GMC Safari Recalls

The GMC Safari has 27 recalls spanning the 1985-2003 production run, with the most serious being a 2003 lower ball joint boot defect where interference with the steering knuckle cuts the seal, allows road contamination to degrade the joint, and can cause the steering knuckle to separate and drop a corner of the vehicle without warning.

The final model years also have a separate lower-severity issue on 2003 vehicles where the same ball joint boot damage accelerates joint wear over time. On 2001-2002 models, the multifunction switch can develop an open circuit that disables the brake lights and hazard lamps together, leaving following drivers with no warning that the vehicle is slowing or stopped. Going back to the late 1990s, 1998 models have an electric outside mirror switch that can short circuit, generate enough heat to damage the driver's door, and potentially start a fire there.

Mid-production years carry several serious issues. On 1996 models equipped with integrated dual child seats, a missing retractor spring can lock the belt in the retracted position or prevent it from holding a child in a crash. The right rear outboard seat belt on 1996 seven-passenger models can separate during a crash, leaving that occupant unrestrained. Also on 1996 models, the ignition coil wire routed too close to metal brackets can arc, causing stalling and potential catalytic converter damage. The 1995 model year has three distinct issues: fuel lines at the tank and a cracked fuel filter can each leak fuel and cause a fire, a lower control arm bolt can loosen, fatigue, and break causing loss of steering control, and the windshield wiper motor can fail intermittently due to cracked circuit board solder joints.

Earlier production has several concentrated concerns. On 1990 models, a fuel filter can crack at the inlet fitting and leak fuel, and fuel return hoses can break at their crimped couplings, both creating fire risk. The 1990 driver's seat recliner bolt can fatigue and fail, letting the seatback suddenly drop backward while driving. On 1989 models, the automatic transmission control rod can disconnect from the shift lever, causing the gear indicator to show the wrong gear and potentially sending the vehicle in the opposite direction from what the driver expects. The 1985 model year has two issues: a front seat recliner bolt that can break and allow the seatback to fall back without warning, and a steering gear mounting boss that can crack and eventually cause loss of steering control.