Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1997 Gmc SAFARI: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

135 owner complaints analyzed

4 distinct recall campaigns

80,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: . 19 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Power Train:Automatic Transmission is the most frequently named component, appearing in 17 of 135 complaints (12.6%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior3022.2%
Transmission and shifting1712.6%
Steering behavior1410.4%
Electrical and battery issues64.4%
Fuel system concerns53.7%
Engine operation21.5%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
17
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
12
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
8
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
8
Unknown Or Other
6
Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls
6
Air Bags:Frontal
5
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Power Train:Automatic Transmission17
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer12
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline8
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip8
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor8
Unknown Or Other6
Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls6
Air Bags:Frontal5

Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 17; Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer: 12; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 8; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 8; Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor: 8; Unknown Or Other: 6; Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls: 6; Air Bags:Frontal: 5

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
4
50,000 to 74,999
4
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
5
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9994
50,000 to 74,9994
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9995
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 5; 150,000 and above: 2

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (5). 116 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1997
10
1998
9
1999
25
2000
26
2001
19
2002
16
2003
7
2004
11
2005
7
2006
2
2008
1
2011
1
2014
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
199710
19989
199925
200026
200119
200216
20037
200411
20057
20062
20081
20111
20141

1997: 10; 1998: 9; 1999: 25; 2000: 26; 2001: 19; 2002: 16; 2003: 7; 2004: 11; 2005: 7; 2006: 2; 2008: 1; 2011: 1; 2014: 1

Pattern summary

Power Train:Automatic Transmission leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 30 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 17 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 14 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10000427 · 2002-12-30 (December 30, 2002)

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT ON A BACK ROAD I WAS CROSSING OVER A RAILROAD TRACK AND THE VEHICLE CUT OUT. I WAS ABLE TO DRIFT OVER THE TRACKS TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MY 2 CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE. THE GAS GAUGE READ THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A QUARTER OF A TANK OF GAS, WHEN IN FACT THE TANK WAS EMPTY. THE GAS GAUGE HAS NOT WORKED EVER SINCE.

Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000427 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10011391 · 2003-03-11 (March 11, 2003)

THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED, WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10011391 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10016477 · 2003-04-25 (April 25, 2003)

97 SAFARI CONSISTENTLY SETS P1870 CODE, TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN WARMED UP. THE VEHICLE SHIFT EXTREMELY HARD (ACTUALLY SLIP)1ST-2ND-3RD. HARD ENOUGH A SIGNIFICANT CHANCE OF U-JOINT BREAKAGE, UNCONTROLLED TIRE SPINNING ON ICE/SLICK ROADS, (I HAVE EXPERIENCED),WHIPLASH TYPE EXPERIENCE UNDER MODERATE ACCELERATION. THIS SUDDEN SHIFT ALSO ATTRIBUTED TO CAUSING INTERIOR COMPONENTS SUCH AS CENTER CONSOLE TO SHAKE LOOSE. SEVERAL INSTANCES HAVE CAUSED ITEMS IN CENTER COLUMN CUP HOLDER TO FALL OUT AND SPILL. GM HAS TSB ON RECORD AND RECOGNIZES THIS A…

Owner-reported narrative. 85,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10016477 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10025829 · 2003-07-10 (July 10, 2003)

ANTILOCK BRAKES FAIL WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ANTILOCK SYSTEM STARTS TO FUNCTION AND THEN AT ABOUT 2 MPH THE PEDAL GOES DOWN COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. YOU COULD ONLY REGAIN BRAKING ABILITY IF YOU TOOK YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKES WHILE THE ABS SYSTEM RESET ITSELF. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND THE LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY (PART COST $864) WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER'S SERVICE INVOICE INDICATED A TEST DRIVE FOUND THE LEFT FRONT ABS SENSOR "DROPPING OUT" AND "TESTED CIRCUIT SENSOR OPEN". THE SERVICE ADVISOR …

Owner-reported narrative. 27,860 miles reported. Look up ODI 10025829 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10030456 · 2003-07-30 (July 30, 2003)

1997 GMC SAFARI COMPLETE POWER FAILURE WHICH NEGATES POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, AND IS A DANGER TO ME AND MY FAMILY! I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE POWER WILL GO OUT. IT HAS GONE OUT ON AT LEAST 10 OCCASIONS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION "SLAMS" INTO GEAR ON OCCASION AT NO SPECIFIC INTERVAL. THERE CAN BE SEVERAL DAYS SEPERATING THE INCIDENTS; NO LOGICAL PATTERN. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MARTIN CADILLAC IN LOS ANGELES AT LEAST 4 TIMES TO HAVE THESE PROBLEMS FIXED AND SO FAR THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEMS AN…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10030456 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10031762 · 2003-09-02 (September 2, 2003)

THE LEVER THAT MADE THE SEAT RECLINE BACKWARDS/FORWARD BROKE OFF ALTHOUGH EXCESSIVE FORCE WAS NOT USED. THIS RESULTED IN THE SEATS RECLINING BACKWARDS BY THEMSELVES DRIVING. *PH *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10031762 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10033753 · 2003-08-12 (August 12, 2003)

