Resources for the Repair and Maintenance of your GMC Safari
GMC Safari Models:
GMC Safari Problems
Outside Door Handles May Break
The outside door handles are prone to breaking—all doors are affected by this condition.
Power Door Locks Stop Working
The power door locks may stop working in one or more doors due to a failed actuator. Replacement of the failed actuator should correct this concern.
Power Brake Units May Leak Fluid From Hydro-Boost Unit
Power brake systems using "hydro-boost" may leak power steering fluid from the hydro-boost unit located behind the brake master cylinder. Replacement of the hydro-boost unit is the common repair to correct this concern.
Power Window Motor May Fail
A door window may move slowly or stop in mid travel due to a failing power window motor. The affected window may start working again after the motor cools off. Replacing the faulty window motor will commonly correct this concern.
AC Not Cold Due to Refrigerant Leak
On vans with rear AC, the AC may stop blowing cold air due to a damaged AC line near the back of the engine. It is common for these lines to rub on the engine block, causing a hole in the line and a refrigerant leak.
GMC Safari Recalls (Recent)
Chevrolet Astro Recall 01V123000
Summary: 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.
Learn more »GMC Suburban 2500 Recall 03V093000
Summary: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.
Learn more »GMC Suburban 2500 Recall 03V159000
Summary: 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.
Learn more »Chevrolet Astro Recall 05V099000
Summary: ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH MAY DEVELOP AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION IN THE STOP LAMP OR HAZARD LAMP CIRCUIT THAT RESULTS IN THE STOP LAMPS AND HAZARD LAMPS BEING INOPERATIVE.
Learn more »Ball Joints May Separate From Premature Wear
RepairPal Expert Overview:
An interference fit between the lower ball joint rubber boot and the steering knuckle may cause the rubber boot to be cut. This would allow entry of water, dirt, salt, or other contaminants possibly leading to premature wear. Failure from premature wear could lead to separation of the steering knuckle and lower control arm, which would cause the vehicle to drop at the affected corner. Vehicle handling and braking could be compromised increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the steering knuckles. The recall began April 8, 2004. The GM recall number is 03044.
Learn more »GMC Safari Questions and Answers
car starts o.k.,[cold] runs o.k., but if driven approx a mile or more to destination,then shut off. After about 5 to10 minutes later can,t start it to return home. Turns over good, but won,t fire ...
I had just gotten on the highway and I heard a snap like something "fell off" the van, but there was nothing on the road. Then the brakes failed (locked up, couldn't depress them). Then the steer...
service engine code reset
Problem occurred on Sunday 1/2/2011 the van was trying to stall at a light. Managed to get it home without stopping and when I pulled into the driveway it stalled out. Its been running rather rou...
gmc safari 1989
GMC Safari Stories
My car will not start. Hav e rewired it . still will not start
Bought this van brand new in May, 1998. Lots of problems with the injectors. Had them replaced under warranty. Always having misfires. Also problems with the gas cap registering in the computer as not being on right even tho I crank it on at every fill up. This is my camping vehicle and it has 81,000 miles on it. Other then those issues this car handles good and drives a straight line down the highway. On vacation this summer and pulling a hill in Maryland the car lost power and had to get towed to a dealer. It needed a tune up which manufacturers book says it should have one at 100,000 miles. Mine got it at 77,000 miles. Paid the bill and not one issue all the way home to California. Still love this car...
My van was originally from Michigan, and its undercarriage shows a lot of the effects of rust form salt used on the winter roads. In the five years I've had it I've replaced the starter, brake master cylinder, air conditioner compressor and hoses, timing belt, fuel filter, spark plugs, brake line (due to corrosion/rerouted to save $$ due to route through tight compartment), replaced the tires and had the fuel system and cooling system flushed.
Next on the list is changing the driver's side window motor, having the brakes done and changing the wiper switch (it's intermittently intermittent).
Despite all of that, I like this van and feel comfortable with my wife driving it with my five kids.
I bought my Safari for $750.00. I put a new alternator, battery, water pump and brakes on it and I have had no major issues with it. I love it! This is the second one I have bought and for me there is no better van.As long as you do proper maintnance on it is a very reliable van.
bought my van from a friend it has 187,000 miles and I use it for hauling my construction EQ the van runs great and after removing the seats have plenty of room for all my EQ and the only problem I see is the roof rack system isn't the best to haul ladders needs cross members for ladder support other than that van suns and works great so far