1991 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
- 40
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 4
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 1991
Opened by NHTSA
48% of complaints
Complaints per year
1991: 40 complaints
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 | 40 |
| 1992 | 60 |
| 1993 | 61 |
| 1994 | 125 |
| 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
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
48% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
18% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.
Show complaint excerpts
Numerous complaints identical to those experienced by other owners of this vehicle type. Twice now when applying brakes in a panic situation the ABS system failed and warning light came on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-26
Also filed under Electrical system
Seats
10% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing power adjust and recliner.
Show complaint excerpts
While moving the driver's seatback snapped/reclined to a fully reclined position due to a support bolt shearing off.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-09-18
Seat belts
10% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing anchorage and buckle assembly.
Engine and engine cooling
10% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing belts and associated pulleys and engine.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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1991-02-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-06-10 Brake failure
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1991-06-10Engineering analysisClosed 1992-06-30 Brake failure
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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.
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I
1992-06-24Engineering analysisClosed 1993-11-19 Seat back bolt breakage
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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…
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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.
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I
1997-06-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1997-11-26 Instrument panel/dash electrical fire
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2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…
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).
Buy-smart checklist
1991 GMC Safari — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Seats: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 91V164000 · Seat belts
- Recall 93V119000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
- Recall 93V187000 · Seats
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1991 GMC Safari reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1991 GMC Safari is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1991 GMC Safari?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 48% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1991 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.