1996 GMC Safari
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Safari › 1996
These records cover every 1996 GMC Safari. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1996 GMC Safari. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. the windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. owner notification began on june 19, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Vehicle description: MINI vans. some of these vehicles fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection." the "fasten safety-belt" audible warning occasionally may not come on or may terminate in less than four seconds as required by the standard.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new alarm module. owner notification began june 27, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
Vehicle description: MINI vans equipped with integrated dual child seats. some of these vehicles may be missing a seat belt retractor clutch spring and/or pawl spring in the child seat. if the clutch spring was missing, the seat belt would lock in the retracted position and could not be used. if the pawl spring was missing, the seat belt restraint…
Risk and remedy
Risk
These conditions could increase the occupant's risk of injury in the event of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the seat belts on the child seats, and if necessary, replace the child seat.
The outboard safety belt webbing on the right-hand rear bucket seat can separate during a vehicle crash.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, the vehicle occupant would not be properly restrained and personal injury could result.
Remedy
Dealers will install a protector on the rear seat cushion frame.
Owner complaints
139 complaints9 involved a crash2 involved a fire12 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
Electrical system fails even with new battery, alternator. when I attempt to start vehicle all power IS lost. happened last year IS happening again, only in winter. Kills battery after battery. have bought 3 batteries, now the electrical power just does not come on. *Tr
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion bar
GMC safari van was parked in driveway, next morning it was discovered that the front had collapsed and was just 2 inches off the pavement, inner fenders were touching the tires. discovered that the torsion bars had failed, dealer said repairs will be $1000, part has been redesigned and has a new…
GMC safari van was parked in driveway, next morning it was discovered that the front had collapsed and was just 2 inches off the pavement, inner fenders were touching the tires. discovered that the torsion bars had failed, dealer said repairs will be $1000, part has been redesigned and has a new mounting kit to go along with new torsion bars . vehicle IS used as second family car and driven by daughter for school and work, luckily failure occurred while parked. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem with 1996 GMC safari van not starting. *bf the mechanic found the fuel pump was not pumping fuel. upon retrieving the fuel pump from the gas tank, he found it to have suffered severe electrical damage. the actual failure was not the fuel pump, but because it generated enough heat to…
Problem with 1996 GMC safari van not starting. *bf the mechanic found the fuel pump was not pumping fuel. upon retrieving the fuel pump from the gas tank, he found it to have suffered severe electrical damage. the actual failure was not the fuel pump, but because it generated enough heat to melt the hose coming from the pump along the connection. the consumer also stated he had to have a rebuilt engine installed after the first engine failed with only 87,000 miles. *Jb
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
The consumer 1996 GMC safari van electrical problem with fuel pump. *bf the fuel pump did not pump fuel. the fuel pump suffered electrical damage. the fuel filter was changed when the rebuilt engine was placed in the vehicle. the main bearing was shot. *sc
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
The brakes will not engage intermittently. at times there was a noise. dealer could not duplicate the problem, so they will replace the ABS system. *ak
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Power windows do not work. Consumer checked the fuses, and the fuses are not the problem. Consumer took the vehicle to an after market repair shop where the defect was noticed. *Ak no recall found on this issue. *tc
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The power windows failed. as a result, when the windows were up they were unable to come back down. *Ak
- Suspension › Front
Torsion bar broken
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
The vehicle idled rough,the service soon light illuminated and then the engine mifired. This occured because the fuel injectors were either stuck in the open or close position. The problem happened due to deposit build up which caused the poppet valve to stick and fail. There was tsb #000604003b on this issue. The dealership cleaned the injectors, but should of replaced the csfi fuel system as per the tsb. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Coolant leak cause by intake manifold failure. *la
- Tires › Sidewall · Tires › Tread/belt
Dunlop rover tire failed at 17000 miles. Tire a complete loss .tire replaced blamed on poor workmanship.old tire keep at place of purchase.*ak
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion bar
While driving 25 mph consumer heard a booming noise coming from the front of the vehicle. consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. consumer noticed that passenger side torsion bar broke. the vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the torsion bar needed to be replaced.*ak
- Suspension
On august 13TH, 2003, I backed the van out of the garage, which has an about 2 inch drop. while making a left turn, I could feel the tire scraping. by the time I got out of the car,the drivers' side was almost on the ground. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest garage, where we have most of…
On august 13TH, 2003, I backed the van out of the garage, which has an about 2 inch drop. while making a left turn, I could feel the tire scraping. by the time I got out of the car,the drivers' side was almost on the ground. I had the vehicle towed to the nearest garage, where we have most of our work done.i thought it was the strut, but it was the torsion bar. we had to replace both torsion bars. the mechanic told me that the replacement bars were different from the originals. I checked around and was told, that both had to be replaced, the prices were about the same. I wrote to GMC, and told them they knew there was a problem with the torsion bars, otherwise the replacements would not have been different. On the 4TH of sept. we received a phone call from them. there had been a recall 01036, but our vehicle IS too old , so they are no longer responsible. where can I find out when this recall was, since we've owned the safari since 1999, and never received a recall for this problem.in the five years we've had this van, we have spent more than $3000.00 on repairs, not counting regular maintenance.
