1997 GMC Safari
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Safari › 1997
These records cover every 1997 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 1997 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
135 complaints7 involved a crash2 involved a fire11 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes, hydraulic
This van belongs to my mother. my sister was driving the day of the accident. she IS 60 yrs of age and a very good driver. her description: "just pulling away from one light & coming up to another. wasn't going more than 20 mph. step on the brakes & they weren't there." the accident caused…
This van belongs to my mother. my sister was driving the day of the accident. she IS 60 yrs of age and a very good driver. her description: "just pulling away from one light & coming up to another. wasn't going more than 20 mph. step on the brakes & they weren't there." the accident caused about $500 in damage to the honda auto that was struck, and similar light damage to the bumper of the safari. I inspected system and found no leaks, and concluded that master cylinder may be failing, so I replaced it. after that repair, had excellent pedal. I borrowed the van a few days later, and while driving it, I experienced the same no brake condition 3 times, once which left the front end out into an intersection (luckily, no collision). I recognized that the anti-lock braking system was erroneously keeping the front brakes from applying, and that was what caused the no brake condition. a gm mechanic advised me to pull the ABS fuse. I did so, and now the van has great brakes, every time. I have done the same to another family vehicle also equipped with this dangerous system; I'm not waiting until it causes another accident. this condition screams for your attention. no one was hurt by this particular failure incident (except financially), but it IS just a matter of time before someone ends up gliding into a busy intersection, or over a crosswalk, and does cause a death or two. please have all these dangerous ABS vehicles recalled, and have these safety features-turned-safety hazards defeated, before someone does become a victim.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
1997 GMC safari brake failed completely no rear no front suspect it was the anti lock control under the drivers seat . No leaks visible. *tr
- Visibility
Windshield wiper module failure, approximately in early 2006 on 1000k trip. parts purchased module n12463 part number 12463090 from dealer in edmonton at cost of $64.87 including gst.. returned home 1000k as dealer too busy too fix, and paid $36.00 labor to have installed. total cost for module…
Windshield wiper module failure, approximately in early 2006 on 1000k trip. parts purchased module n12463 part number 12463090 from dealer in edmonton at cost of $64.87 including gst.. returned home 1000k as dealer too busy too fix, and paid $36.00 labor to have installed. total cost for module and labor: $100.87. my request IS for gm to pay this $100.87 as this should have been covered under a recall notice at any time in the life of these vehicles. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Fuel leak in safari supplied fuel line that goes to the generator. *Nm
- Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
1997 GMC safari van vehicle doors would not close properly. *Kb ***nar*** the consumer had to tie the doors with a rope to keep them closed. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Dt: the contact stated the transmission failed . he contacted the dealership, and had repair work done in may 2005. in september 2005 the transmission failed completely. he contacted the manufacturer, they contacted the dealership. the dealership offered to refund the money for service toward a new transmission, but this repair has not currently been made.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1997 GMC safari transmission failure. Sun gear shell failure caused no reverse, second or overdrive on this vehicle.
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
At 90000 miles, windshield wipers on my 97 GMC safari suddenly started to fail while driving in the rain. 10 minutes later they might work for a while. This started happening regularly. I had several near accidents on the freeways of los angeles as a result. I was told by one web forum it was…
At 90000 miles, windshield wipers on my 97 GMC safari suddenly started to fail while driving in the rain. 10 minutes later they might work for a while. This started happening regularly. I had several near accidents on the freeways of los angeles as a result. I was told by one web forum it was faulty leads due to wire harness stress. I have not been able to afford to fix the problem and now avoid the freeways in the rain.
- Vehicle speed control
Dt: dealer told the caller the throttle stuck was stuck in the open position. This caused the vehicle to accelerate without warning. Caller has not received a notice to have this part maintained. Dealer said they will not fix it for free. Manufacturer said because of the age and mileage they will…
Dt: dealer told the caller the throttle stuck was stuck in the open position. This caused the vehicle to accelerate without warning. Caller has not received a notice to have this part maintained. Dealer said they will not fix it for free. Manufacturer said because of the age and mileage they will not fix it. Caller felt it was a manufacturers defect. Caller had no idea that part was a maintenance item. Caller was sitting at a light the vehicle took off, and he had to hold the brakes hard, and turn it off to get it to stop.*ak *jb
- Service brakes, air › Antilock
Brakes fail at speeds less than 5 mph
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
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. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline
The fuel gauge was inoperative. The cause of the problem was undetermined. *jb *nm
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump · Power train › Automatic transmission · Visibility
Ongoing problems with defective components on consumer's two vans. each van has had problems with it's transmission, alternator, motors for door and windows, catalytic converter, fuel pump, oxygen sensors and windshield wiper motor. *la the consumer has two GMC safari's both 1997 models.…
Ongoing problems with defective components on consumer's two vans. each van has had problems with it's transmission, alternator, motors for door and windows, catalytic converter, fuel pump, oxygen sensors and windshield wiper motor. *la the consumer has two GMC safari's both 1997 models. their vin's are [xxx] and [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
While driving consumer smelled smoke coming from the vents, and underneath hood from the windshield. consumer pulled over, lifted up the hood, and vehicle caught on fire. consumer was able to extinguishe the fire. consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Auxillary tank · Power train › Automatic transmission · Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate · Visibility › Power window devices and controls · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Consumer disappointed in some of the problems he had with the chassis and other auxiliary systems. (nar) *ph transmission, engine, ac/ heater, gas gauge, windshield wiper motor, electric window. *cb