WHILE TRAVELING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL COME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10033753 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10039372 · 2003-09-23 (September 23, 2003)

THE THROTTLE BODY ON OUR 1997 GMC SAFARI CAME APART SENDING PIECES INTO THE ENGINE AND FAILING IN A WIDE OPEN THROTTLE CONDITION THAT WAS NOT CONTROLLABLE BY THE DRIVER. THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE DRIVER ENTERED THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR ACCELERATED THROUGH 85 MILES PER HOUR WITHOUT ANY DEPRESSION OF THE ACCELERTOR. THE DRIVER HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE TO KEEP SPEED SOMEWHAT UNDER CONTROL. THE ONLY MEANS TO CONTROL THE ENGINE WAS TO TURN IT OFF.

Owner-reported narrative. 78,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10039372 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

01V123000 · Seat Belts:Front:Warning Light/Devices

Reported: 2001-04-10 (April 10, 2001)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE "FASTEN SAFETY-BELT" AUDIBLE WARNING OCCASIONALLY MAY NOT COME ON OR MAY TERMINATE IN LESS THAN FOUR SECONDS AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW ALARM MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 27, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
03V159000 · Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer

Reported: 2003-04-28 (April 28, 2003)

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
97V057000 · Seat Belts:Rear/Other

Reported: 1997-04-08 (April 8, 1997)

THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE RIGHT-HAND REAR BUCKET SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A VEHICLE CRASH.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE VEHICLE OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND PERSONAL INJURY COULD RESULT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTOR ON THE REAR SEAT CUSHION FRAME.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
99V009000 · Child Seat

Reported: 1999-01-20 (January 20, 1999)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH INTEGRATED DUAL CHILD SEATS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY BE MISSING A SEAT BELT RETRACTOR CLUTCH SPRING AND/OR PAWL SPRING IN THE CHILD SEAT. IF THE CLUTCH SPRING WAS MISSING, THE SEAT BELT WOULD LOCK IN THE RETRACTED POSITION AND COULD NOT BE USED. IF THE PAWL SPRING WAS MISSING, THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINT WOULD CONTINUALLY PLAY OUT AND WOULD NOT LOCK.

Consequence: THESE CONDITIONS COULD INCREASE THE OCCUPANT'S RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT BELTS ON THE CHILD SEATS, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CHILD SEAT.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

135 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

14.1%Usable mileage19 / 135 records
78.5%Valid incident date106 / 135 records
100.0%Valid filing date135 / 135 records
78.5%Ordered incident and filing dates106 / 135 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
1128.2%
ODI 10263283 · 174,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 GMC SAFARI. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. SECONDLY, WHEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SKIDS. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING A DEALER IN REFERENCE TO THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 175,000. UPDATED 04-23-09 *BF UPDATED 04/24/09.*JB

Look up ODI 10263283 at NHTSA ↗

1932.2%
ODI 10061741

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES ABS LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD, AND REMAINS ON UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10061741 at NHTSA ↗

2439.3%
ODI 507748

ABS BRAKES FAILED, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK

Look up ODI 507748 at NHTSA ↗

2823.5%
ODI 10007012 · 115,000 mi

MOVING IN TRAFFIC AT 20 MPH. HIT BRAKES FOR QUICK STOP AND VAN DID NOT STOP. HIT CAR IN FRONT OF US. *AK *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT-OVER TO ARTEMIS*734314

Look up ODI 10007012 at NHTSA ↗

3920.0%
ODI 10030264 · 35 mi

ABS MALFUNCTION ( ANTILOCK BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON ) EACU IS BAD COST $1300.00 DOLLARS AT THE DEALER . *AK

Look up ODI 10030264 at NHTSA ↗

1812.9%
ODI 10033874 · 110,000 mi

CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED, SUDDENLY THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. *AK *TS *JB

Look up ODI 10033874 at NHTSA ↗

85.9%
ODI 10025829 · 27,860 mi

ANTILOCK BRAKES FAIL WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ANTILOCK SYSTEM STARTS TO FUNCTION AND THEN AT ABOUT 2 MPH THE PEDAL GOES DOWN COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. YOU COULD ONLY REGAIN BRAKING ABILITY IF YOU TOOK YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKES WHILE THE ABS SYSTEM RESET ITSELF. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND THE LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY (PART COST $864) WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER'S SERVICE INVOICE INDICATED A TEST DRIVE FOUND THE LEFT FRONT ABS SENSOR "DROPPING OUT" AND "TESTED CIRCUIT SENSOR OPEN". THE SERVICE ADVISOR …

