1994 GMC Safari: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 120 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (28% of complaints); the 1992 and 1993 model years look 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 120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1994 gmc safari. While driving 20 mph, the contact heard a loud noise and the front passenger side of the vehicle fell to the ground. The road conditions were clear. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who stated that the front torsion bar snapped. The mechanic was unable to repair the failure because there was a new design for the torsion bar. The current and failure mileages were 220,000.”Owner report · Suspension · May 2007
“Tl*- the contact stated that while fueling the 1994 gmc safari (15 with the vehicle running the transmission switched gears from park to reverse,, resulting in striking the vehicle behind it. The contact reentered the vehicle, shifted the loose gear into drive and moved the vehicle forward to a parking space. The vehicle w2asa drivable, but the gear shift was loose. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2007
“Driving a 1994 gmc safari awd and at a stop had the 41" torsion bar snapped. Searched for replacement from salvage yards but they have stopped selling them due to liability reasons, need to install adjustment equipment sold by gm with a cost of $800. *nm”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“I have a problem with the windshield wipers on my 1994' gmc safari. According to NHTSA, this is a known problem and yet the recall only covers from 95 and up models. If the problem was know to occur on the 1994 models, why doesn't the recall cover them? There have been several occassions in the last 6 months when my wipers have failed and nearly cause me to be involved in an accident. I have had to pull over on the side of the road multiple times until they decided to work again. I shouldn't have to pay to have it fixed if it was a known problem and should have been included in the recall. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Aug 2003
“The vehicle experienced the same failure with its windshield wiper motor as stated in recall 03 v 159 000, but the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vehicle. *ak the incident occurred during a heavy rain storm. *scc *jb”Owner report · Visibility · Jul 2003
“The wipers stopped and changed speed setting on it's own. It was the second time the wiper module was replaced. Dealer notified. *nlm *cb *jb”Owner report · Visibility · May 2003
“Catasrtophic front suspension failure of the left torsion bar on a 1994 gmc safari awd van. Apparently, the entire front suspension system must now be replaced due to "superseded parts" from gm. *nlm”Owner report · Suspension · May 2003
“Windshield wipers failed on several occasions on a trip, during travel in a rainstorm. On one occasion, I pulled over and damaged the right side running board due to inability to see. This is a dangerous flaw and needs to be addressed by the factory. *la”Owner report · Visibility · Apr 2003
“Front torsion bar broke while driving 25 mph. Manufacturer was notified. Feel free to provide any further information.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2002
“Was pulling out of parking slot when front torsion bar broke. This caused the vehicle to drop on the wheel and loss of steering control. Problem sounded like an explosion.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 14 of these complaints and injuries in 10 - 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.
THE MANUFACTURER'S CERTIFICATION LABEL AND/OR THE DRIVER AIR BAG ADVISORY LABEL MAY BE MISSING FROM THE VEHICLES, WHICH DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF 49 CFR 567.
Remedy: THE LABELS WILL BE FURNISHED TO OWNER'S FOR INSTALLATION ON THE VEHICLES.
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 1994 GMC Safari reliable?
NHTSA has 120 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 GMC Safari. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 GMC Safari problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 115,000 miles or less.
Does the 1994 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.