1999 GMC Safari
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Safari › 1999
These records cover every 1999 GMC Safari. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1999 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.
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.
Owner complaints
61 complaints6 involved a crash1 involved a fire10 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering › Linkages › Arm › Idler and attachment
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 GMC safari. since the vehicle was purchased in may of 2005, the steering idler arm has been replaced four times. as a result, the vehicle has lost steering ability. the contact has put 30,000 miles on the vehicle in two years. the mechanic stated that the idler arms…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 GMC safari. since the vehicle was purchased in may of 2005, the steering idler arm has been replaced four times. as a result, the vehicle has lost steering ability. the contact has put 30,000 miles on the vehicle in two years. the mechanic stated that the idler arms have failed and need to be replaced. the mechanic also stated that this IS a common failure due to a design flaw. she has not contacted a local authorized dealer or the manufacturer. the vin and engine size were unknown. the current mileage IS 99,000 and failure mileage was 70,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 5 mph, the vehicle's ABS sensor unit failed on three separate occasions. the service dealer replaced the ABS sensor unit three times, but the problem persisted.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1999 GMC safari transmission failure. see gm tsb #00-07-30-002 dated 11/2000. 1st-2nd late shift, reverse, 2ND, & 4TH gear caused immediate failure. all required transmission service performed by dealer on this vehicle. root cause IS the known sun gear shell failure in the gm 4l60e automatic transmission. vehicle has 70,511 miles. filed GMC customer complaint #1-366073225. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt: about a year ago the problem began. When braking at low speeds about 5-10 mph ABS kicks in and a grinding sound occurs. This causes extended stopping distances. all wheel drive, all wheel antilock to the owner's knowledge. no warning lights illuminated and the dealer said that the ABS…
Dt: about a year ago the problem began. When braking at low speeds about 5-10 mph ABS kicks in and a grinding sound occurs. This causes extended stopping distances. all wheel drive, all wheel antilock to the owner's knowledge. no warning lights illuminated and the dealer said that the ABS sensor looked corroded. the vehicle was put on the diagnostic machine but it showed no codes. when the ABS fuse IS pulled the car works fine but has no ABS. The owner hasn't disconnected the ABS fuse. the vehicle has not been repaired yet and the problem has remained about the same. the problem occurs about 90 percent of the time during low speed brake applications.*ak *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
This morning (5/4/05) while driving my 1999 GMC safari, I experienced a jolt and a high rpm rev and a long 1-2 shift. I got to my destination (1/4 mile up the road) and then discovered that I had no reverse. I immediately drove to the dealer (a 6-mile drive). I noticed in addition to no reverse…
This morning (5/4/05) while driving my 1999 GMC safari, I experienced a jolt and a high rpm rev and a long 1-2 shift. I got to my destination (1/4 mile up the road) and then discovered that I had no reverse. I immediately drove to the dealer (a 6-mile drive). I noticed in addition to no reverse, there was also no overdrive (4TH gear). the preliminary diagnosis from the dealer IS a failed sun shell assembly. They (the dealer) indentifies this as a common problem. To repair it requires a major overhaul a nearly $2000.00 repair. I'm a member of iatn (internation automotive technicians' network) and I did a serach of this concern and learned that this IS a common failure. I also learned that gm has a tsb on this concern (i don't know the number or nature of the tsb). at 6-years of age and 88,000 miles this (in my estimation) IS a premature failure. The transmission has been serviced (flushed and filter replacement) twice in the past three years and has not been abused. I do tow two snowmobiles in the winter, but the weight IS by far within the parameters stated for this vehicle. I called the gm service assistance center and the woman acknowledged the pattern failure, but said their "policy" for goodwill assistance IS capped at 72,000 miles, my vehicle has 88,000 miles. She was prepared to offer me some kind of voucher to be used toward the purchase of a new gm vehicle, but I'm not interested in that. there's clearly a product concern, and if gm IS willing to give me a deal on a new car, why don't they give me a "deal" on repairing this one? anyway, that's my complaint.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Email fm robert carter (tx) re GMC refusing to repair a recall engine part free of charge on his GMC safari van since he missed the recall cut off date while on military duty overseas.*mr *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
(1) nothing leading up to event. Suddenly the vehicle was not able to be moved in reverse although the gear selector was able to be placed into r. Also, the vehicle would not drive smoothly in any forward gears. However, it was able to move forward and subsequently able to be driven onto a…
(1) nothing leading up to event. Suddenly the vehicle was not able to be moved in reverse although the gear selector was able to be placed into r. Also, the vehicle would not drive smoothly in any forward gears. However, it was able to move forward and subsequently able to be driven onto a transport trailer for towing. (2) fortunately, the failure happened in a parking lot and no accident or injuries were incurred. The vehicle was loaded onto a u-haul vehicle transport trailer and taken to a transmission repair facility (ocean side transmission incorporated located in oceanside, ca). (3) transmission was repaired with several parts replaced at the cost of almost $2000.00. Transmission repair shop said the shell was cracked and "this vehicle's transmission IS known for having a weak shell". I have this old part available and it IS broken into two pieces appearing to have sheared apart. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Brake fluid low warning › Lamp · Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
Second occurance of same problem with ABS system engaging at low speeds for no reason on 1999 GMC safari van. The problem IS a bad sensor in the front brakes but requires a complete replacement of the hub/bearing assembly unit.
