1994 GMC Safari
This year had more than double the complaints of 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 | 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.
34% of complaints: service brakes — 42 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY24% of complaints: visibility — 30 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.
12% of complaints: suspension — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing torsion bar and front.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
CATASRTOPHIC FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURE OF THE LEFT TORSION BAR ON A 1994 GMC SAFARI AWD VAN. APPARENTLY, THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM MUST NOW BE REPLACED DUE TO "SUPERSEDED PARTS" FROM GM. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030520
7% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
HAD THE VEHICLE 12 HOURS WHEN ELECTRICAL FIRE DESTROYED IT. TT
NHTSA ODI report, 19950104
6% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY UPON 12:00 COLLISION AT 35 MPH. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950707
DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT INFLATE DURING ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURY. *SKD
NHTSA ODI report, 19950216
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE MANUFACTURER'S CERTIFICATION LABEL AND/OR THE DRIVER AIR BAG ADVISORY LABEL MAY BE MISSING FROM THE VEHICLES, WHICH DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF 49 CFR 567.
Remedy: THE LABELS WILL BE FURNISHED TO OWNER'S FOR INSTALLATION ON THE VEHICLES.
Campaign 94V087000 — check if this car was fixed
WINDSHIELD WIPER
CERTAIN R&B, INC. CENTRAL MULTIPORT FUEL INJECTION (CMFI) FUEL RETURN LINES, MODELS HELP 55163, NAPA BALKAMP 700-3270, AND THE CONNECTION 2560001, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLE
Remedy: R&B, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AT THE CUSTOMERS REQUEST, EITHER REPLACE THE FUEL LINE OR OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT R&B, INC. AT 215-712-5330.
Campaign 06E041000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1994 GMC Safari — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 94V087000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E041000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1994 GMC Safari reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 GMC Safari is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1994 GMC Safari?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1994 GMC Safari have?
2 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.