RoadVitals

1993 GMC Safari Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
61
Latest Mar 12, 2007
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
16
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.
9

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.

30
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10185815 · filed Mar 12, 2007

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

NHTSA ID 897577 · filed Oct 10, 2001
All 30 reports naming brakes

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

7
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10136399 · filed Sep 13, 2005

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

NHTSA ID 764355 · filed Jul 17, 2002

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

STEERING WHEEL HAS TEAR IN MATERIAL, EXPOSING AIRBAG. QCAW

NHTSA ID 542148 · filed Aug 17, 1998

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

NHTSA ID 805103 · filed Nov 15, 1996

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.

5
reports

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.

NHTSA ID 734877 · filed Oct 22, 2000

ALTERNATOR; SERPENTINE BELT FAILED, CAUSING CHAIN OF EVENTS OF STALLING TO FOLLOW. ALTERNATOR SHORTS OUT PREMATURELY. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ID 979444 · filed Feb 21, 1996

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SELECTOR LEVER STUCK IN PARK POSITION.

NHTSA ID 780987 · filed Oct 7, 1998

VEHICLE CONTINUES TO ROLL AFTER BEING PLACED IN PARK, DUE TO INTERLOCK FAILURE. *DH

NHTSA ID 506506 · filed Jul 3, 1996

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.

3
reports

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

NHTSA ID 9001416 · filed Jul 18, 2000

DRIVE BELT TENSIONER FAILED.

NHTSA ID 535232 · filed May 6, 1998

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.

3
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10053441 · filed Jan 6, 2004

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ID 738881 · filed Jan 6, 2001

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.

3
reports

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

NHTSA ID 724003 · filed Jun 14, 2000

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

NHTSA ID 822308 · filed Apr 8, 1998

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.

2
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10024321 · filed Jul 11, 2003

WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS O.K. CAN'T FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR.

NHTSA ID 729675 · filed Aug 31, 2000

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.

2
reports

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

NHTSA ID 10030147 · filed Aug 15, 2003

THE TREAD OF THE FIRESTONE PT70-15 TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE WHILE DRIVING DAMAGING THE RIGHT REAR FENDER. NLM

NHTSA ID 554907 · filed Sep 21, 2000

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE SWITCH WHICH TURNS ON THE HEADLIGHTS. OCCURRED WHEN VEHICLE WAS PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

NHTSA ID 980708 · filed Mar 14, 1996

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.

1
report

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.

NHTSA ID 734877 · filed Oct 22, 2000

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.

1
report

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.

NHTSA ID 734877 · filed Oct 22, 2000

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IS COMING OFF BECAUSE IT WAS NOT WELDED IMPROPERLY. *AK

NHTSA ID 981141 · filed Mar 25, 1996

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 815942 · filed Sep 3, 1997

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.

1
report

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

NHTSA ID 853008 · filed Dec 30, 1999

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

Data on this page last refreshed .