1990 GMC Safari: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 35 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (43% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Nov 1993
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Consumer discovered that the power driver seat would rock back and forth when the vehicle accelerated too quickly, consumer thought that a mounting bolt was loose, he then tilted the seat back and inspected the front mounting bolt to the seat platform connection and the consumer saw that when the seat back was pushed, the entire bolt/nut combo lifted off of the mounting platform, and that was the cause of the seat rocking back and forth, upon lifting the seat off the platform all four corners of the platform had broken off, the adjacent metal around the bolt holes were disfigured, fractured and cracked.*jb”Owner report · Seats · Apr 2002
“Consumer was driving along and made a stop; then, put vehicle in reverse and it made a loud noise, later she was told that idle arm had fallen off.*ak vehicle also would vibrate while driving at 65 mph. Steering column loose and needed to be tightened. *slc”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2001
“Was leaning forward with the seat belt on. Seat belt failed to lock up properly when this happens. Owner feels it would not be adequate protection if an accident occurs. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 1999
Show 7 more owner reports
“Took the vehicle for repair service on rear end. Was hit. When consumer drove away, steering wheel column moved the column into the inner sleeve.consumer contacted dealer. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Jun 1999
“When traveling 70 mph consumer lost all power. Also, vehicle went from 70 to 0 in a matter of seconds. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced the motor. This has been a continuous problem. Please provide any further details. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 1998
“ABS brake problems; during normal braking at low speed in no inclement weather, mostly when coming out of the driveway(very little hill), when applying the brakes, the pedal goes straight to the floor and the truck does not stop. After the truck sits for one to two minutes and the brakes are normal, dealer not able to detect a prolbem with the system. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 1998
“Sliding door came out of the track, door was locked. Incident occurred two times. Dealer has been notified and is investigating problem. No warranty. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Apr 1998
“After a hard braking incident, the ABS & brake lights came on and stayed on. System was reset by mechanic, worked for 4 or 5 brake applications but had electric motor noise under hood, then problem returned. Regular brakes work properly, ABS does not. Independent repair shop stated ABS computer failure. Cost to repair - $450, work not performed. Problem persists. After viewing your online complaints, this seems to be a common problem for this make/model/year of vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 1997
“The anti-lock brake control value has failed. This has been replaced twice in the last (2) years and it has to be replaced again.*ak consumer states replacements only last 17-18 thousand miles. *slc”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 1996
“The drivers seat belt will not come out of the retracting case and this is the second one installed in the vehicle. It cannot be worn. Please describe. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 1996
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE BAR FOR REAR SOFA FAILED TO SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210.
Remedy: REPLACE NONCOMPLYING SOFA BAR WITH BAR THAT MEETS REQUIREMENTS.
THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME MAY HAVE FOAM AND/OR VINYL BETWEEN THEM, CREATING A "SOFT" JOINT. THIS "SOFT" JOINT RESULTS IN LOWER THAN SPECIFIED BOLT TORQUE WHICH LEADS TO JOINT LOOSENESS, CAUSING BOLT FATIGUE AND EVENTUAL BOLT FAILURE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FOAM AND/OR VINYL FROM BETWEEN THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME "SOFT" JOINT AND REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS.
SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS.
FUEL RETURN HOSES MAY BREAK AT EITHER CRIMPED COUPLING, CAUSING A LEAKAGE OF FUEL.
Remedy: INSTALL A PROPERLY CRIMPED FUEL RETURN HOSE.
How other years compare
Check your exact Safari by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 GMC Safari reliable?
NHTSA has 35 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 GMC Safari. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (43% of complaints).
Does the 1990 GMC Safari have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:anchorage. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.