GMC Safari Visibility Problems
Owners have filed 121 complaints with NHTSA about visibility problems on the GMC Safari across 9 model years. The 1995 model year has the most (38). The words owners use most often: “windshield wipers” (52% of reports).
- 121visibility complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 0mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 40%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Windshield wipers: mentioned in 63 of 121 complaints (52%)
- Wiper motor: mentioned in 11 of 121 complaints (9%)
- Work intermittently: mentioned in 9 of 121 complaints (7%)
- Rainy weather: mentioned in 7 of 121 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do visibility problems happen?
Based on 20 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 121 complaints, 1 mention a crash.
GMC Safari visibility complaints by model year
| Model year | Visibility complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Safari | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2002 Safari | 3 | 12% | 23,500 |
| 2001 Safari | 3 | 8% | 57,769 |
| 2000 Safari | 2 | 3% | — |
| 1999 Safari | 2 | 3% | — |
| 1998 Safari | 10 | 11% | 80,000 |
| 1997 Safari | 29 | 21% | 149,000 |
| 1996 Safari | 33 | 24% | 72,000 |
| 1995 Safari | 38 | 19% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer
Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997
Problem: 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: If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Visibility:rearview mirrors/devices:exterior
Model years: 1998
Problem: Certain sport utility vehicles, mini vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
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…
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…
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…
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
Passenger side power window goes part way down, will not go out - intermittent problem increased to permanent problem. Now goes down maybe 1/2 inch, only goes up 1/32 inch at a time. Has been repaired twice, needs repair again. I purchased the vehicle used in 6/03, not long after that, problem…
Frequently asked questions
Do all GMC Safaris have visibility problems?
No. NHTSA has 121 owner complaints about visibility for the GMC Safari. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the GMC Safari visibility?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list visibility. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about visibility problems on the GMC Safari?
The most frequent phrase is “windshield wipers”, in 63 of 121 complaints, followed by “wiper motor” (11).
Other GMC Safari problems
See all GMC Safari problems.