- Suspension
Left side torsion bar snapped when driving. the repair shop changed both left and right side torsion bars and arms even though the right side was fully functional. Gm's parts department stated that this was a manufacturing design problem and thus I had to change both sides. this has apparently…
Left side torsion bar snapped when driving. the repair shop changed both left and right side torsion bars and arms even though the right side was fully functional. Gm's parts department stated that this was a manufacturing design problem and thus I had to change both sides. this has apparently been a problem with other same model cars as well. I feel that if that IS the case, then they should recall all cars because it poses a serious safety hazard.
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline · Suspension · Unknown or other · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Windshield wipers do not operate - recalled - dealer claims it was repaired, now wipers operate whenever it feels like it. Both torsion rods failed without warning within 1 day apart of each other. Mechanic revealed that gm now has a special technique to be done when this happens and it costs an…
Windshield wipers do not operate - recalled - dealer claims it was repaired, now wipers operate whenever it feels like it. Both torsion rods failed without warning within 1 day apart of each other. Mechanic revealed that gm now has a special technique to be done when this happens and it costs an extra $90 to repair. Which means they are aware of the problem and will not recall the vehicles and replace at their cost. Broken spark plug almost killed my family. Fuel pump went out. Driver's side window does not roll down, driver's side view mirror does not operate.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Since the middle of last year, we experienced a problem w/abs brakes. When you would slow down & get to about 20 mph, the van would start to lock up rendering the vehicle out of control & unable to stop. We took it to our usual mechanic who determined the sensor on the driver side was bad &…
Since the middle of last year, we experienced a problem w/abs brakes. When you would slow down & get to about 20 mph, the van would start to lock up rendering the vehicle out of control & unable to stop. We took it to our usual mechanic who determined the sensor on the driver side was bad & replaced it. That lasted about 6 months & we had the same problem reoccur. Again, our mechanic looked at it (pulling his hair out mind you) & determined that there was unequal voltage, so he replaced both sensors. Now again we started having the same problem. As of today, the ABS light IS on & the system IS not functioning. We are not having any problems stopping now. anyway, I've done some research & noticed that a good number of gm vehicles have had ABS recalls, 1 story I read was the exact same problem. I requested several things from gm. 1) direction to go now; 2) reimbursement for these expenses(approx $800); 3) arrangements to have this problem corrected the right way & 4)A recall be placed on this particular vehicle also. If there was a recall placed on it, we did not receive it in the mail. unfortunateley, I was sent a reply basically saying that the 1996 model was not included in any recall. If I feel there's a failure, then I should visit a local dealer to have it checked out (at my own expense probably). there's an obvious track record with this ABS system, however it doesnt seem like they want to take responsibilty for it.
