1993 GMC Safari Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1993 GMC Safari, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes3042.9%
- Suspension710.0%
- Steering57.1%
- Electrical57.1%
- Transmission45.7%
- Engine34.3%
- Fuel system34.3%
- Interior & seats34.3%
- Visibility22.9%
- Tires & wheels22.9%
- Exterior lighting11.4%
- Heating & air conditioning11.4%
- Driver assistance11.4%
- Body & structure11.4%
- Powertrain (other)11.4%
- Seat belts11.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
CUSTOMER HAS A CONCERN ABOUT AIR BAGS**NAR**CC THE CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED WITH OUT OF WARRANTY AUTOMOBILES. THE CONSUMER FEELS THE GENERAL PUBLIC MAY BE AT RISK OF AIR BAG MALFUNCTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH. THE CONSUMER SUGGESTED THAT MANUFACTURER'S NOTIFY CONSUMERS WHEN THEIR WARRANTY IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE AND OFFER OPTIONS. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED HE HAD TO HAVE ALL 3 FLEXIBLE BRAKE LINES REPLACED ON HIS VEHICLE. *JB
BRAKES PULSATE INTERMITTENTLY AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR, AND WILL NOT STOP OR GRAB. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
1993 GMC SAFARI ALL WHEEL DRIVE 7-PASSENGER STANDARD WHEEL BASE VAN WITH 42" TORSION BAR FRONT SPRINGS AND 182,000 MILES. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TORSION SPRING BROKE INSIDE THE ADJUSTER SLEEVE AT THE FRAME CROSSMEMBER, DROPPING THE DRIVER'S SIDE ONTO THE FRAME. WHILE THIS FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, JUST THREE DAYS BEFORE I HAD USED THE VAN TO TAKE A TRIP WITH MY FAMILY ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH. A FAILURE HERE WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE ORIGINAL SPRING DESIGN WAS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, AND THE UPDATED VERSION COULD ONLY BE SOLD IN PAIRS(BOTH SIDES). IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IF SUCH A CRITICAL COMPONENT AS THE FRONT SPRINGS ARE SO UNRELIABLE AS TO REQUIRE A COMPLETE RE-DESIGN, THAT A RECALL IS IN ORDER. *JB
EXCEPTIONALLY DANGEROUS SPONTANEOUS SHEARING OF FRONT LEFT TORSION BAR. GMC MUST KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM, BECAUSE THEY HAVE COMPLETELY REDESIGNED THE TORSION BARS, REQUIRING A MAJOR RETROFITTING (AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE) OF THE VAN'S CROSS FRAME MEMBER. FORTUNATELY FOR US, THIS MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE SUSPENSION BROKE WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED. OTHER REPORTS ON THE INTERNET DESCRIBE THE PART AS BREAKING WHILE DRIVING, INSTANTLY DROPPING THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR UNTIL THE TIRE HITS THE WHEEL WELL AND THROWING THE CAR VIOLENTLY TO THE LEFT.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING WHEEL HAS TEAR IN MATERIAL, EXPOSING AIRBAG. QCAW
SINCE APRIL OF 1995 THE ROTORS HAS BEEN TURNED TWICE AND THE BRAKES PADS HAS BEEN REPLACED (4) TIMES. THE SYSTEM HAS ABS. ALSO, ON OCTOBER OF 1995 HAD IDLER ARMS REPLACED AND THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE FEEL THAT THIS VAN HAS HAD MORE THAN IT'S SHARE OF REPAIRS. IT HAS BEEN TOWED HOME FROM CAMBRIDGE MD TWICE. ONCE DUE TO ALTERNATOR FREEZING UP AND BREAKING BELT, AND ONCE FOR FAULTY IGNITION. IT HAS HAD 4 ALTERNATORS, AN AC SENSOR, COMPRESSOR AND ORAFICE. THE RT. FT. PASS. DOOR HAS HAD: NEW ELEC. MOTOR, WINDOW GLIDE, WEATHERSTRIPPING. I'VE HAD 3 EGR VALVES INSTALLED, AN "O" RING REPLACED, AND 3 MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED. POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSE REPLACED. I'VE HAD THE ROOF REPAINTED. AND SEVERAL SPOTS AROUND THE WINDOWS REPAINTED BLACK WHERE THE PAINT IS JUST PEELING OFF. THE STARTER WAS REPLACED. I'VE ALSO REPLACED THE VALVE SEAL, AND WATER PUMP. I'VE HAD RUST REPAIRED 3 TIMES ON THE INSIDE HINDGE AREA OF THE UPPER DUTCH DOOR. AND IN JUST LAST TWO MONTHS, I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE IDLER ARMS, PITMAN ARMS, AND FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THESE ARE JUST REPAIRS THAT I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR, MANY WERE DONE AT THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP WHEN NO RECEIPTS WERE ISSUED. I'VE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE GAS MILEAGE EVER SINCE WE'VE OWNED THE VAN. THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMED WE WOULD GET 15/20 MPG. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERS, I WAS TOLD THAT ONCE IT WAS BROKEN IN, GAS MILEAGE WOULD IMPROVE. WELL, I'VE GOT 100,00 MILES ON IT NOW, AND MY AVERAGE GAS MILEAGE IS 14 MPG. WE'RE LUCKY IF WE EVER SEE 18-20 MPG. WHEN WE GET 14 MPG, THAT'S A COMBINATION OF HIGHWAY, AND STOP AND GO DRIVING AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD. I'M JUST GLAD THAT WE PURCHASED THE GEICO MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN INSURANCE WHEN IT WAS OFFERED.
