MYRModel Year Report

1990 GMC Safari

▲ Better than typical
1990 GMC Safari
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:54:12.821Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
35
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1990

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

43% of complaints

Complaints per year

1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 7 complaints 1987: 11 complaints 1988: 7 complaints 1989: 18 complaints 1990: 35 complaints 1990 35 1991: 40 complaints 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
1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 7 complaints 1987: 11 complaints 1987 1988: 7 complaints 1989: 18 complaints 1990: 35 complaints 1990 35 1991: 40 complaints 1992: 60 complaints 1993: 61 complaints 1993 1994: 125 complaints 1995: 195 complaints 1995 1996: 139 complaints 1997: 135 complaints 1997 1998: 89 complaints 1999: 61 complaints 1999 2000: 68 complaints 2001: 39 complaints 2001 2002: 25 complaints 2003: 18 complaints 2003 2004: 5 complaints 2005: 4 complaints 2005
1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 7 complaints 1986 1987: 11 complaints 1987 1988: 7 complaints 1988 1989: 18 complaints 1989 1990: 35 complaints 1990 35 1991: 40 complaints 1991 1992: 60 complaints 1992 1993: 61 complaints 1993 1994: 125 complaints 1994 1995: 195 complaints 1995 1996: 139 complaints 1996 1997: 135 complaints 1997 1998: 89 complaints 1998 1999: 61 complaints 1999 2000: 68 complaints 2000 2001: 39 complaints 2001 2002: 25 complaints 2002 2003: 18 complaints 2003 2004: 5 complaints 2004 2005: 4 complaints 2005

1990: 35 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

43% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Structure

20% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing door and hatchback/liftgate.

Seats

11% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing power adjust and recliner.

Seat belts

11% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.

Steering

9% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and idler and attachment.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1990-08-27Fuel system, gasoline90V146000 Fuel return hoses may break at either crimped coupling, causing a leakage of fuel.

    Remedy: Install a properly crimped fuel return hose.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1991-02-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-06-10 Brake failure
  3. I
    1991-06-10Engineering analysisClosed 1992-06-30 Brake failure
  4. R
    1992-06-04Seat belts91V164000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    1992-06-24Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-19 Seat back bolt breakage
  6. R
    1993-11-08Service brakes, hydraulic93V119000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    1994-01-20Seats93V187000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. I
    1997-06-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1997-11-26 Instrument panel/dash electrical fire

Buy-smart checklist

1990 GMC Safari — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 7 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 4 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 90V146000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 91V164000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 93V119000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 93V187000 · Seats
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1990 GMC Safari reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1990 GMC Safari is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1990 GMC Safari?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 GMC Safari have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.