1991 GMC Safari problems
Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA about the 1991 GMC Safari. Brakes is the most reported problem area, at 32% of complaints. After that come drivetrain & axles (7%) and seat belts (7%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 60 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Brakes 32% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 14 and 3
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 150,000 miles 11 complaints with mileage
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 0 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 0 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 0 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 0 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 0 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 4 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 5 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Among the 11 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 150,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 14 complaints mention a crash; 3 complaints mention a fire; 2 injuries reported. Its complaints are more severe on average than those of 86% of model years in our database.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1991 ranks 12th most-complained-about out of 13 model years of the GMC Safari with enough data (17 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 3 safety recall campaigns.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
While moving the driver's seatback snapped/reclined to a fully reclined position due to a support bolt shearing off.
While driving at approx 15 MPH prepairing to stop, weather condition was dry, rear ended vehicle in front. Went to apply brakes, heard noise ,no reaction, no skid marks from wheels. Dealership cannot find problem. Changed brakepads and shoes/rotors/master cylinder. This defect can result in an accident. Serpentine belt replaced due to causing noise. Transmission slipping, dealer found no problems. Front brakes worn to sensors, dealer has replaced rear brake drums replaced, front caliper dragging.
I have had more transmission problems from my 1991 GMC safari mini van than all other previous vehicles I've ever owned. I'm looking at my third transmission overhaul soon (seems like one every two years) and I don't drive fast and don't have a hitch to "pull" anything. Currently, my transmission slips into neutral when the transmission shifts from 2nd to drive. It went from happening once a month to approximately 4-6 times a day. The transmissions shops I've seen say I need an overhaul again.
Loss of brake action due to instant fluid loss. Brake line ruptured due to extreme and isolated corrosion in brakeline located area of gasoline tank (forward of rear axle on driver's side.) no notice or prior events leading to failure. Have noted many internet complaints of this nature and location on both GMC safari and chevrolet astro vans and silverado light trucks - year and/or mileage not a factor.