1989 GMC Safari
Only 18 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 18 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 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
3 of 18 total reports mention: seat belts.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT 60 MPH VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. DRIVER WAS EJECTED FROM SEAT BECAUSE THE LAP BELT DID NOT HOLD. FURTHERMORE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT WHEN GOING OVER 55 MPH. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970619
2 of 18 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 18 total reports mention: steering.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT 60 MPH VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. DRIVER WAS EJECTED FROM SEAT BECAUSE THE LAP BELT DID NOT HOLD. FURTHERMORE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT WHEN GOING OVER 55 MPH. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970619
2 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
1 of 18 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
RANDOM FAILURE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. VERY SPOOKY WHEN IT HAPPENS AT NIGHT. WHEN QUESTIONED THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEM. BUT THEY KNEW JUST WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND THEY HAVE A FIX. *LA
NHTSA ODI report, 20040510
SAFETY TIMELINE
SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE BAR FOR REAR SOFA FAILED TO SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210.
Remedy: REPLACE NONCOMPLYING SOFA BAR WITH BAR THAT MEETS REQUIREMENTS.
Campaign 91V164000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1989 GMC Safari — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 91V164000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- 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 1989 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 1989 GMC Safari?
The most-reported component is seat belts:front:retractor, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 GMC Safari have?
4 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.