MYRModel Year Report

1989 GMC Safari

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1989 GMC Safari
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:36:30.108Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, GMC Safari Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1989 highlighted. 1985: 1 complaints 1985 1986: 7 complaints 1987: 11 complaints 1988: 7 complaints 1988 1989: 18 complaints 1989 1990: 35 complaints 1991: 40 complaints 1991 1992: 60 complaints 1993: 61 complaints 1994: 125 complaints 1994 1995: 195 complaints 1996: 139 complaints 1997: 135 complaints 1997 1998: 89 complaints 1999: 61 complaints 2000: 68 complaints 2000 2001: 39 complaints 2002: 25 complaints 2003: 18 complaints 2003 2004: 5 complaints 2005: 4 complaints 2005
1989: 18 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19820
19830
19840
19851
19867
198711
19887
198918
199035
199140
199260
199361
1994125
1995195
1996139
1997135
199889
199961
200068
200139
200225
200318
20045
20054

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STEERING

7 of 18 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and linkages.

CRASH INJURY
Show 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

Also filed under SEAT BELTS

SEAT BELTS

6 of 18 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor and rear/other.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 of 18 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.

Show complaint excerpts

THE BRACKETS ON THE FRONT AND BACK OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP HAVE BROKEN 3+ TIMES AND HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED, PUMP, SERPENTINE BELT, BRACKETS, FLUID, AND HOSE TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20110821

STRUCTURE

2 of 18 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members and door.

Show complaint excerpts

FRONT VAN CAPTAINS CHAIR FRAME AND TRACK, HAS HAD TO BE REPAIR SEVERAL TIMES. SEAT LIFTS UP, DOES NOT STAY SECURED TO TRACK. *JB

NHTSA ODI report, 20030404

SEATS

2 of 18 total reports mention: seats, most commonly citing recliner and power adjust.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19920604 — seat belts

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

I 19920624 — EA (closed 19931119)

SEAT BACK BOLT BREAKAGE

R 19931108 — service brakes, hydraulic

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

R 19940120 — seats

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

R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

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 steering issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for seat belts issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (3 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1990 ▲ 2001 ▲ 1991

WORST YEARS

■ 1995 ■ 1996 ■ 1997

See all years ranked →

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 steering, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1989 GMC Safari have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.