1993 GMC Safari: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 61 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (48% 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 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The brackets on both sides of the transfer case, which held the front axle in place. Consumer very concerned about transfer case dropping while vehicle is in motion.*ak *ph *jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2003
“Sideview mirror shakes while driving. Dealer notified. *ak the mirror wobbled at low and high speeds and when going over bumps. The problem caused the image to be distorted. (head loose in housing) refer to odi# 1002432 *scc *jb”Owner report · Visibility · May 2003
“Exceptionally dangerous spontaneous shearing of front left torsion bar. Gmc must know of this problem, because they have completely redesigned the torsion bars, requiring a major retrofitting (at the owner's expense) of the van's cross frame member. Fortunately for us, this major component of the suspension broke while the car was parked. Other reports on the internet describe the part as breaking while driving, instantly dropping the left side of the car until the tire hits the wheel well and throwing the car violently to the left.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“Brakes pulsate intermittently and without prior warning. Brake pedal goes all the way down to the floor, and will not stop or grab. Dealership is aware of problem. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2001
“Repeated break failure, this time total failure caused wreck not involving any other vehicals or personal property. Van is total loss.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2000
“Put foot on brake to put vehicle in reverse heard a very large bang, the whole front end dropped, idler arms replaced and egr valve”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2000
“When I applied the brakes in the snow I get a moaning noise (like someone playing a wind instrument poorly) and it takes forever to stop and it goes into a uncontrolled skid. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2000
“The driver's and the passenger' s seats go into the reclining position without warning. This happens mostly on the driver's side and has happened while driving the vehicle. The dealer is not aware of this problem. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Feb 1998
“When traveling about 55 mph the front end locked up due to the rod which exploded in the defferential. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced defferential. Please provide further details. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 1997
“ABS problems, when applying the brakes the pedal will go low to the floor and back wheels lock up, causing vehicle to slide. This happens on normal road conditions. The brake shoes were replaced about (6) months ago. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 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).
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 1993 GMC Safari reliable?
NHTSA has 61 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1993 GMC Safari. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (48% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 GMC Safari problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 80,000 miles or less.
Does the 1993 GMC Safari have open recalls?
2 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.