RoadVitals

1999 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.
61
Latest Jun 14, 2007
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.
3
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.
7
10 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 61 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1999 GMC Safari, most frequently naming the brakes, transmission and seat belts categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 81 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

  • Brakes1822.0%
  • Transmission1417.1%
  • Seat belts67.3%
  • Engine67.3%
  • Fuel system67.3%
  • Powertrain (other)67.3%
  • Steering33.7%
  • Interior & seats33.7%

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

3 campaigns cover this model year

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
01V123000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

Apr 10, 2001
461,851 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE "FASTEN SAFETY-BELT" AUDIBLE WARNING OCCASIONALLY MAY NOT COME ON OR MAY TERMINATE IN LESS THAN FOUR SECONDS AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
The risk: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW ALARM MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 27, 2001. 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 01036View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 61
Steering
Filed Jun 14, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 GMC SAFARI. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN MAY OF 2005, THE STEERING IDLER ARM HAS BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE HAS LOST STEERING ABILITY. THE CONTACT HAS PUT 30,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE IN TWO YEARS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE IDLER ARMS HAVE FAILED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC ALSO STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW. SHE HAS NOT CONTACTED A LOCAL AUTHORIZED DEALER OR THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 99,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ID
10193372
Incident
Jun 1, 2005
Mileage
70,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 3, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S ABS SENSOR UNIT FAILED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED THE ABS SENSOR UNIT THREE TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED.

NHTSA ID
10172591
Incident
Sep 30, 2006
Mileage
110,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Oct 1, 2005

1999 GMC SAFARI TRANSMISSION FAILURE. SEE GM TSB #00-07-30-002 DATED 11/2000. 1ST-2ND LATE SHIFT, REVERSE, 2ND, & 4TH GEAR CAUSED IMMEDIATE FAILURE. ALL REQUIRED TRANSMISSION SERVICE PERFORMED BY DEALER ON THIS VEHICLE. ROOT CAUSE IS THE KNOWN SUN GEAR SHELL FAILURE IN THE GM 4L60E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. VEHICLE HAS 70,511 MILES. FILED GMC CUSTOMER COMPLAINT #1-366073225. *JB

NHTSA ID
10138290
Incident
Sep 29, 2005
Mileage
70,500 mi
Brakes
Filed Jul 15, 2005

DT: ABOUT A YEAR AGO THE PROBLEM BEGAN. WHEN BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS ABOUT 5-10 MPH ABS KICKS IN AND A GRINDING SOUND OCCURS. THIS CAUSES EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES. ALL WHEEL DRIVE, ALL WHEEL ANTILOCK TO THE OWNER'S KNOWLEDGE. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE DEALER SAID THAT THE ABS SENSOR LOOKED CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUT ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE BUT IT SHOWED NO CODES. WHEN THE ABS FUSE IS PULLED THE CAR WORKS FINE BUT HAS NO ABS. THE OWNER HASN'T DISCONNECTED THE ABS FUSE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET AND THE PROBLEM HAS REMAINED ABOUT THE SAME. THE PROBLEM OCCURS ABOUT 90 PERCENT OF THE TIME DURING LOW SPEED BRAKE APPLICATIONS.*AK *NM

NHTSA ID
10126442
Incident
Nov 2, 2004
Mileage
48,000 mi
Transmission
Filed May 4, 2005

