RoadVitals

1998 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.
89
Latest Feb 4, 2014
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1998 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

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.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 4, 2014

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES AT 25MPH, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE BRAKE ROTORS HAD BROKEN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK *SLC

NHTSA ID 8002553 · filed Jan 22, 2002
All 14 reports naming brakes

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jul 3, 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 · filed May 2, 2007
All 10 reports naming visibility

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A LOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP AND DOWN, AND IT MAKES A HORRIBLE NOISE. DOOR LOCKS LOCK AND UNLOCK INADVERTENTLY. WINDSHIELD WIPERS ONLY WORK WHEN IT IS NOT RAINING. THE HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER ONLY OPERATE THROUGH THE DEFROSTER. ALSO, UNLESS CONSUMER KEEPS FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR THE BATTERY ALMOST DIES.*AK

NHTSA ID 10106831 · filed Jan 5, 2005

I HAVE A 98 GMC SAFARI, I HAVE HAD THREE (3) REAR AC BLOWER CONTROL SWITCHES BURN UP IN IT SIX (6) YEARS. THE SWITCHES ARE MELTED FROM OVERHEATING. DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OVER THIS ISSUE? THE DATE LISTED BELOW IS THE LAST ONE. *JB

NHTSA ID 10104100 · filed Dec 19, 2004
All 9 reports naming interior & seats

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 10, 2005

NUMEROUS FAILURE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO OPERATE ( SOMETIMES THEY WORK SOMETIMES THEY DON'T, WHEN THEY DO FINALLY COME ON THEY WON'T TURN OFF). TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS DISABLED THE VEHICLE ON 3 OCCASIONS. *JB VEHICLE SHOWING SAME SYMPTOMS OF 1997 WHICH WAS RECALLED

NHTSA ID 10100358 · filed Nov 22, 2004
All 8 reports naming transmission

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN FORWARD, THE GAS PEDAL WOULD STICK AND HARD PRESSURE HAD TO BE APPLIED IN ORDER FOR THE PEDAL TO WORK. CAUTION WAS USED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED FORWARD BECAUSE THERE WAS A LOSS OF POWER. *AK *SCC *JB

NHTSA ID 10022701 · filed Jun 27, 2003

THROTTLE CABLE FRAYED CAUSING EXTREME AND UNWARRANTED ACCELERATION FROM 65 MPH FWY SPEED TO 90 MPH AND THEN STUCK OPEN AT THIS POINT. BRAKING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT DUE TO SPEED, HOWEVER MANAGED TO REDUCE SPEED TO POINT OF BEING ABLE TO PLACE GEAR IN NUETRAL POSITION AND STOP. AS A RESULT BRAKE PADS WERE RUINED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT AS WELL AS ACCELERATOR CABLE.*AK

NHTSA ID 751017 · filed Aug 23, 2001
All 8 reports naming driver assistance

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A LOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW WILL NOT GO UP AND DOWN, AND IT MAKES A HORRIBLE NOISE. DOOR LOCKS LOCK AND UNLOCK INADVERTENTLY. WINDSHIELD WIPERS ONLY WORK WHEN IT IS NOT RAINING. THE HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONER BLOWER ONLY OPERATE THROUGH THE DEFROSTER. ALSO, UNLESS CONSUMER KEEPS FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR THE BATTERY ALMOST DIES.*AK

NHTSA ID 10106831 · filed Jan 5, 2005

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, THE EXTERIOR TAIL LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE UNLESS THE HIGH BEAMS WERE TURNED ON. *NLM *TS *JB

NHTSA ID 10018014 · filed Jun 26, 2003
All 8 reports naming electrical

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Feb 22, 2005

THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THERE WAS A LEAK BETWEEN THE FUEL LINE AND FUEL TANK. *AK *SCC *JB

NHTSA ID 10044593 · filed Dec 10, 2003

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING 20-25MPH AND GOING STRAIGHT VEHICLE MADE A POPPING NOISE, AND STEERING FAILED. VEHICLE WAS FORCED TO GO INTO A DITCH DUE TO STEERING WHEEL NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN. THERE WAS ONE INJURY. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED, AND REPLACED STEERING GEAR BOX. *AK *YH

NHTSA ID 8016921 · filed Aug 21, 2002

DRIVER COULD NOT AVOID HITTING OTHER VEHICLE DUE TO STEERING LOCKING UP WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES.

