The 1996 GMC Safari has 6 recalls, the most serious involving the integrated child seats and a rear seatbelt: missing internal springs can render the child seat belt unusable, and the right-hand rear outboard seatbelt webbing can tear apart in a crash, leaving that occupant unrestrained. The child seat issue only affects vehicles equipped with the optional integrated dual child seats. The rear seatbelt concern applies to seven-passenger seating configurations where the right-hand rear bucket seat is installed.
On the mechanical side, the ignition coil wire on some vehicles runs too close to metal brackets or the transmission fluid fill tube, which can cause arcing that burns through the wire, leading to stalling or a no-start condition and potential catalytic converter damage.
There are also two compliance recalls related to the seatbelt reminder chime: the audible "fasten safety-belt" warning can fail to sound at all or cut off in under four seconds, which is shorter than required.
At a glance
What can fail
The seatbelt warning chime may not sound or may stop sounding in less than four seconds when it should stay on longer, not meeting safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new alarm module to fix the warning chime.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The seatbelt warning chime may not sound or may stop sounding in less than four seconds when a seatbelt is not fastened, as required by safety standards.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new alarm module to ensure the seatbelt warning chime functions correctly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some integrated dual child seats may be missing a spring in the seat belt retractor. A missing clutch spring locks the belt fully retracted and unusable. A missing pawl spring causes the belt to continuously extend and fail to lock.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the child seat belt retractors and replace the child seat if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition coil wire may be positioned too close to metal brackets or the transmission fluid fill tube, causing it to arc and fail. This can result in engine stalling, no-start conditions, or catalytic converter damage.
What the fix does
The coil wire will be repositioned to ensure proper clearance from metal brackets and transmission fluid fill tubes.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In seven-passenger vehicles, the right rear bucket seat's outer safety belt webbing may separate during a crash, increasing injury risk to the occupant.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protector on the rear seat cushion frame to prevent webbing separation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The safety belt webbing on the right rear bucket seat may separate during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protector on the rear seat cushion frame.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
