RoadVitals

1991 GMC Safari

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
39
Latest Jun 2, 2009
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest May 19, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
4
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
8
2 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 39 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1991 GMC Safari, most frequently naming the brakes, interior & seats and powertrain (other) categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 4 NHTSA investigations name it; and 9 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes1629.6%
  • Interior & seats916.7%
  • Powertrain (other)47.4%
  • Seat belts47.4%
  • Engine35.6%
  • Visibility35.6%
  • Transmission35.6%
  • Driver assistance35.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
The risk: 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 remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
93V187000

SEATS

Nov 16, 1993
604,207 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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 remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FOAM AND/OR VINYL FROM BETWEEN THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME "SOFT" JOINT AND REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov
93V119000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

Aug 2, 1993
341,364 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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 remedy: 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.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE97025ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

INSTRUMENT PANEL/DASH ELECTRICAL FIRE

Opened Jun 12, 1997
Closed Nov 26, 1997

ALLEGED ELECTRICAL FIRES MAY OCCUR IN THE DASH AREA WHILE THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE BEING OPERATED OR WHILE PARKED.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
EA92022ClosedEngineering Analysis

SEAT BACK BOLT BREAKAGE

Opened Jun 24, 1992
Closed Nov 19, 1993

There is no summary currently available

SEATSLed to recall 93V187000
EA91028ClosedEngineering Analysis

BRAKE FAILURE

Opened Jun 10, 1991
Closed Jun 30, 1992

===

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
PE91052ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

BRAKE FAILURE

Opened Feb 22, 1991
Closed Jun 10, 1991

There is no summary currently available

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 39
Brakes
Filed Jun 2, 2009

LOSS OF BRAKE ACTION DUE TO INSTANT FLUID LOSS. BRAKE LINE RUPTURED DUE TO EXTREME AND ISOLATED CORROSION IN BRAKELINE LOCATED AREA OF GASOLINE TANK (FORWARD OF REAR AXLE ON DRIVER'S SIDE.) NO NOTICE OR PRIOR EVENTS LEADING TO FAILURE. HAVE NOTED MANY INTERNET COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE AND LOCATION ON BOTH GMC SAFARI AND CHEVROLET ASTRO VANS AND SILVERADO LIGHT TRUCKS - YEAR AND/OR MILEAGE NOT A FACTOR. *TR

NHTSA ID
10272630
Incident
May 30, 2009
Mileage
277,500 mi
Brakes
Filed Mar 27, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 GMC SAFARI. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SECONDLY, WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SKIDS. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING A DEALER IN REFERENCE TO THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000. UPDATED 04-23-09 *BF UPDATED 04/24/09.*JB

NHTSA ID
10263283
Incident
Feb 1, 2009
Mileage
174,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Sep 21, 2006

1991 SAFARI HOOD CAME UP WHILE DRIVING AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD. *TS *JB

NHTSA ID
10169099
Incident
Aug 6, 2006
EnginePowertrain (other)Seat belts+1 more
Filed Jan 15, 2004

I HAVE HAD MORE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM MY 1991 GMC SAFARI MINI VAN THAN ALL OTHER PREVIOUS VEHICLES I'VE EVER OWNED. I'M LOOKING AT MY THIRD TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL SOON (SEEMS LIKE ONE EVERY TWO YEARS) AND I DON'T DRIVE FAST AND DON'T HAVE A HITCH TO "PULL" ANYTHING. CURRENTLY, MY TRANSMISSION SLIPS INTO NEUTRAL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS FROM 2ND TO DRIVE. IT WENT FROM HAPPENING ONCE A MONTH TO APPROXIMATELY 4-6 TIMES A DAY. THE TRANSMISSIONS SHOPS I'VE SEEN SAY I NEED AN OVERHAUL AGAIN. I HATE THIS GMC AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ID
10070717
Incident
Aug 15, 1997
Mileage
150,000 mi
BrakesInterior & seatsPowertrain (other)+1 more
Filed Aug 26, 2003

NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS IDENTICAL TO THOSE EXPERIENCED BY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE TYPE. TWICE NOW WHEN APPLYING BRAKES IN A PANIC SITUATION THE ABS SYSTEM FAILED AND WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. REPLACED ECU ON BRAKE SYSTEM ONCE NOW DEALER INFORMS THAT IS MUST BE REPLACED AGAIN AT A COST OF $1200. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN EXTRAVAGANT MAINTENANCE EXPENSE EVERY TIME YOU NEED THE ANTI-LOCK PORTION OF THE BRAKING SYSTEM. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE FRONT DRIVE SHAFT DUE TO FAILURE, MUST REPLACE IDLER ARMS EVERY TWO YEARS DUE TO FAILURE AND ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTERS ON THE BLOWER SWITCH DUE TO OVERHEATING AND MELTING THE SWITCH. *NLM

NHTSA ID
10036634
Incident
Jul 9, 2003
Mileage
128,500 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Dec 2, 2002

I WAS TRAVLING AT ABOUT 60 MILES AND HOUR WHEN THE A PIECE OF THE TIRE OUT SIDEWAY. THE SIZE 12 INCHES X 8 INCHES BLEW OUT OF THE TIRER HITTING THE CAR NEX TO ME. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A TIRER HAVE SUCH CATASTROPHIC FAILURE THE SIDE WALL IS MISSING A PIECE FROM FIRST OUT SIDE THREAD TO THE RIM BEAD BY ABOUT 12 INCHES LONG. THE TIRER EXPLODED IS THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE IT OUT OF NO WARE ON SMOOTH DRY ROAD WAY. BLOWING THE PIECE OUT INTO THE PASSING LANE HITTING A CAR IN THAT LANE. THE PIECE WAS NOT RECOVERED. DT

NHTSA ID
770340
Incident
Dec 2, 2002
Seat belts
Filed Nov 15, 2001

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE WILL NO LONGER LATCH. *AK

NHTSA ID
899178
Incident
Nov 15, 2001
Transmission
Filed Mar 28, 2001

WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING TRANSMISSION DIP STICK POPPED OFF, AND TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS ALL OVER WINDSHEILD. TRANSMISSION WAS NOT WORKING AFTRERWARDS. CONTACTED DEALER ,AND WAS NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING.*AK

NHTSA ID
884466
Incident
Mar 1, 2001

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT-3665-A

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

GENERAL MOTORS: ON ALL 1988-2009 FULL SIZE CHEVROLET/GMC PICKUPS, UTILITIES AND VANS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL MOVE DOWN OR SELF APPLY DURING FULL LOCK TURNS OR NEAR FULL LOCK TURNS. CHEVROLET ASTRO AND GMC SAFARI VANS; HUMMER 2 ARE INCLUDED. *PE UPDATED 5/24/11. *PE

020730024A

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT

DIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT

01667

VISIBILITY

WINDOW REGULATOR MOTOR DOES NOT FIT. *TT

990730016A

POWER TRAIN

DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT, SLIP, BUSY/CYCLING TCC OR NOISY COOLING FAN. *TT

376105

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE

COLD ENGINE KNOCK. *TW

RCL/91C50

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

CALIFORNIA RECALL - GENERAL MOTORS HAS DETERMINED THAT CERTAIN 1991 C/K TRUCKS, M/L AND G VANS WITH 4.3L ENGINES MAY BE EMITTING NON-METHANE HYDROCARBONS IN EXCESS OF CALIFORNIA EMISSION STANDARDS. TO CORRECT THIS CONDITION, DEALERS ARE TO INSTALL A NEW EXHAUST OXYGEN SENSOR. *TW

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

GMC Safari by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2005420—
2004520—
2003183048.6
2002253158.0
2001393154.3
2000682052.2
1999613050.8
1998895053.0
19971356157.3
19961396155.9
19951956261.9
19941192156.5
1993612052.5
1992593052.1
1991Viewing394465.3
1990354456.8
1989184159.1
1988736—
1987112656.6
1986725—
1985135—
1984001—
1983001—
1982001—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.