ALTERNATOR; SERPENTINE BELT FAILED, CAUSING CHAIN OF EVENTS OF STALLING TO FOLLOW. ALTERNATOR SHORTS OUT PREMATURELY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER STUCK IN PARK POSITION.
VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ROLL AFTER BEING PLACED IN PARK, DUE TO INTERLOCK FAILURE. *DH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
PUT FOOT ON BRAKE TO PUT VEHICLE IN REVERSE HEARD A VERY LARGE BANG, THE WHOLE FRONT END DROPPED, IDLER ARMS REPLACED AND EGR VALVE
DRIVE BELT TENSIONER FAILED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE IDLED AND STARTED ROUGHLY. ALSO, BLACK SMOKE CAME FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE UPON STARTING. THIS WAS CAUSED BY MALFUNCTIONING COMPONENTS LOCATED IN THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THERE WAS A TSB ON THIS ISSUE (NOT FOUND IN ARTEMIS). *AK
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
POWER MIRROR WIRE HARNESS NEAR 5 AMP INLINE FUSE HAS RUBBED ON EMEGENCY BREAK MOUNT. THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE WHITE WIRE FOR THE LEFT POWER MIRROR BEING STRIPPED TO THE POINT THAT THE WIRE CONDUCTOR IS IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE MOUNT CAUSING A SHORT. A SIMILAR PROBLEM OCCURED LAST YEAR WITH A WIRE FOR THE DOME LIGHTS BEHIND THE ROOF CONSOLE. THAT WIRE WAS TOTALY EXPOSED AND SHORTING TO A CONSOLE MOUNT ATTACHED TO THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE. I CONTACTED GM CANADA TODAY ABOUT THE POWER MIRROR WIRE PROBLEM AND THEY BASICALLY SAID THE PROBLEM WAS MINE TO FIX AND THEY WOULD KEEP A RECORD OF COOMPLAINT. I THINK THEY SHOULD PROTECT THE WIRES IN A CASING WHERE THAY KNOW OR OUGHT TO KNOW THAT THEY MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH SHARP EDGE METAL SURFACES. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROBLEM WILL ALSO BE REPORTED TO TRANSPORT CANADA SHORTLY. I BELIEVE A VEHICLE RECALL MAY BE IN ORDER. *AK
THE DRIVER'S AND THE PASSENGER' S SEATS GO INTO THE RECLINING POSITION WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAPPENS MOSTLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND HAS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER IS NOT AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
SIDEVIEW MIRROR SHAKES WHILE DRIVING. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE MIRROR WOBBLED AT LOW AND HIGH SPEEDS AND WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. THE PROBLEM CAUSED THE IMAGE TO BE DISTORTED. (HEAD LOOSE IN HOUSING) REFER TO ODI# 1002432 *SCC *JB
WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS O.K. CAN'T FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE BRACKETS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TRANSFER CASE, WHICH HELD THE FRONT AXLE IN PLACE. CONSUMER VERY CONCERNED ABOUT TRANSFER CASE DROPPING WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.*AK *PH *JB
THE TREAD OF THE FIRESTONE PT70-15 TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE WHILE DRIVING DAMAGING THE RIGHT REAR FENDER. NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE SWITCH WHICH TURNS ON THE HEADLIGHTS. OCCURRED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE FEEL THAT THIS VAN HAS HAD MORE THAN IT'S SHARE OF REPAIRS. IT HAS BEEN TOWED HOME FROM CAMBRIDGE MD TWICE. ONCE DUE TO ALTERNATOR FREEZING UP AND BREAKING BELT, AND ONCE FOR FAULTY IGNITION. IT HAS HAD 4 ALTERNATORS, AN AC SENSOR, COMPRESSOR AND ORAFICE. THE RT. FT. PASS. DOOR HAS HAD: NEW ELEC. MOTOR, WINDOW GLIDE, WEATHERSTRIPPING. I'VE HAD 3 EGR VALVES INSTALLED, AN "O" RING REPLACED, AND 3 MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED. POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSE REPLACED. I'VE HAD THE ROOF REPAINTED. AND SEVERAL