1998 GMC Safari
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Safari › 1998
These records cover every 1998 GMC Safari. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1998 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.
Certain sport utility vehicles, MINI vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to happen, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. owner notification began on april 24, 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 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
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.
Owner complaints
89 complaints9 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes
Excessive corrosion of hydraulic brake lines. brake lines so corroded that they are cracking and splitting leaking fluid and necessitating expensive repairs. corrosion also noted on fuel lines, and vehicle undercarriage. *tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 GMC safari. while driving 30 mph, the windshield wipers failed. however, they began operating again five to ten minutes later. the failure occurred intermittently. the contact stated that rainfall IS frequent in his state. no warning indicator lights were present…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 GMC safari. while driving 30 mph, the windshield wipers failed. however, they began operating again five to ten minutes later. the failure occurred intermittently. the contact stated that rainfall IS frequent in his state. no warning indicator lights were present during or after the failure. the failure IS related to nhtsa campaign ID # 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer). the dealer has not diagnosed the cause of failure. the current mileage IS 143,000 and failure mileage was 110,000. updated 05/06/08. *lj updated 05/06/08
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
TL* the contact owns a 1998 GMC safari. the current and failure mileage were 160,000. while driving 65 mph on a rainy night the windshield wipers failed causing the contact to be unable to see through the windshield. after swerving to the side of the road almost getting hit the vehicle was parked until it stopped raining. the mechanic stated that the motor stopped operating because the solder joint cracked. *ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
1998 safari van, random failure of windshield wiper motor, there IS no pattern to it, it fails intermittently to function, which IS kind of a safety concern, since the only time I use the wipers IS during a rainstorm, which reduces vision greatly. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system
1998 GMC safari has died five times and each time there was a loss of brakes and power steering ability.*mr stalled while driving (no start), check fuel system. perform fuel induction and throttle body clean. r&r old belt, tensioner came apart, replace tensioner and belt to repair. *bf
- Fuel system, other › Fuel injection system
Our van broke down on my wife while shuttling 5 kids from school. After having it towed to a repair shop, I was told the fuel injectors failed in such a way as to pump gasoline through the electrical wiring harness and short out the computer. the repair bill was estimated at $3,000.00. The…
Our van broke down on my wife while shuttling 5 kids from school. After having it towed to a repair shop, I was told the fuel injectors failed in such a way as to pump gasoline through the electrical wiring harness and short out the computer. the repair bill was estimated at $3,000.00. The injectors, the wiring harness and the computer all had to be replaced. The repair shop called a local GMC dealer and was told they have had 3 or 4 of these recently. I contacted GMC several times and asked them for information and assistance. When gasoline IS shorting out an electrical component, I see a tremendous risk of fire. I asked GMC several times if there would be potential for re-occurance in my van and also if it could happen in our blazer of the same year and engine. They have ignored every request. Their only response was that I need to take responsibility for my vehicle at some point. they said the vehicle IS past warranty and not their problem. I asked them why they sent me two recall notices for this same vehicle earlier this year if it IS past warranty. They said because the two issues were a known problem. A outside mirror switch and an audible seat belt warning. I have no issue with having to pay upkeep on my vehicle. When a part fails in such an unsafe manner and ruins a wiring harness and a computer, I see a manufacturer defect they should address.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1998 GMC safari van automatic transmission model 700, failured at 93,000 miles due to a 3RD gear slippage. I found in my research to fix this problem this was common for GMC trucks with this transmission for this to fail between 90,000 and 100,000 even with scheduled service. GMC agreed to replace…
1998 GMC safari van automatic transmission model 700, failured at 93,000 miles due to a 3RD gear slippage. I found in my research to fix this problem this was common for GMC trucks with this transmission for this to fail between 90,000 and 100,000 even with scheduled service. GMC agreed to replace with a factory rebuild, which they did but at my cost of $2,300.00, with a 36 month/50,000 mile warranty. I could not find any tech service bulletins or recalls on your web site, do you have anyother information. GMC and its dealership IS already aware of my product displeasure when I expect quailty and durability it was not there. please respond, thank you.*ak
- Electrical system · Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch · Visibility › Power window devices and controls · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Vehicle IS experiencing a lot of electrical problems. The driver's side window will not go up and down, and it makes a horrible noise. Door locks lock and unlock inadvertently. Windshield wipers only work when it IS not raining. The heat and air conditioner blower only operate through the defroster. Also, unless consumer keeps foot on the accelerator the battery almost dies.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
I have a 98 GMC safari, I have had three (3) rear ac blower control switches burn up in it six (6) years. the switches are melted from overheating. do you have any other complaints over this issue? the date listed below IS the last one. *jb
- Suspension › Front
Idle links had to be changed at 21,000 miles. Consumer went to a repair shop to have the front end aligned, and that was when consumer was informed that this problem occurred. *ak *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Visibility › Rear window wiper/washer
Numerous failure of the windshield wipers to operate ( sometimes they work sometimes they don't, when they do finally come on they won't turn off). Transmission problems disabled the vehicle on 3 occasions. *Jb vehicle showing same symptoms of 1997 which was recalled
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
Driver's seat track bolts/rings snapped. This caused the seat to move back and forth. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Fuel rail
Consumer noticed fuel rail line system was leaking gasoline, and causing vehicle to stall. Dealer replaced fuel rail. *Ak
- Fuel system, gasoline
The consumers vehicle was parked when he noticed there was a leak between the fuel line and fuel tank. *ak *scc *jb
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
Recall completed sept 19. Electric wondow on driver side not functioning proproperly started sept 21. Reported to dealer stated not related problems. on sept 24 windshield washer not working. On sept 26 a/c & vent blower not working. None these problems existed until recall # 03v093000 was done.
