The most-reported Safari run is 1GKDM19W7VB (1997 builds) with 13 complaints, 7.2× the typical run. Service brakes problems make up 26% of reports; 1998 is the worst model year at 2.4 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns for Safari model years 1985–2005.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The GMC Safari has 492 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 5% of every Safari complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1GKDM19W7VB•••••• | 1997 | — | — | |
| 1GKDM19W1TB•••••• | 1996 | 1 | 1 | |
| 1GKDM19W0SB•••••• | 1995 | 1 | — | |
| 1GKDM19W5VB•••••• | 1997 | — | — | |
| 1GKEL19W8SB•••••• | 1995 | — | — | |
| 1GKDM19W9SB•••••• | 1995 | 2 | — | |
| 1GKDM19W4SB•••••• | 1995 | — | — | |
| 1GKEL19W6VB•••••• | 1997 | 1 | — | |
| 1GKDM19W2WB•••••• | 1998 | — | — | |
| 1GKDM19W2VB•••••• | 1997 | — | — | |
| 1GKDM19W6SB•••••• | 1995 | 4 | — | |
| 1GKDM19W0TB•••••• | 1996 | 4 | — |
Each of the other 480 Safari runs has 7 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 11 Safari VINs so far, most often 2002, 2003, 1999 builds.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the GMC Safari the gap between build years is 2.4×: a 1998 car draws 2.4 complaints per run, a 1988 one 1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | 3 | — | |
| 2004 | 6 | 6 | — | |
| 2003 | 16 | 14 | 1 | |
| 2002 | 20 | 15 | 2 | |
| 2001 | 37 | 23 | 2 | |
| 2000 | 56 | 29 | 10 | |
| 1999 | 52 | 27 | 5 | |
| 1998 | 72 | 30 | 3 | |
| 1997 | 111 | 47 | 7 | |
| 1996 | 111 | 47 | 8 | |
| 1995 | 140 | 61 | 19 | |
| 1994 | 106 | 65 | 10 | |
| 1993 | 41 | 29 | 4 | |
| 1992 | 43 | 33 | 3 | |
| 1991 | 30 | 26 | 4 | |
| 1990 | 28 | 24 | 2 | |
| 1989 | 15 | 11 | 1 | |
| 1988 | 4 | 4 | — | |
| 1987 | 6 | 4 | — |
Heaviest year here is 1998 at 2.4 complaints per run; lightest is 1988 at 1.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 26% of everything GMC Safari owners report: Service Brakes, 263 of 900 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 40 | 3 | |
| Hydraulic | 36 | 3 | |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 | |
| Suspension | 4 | — | |
| Electrical System | 2 | 10 | |
| Power Train | 5 | 2 | |
| Steering | 2 | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 2 | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 18 recall campaigns on the GMC Safari; the 6 below cover build years 1985 to 2005. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 06E043000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 1985–2005 |
| 06E026000 | Exterior Lighting | 1995–2005 |
| 93V187000 | Seats | 1985–1991 |
| 93V119000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor | 1988–1992 |
| 01V123000 | Seat Belts:front:warning Light/devices | 1996–1999 |
| 06E041000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings | 1992–1995 |
How serious were they
Of the 900 reports on the GMC Safari, 9.1% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | GMC Safari | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 900 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 82 (9.1%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 18 (2%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 109 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 1 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 57% above the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The GMC Safari share of that is 900 complaints over 492 runs, 0.08% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a GMC Safari VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 900 NHTSA complaints from 492 Safari runs and 18 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Safari production run has the most complaints?
1GKDM19W7VB, a 1997 build, with 13 complaints. The typical Safari run has 1.8.
Which Safari years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 1998 is heaviest at 2.4 complaints per run and 1988 lightest at 1.
How many Safari complaints involve a crash?
9.1% of 900 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 18 involved a fire.
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