- Power train › Driveline
Driveline was not synchronized when turning a corner or when backing up. the tires seemed to be trying to catch up to each other. the tires were replaced, but problem recurred. *ak
- Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft
While driving over 50 mph vehicle vibrated. Consumer was in touch with the dealer and manufacturer, but the problem still existed. Consumer stated that the driveshaft was the problem, yet they won't do anything about it. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
Dear whom it may concern, last monday(5-17-04) my car would not start. prior to that the car was running fine, it has been a dependable vehicle. the f- control had broke in two. the car can not go into gear and/or changes gears without notice when the f control IS broken. The car was towed the…
Dear whom it may concern, last monday(5-17-04) my car would not start. prior to that the car was running fine, it has been a dependable vehicle. the f- control had broke in two. the car can not go into gear and/or changes gears without notice when the f control IS broken. The car was towed the next day to the dealer. it was at the dealer until friday(052104), due to the need to order the f control part. the car seems to be repaired. I do have the old part. I am notifying you due to the potential loss of life if a vehicle was being driven when the f control breaks. I was parked at the time my f contol broke. I have notified GMC. I will also notify california safety board. sincerely, danna williams. *ak
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
Dealer had replaced the front differential component unit twice, the carrier case gear kit and bearing at owner expense of $ 1,500. Dollars. please provide further information. *ph
- Power train › Automatic transmission
I own a 1999 GMC safari that had its transmission fail at less than 50,000 miles. it failed before its first scheduled maintenance. I contacted the dealer and was told I was out of the 3/36 warranty period so I was out of luck. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Power train › Automatic transmission
Red engine light came on transmission was jumping into gear, with 26,000 miles, took to dealer they found nothing wrong. took trip to florida red light came on took to aamco transmission (36,000 mi) found problem,850$, said this was common with this vehicle. GMC paid me half, going to court with dealer for other half. My warranty was over due to years. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
I have had to replace the coil wire twice on this vehicle. When the wire fails, the engine cuts off causing complete loss of control of the vehicle. The power steering and power brakes fail to work. This causes a severe safety hazard to vehicle occupants and other vehicles on the highway. *Ph *jb **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**767118
- Power train
The vehicle jerked into second gear and then stalled. *jb
- Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
The accelerator pedal was stuck.*jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Front rotors were warped and grooved to the point that turning them would have made them to thin for safe use. I have never owned a car that the rotors warped so badly at less than 30,000 miles. In my opinion and my mechanics, GMC IS installing inferior rotors at a great expense to it's customers. dt
- Seat belts › Rear/other
The vehicle was involved in an accident, where the seat belts in the rear did not hold the passenger in the seat. the dealer has been notified. mr scc
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Differential proportional valve
Proportioner valve caught on fire, cause unknown. please describe details. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Exterior lighting · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap · Power train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Power train › Manual transmission
There IS a reoccuring replacement needed for the output shaft seal because of leaking. the vehicles cooler line broke causing leaking. *jg
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Unknown or other
While driving on highway transmission will slip between first to second gear. Sometimes when this happens engine check light will come on. Please provide any further information.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc
Anti lock brake light IS on. Replaced all worn pads and shoes. Light will not reset. The van will not pass utah safty inspection with light on. Not sure of how safe the van IS. GMC has a known track record of safty issue with their anti lock brakes. They risk families health by not resolving the known issue with their anti lock brake systems. *ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Rear compartment/trunk · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
While doing routine maintenance on my vehicle- I removed the radiator cap and noticed that the gm dex-cool extended life coolant has deteriorated. with only 40,000 miles the coolant should have had another 3 years and 60,000 miles before needing servicing. if I do not get the system flushed and…
While doing routine maintenance on my vehicle- I removed the radiator cap and noticed that the gm dex-cool extended life coolant has deteriorated. with only 40,000 miles the coolant should have had another 3 years and 60,000 miles before needing servicing. if I do not get the system flushed and hopefully refilled with something that won't degrade- I will to pay to have the system professionally flushed. this can only be done by the dealer since no one can handle dex cool systems yet. I have had most of the autoparts stores and oil change/radiator shops tell me that they have other people report of the same problems. obviously gm IS not recalling these vehicles to replace the coolant and people are having to pay to have the system repaired or major engine work if a significant failure occured. can your department push this problem to the public forefront? thank you.*ak
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
- 10242252This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.
- 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.
- 10190934Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190933Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190932Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10190931Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10115081This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission may not be the same as Original equipment manufacturer quick connect verses inverted flare. Dealer will need to contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 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.
- 10114443This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an inaccurate fuel gauge. Technician should drive the vehicle to duplicate the concern. The fuel gauge will have a tendency to falsely indicate a lower fuel level than what is actually present. The fuel gauge will take a few minutes to show the correct fuel level. On vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission no buffering takes place when the transmission is in park or neutral. This is a normal characteristic and no repairs are necessary. On vehicles equipped with a manual transmission the fuel gauge is buffered in all gears and neutral. There is a timer which starts to count up when the clutch is depressed. When this timer reaches its calibrated value the buffering stops. This is a normal characteristic and no repairs are necessary.
- 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.
- 10026704GMC: fuel gauge fluctuation in park or neutral, causing the low fuel light to illuminate.
- 100171904L60e, 4l65e replacement valve body gaskets does not seem to fit.
Every GMC Safari model year
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