klepZ OwnerReports
GMC / Safari / 1997

1997 GMC Safari problems

Owners have filed 200 complaints about the 1997 GMC Safari with NHTSA. Visibility accounts for 17% of them — the clear leader, ahead of power train at 11%.

Complaints200
Crashes10
Fires3
Injuries14
Deaths0

What owners report breaking

Visibility 17.0% · 34
Power train 11.0% · 22
Engine and engine cooling 10.0% · 20
Service brakes, hydraulic 8.5% · 17
Steering 8.0% · 16
Electrical system 6.5% · 13
Fuel system, gasoline 6.5% · 13
Vehicle speed control 4.5% · 9
Severity

Of those complaints, 10 describe a crash, 3 describe a fire and 14 report an injury.

Reading the numbers

Across the 5 model years of the GMC Safari in this data, 1997 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 1995 draws the most.

Filings have fallen off, 3 in the last three years against 37 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.

The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 78,000 miles.

In owners' own words

Understand GMC is aware of motor/circuit control windshied failure(what causes wipers not to work) because at the dealer they said GMC had issue a replacement kit but since there was no recall on it I had to pay around $300 for it. I think GMC should go ahead a pay for it since they know is a problem. Visibility
While driving inclement weather windshield wipers came on and off on their own. Driver took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic detrermined that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced. Visibility
Consuer states that the windshield wiper will intermittenly stop working when the consumer has the wipers in use. Contacted dealer and the dealer cannot find the problem with the vehicle. Visibility

Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Safety recalls

Checking NHTSA for open recalls…

Other GMC Safari years

Compare all 5 model years →