1996 GMC Safari problems
Owners have filed 199 complaints about the 1996 GMC Safari with NHTSA. Visibility accounts for 18.1% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of suspension at 14.6%.
Complaints199
Crashes11
Fires3
Injuries16
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Visibility 18.1% · 36
Suspension 14.6% · 29
Service brakes, hydraulic 14.1% · 28
Electrical system 6.5% · 13
Structure 6.5% · 13
Steering 6.0% · 12
Engine and engine cooling 5.5% · 11
Equipment 5.5% · 11
Severity
Of those complaints, 11 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 16 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the GMC Safari in this data, 1996 ranks 3rd by complaint volume — 1995 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 52 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 93,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Intermittently rear windshield wipers become inoperable, obstructing driver's view. The accelerator cable was replaced twice. The alternator was replaced three times. The water pump was replaced twice. The driver's side power window motor was replaced and the passenger side needs to be replaced. The driver's side seat motor failed. The hatch failed. The rear captain chairs seat belts broke. *Ak *nlm Visibility · reported at 93,000 miles
Wiper switch disconnects when turned "on". GMC service manager believes there were recalls for this defect but unable to find for GMC vehicle; believes there was recall for same problem on other GMC - chevrolet astrol models. Reports there have been a lot of similar defects seen and to wait until recall is official before replacing $100. Switch. Visibility
The defective pulse module in the circuit board malfunctioned, causing windshield wipers to work intermittently which could cause visibility problems, and may result in a crash. There is a recall for this problem, but this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin #. Please provide further information. Visibility
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…