1997 GMC SAFARI — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

200

Owner Complaints

10 Crashes 3 Fires

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

2

Service Bulletins

1

Investigation

Overview of the 1997 GMC SAFARI

The 1997 GMC SAFARI has received a total of 200 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER. 2 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Power Trainautomatic Transmission (17 complaints), Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher (13 complaints), and Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline (9 complaints).

Recalls for the 1997 GMC SAFARI

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 1997 GMC SAFARI, potentially affecting up to 2,389,036 vehicles.

Recall 06E043000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

| 88,303 vehicles affected

Defect: 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, CLICK...

Consequence: 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).

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Recall 06E026000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 61,944 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 03V159000 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

| 1,755,876 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 01V123000 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES

| 461,851 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 99V009000 — CHILD SEAT

| 2,090 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 97V057000 — SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

| 18,972 vehicles affected

Defect: THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE RIGHT-HAND REAR BUCKET SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A VEHICLE CRASH.

Consequence: 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.

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Owner Complaints for the 1997 GMC SAFARI

200 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1997 GMC SAFARI. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 17
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 13
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 9
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 8 1 Crash 1 Injury
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 8
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
Complaints: 6
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 6
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 6
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 5 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 5
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 4
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 4
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 4
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpump
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Injury
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 3
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncooling Unit And Lines
Complaints: 3 1 Fire
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 3 2 Crashes
Steering
Complaints: 3
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 3
Air Bags
Complaints: 2 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 2
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 2
Seatsfront Assemblyrecliner
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkagesarmidler And Attachment
Complaints: 2
Visibility
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemfanmotor
Complaints: 2
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 2
Wheels
Complaints: 2
Child Seatharnesscrotch Buckle
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Batterycables
Complaints: 1 1 Fire
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinecarburetor System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestorageauxillary Tank
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkagestailgatelatch
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Power Train
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissionparkneutral Start Interlock Switch
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontwarning Lightdevices
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontwebbing
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisc
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 1
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
Complaints: 1
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoorhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgatehinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Structurebodytailgate
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Structurebodytailgatehinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontwheel Bearing
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Tires
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrear Window Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 1 1 Crash

Most Recent Complaints

#10629776 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | | 70,000 miles Crash
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.
#10417131 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | | 185,000 miles Crash
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
#10227944 | VISIBILITY | | 171,000 miles
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 LEAK IN SAFARI SUPPLIED FUEL LINE THAT GOES TO THE GENERATOR. *NM
#10163712 | LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH | | N/A miles
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

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Safety Rating for the 1997 GMC SAFARI

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1997 GMC SAFARI in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1997 GMC SAFARI

General Motors, LLC has issued 2 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1997 GMC SAFARI. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

030604051 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

REVISED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0146 HO2S CIRCUIT INSUFFICIENT ACTIVITY BANK 1 SENSOR 3. *TT

98030 — SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

SPECIAL POLICY FOR SAFETY BELT GUIDE COVER. *YC

NHTSA Investigations for the 1997 GMC SAFARI

NHTSA has opened 1 investigation into potential safety defects in the 1997 GMC SAFARI.

Investigation EA02006 — VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR Closed

Opened:

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE

Other Model Years of the GMC SAFARI

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Other GMC Models

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