1988 GMC Safari
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 7 |
| 1987 | 11 |
| 1988 | 7 |
| 1989 | 18 |
| 1990 | 35 |
| 1991 | 39 |
| 1992 | 59 |
| 1993 | 61 |
| 1994 | 119 |
| 1995 | 195 |
| 1996 | 139 |
| 1997 | 135 |
| 1998 | 89 |
| 1999 | 61 |
| 2000 | 68 |
| 2001 | 39 |
| 2002 | 25 |
| 2003 | 18 |
| 2004 | 5 |
| 2005 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 7 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
THE DOOR LOCKS IN THE REAR DOORS BROKE, UNABLE TO OPEN DOORS FROM INSIDE. TT BOLTS SNAP OFF FROM THE MOTOR THE ONES HOLDING THE POWER STEERING BOX. THE BELT COMES OFF BECAUSE THE BRACKET BREAKES. *YH
NHTSA ODI report, 19951102
1 of 7 total reports mentions: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
THE BOLTS ON THE POWER STEERING BOX SNAPPED OFF. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030605
1 of 7 total reports mentions: steering.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: seats.
1 of 7 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
THE FRONT SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERATIVE. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030605
SAFETY TIMELINE
REAR A/C UNIT
REAR AXLE SEAL FAILURE
POWER STEERING FAILURE
SPARE TIRE CARRIER FAILURE
POWER STEERING FAILURE
SEAT BACK BOLT BREAKAGE
SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE N
Campaign 93V119000 — check if this car was fixed
THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME MAY HAVE FOAM AND/OR VINYL BETWEEN THEM, CREATING A "SOFT" JOINT. THIS "SOFT" JOINT RESULTS IN LOWER THAN SPECIFIED BOLT TORQUE WHICH LEADS TO JOINT LOOSENESS
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FOAM AND/OR VINYL FROM BETWEEN THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME "SOFT" JOINT AND REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS.
Campaign 93V187000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 GMC Safari — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V119000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V187000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 GMC Safari reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1988 GMC Safari?
The most-reported component is structure, accounting for 14% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 GMC Safari have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.