- Child seat › Harness/crotch buckle
Cosco model #22260hou, dom 03-11-04. while driving 30 mph, the consumer's vehicle collided with another vehicle. the child booster seat buckle broke. the child sustained major injuries and was transported to the hospital. *ak *sc *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
While driving 55 mph consumer applied the brakes and pedal went to the floor. This caused a loss of braking power. consumer pumped the brakes three or more times and was able to maintain control of the vehicle. Then drove it to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic was not able to resolve the problem. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
September 1, 1999: ac problem (not cooling) repaired under warranty. november 3, 1999: left drivers door window motor replaced under warranty (not passenger side as documented on the invoice). january 31, 2003: I wrote to GMC customer service via email, detailing some problems that had…
September 1, 1999: ac problem (not cooling) repaired under warranty. november 3, 1999: left drivers door window motor replaced under warranty (not passenger side as documented on the invoice). january 31, 2003: I wrote to GMC customer service via email, detailing some problems that had developed with my van. I complained that the drivers window motor was intermittent at best. I mentioned was the windshield wipers worked erratically. my low setting on the ac fan was inoperable, and eventually all 3 levels stopped. I had been living with it for over a year, because I am a single mom, work full time and couldnt afford to be without my transportation. the reply I got was that my van was too old, and things break. three months later, I received a recall campaign in the mail for the windshield wiper motor. may 8, 2003: I took my van into the closest GMC dealer to have my drivers window motor ($329.38) and the ac resistor replaced ($103.24), and perform the campaign to replace the windshield motor. july 22, 2003: returned to GMC dealer to repair ac problem (ac blows from defroster and not from vents) that developed may 10, 2003.($132.50) september 24, 2003: returned to GMC dealer for same ac problem that returned july 30, 2003. that van was in the service department all day, and was never repaired. I had to have my car for work and could not leave it. needless to say, I was very unhappy with them. I had been unable to leave the van again until just recently, choosing instead to live with the problem until such time I could afford to be without the car for a day. april 20, 2004: returned to GMC dealer for ac problem. was told the hose was broken in a different place than before. (169.24). During the drive home, the ac problem returned. april 29, 2004: van wont start due to a dead battery. I replaced the battery, and still same problem returns. now I have an electrical problem somewhere that IS killing my battery, and I cant find it.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling · Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering · Unknown or other
A/c/heating: rear heat went out and had to be rewired engine: the water pump went out and had to replace it, that was covered by warranty. But still has a front oil leak some where in the front. other: I heard a grinding noise while going down the road I took it in to the dealer I bought it…
A/c/heating: rear heat went out and had to be rewired engine: the water pump went out and had to replace it, that was covered by warranty. But still has a front oil leak some where in the front. other: I heard a grinding noise while going down the road I took it in to the dealer I bought it from and they looked it over and said nothing was wrong. Shortly after warranty ran out the transfer case went out so we had a used one put in and it only lasted four months now it sits in the garage there should be something to do about the transfer case they should last longer. brakes: been having trouble with the ABS brakes since we bought it took it in to a dealer and they said nothing was wrong with it. I ended up doing the brakes and found they had cracked pads causing the noise in the brakes. Found out that all wheel drive IS not what it IS made out to be, I have had a lot of issues with this 1997 GMC safari all wheel drive van.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Smelled gasoline. Checked for leaks. Found gasoline leaking from the fitting where the supply line transitions form a plastic hose that originates at the fuel pump to the 3/8 inch steel fuel line. This leak was very close to the hot exhaust muffler. This IS obviously a very dangerous situation and should prompt a recall. *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Carburetor system
The baffle on the throttle body came loose, causing the throttle to remain wide open. this was a very dangerous situation and could have resulted in a serious accident.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
While driving front windshield wipers failed, making it hard to see during rainy weather. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist · Steering › Column · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
Steering column failed while turning left. dealer stated steering pump broke. As a result of steering failure the power brakes became inoperative. *Ak *mr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
The throttle body on our 1997 GMC safari came apart sending pieces into the engine and failing in a wide open throttle condition that was not controllable by the driver. this occurred when the driver entered the freeway and the car accelerated through 85 miles per hour without any depression of…
The throttle body on our 1997 GMC safari came apart sending pieces into the engine and failing in a wide open throttle condition that was not controllable by the driver. this occurred when the driver entered the freeway and the car accelerated through 85 miles per hour without any depression of the accelertor. the driver had to continuously apply brake pressure to keep speed somewhat under control. the only means to control the engine was to turn it off.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
While traveling in inclement weather and without prior warning windshield wipers will come on and off intermittently. *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.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 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.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 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.
- 10021450Reduced steering effort (diagnose/replace steering wheel position sensor).
- 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.
- 10009647Driver information center (dic) stays in bulb check.
- 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.
- 100055664L60-e automatic transmission oil pump first and second design identification.
- 10005528Concerns with boom type noise during engine warm-up heard in the vehicle passenger compartment.
- 10004371Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004313Revised diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0146 HO2S circuit insufficient activity bank 1 sensor 3.
- 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.
Every GMC Safari model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.