1992 GMC Safari: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 59 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (44% of complaints); the 1990 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's front suspension dropped onto the front tires while the vehicle was parked and not in use. The contact attempted to replace the shocks to resolve the issue but the shocks did not resolve the problem. The dealer was not contacted. There was nothing that led up to the occurrence.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2006
“I have a 1992 gmc safari van. It has no anchor system for a child seat and gmc customer service indicates no requirement for such a system. It is my opion that just like other vehicles the van should have an anchor system for the child seat and the manufacturer should be required to supply such a system. *ak”Owner report · Child Seat · Oct 2004
“While wife an family were in van, passenger side torsion bar snapped, slamming right front of vehicle down. Awd difficult to control and causing family to become stranded. Gm has discontinued replacements, a conversion is available from them for over $500.00 and both sides need to be replaced/modified. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“The consumer noticed that the front stabilizer bar snapped in two places, causing the vehicle to become inoperative. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak *sc *jb”Owner report · Suspension · May 2004
“While applying the brakes ABS light appeared on the dashboard, and remains on until the vehicle was turned off. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic could not duplicate or resolve the problem. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2004
“ABS system failed. Dealer stated that it was not a safety issue, they still had brakes. *ak ABS failed when consumer pressed on the brakes to avoid collision with another vehicle. ABS light came on and stayed on. The loss of ABS was caused by the failure of internal brake module. Consumer declined replacement because when he was quoted by the dealer of the expense for repair, cost was $1300, and was told that vehicle will still have the same braking capability even without ABS. In addition, recall on dipstick, to indicate transmission resevoir. If dipstick is shorter, it would cause transmission to slip. *la”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2004
“The vehicle make a popping noise, and it was discovered that the left front end was almost sitting on the tire due to both torsion bars were broke. *yh”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2001
“Drivers side front tortion bar breaks causing the front end to dive very hard and hit bottom of frame extremely hard causing loss of control due to the front end hitting the bottom of travel.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2001
“After awhile torsion bar broke down, there was no warning. Consumer said that dealer should have noticed the problem.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2000
“Vehicle was parked in driveway. Came out & noticed vehicle was laying on the ground due to broken torsion bar . Vehicle towed to dealership & serviced. Bulletin on torsion bar from manufacturer. Torsion bar was repairable.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
CERTAIN R&B, INC. CENTRAL MULTIPORT FUEL INJECTION (CMFI) FUEL RETURN LINES, MODELS HELP 55163, NAPA BALKAMP 700-3270, AND THE CONNECTION 2560001, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL RETURN LINE HAS A MECHANICAL BLEED VALVE WHICH WAS NOT INSTALLED AT THE PROPER TORQUE.
Remedy: R&B, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AT THE CUSTOMERS REQUEST, EITHER REPLACE THE FUEL LINE OR OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT R&B, INC. AT 215-712-5330.
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 1992 GMC Safari reliable?
NHTSA has 59 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 GMC Safari. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (44% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 GMC Safari problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 99,250 miles or less.
Does the 1992 GMC Safari have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. 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.