1990 GMC Safari
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.
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
34% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE BRAKES ARE ABS AND THEY FAILED. THE BRAKES LOCKED AND COULD NOT STOP THE TRUCK. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950810
IN PANIC STOP ABS BRAKES FAILED, VEHICLE ROLLED FORWARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE,ONCE RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT, ALSO ABS LIGHT CAME ON. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950322
17% of complaints: structure — 6 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: visibility — 2 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: steering — 2 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 2 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL RETURN HOSES MAY BREAK AT EITHER CRIMPED COUPLING, CAUSING A LEAKAGE OF FUEL.
Remedy: INSTALL A PROPERLY CRIMPED FUEL RETURN HOSE.
Campaign 90V146000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE FAILURE
BRAKE FAILURE
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
INSTRUMENT PANEL/DASH ELECTRICAL FIRE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1990 GMC Safari — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 90V146000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 91V164000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V119000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 93V187000 (seats) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1990 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.