SPOTS AROUND THE WINDOWS REPAINTED BLACK WHERE THE PAINT IS JUST PEELING OFF. THE STARTER WAS REPLACED. I'VE ALSO REPLACED THE VALVE SEAL, AND WATER PUMP. I'VE HAD RUST REPAIRED 3 TIMES ON THE INSIDE HINDGE AREA OF THE UPPER DUTCH DOOR. AND IN JUST LAST TWO MONTHS, I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE IDLER ARMS, PITMAN ARMS, AND FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THESE ARE JUST REPAIRS THAT I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR, MANY WERE DONE AT THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP WHEN NO RECEIPTS WERE ISSUED. I'VE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE GAS MILEAGE EVER SINCE WE'VE OWNED THE VAN. THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMED WE WOULD GET 15/20 MPG. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERS, I WAS TOLD THAT ONCE IT WAS BROKEN IN, GAS MILEAGE WOULD IMPROVE. WELL, I'VE GOT 100,00 MILES ON IT NOW, AND MY AVERAGE GAS MILEAGE IS 14 MPG. WE'RE LUCKY IF WE EVER SEE 18-20 MPG. WHEN WE GET 14 MPG, THAT'S A COMBINATION OF HIGHWAY, AND STOP AND GO DRIVING AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD. I'M JUST GLAD THAT WE PURCHASED THE GEICO MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN INSURANCE WHEN IT WAS OFFERED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE FEEL THAT THIS VAN HAS HAD MORE THAN IT'S SHARE OF REPAIRS. IT HAS BEEN TOWED HOME FROM CAMBRIDGE MD TWICE. ONCE DUE TO ALTERNATOR FREEZING UP AND BREAKING BELT, AND ONCE FOR FAULTY IGNITION. IT HAS HAD 4 ALTERNATORS, AN AC SENSOR, COMPRESSOR AND ORAFICE. THE RT. FT. PASS. DOOR HAS HAD: NEW ELEC. MOTOR, WINDOW GLIDE, WEATHERSTRIPPING. I'VE HAD 3 EGR VALVES INSTALLED, AN "O" RING REPLACED, AND 3 MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED. POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSE REPLACED. I'VE HAD THE ROOF REPAINTED. AND SEVERAL SPOTS AROUND THE WINDOWS REPAINTED BLACK WHERE THE PAINT IS JUST PEELING OFF. THE STARTER WAS REPLACED. I'VE ALSO REPLACED THE VALVE SEAL, AND WATER PUMP. I'VE HAD RUST REPAIRED 3 TIMES ON THE INSIDE HINDGE AREA OF THE UPPER DUTCH DOOR. AND IN JUST LAST TWO MONTHS, I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE IDLER ARMS, PITMAN ARMS, AND FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM. THESE ARE JUST REPAIRS THAT I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR, MANY WERE DONE AT THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP WHEN NO RECEIPTS WERE ISSUED. I'VE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE GAS MILEAGE EVER SINCE WE'VE OWNED THE VAN. THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMED WE WOULD GET 15/20 MPG. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERS, I WAS TOLD THAT ONCE IT WAS BROKEN IN, GAS MILEAGE WOULD IMPROVE. WELL, I'VE GOT 100,00 MILES ON IT NOW, AND MY AVERAGE GAS MILEAGE IS 14 MPG. WE'RE LUCKY IF WE EVER SEE 18-20 MPG. WHEN WE GET 14 MPG, THAT'S A COMBINATION OF HIGHWAY, AND STOP AND GO DRIVING AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD. I'M JUST GLAD THAT WE PURCHASED THE GEICO MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN INSURANCE WHEN IT WAS OFFERED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IS COMING OFF BECAUSE IT WAS NOT WELDED IMPROPERLY. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN TRAVELING ABOUT 55 MPH THE FRONT END LOCKED UP DUE TO THE ROD WHICH EXPLODED IN THE DEFFERENTIAL. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED DEFFERENTIAL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LENGTH IS TOO SHORT TO ACCOMMIDATE DRIVER CORRECTLY. RECALL WAS ISSUED 10/94 #94V207000 FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN#. *AK *YC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .