2001 GMC Safari

▲ Better than typical
2001 GMC Safari
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:41:38.454Z

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
39
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2001

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Service brakes

38% of complaints

Complaints per year

1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 7 complaints 1987: 11 complaints 1988: 7 complaints 1988 1989: 18 complaints 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 2001: 39 complaints 2001 39 2002: 25 complaints 2003: 18 complaints 2004: 5 complaints 2005: 4 complaints
1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 7 complaints 1987: 11 complaints 1987 1988: 7 complaints 1989: 18 complaints 1989 1990: 35 complaints 1991: 40 complaints 1991 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 39 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 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 39 2002: 25 complaints 2002 2003: 18 complaints 2003 2004: 5 complaints 2004 2005: 4 complaints 2005

2001: 39 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

38% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

Electrical system

23% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and wiring.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

2001 GMC Safari VAN caught fire burned to ground after started. White smoke came from dash immediately after started.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-22

Vehical distroyed by electrical fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-06-04

After fueling, could not restart vehicle. Dash lights. Had to wait 15 - 30 minutes until I was able start vehicle. Battery 4 months old, intermittent ongoing problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-01

Exterior lighting

13% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing brake lights and flasher unit.

Steering

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing pump and hydraulic power assist system.

Visibility

10% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield wiper/washer.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

  1. I
    2004-10-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-03-21 Loss of brake lamp illumination
  2. R
    2005-04-13Exterior lighting05V099000 On certain minivans, the multifunction switch may develop an open circuit condition in the stop lamp or hazard lamp circuit that results in the stop lamps and hazard lamps being inoperative.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the hazard warning flasher switch and apply special grease to the contacts at the time of installation of the module free of charge. The repair would be used in vehicles in…

  3. R
    2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…

    Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.

  4. R
    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

2001 GMC Safari — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 15 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 05V099000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2001 GMC Safari reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 GMC Safari is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 GMC Safari?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 GMC Safari have?
3 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.