- Air bags
While driving, the airbag deployed without inpact. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. *ph
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
While using the windshield wipers and without warning the wipers stopped working. *ak the consumer waited 1 minute and then was able to turn them back on. the 1992-1997 chevrolet trucks were recalled for the same wiper switch problem. the 1998 wiper switch was believed to be the same as the 1997 wiper switch. *scc *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wipers shut off without warning. required replacement of pulse module.*ak
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system · Power train › Automatic transmission
Gauge reads hot and problems with transmission. ph
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
When the vehicle was driven forward, the gas pedal would stick and hard pressure had to be applied in order for the pedal to work. caution was used when the vehicle was pulled forward because there was a loss of power. *ak *scc *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Since december, 2002, the windshield wipers fail to turn on about once or twice a week. The operation IS totally unpredictable. They have failed to come on in thunderstorms twice causing a life threatening situation, then will work reliably for several weeks, only to unexpectedly fail again. *Ak
- Electrical system
The consumers vehicle experienced symptoms of nhtsa recall number 03-v-930-000 related to a short circuit in the electric outside rear view mirror switch. *nlm
- Electrical system
When the vehicle was turned on, the exterior tail lights did not illuminate unless the high beams were turned on. *nlm *ts *jb
- Wheels › Rim
The rim pressed on the bead of the tire which caused the front driver tire to blow out. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I had the automatic transmission on this vehicle repaired on 3 different occasions in the 3 years I have owned it. the dealer did it twice under the extended warranty I had on it, the third time was 3,000 miles after the warranty ended an aamoco transmissions repaired it. this was the first week…
I had the automatic transmission on this vehicle repaired on 3 different occasions in the 3 years I have owned it. the dealer did it twice under the extended warranty I had on it, the third time was 3,000 miles after the warranty ended an aamoco transmissions repaired it. this was the first week of december 2002. the transmission IS again shifting hard and "jumping" into gear after stopping for red light or any such incident.*jb
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
- 10237671This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10226382This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 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.
- 10178353This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 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.
- 10162149This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10161004This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 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.
- 10129088This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 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.
- 10114916This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a harsh 1-2 upshift and the Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon indicator is illuminated. If you have duplicated the customer?s concern and found Diagnostic Trouble Code P0894 or P1870 set in the Transmission Control Module please contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center.
- 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.
- 10113364This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10113258This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. Technician will need to check for an incorrect or non-existent VIN number in modules that require them. Technician should ensure that all modules that are replaced are programmed per currently published Service Information. Technician should also check the Sensing and Diagnostic Module part number if it was replaced.
- 10112546This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 10096073This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a harsh 1-2 upshift and the check engine light or service engine soon indicator IS illuminated. If you have duplicated the customers concern and found diagnostic trouble code p0894 or p1870 set in the transmission control module please contact general motors technical assistance center.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10078876This preliminary information communication advises the technician that the hydro-boost IS not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
- 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).
- 10016711Anti-lock braking system (ABS) light on speedometer may be erratic. Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) c0055 c0235 c0236 or c0237 stored in the ebcm. 1998-2008 all chevrolet, GMC, buick, and oldsmobile mid-sized trucks and utilities. 1998-2008 all chevrolet, GMC, and cadillac full sized trucks and utilities. Updated on 09/20/07.
- 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
Every GMC Safari model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.