2002 GMC Safari: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 28 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
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 28 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“On may 5, 2018 traveling on I-40, mile 398 while traveling in the middle lane I heard a loud noise and my van started shaking. I knew/felt that a tire had blown. I got to the side of the road and got help. The tires were purchased and put on november of 2016. The tires are goodyear wranglers with 8,789 miles on these tires..”Owner report · Tires · May 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc safari. While driving 45 mph, the contact's vehicle was struck on the driver's side by a 2006 dodge caravan. The contact's vehicle then crashed into a pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained lower back pain, a bruised toe, a forehead gash, and damage to the ribs. Medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. *tt updated 8/21/18*jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2017
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 gmc safari. While driving 5 or 6 mph, it took 40-50 feet before the contact could stop the vehicle. A mechanic stated that both the passenger and driver side wheel bearings and idler arms needed to be replaced. The local mechanic performed the repairs. Gmc denied him reimbursement because they did not make the repair. The consumer had the repairs made a an independent shop the current mileage was 28,550 and failure mileage was 28,530. Updated 5/5/08 *cn updated”Owner report · Suspension · Mar 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“In december 2007 the ABS brake system began activating at very low speeds on dry, smooth pavement. The activation now occurs with about 33% of all complete stops on dry, smooth pavement. ABS system has even activated immediately after complete stops on some occasions. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2007
“When backing out of garage brakes failed and the pedal went all the way to the floor. Dealer told me there was no brake problems, but could be ABS sensors rusted or had dirt build up. The dealer cleaned ABS sensors and sprayed a rust inhibitor on sensors and hubs , and said they hoped this would solve the problem. If problem persists to come back.*ak”Owner report · Suspension · Jan 2006
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 gmc safari. The contact stated that the brake lights worked intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and they stated that the repair required them to dismantle some of the major components to better access the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified requesting information on NHTSA campaign id number 05v099000 (exterior lighting:brake lights:switch), but the VIN was not included in the recall. The current mileage was 44,500 and failure mileage was 28,000. Updated 03/26/08. *lj”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2006
“While applying the brakes, the pedal went to the floor and bounces up and down. The vehicle continued to accelerate. The consumer was able to pull over . The vehicle was later taken to a mechanic, who informed the consumer that the switch to the anti-lock brake modular had shortened out and needed replacement. Please fill in additional information. *jb *tc”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2004
“The heater blower motor doesn't operate in high humidity unless I unplug and replug the connection at the motor under the hood. It is an 02 gmc safari cargo van with 48k mi. *jb”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 2004
“While driving during foggy conditions at 20 to 25 mph, consumer lost control of vehicle and hit a tree. The airbags failed to deploy. As a result, the driver broke her back. A police report was taken. Please describe further. *ph”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2003
“While driving at 30 mph in rush hour traffic consumer tried to apply the brakes but the brakes locked up. Vehicle shuddered, the ABS kicked in, and a collision occurred. Consumer felt that the brakes failed. The dealer have been notified of the problem.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - 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 2002 GMC Safari reliable?
NHTSA has 28 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 GMC Safari. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 2002 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.