THIS MORNING (5/4/05) WHILE DRIVING MY 1999 GMC SAFARI, I EXPERIENCED A JOLT AND A HIGH RPM REV AND A LONG 1-2 SHIFT. I GOT TO MY DESTINATION (1/4 MILE UP THE ROAD) AND THEN DISCOVERED THAT I HAD NO REVERSE. I IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO THE DEALER (A 6-MILE DRIVE). I NOTICED IN ADDITION TO NO REVERSE, THERE WAS ALSO NO OVERDRIVE (4TH GEAR). THE PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSIS FROM THE DEALER IS A FAILED SUN SHELL ASSEMBLY. THEY (THE DEALER) INDENTIFIES THIS AS A COMMON PROBLEM. TO REPAIR IT REQUIRES A MAJOR OVERHAUL A NEARLY $2000.00 REPAIR. I'M A MEMBER OF IATN (INTERNATION AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIANS' NETWORK) AND I DID A SERACH OF THIS CONCERN AND LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE. I ALSO LEARNED THAT GM HAS A TSB ON THIS CONCERN (I DON'T KNOW THE NUMBER OR NATURE OF THE TSB). AT 6-YEARS OF AGE AND 88,000 MILES THIS (IN MY ESTIMATION) IS A PREMATURE FAILURE. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN SERVICED (FLUSHED AND FILTER REPLACEMENT) TWICE IN THE PAST THREE YEARS AND HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED. I DO TOW TWO SNOWMOBILES IN THE WINTER, BUT THE WEIGHT IS BY FAR WITHIN THE PARAMETERS STATED FOR THIS VEHICLE. I CALLED THE GM SERVICE ASSISTANCE CENTER AND THE WOMAN ACKNOWLEDGED THE PATTERN FAILURE, BUT SAID THEIR "POLICY" FOR GOODWILL ASSISTANCE IS CAPPED AT 72,000 MILES, MY VEHICLE HAS 88,000 MILES. SHE WAS PREPARED TO OFFER ME SOME KIND OF VOUCHER TO BE USED TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A NEW GM VEHICLE, BUT I'M NOT INTERESTED IN THAT. THERE'S CLEARLY A PRODUCT CONCERN, AND IF GM IS WILLING TO GIVE ME A DEAL ON A NEW CAR, WHY DON'T THEY GIVE ME A "DEAL" ON REPAIRING THIS ONE? ANYWAY, THAT'S MY COMPLAINT.

NHTSA ID
10119776
Incident
May 4, 2005
Mileage
88,700 mi
Engine
Filed Aug 31, 2004

EMAIL FM ROBERT CARTER (TX) RE GMC REFUSING TO REPAIR A RECALL ENGINE PART FREE OF CHARGE ON HIS GMC SAFARI VAN SINCE HE MISSED THE RECALL CUT OFF DATE WHILE ON MILITARY DUTY OVERSEAS.*MR *NM

NHTSA ID
10089976
Incident
Jan 1, 1901
Transmission
Filed Aug 21, 2004

(1) NOTHING LEADING UP TO EVENT. SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE MOVED IN REVERSE ALTHOUGH THE GEAR SELECTOR WAS ABLE TO BE PLACED INTO R. ALSO, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT DRIVE SMOOTHLY IN ANY FORWARD GEARS. HOWEVER, IT WAS ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD AND SUBSEQUENTLY ABLE TO BE DRIVEN ONTO A TRANSPORT TRAILER FOR TOWING. (2) FORTUNATELY, THE FAILURE HAPPENED IN A PARKING LOT AND NO ACCIDENT OR INJURIES WERE INCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS LOADED ONTO A U-HAUL VEHICLE TRANSPORT TRAILER AND TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION REPAIR FACILITY (OCEAN SIDE TRANSMISSION INCORPORATED LOCATED IN OCEANSIDE, CA). (3) TRANSMISSION WAS REPAIRED WITH SEVERAL PARTS REPLACED AT THE COST OF ALMOST $2000.00. TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP SAID THE SHELL WAS CRACKED AND "THIS VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION IS KNOWN FOR HAVING A WEAK SHELL". I HAVE THIS OLD PART AVAILABLE AND IT IS BROKEN INTO TWO PIECES APPEARING TO HAVE SHEARED APART. *JB

NHTSA ID
10088332
Incident
Aug 15, 2004
Mileage
73,487 mi
BrakesSuspension
Filed Aug 10, 2004

SECOND OCCURANCE OF SAME PROBLEM WITH ABS SYSTEM ENGAGING AT LOW SPEEDS FOR NO REASON ON 1999 GMC SAFARI VAN. THE PROBLEM IS A BAD SENSOR IN THE FRONT BRAKES BUT REQUIRES A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE HUB/BEARING ASSEMBLY UNIT.

NHTSA ID
10086557
Incident
Jan 25, 2004
Mileage
60,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

23-NA-144

SERVICE BRAKES

This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.

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.

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
1999Viewing613050.8
1998895053.0
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.