2001 GMC Safari: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 40 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (28% 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 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“After running errands, vehicle would not restart. Time in between errands 2 hours. Outside temp 95. Had to wait 15 - 30 minutes in hot vehicle trying to start vehicle every 20-30 seconds. Problem with passlock/passkey security system as listed on various web sites. Checked with personal obd ii & can scan tool and found no dtc's. This problem is becoming more constant and occupant safety is a major concern. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2014
“After fueling, could not restart vehicle. Dash lights. Had to wait 15 - 30 minutes until I was able start vehicle. Battery 4 months old, intermittent ongoing problem. Independent research discovered via web search list problem with "ignition passlock/passkey security system". This is a manufacturing defect that my local gm dealer will not address or fix. Estimated consumer repair cost over $1000,00. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2014
“After running errands, vehicle would not restart. Brake & ABS indicator lit. Wait 15- 30 minutes and vehicle may restart. Independent research found that this is a well known problem. Noted: passlock/passkey security system intermittent failure. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“At times vehicle will not start until the steering column shift lever is moved. All power is up, turn key and no response. Depress brake pedal and move shift lever from p to d3 may cause starter to work. Told by aaa driver that this is a common problem. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2014
“At slow speeds the ABS activates and the vehicle is hard to stop. The sierra van uses the same components as the trucks that were recalled by 05v379000 on 8/3/05. The problem is the same with dirty speed sensors. *kb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 gmc safari. While driving 7 mph and when t depressing the brakes the ABS activated, and there was a buzzing noise. He was unable to stop the vehicle for approximately 20 feet. The ABS sensor was replaced. However, six months later the problem reccured. The failure mileage was 88,000 miles, and the current mileage was 115,000. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's anti lock braking system sensors were faulty and activated on dry pavement at a speed of lower than 8 mph. There were no warning signal to indicate a failure. The failure occurred under normal braking. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who advised filing a complaint with the national highway traffic safety administration. The manufacturer has not been notified yet by the contact.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2006
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 gmc safari. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrates, backfires, and fails to start when cold. He has not taken the vehicle to a dealer. NHTSA service bulletin number 03-06-04-041 was referenced. The current mileage was 94,000 and failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 03-04-08 *bf when the vehicle did start, it would run rough and then stall. Updated”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2005
“Another individual informed the driver that the left and right front side brake lights failed to come on. Driver took vehicle to the dealer, and mechanic informed the driver that this vehicle was not recalled due to VIN. *ak”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Mar 2005
“I have a 2001 gmc safari van.approx 49000 miles.I first expierenced my antiloc brake system activating when not needed at slow speeds.thinking this was a little odd and I thought I would need to get it to act up more in order to properly explain what is happening to my service personel.and I thought it was minor as even tho the antiloc system activated the brakes seemed to work fine.untill one day when all I heard was the noise accustomed with the antilock system but the brake pedal went to the floor.after pushing as hard as I have ever pushed on a brake pedal the van stopped. Being afraid to drive it anymore I got it into my service dept.who replaced both front wheel speed sensors.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 56 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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).
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH MAY DEVELOP AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION IN THE STOP LAMP OR HAZARD LAMP CIRCUIT THAT RESULTS IN THE STOP LAMPS AND HAZARD LAMPS BEING INOPERATIVE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD WARNING FLASHER SWITCH AND APPLY SPECIAL GREASE TO THE CONTACTS AT THE TIME OF INSTALLATION OF THE MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE REPAIR WOULD BE USED IN VEHICLES IN WHICH THE HAZARD SLIDER BUTTON IS STILL MOVABLE. IF A VEHICLE HAS A HAZARD SLIDER BUTTON THAT IS NOT MOVABLE (FROZEN), THE ENTIRE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 13, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
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 2001 GMC Safari reliable?
NHTSA has 40 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 GMC Safari. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 GMC Safari problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 55,650 miles or less.
Does the 2001 GMC Safari have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.