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
While driving 45 mph front upper ball joints broke. As a result, vehicle swerved out of control. Consumer was able to gain control and stop. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS system engages when brakes pressed on dry pavement, which causes a delayed stop-time of about 3 seconds. Has happened on several occasions. *Jb
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion bar
When coming to a complete stop, the vehicle hit a pothole, causing the left side of the torsion bar to break. *ak while driving slowly approaching a stop sign, the left side of the van had dropped down on the left tire and caused the vehicle to stop suddenly. the tire rubbed on the fender and caused the consumer to steer hard, then the torsion bar snapped. *scc *jb
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling · Seat belts · Seats › Front assembly › Power adjust · Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate · Vehicle speed control · Visibility › Power window devices and controls · Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer
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
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion bar
While traveling at 65 mph drivers side torsion bar inexplicably and without warning broke. entire vehicle shuddered and pulled sharply to the left. fortunately for my passengers and myself I was able to quickly regain control and come to a safe stop. this IS a serious safety issue. such a…
While traveling at 65 mph drivers side torsion bar inexplicably and without warning broke. entire vehicle shuddered and pulled sharply to the left. fortunately for my passengers and myself I was able to quickly regain control and come to a safe stop. this IS a serious safety issue. such a failure could easily result in serious injury or death. since the torsion bar failure I have been told by different mechanics "they break all the time" and "it IS a design flaw". I understand that general motors IS aware of the problem and has redesigned the affected parts. this IS a far more serious and dangerous issue than those addressed by other recalls on this vehicle (seatbelt warning buzzer and windshield wiper motor failures). in the interest of safety for all owners, passengers and anyone in the proximity of the affected vehicles I believe a recall IS in order.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Consumer stated while driving, the anti-lock brake system light illuminated, suddenly the brake pedal went to the floor. consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop. *Ak *ts *jb
- Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer › Motor
Consumer stated vehicle's windshield wiper motor failed. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. *ph
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
Consumer states that when the air conditoner IS turned on air does not get cold. Took vehicle to dealer, and the dealer says air conditioner hose IS leaking freon. dealer IS not able to locate the leak. *ak
- Suspension › Front › Springs › Torsion bar
The consumer heard a loud "bang." front right side was very low to the ground. the vehicle was taken to the dealer on 7/7/2003 who repaired the torsion bar. *ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, gm has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my M/L vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10139019This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10028790General motors: on all 1988-2009 full size chevrolet/gmc pickups, utilities and vans, the brake pedal will move down or self apply during full lock turns or near full lock turns. Chevrolet astro and GMC safari vans; hummer 2 are included. Updated 5/24/11.
- 10012145Boom type noise during engine warm up. This service bulletin replaces 000605001a.
- 10010375Service engine soon light and p0300 when towing, cruising uphill or on hard acceleration.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 10007811Intermittent battery light comes on, intermittent no crank.
- 10007717Engine coolant leak at intake gasket. * mj
- 10007458Part number 15042486 per bulletin 00-03-09-001a for the rear spring damper kit IS currently not available.
- 10007457Part number 15042486 leaf spring damper mentioned in technical service bulletin (tsb) 00-03-09-001a IS not available.
- 10007244Window regulator motor does not fit.
- 10005528Concerns with boom type noise during engine warm-up heard in the vehicle passenger compartment.
- 10004371Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004301Rattle noise in engine.
- 10002567Windshield wiper failure due to cracked boulder joints on the controller circuit board. This special policy covers the condition for a period of seven years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service regardless of ownership or for these vehicles currently outside of this coverage until february 29, 2004.
- 10001125Special policy adjustment - windshield wiper motor failures.
- 10000749Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy.
- 10000062Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds.
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
- 634576Some customers may comment that the right rear door handle on the cargo door breaks.
- 634273Subject regarding revised dtc p0340 camshaft position (cmp) sensor circuit diagnositc. Nlm
- 628070Some vehicles may exhibit an exhaust noise, rattle noise at 550 rpm.
- 623540Information regarding fasten seat belt warning audible signal parts availability. *Slc
- 623397Campaign parts bulletin regarding fasten seat belt warning audible signal.
- 620862Subject regarding fasten seat belt warning audible signal - parts information update.
- 620840Subject regarding campaign 01036 - fasten seat belt warning audible signal - parts information update.
Every GMC Safari model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.