NHTSA ID 9001959 · filed Apr 30, 2001

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.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 13, 2005

TENSIONER AND SERPENTINE BELT DISENTEGRATED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKING AND POWER STEERING. NLM

NHTSA ID 558410 · filed Jan 4, 2001

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

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

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Jan 24, 2005

CAR ALWAYS PULLING TO RIGHT EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE TRIPS TO DEALER. TIRES WORN TO STEEL AT LOW MILES. *AK

NHTSA ID 725633 · filed Jul 18, 2000

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE RIM PRESSED ON THE BEAD OF THE TIRE WHICH CAUSED THE FRONT DRIVER TIRE TO BLOW OUT. *JB

NHTSA ID 10017923 · filed Apr 30, 2003

WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 70MPH RIGHT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF WITH 21,000 MILES ON VEHICLE DUE TO 5 BOLTS SHEARING OFF. MAINTAINED CONTROL OF VEHICLE. TOOK DAMAGED PARTS TO MANUFACTURER & WAS INFORMED THAT IT WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. HAS ALL REPORTS PERTAINING TO BOLTS. CALLED HOTLINE & LEFT SEVERAL MESSAGES. *AK

NHTSA ID 839886 · filed Jun 15, 1999

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE DRIVING, THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT INPACT. DEALER NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *PH

NHTSA ID 10031673 · filed Jul 31, 2003

CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN A 30 MPH HEAD-ON COLLISION IN WHICH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK

NHTSA ID 881781 · filed Feb 28, 2001

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS VAN HAS THE REAR DUTCH DOOR CONFIGURATION (3 SECTIONS). THE ELECTRONIC REAR HATCH LOCK FAILS AND LOCKS ALL THE DOORS WITHOUT WARNING. THE REMOTE LOCKING DEVICE AND THE HARD WIRED LOCKING SWITCHES IN THE DOORS ARE INACTIVATED. THERE IS NO WAY TO OPEN THE REAR DOORS WITH A KEY. THIS IS MY SECOND OCCURRENCE.

NHTSA ID 738815 · filed Jan 5, 2001

REAR SIDE DOOR MOUNT NEEDED ADJUSTMENT. *YC

NHTSA ID 609380 · filed Feb 1, 1999

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SEAT BELT WILL UNLATCH WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BUCKLE. TS

NHTSA ID 8021261 · filed Oct 21, 2002

CONVERSION VAN, SHOULDER SEATBELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE WILL NOT LOCK OR STAY IN PLACE, CAUSING LOSS OF PROTECTION. *AK

NHTSA ID 860084 · filed Apr 11, 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

UNIROYAL TIRES SIZE P21575R15 CAME AS STANDARD EQUIPMENT ON A GMC, SAFARI, 1998. WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED, CAUSING DAMAGES TO FRONT END. GMC AND UNIROYAL WERE CONTACTED.*AK UNIROYAL TIGER PAW P215/75R15, DOT APHFJLIU048. *SLC

NHTSA ID 883222 · filed Mar 16, 2001

THESE ARE REPLACEMENT TIRES AND DO NOT HAVE THE TRACTION OF THE ORIGINALS. HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF THEY ARE SAFE FOR MY VEHICLE? THE RETAILER SAYS THEY ARE. (TIRESIZE: P215/75R15)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P215/75R15 )

NHTSA ID 735759 · filed Nov 5, 2000

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WIRES IN REAR AIR CONDITIONER SWITCH COMPLETELY MELTED. ELECTRICAL POWER BUTTONS INSIDE OF VEHICLE WERE HOT TO TOUCH. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED THAT CONSUMER COULD BRING VEHICLE IN FOR THEM TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT . WARRANTY EXPIRED ON VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ID 899456 · filed Nov 26, 2001

A/C FAILED. YH

NHTSA ID 608961 · filed Feb 1, 1999

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 TAIL LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN IN THE DAY OR NIGHT. THE SIGNAL LIGHT WAS NOT LOUD ENOUGH TO HEAR, AND THE BLINKER STAYED ON. *AK *SCC

NHTSA ID 8012730 · filed Jun 26, 2002

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 .