RoadVitals

1997 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.
135
Latest Aug 19, 2014
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.
6
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.
1
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
11 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 135 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1997 GMC Safari, most frequently naming the visibility, transmission and engine categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 49 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

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

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

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
06E026000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Mar 23, 2006
61,944 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
PRO-A MOTORS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
03V159000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

Apr 28, 2003
1,755,876 units potentially affected
The defect: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
The risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 03023View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

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

EA02006ClosedEngineering Analysis

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE

Opened May 31, 2002
Closed Jul 23, 2003

AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTORLed to recall 03V159000

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 135
Brakes
Filed Aug 19, 2014
Crash reported

THIS VAN BELONGS TO MY MOTHER. MY SISTER WAS DRIVING THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT. SHE IS 60 YRS OF AGE AND A VERY GOOD DRIVER. HER DESCRIPTION: "JUST PULLING AWAY FROM ONE LIGHT & COMING UP TO ANOTHER. WASN'T GOING MORE THAN 20 MPH. STEP ON THE BRAKES & THEY WEREN'T THERE." THE ACCIDENT CAUSED ABOUT $500 IN DAMAGE TO THE HONDA AUTO THAT WAS STRUCK, AND SIMILAR LIGHT DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER OF THE SAFARI. I INSPECTED SYSTEM AND FOUND NO LEAKS, AND CONCLUDED THAT MASTER CYLINDER MAY BE FAILING, SO I REPLACED IT. AFTER THAT REPAIR, HAD EXCELLENT PEDAL. I BORROWED THE VAN A FEW DAYS LATER, AND WHILE DRIVING IT, I EXPERIENCED THE SAME NO BRAKE CONDITION 3 TIMES, ONCE WHICH LEFT THE FRONT END OUT INTO AN INTERSECTION (LUCKILY, NO COLLISION). I RECOGNIZED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM WAS ERRONEOUSLY KEEPING THE FRONT BRAKES FROM APPLYING, AND THAT WAS WHAT CAUSED THE NO BRAKE CONDITION. A GM MECHANIC ADVISED ME TO PULL THE ABS FUSE. I DID SO, AND NOW THE VAN HAS GREAT BRAKES, EVERY TIME. I HAVE DONE THE SAME TO ANOTHER FAMILY VEHICLE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH THIS DANGEROUS SYSTEM; I'M NOT WAITING UNTIL IT CAUSES ANOTHER ACCIDENT. THIS CONDITION SCREAMS FOR YOUR ATTENTION. NO ONE WAS HURT BY THIS PARTICULAR FAILURE INCIDENT (EXCEPT FINANCIALLY), BUT IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE SOMEONE ENDS UP GLIDING INTO A BUSY INTERSECTION, OR OVER A CROSSWALK, AND DOES CAUSE A DEATH OR TWO. PLEASE HAVE ALL THESE DANGEROUS ABS VEHICLES RECALLED, AND HAVE THESE SAFETY FEATURES-TURNED-SAFETY HAZARDS DEFEATED, BEFORE SOMEONE DOES BECOME A VICTIM.

NHTSA ID
10629776
Incident
Jun 26, 2014
Mileage
70,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Aug 4, 2011
Crash reported

1997 GMC SAFARI BRAKE FAILED COMPLETELY NO REAR NO FRONT SUSPECT IT WAS THE ANTI LOCK CONTROL UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT . NO LEAKS VISIBLE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10417131
Incident
Aug 2, 2011
Mileage
185,000 mi
Visibility
Filed May 15, 2008

WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE FAILURE, APPROXIMATELY IN EARLY 2006 ON 1000K TRIP. PARTS PURCHASED MODULE N12463 PART NUMBER 12463090 FROM DEALER IN EDMONTON AT COST OF $64.87 INCLUDING GST.. RETURNED HOME 1000K AS DEALER TOO BUSY TOO FIX, AND PAID $36.00 LABOR TO HAVE INSTALLED. TOTAL COST FOR MODULE AND LABOR: $100.87. MY REQUEST IS FOR GM TO PAY THIS $100.87 AS THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED UNDER A RECALL NOTICE AT ANY TIME IN THE LIFE OF THESE VEHICLES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10227944
Incident
Jul 28, 2006
Mileage
171,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Sep 12, 2006

FUEL LEAK IN SAFARI SUPPLIED FUEL LINE THAT GOES TO THE GENERATOR. *NM

NHTSA ID
10167944
Incident
Aug 6, 2006
Mileage
37,000 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Jul 25, 2006

1997 GMC SAFARI VAN VEHICLE DOORS WOULD NOT CLOSE PROPERLY. *KB ***NAR*** THE CONSUMER HAD TO TIE THE DOORS WITH A ROPE TO KEEP THEM CLOSED. *JB

NHTSA ID
10163712
Incident
Jul 8, 2006
Transmission
Filed Nov 1, 2005

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION FAILED . HE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, AND HAD REPAIR WORK DONE IN MAY 2005. IN SEPTEMBER 2005 THE TRANSMISSION FAILED COMPLETELY. HE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, THEY CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP OFFERED TO REFUND THE MONEY FOR SERVICE TOWARD A NEW TRANSMISSION, BUT THIS REPAIR HAS NOT CURRENTLY BEEN MADE.*AK

NHTSA ID
10141457
Incident
May 20, 2005
Transmission
Filed Aug 23, 2005

1997 GMC SAFARI TRANSMISSION FAILURE. SUN GEAR SHELL FAILURE CAUSED NO REVERSE, SECOND OR OVERDRIVE ON THIS VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
10133998
Incident
Aug 21, 2005
Mileage
112,135 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 1, 2005

DT: DEALER TOLD THE CALLER THE THROTTLE STUCK WAS STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. THIS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. CALLER HAS NOT RECEIVED A NOTICE TO HAVE THIS PART MAINTAINED. DEALER SAID THEY WILL NOT FIX IT FOR FREE. MANUFACTURER SAID BECAUSE OF THE AGE AND MILEAGE THEY WILL NOT FIX IT. CALLER FELT IT WAS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. CALLER HAD NO IDEA THAT PART WAS A MAINTENANCE ITEM. CALLER WAS SITTING AT A LIGHT THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF, AND HE HAD TO HOLD THE BRAKES HARD, AND TURN IT OFF TO GET IT TO STOP.*AK *JB

NHTSA ID
10127006
Incident
Jun 28, 2005
Mileage
107,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

17-NA-073

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

PIP4723F

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

PIP4723D

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

19NA273

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.

PIC4696E

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.  The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.  E version update is to add administrative details.

17NA073

EQUIPMENT

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

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
1997Viewing1356157.3
19961396155.9
19951956261.9
19941192156.5
1993612052.5
1992593052.1
1991394465.3
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.