUNTED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROOF-MORE THAN SIX FEET OFF THE GROUND,WHEREAS THE TAIL LIGHTS ARE MOUNTED MORE THAN FIVE FEET OF THE GROUND, AFFECTING DRIVER'S VISION. DRIVER HAS TO LOOK UP, AND THAT TAKES A CONSCIOUS ADJUSTMENT OF HIS/HER VISION. THIS POSES A SAFETY PROBLEM BECAUSE IT INTERRUPTS THE DRIVER'S CONCENTRATION. *AK
Jan 30, 1998
INTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES FOR AN ELECTRICAL SHORT THAT EFFECTED THE INSIDE LIGHTS. DEALER COULD NPOT FIND A REMEDY. *AK
Aug 11, 2000
INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED. YH
Feb 01, 1999
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE IN ADDITION TO THE ONE LISTED ABOVE. THIS IS MY PRIMARY CONCERN AS THE VEHICLE COULD BE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL IN A PANICK SITUATION.
Aug 24, 1999
INTERIOR TRIM FELL OFF. YH
Feb 01, 1999
STRUCTURE
2 complaints
REAR SIDE DOOR MOUNT NEEDED ADJUSTMENT. *YC
Feb 01, 1999
RIGHT HAND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR INOPERABLE. YH
Feb 01, 1999
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINES. BRAKE LINES SO CORRODED THAT THEY ARE CRACKING AND SPLITTING LEAKING FLUID AND NECESSITATING EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. CORROSION ALSO NOTED ON FUEL LINES, AND VEHICLE UNDERCARRIAGE. *TR
Feb 04, 2014
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT 2 DAYS AGO , THE DRIVERS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID THE SEAT BELT HOLD ME LIKE IT SHOULD, CAUSING ME TO BE SLAMMED INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND SUSTAIN INJURIES. *TR
Apr 11, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
OUR VAN BROKE DOWN ON MY WIFE WHILE SHUTTLING 5 KIDS FROM SCHOOL. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, I WAS TOLD THE FUEL INJECTORS FAILED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO PUMP GASOLINE THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS AND SHORT OUT THE COMPUTER. THE REPAIR BILL WAS ESTIMATED AT $3,000.00. THE INJECTORS, THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE COMPUTER ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR SHOP CALLED A LOCAL GMC DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE HAD 3 OR 4 OF THESE RECENTLY. I CONTACTED GMC SEVERAL TIMES AND ASKED THEM FOR INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE. WHEN GASOLINE IS SHORTING OUT AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT, I SEE A TREMENDOUS RISK OF FIRE. I ASKED GMC SEVERAL TIMES IF THERE WOULD BE POTENTIAL FOR RE-OCCURANCE IN MY VAN AND ALSO IF IT COULD HAPPEN IN OUR BLAZER OF THE SAME YEAR AND ENGINE. THEY HAVE IGNORED EVERY REQUEST. THEIR ONLY RESPONSE WAS THAT I NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY VEHICLE AT SOME POINT. THEY SAID THE VEHICLE IS PAST WARRANTY AND NOT THEIR PROBLEM. I ASKED THEM WHY THEY SENT ME TWO RECALL NOTICES FOR THIS SAME VEHICLE EARLIER THIS YEAR IF IT IS PAST WARRANTY. THEY SAID BECAUSE THE TWO ISSUES WERE A KNOWN PROBLEM. A OUTSIDE MIRROR SWITCH AND AN AUDIBLE SEAT BELT WARNING. I HAVE NO ISSUE WITH HAVING TO PAY UPKEEP ON MY VEHICLE. WHEN A PART FAILS IN SUCH AN UNSAFE MANNER AND RUINS A WIRING HARNESS AND A COMPUTER, I SEE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THEY SHOULD ADDRESS.*AK
Feb 22, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A LOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP AND DOWN, AND IT MAKES A HORRIBLE NOISE. DOOR LOCKS LOCK AND UNLOCK INADVERTENTLY. WINDSHIELD WIPERS ONLY WORK WHEN IT IS NOT RAINING. THE HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER ONLY OPERATE THROUGH THE DEFROSTER. ALSO, UNLESS CONSUMER KEEPS FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR THE BATTERY ALMOST DIES.*AK
Jan 05, 2005
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
NUMEROUS FAILURE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO OPERATE ( SOMETIMES THEY WORK SOMETIMES THEY DON'T, WHEN THEY DO FINALLY COME ON THEY WON'T TURN OFF). TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS DISABLED THE VEHICLE ON 3 OCCASIONS. *JB VEHICLE SHOWING SAME SYMPTOMS OF 1997 WHICH WAS RECALLED
Nov 22, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
GAUGE READS HOT AND PROBLEMS WITH TRANSMISSION. PH
May 13, 2003
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
BACK DOOR LOCK BROKE WITHOUT ANY FORCE, UNABLE TO OPEN BACK DOOR.*AK
Jul 09, 2002
POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,SEATS
1 complaint
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT WON'T ADJUST--STRIPPED GEARS. HOOD LATCH DOES NOT WORK--I HAVE TO PRY IT UP.*AK
Apr 23, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
LOST CONTROL WHEN BRAKING, HISTORY SHOWS EITHER PULLS LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN BRAKING AND/OR PULSATING. ALIGN SPEC, TO NO AVAIL. HEADLIGHT INOPERATIVE, RIGHT LOWER BEAM LAMP OPEN, REPLACED RIGHT LOW BEAM LAMP. DRIVER WINDOW BINDS WHEN LOWERING, WINDOW LOOSE IN TRACKS, R&R DRIVERS DOOR PANEL, BEND TO ADJUST FT. RUN CHANNEL SECURE WINDOW AND KEEP ALINGED. CHECK FLUID LEAK UNDER FRONT CAMSHAFT SEAL, REPLACED FRONT CRANK SHAFT SEAL, CRANK SENSOR
Sep 10, 2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CONSUMER PULLED UP IN DRIVEWAY WAITING FOR RAIN STORM TO CALM DOWN. VEHICLE WAS OFF AND KEY WAS OUT OF IGNITION. SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF POWER WINDOW CONTROLS ON DRIVER'S SIDE. CONSUMER GOT CHILDREN OUT. TOOK PLYERS AND DISCONNECTED BATTERY. VEHICLE WAS STILL DRIVEABLE. MANAGER IN SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID GROUND WIRE TOUCHED CONTROL WIRES.*AK
Mar 09, 2001
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
BRAKES WERENT WORKING WELL, THEN NOTICED HEATER DIDNT WORK, SPEED ODEMTER DIDNT WORK. TOOK TO GMC REPAIR SHOP, WAS TOLD GMC AS A PROBLEM WITH FUEL INJECTORS LEAKING IN TO DASH OF VEHICLES. LARGE REPAIR BILL. NEEDS NEW WIRING HARNESS, FUEL INJECTORS, METERING BODY NOT SURE WHAT ELSE TIL THEY FIX DASH. RECOMMENDED NOT TO DRIVE MORE DAMAGE WILL OCCOR OR WILL SHORT OUT OTHER THINGS. OR CAUSE A FIRE. GMC WONT BACK UP THEIR VEHICLE. DEBBIE LULL
Mar 02, 2001
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THIS VAN HAS THE REAR DUTCH DOOR CONFIGURATION (3 SECTIONS). THE ELECTRONIC REAR HATCH LOCK FAILS AND LOCKS ALL THE DOORS WITHOUT WARNING. THE REMOTE LOCKING DEVICE AND THE HARD WIRED LOCKING SWITCHES IN THE DOORS ARE INACTIVATED. THERE IS NO WAY TO OPEN THE REAR DOORS WITH A KEY. THIS IS MY SECOND OCCURRENCE.
Jan 05, 2001
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
TENSIONER AND SERPENTINE BELT DISENTEGRATED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKING AND POWER STEERING. NLM
Jan 04, 2001
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Dec 11, 2000
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
TIRE WEAR, OUTSIDE EDGE RIGHT FRONT. IDLER ARMS WORN OUT AT 18,000 MILES, PULLING WHEEL OUT OF ALIGNMENT, CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR TO TIRES. FULL SET OF TIRES AND BRAKES REPLACED AT 18,000 MILES. *AK
Mar 23, 2000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
THE DEALER IN RED DEER ALBERTA HAS BEEN VERY COOPERATIVE, BUT GMC HAS BEEN SOME WHAT LESS THAN ACCOMODATING. BOTH THE ENGINE AND THE TRANSMISSION WERE REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME. I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS AND MECHANICS AND THEY HAVE SAID THAT IT IS VERY UNCOMMON FOR BOTH TO GO AT THE SAME TIME, MORE SO WITH SO FEW MILES ON THE EQUIPMENT. *AK
Jan 15, 2000
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
COMPUTER WIRE.
Sep 08, 1999
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, AND THE VAN STARTS TO RUN VERY ROUGH AND HAS TO BE TAKEN IN FOR REPAIRS. *AK
Sep 03, 1999
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
DEALER REPLACED THE ENGINE SEALS AND OIL HOSES, THE BRAKES HAVE NOT FAILED, BUT IF PUT IN A CLOSER SITUATION THAN I WAS ALREADY PLACED AND ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. I HAVE THE 6.5L DIESEL AND THE BRAKES AND THE POWER STEERING ARE CONNECTED TO THE MASTER CYLINDER. THIS CONNECTION ?? THE STEERING BECOME VERY TIGHT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, EVEN WITH THE TRUCK SITTING STILL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES TO GET IT RESOLVED TO NO AVAIL.
Apr 22, 1999
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 1998 GMC Safari have?
The 1998 GMC Safari currently has 112 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 1998 GMC Safari?
The most common problems reported for the 1998 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 1998 GMC Safari problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 1998 GMC Safari comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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