RoadVitals

1998 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.
89
Latest Feb 4, 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.
5
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.
0
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.
10
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 89 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 GMC Safari, most frequently naming the brakes, visibility and interior & seats categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 62 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

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

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
03V093000

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR

Mar 7, 2003
507,171 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.
The risk: IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, IT COULD RESULT IN AN INOPERATIVE SWITCH, HEAT DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S DOOR, AND/OR IGNITION OF COMPONENTS IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND A SUBSEQUENT VEHICLE FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS TO THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 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 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 03006View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 89
Brakes
Filed Feb 4, 2014

EXCESSIVE CORROSION OF HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINES. BRAKE LINES SO CORRODED THAT THEY ARE CRACKING AND SPLITTING LEAKING FLUID AND NECESSITATING EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. CORROSION ALSO NOTED ON FUEL LINES, AND VEHICLE UNDERCARRIAGE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10562919
Incident
Feb 1, 2014
Mileage
290,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Jul 3, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SAFARI. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED. HOWEVER, THEY BEGAN OPERATING AGAIN FIVE TO TEN MINUTES LATER. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RAINFALL IS FREQUENT IN HIS STATE. NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE PRESENT DURING OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE IS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER). THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 143,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 05/06/08. *LJ UPDATED 05/06/08

NHTSA ID
10195232
Incident
Nov 1, 2005
Mileage
110,000 mi
Visibility
Filed May 2, 2007

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 GMC SAFARI. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 160,000. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON A RAINY NIGHT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BE UNABLE TO SEE THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD. AFTER SWERVING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD ALMOST GETTING HIT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED UNTIL IT STOPPED RAINING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE MOTOR STOPPED OPERATING BECAUSE THE SOLDER JOINT CRACKED. *AK

NHTSA ID
10189541
Incident
Apr 27, 2007
Mileage
160,000 mi
Visibility
Filed Sep 18, 2006

1998 SAFARI VAN, RANDOM FAILURE OF WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, THERE IS NO PATTERN TO IT, IT FAILS INTERMITTENTLY TO FUNCTION, WHICH IS KIND OF A SAFETY CONCERN, SINCE THE ONLY TIME I USE THE WIPERS IS DURING A RAINSTORM, WHICH REDUCES VISION GREATLY. *NM

NHTSA ID
10168485
Incident
Sep 18, 2006
Mileage
85,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 13, 2005

1998 GMC SAFARI HAS DIED FIVE TIMES AND EACH TIME THERE WAS A LOSS OF BRAKES AND POWER STEERING ABILITY.*MR STALLED WHILE DRIVING (NO START), CHECK FUEL SYSTEM. PERFORM FUEL INDUCTION AND THROTTLE BODY CLEAN. R&R OLD BELT, TENSIONER CAME APART, REPLACE TENSIONER AND BELT TO REPAIR. *BF

NHTSA ID
10121529
Incident
May 1, 2005
Mileage
30,738 mi
Fuel system
Filed Feb 22, 2005

OUR VAN BROKE DOWN ON MY WIFE WHILE SHUTTLING 5 KIDS FROM SCHOOL. AFTER HAVING IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, I WAS TOLD THE FUEL INJECTORS FAILED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO PUMP GASOLINE THROUGH THE ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS AND SHORT OUT THE COMPUTER. THE REPAIR BILL WAS ESTIMATED AT $3,000.00. THE INJECTORS, THE WIRING HARNESS AND THE COMPUTER ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE REPAIR SHOP CALLED A LOCAL GMC DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY HAVE HAD 3 OR 4 OF THESE RECENTLY. I CONTACTED GMC SEVERAL TIMES AND ASKED THEM FOR INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE. WHEN GASOLINE IS SHORTING OUT AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT, I SEE A TREMENDOUS RISK OF FIRE. I ASKED GMC SEVERAL TIMES IF THERE WOULD BE POTENTIAL FOR RE-OCCURANCE IN MY VAN AND ALSO IF IT COULD HAPPEN IN OUR BLAZER OF THE SAME YEAR AND ENGINE. THEY HAVE IGNORED EVERY REQUEST. THEIR ONLY RESPONSE WAS THAT I NEED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY VEHICLE AT SOME POINT. THEY SAID THE VEHICLE IS PAST WARRANTY AND NOT THEIR PROBLEM. I ASKED THEM WHY THEY SENT ME TWO RECALL NOTICES FOR THIS SAME VEHICLE EARLIER THIS YEAR IF IT IS PAST WARRANTY. THEY SAID BECAUSE THE TWO ISSUES WERE A KNOWN PROBLEM. A OUTSIDE MIRROR SWITCH AND AN AUDIBLE SEAT BELT WARNING. I HAVE NO ISSUE WITH HAVING TO PAY UPKEEP ON MY VEHICLE. WHEN A PART FAILS IN SUCH AN UNSAFE MANNER AND RUINS A WIRING HARNESS AND A COMPUTER, I SEE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT THEY SHOULD ADDRESS.*AK

NHTSA ID
10111935
Incident
Dec 1, 2004
Mileage
71,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Feb 10, 2005

1998 GMC SAFARI VAN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION MODEL 700, FAILURED AT 93,000 MILES DUE TO A 3RD GEAR SLIPPAGE. I FOUND IN MY RESEARCH TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THIS WAS COMMON FOR GMC TRUCKS WITH THIS TRANSMISSION FOR THIS TO FAIL BETWEEN 90,000 AND 100,000 EVEN WITH SCHEDULED SERVICE. GMC AGREED TO REPLACE WITH A FACTORY REBUILD, WHICH THEY DID BUT AT MY COST OF $2,300.00, WITH A 36 MONTH/50,000 MILE WARRANTY. I COULD NOT FIND ANY TECH SERVICE BULLETINS OR RECALLS ON YOUR WEB SITE, DO YOU HAVE ANYOTHER INFORMATION. GMC AND ITS DEALERSHIP IS ALREADY AWARE OF MY PRODUCT DISPLEASURE WHEN I EXPECT QUAILTY AND DURABILITY IT WAS NOT THERE. PLEASE RESPOND, THANK YOU.*AK

NHTSA ID
10110285
Incident
Jan 11, 2005
Mileage
93,000 mi
Suspension
Filed Jan 24, 2005

IDLE LINKS HAD TO BE CHANGED AT 21,000 MILES. CONSUMER WENT TO A REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THE FRONT END ALIGNED, AND THAT WAS WHEN CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED. *AK *NM

NHTSA ID
10103620
Incident
Dec 6, 2004
Mileage
20,900 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

PIT3665M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

17-NA-073

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

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

PIT3665L

SERVICE BRAKES

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

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.

PIT3665J

SERVICE BRAKES

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

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.

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
1998Viewing895053.0
19971356157.3
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.