1991 GMC Safari: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 39 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (34% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Loss of brake action due to instant fluid loss. Brake line ruptured due to extreme and isolated corrosion in brakeline located area of gasoline tank (forward of rear axle on driver's side.) no notice or prior events leading to failure. Have noted many internet complaints of this nature and location on both gmc safari and chevrolet astro vans and silverado light trucks - year and/or mileage not a factor. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 1991 gmc safari. The contact noticed that the ABS warning indicator consistently illuminates on the instrument panel. Secondly, when applying pressure to the brake pedal, the vehicle skids. He is in the process of notifying a dealer in reference to the failures. The failure mileage was 174,000 and current mileage was 175,000. Updated 04-23-09 *bf updated 04/24/09.*jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2009
“Numerous complaints identical to those experienced by other owners of this vehicle type. Twice now when applying brakes in a panic situation the ABS system failed and warning light came on. Replaced ecu on brake system once now dealer informs that is must be replaced again at a cost of $1200. I believe this is an extravagant maintenance expense every time you need the anti-lock portion of the braking system. Also had to replace front drive shaft due to failure, must replace idler arms every two years due to failure and also had to replace the electrical connecters on the blower switch due to overheating and melting the switch. *nlm”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“I was travling at about 60 miles and hour when the a piece of the tire out sideway. The size 12 inches x 8 inches blew out of the tirer hitting the car nex to me. I have never seen a tirer have such catastrophic failure the side wall is missing a piece from first out side thread to the rim bead by about 12 inches long. The tirer exploded is the best way to describe it out of no ware on smooth dry road way. Blowing the piece out into the passing lane hitting a car in that lane. The piece was not recovered. Dt”Owner report · Tires · Dec 2002
“While consumer was driving transmission dip stick popped off, and transmission fluid was all over windsheild. Transmission was not working aftrerwards. Contacted dealer ,and was not willing to do anything.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2001
“Whenever brakes are applied vehicle would be thrown into another lane. First, brakes on driver's side, would lock up. Took to dealer & mechanic repaired entire brake system. The problem has reappeared & was informed its the ABS. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1999
“The consumer state's while driving about 60mph coming off a ramp the vehicle would'nt stop and the consumer applied the brakes, and vehicle still wouldn't stop, causing the consumer to make a right a turn and hitting the median. Vehicle flipped over and came to a stop. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 1999
“ABS brake problems. Upon applying the brakes hard to avoid a crash, traveling about 25 mph, the anti lock warning ligh cam eon. When taken to the dealership, the anti-lock brake computer was replaced. Please provide any further information. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 1998
“Driving at approximately 40-45 consumer hit tree. Defect in driver's power seat, caused the seatback to fall onto passenger who was sitting behind driver. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Jul 1998
“Brakes stopped but acted very slow and loss of brake pedal a few times after it happened. Brake system has now lost the anti-lock system completely and was given a price of $1500 to replace. I believe this it extreamly toohigh. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - 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.
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.
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).
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.
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 1991 GMC Safari reliable?
NHTSA has 39 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 GMC Safari. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (34% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1991 GMC Safari problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 162,000 miles or less.
Does the 1991 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.