Look up ODI 10025829 at NHTSA ↗

89.0%
ODI 547867

ANTI LOCK BRAKES FAILED, ALSO CAUSING PULLING. MJS

Look up ODI 547867 at NHTSA ↗

914.8%
ODI 10126442 · 48,000 mi

DT: ABOUT A YEAR AGO THE PROBLEM BEGAN. WHEN BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS ABOUT 5-10 MPH ABS KICKS IN AND A GRINDING SOUND OCCURS. THIS CAUSES EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES. ALL WHEEL DRIVE, ALL WHEEL ANTILOCK TO THE OWNER'S KNOWLEDGE. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE DEALER SAID THAT THE ABS SENSOR LOOKED CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUT ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE BUT IT SHOWED NO CODES. WHEN THE ABS FUSE IS PULLED THE CAR WORKS FINE BUT HAS NO ABS. THE OWNER HASN'T DISCONNECTED THE ABS FUSE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED YET AND THE PROBL…

Look up ODI 10126442 at NHTSA ↗

1420.6%
ODI 10000600 · 45 mi

I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND APPLIED THE BRAKES FOR A RED LIGHT. THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND AND ACTUALLY SURGED CAUSING ME TO HIT THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME AND RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE BRAKES ARE LOCKING AND BURNING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY SAY IT NEEDS BRAKES BUT I HAD THE BRAKES CHECKED BY A MECHANIC AND I KNOW THAT IT IS NOT THE PROBLEM. HE TOLD ME TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER. I THOUGHT IT COULD BE THE CALIPERS OR SOMETHING IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE IS MAKING PINGING NOISES AND P…

Look up ODI 10000600 at NHTSA ↗

410.3%
ODI 10111135

THE VEHICLE'S ABS MALFUNCTIONED. *NM THE ABS WOULD RELEASE WHEN THE PEDAL WAS APPLIED IN A NORMAL MANNER IF THE CONSUMER HIT A BUMP. *SC THE CONSUMER STATED HE BUMPED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM, BUT DID NOT STATE IF THERE WAS ANY DAMAGE. *JB

Look up ODI 10111135 at NHTSA ↗

728.0%
ODI 10026642 · 19,231 mi

VEHICLE HAD BRAKE FAILURE WHILE GOING DOWN AN INCLINE. BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR BUT DIDN'T HOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. CONSUMER FELT GM SHOULD REPLACE THE VEHICLE. *AK *CB *JB

Look up ODI 10026642 at NHTSA ↗

316.7%
ODI 10134767 · 58,000 mi

AT IRREGULAR TIMES WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS (~10 MPH), ON DRY CLEAN PAVEMENT, AND UNDER LIGHT TO MODERATE BRAKING, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGES AND EXTENDS THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE. I UNDERSTAND THAT A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR OTHER VEHICLES IN OTHER STATES, BUT OBVIOUSLY THE PROBLEM EXTENDS TO MORE YEAR MODELS AND OVER A WIDER AREA. IN ADDITION, GM HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN #02-05-25-006A COVERING MORE VEHICLES THAN WERE IN THE INITIAL RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE. IT SEEMS THAT IF A TSB WAS RELEASED, THEY ARE…

Look up ODI 10134767 at NHTSA ↗

120.0%
ODI 10440549 · 180,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SAFARI AWD. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3-5 MPH AND COMING TO A STOP WHEN THE ABS ACTIVATED ABNORMALLY AND CAUSED THE BRAKES TO PULSATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE HUBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. UPDATED 03/23/12 *BF UPDATED 04/09/12

Look up ODI 10440549 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Suspension:Front:Springs:Torsion Bar
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

711.9%
ODI 10091176 · 54,800 mi

WHILE WIFE AN FAMILY WERE IN VAN, PASSENGER SIDE TORSION BAR SNAPPED, SLAMMING RIGHT FRONT OF VEHICLE DOWN. AWD DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AND CAUSING FAMILY TO BECOME STRANDED. GM HAS DISCONTINUED REPLACEMENTS, A CONVERSION IS AVAILABLE FROM THEM FOR OVER $500.00 AND BOTH SIDES NEED TO BE REPLACED/MODIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 10091176 at NHTSA ↗

46.6%
ODI 10136399 · 182,000 mi

1993 GMC SAFARI ALL WHEEL DRIVE 7-PASSENGER STANDARD WHEEL BASE VAN WITH 42" TORSION BAR FRONT SPRINGS AND 182,000 MILES. THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TORSION SPRING BROKE INSIDE THE ADJUSTER SLEEVE AT THE FRAME CROSSMEMBER, DROPPING THE DRIVER'S SIDE ONTO THE FRAME. WHILE THIS FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, JUST THREE DAYS BEFORE I HAD USED THE VAN TO TAKE A TRIP WITH MY FAMILY ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH. A FAILURE HERE WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. I WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THE ORIGINAL SPRING DESIGN WAS NO LONGER AVAIL…

Look up ODI 10136399 at NHTSA ↗

1310.9%
ODI 10018999 · 148,000 mi

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

Look up ODI 10018999 at NHTSA ↗

2814.4%
ODI 10005625

BROKEN TORSION BARS

Look up ODI 10005625 at NHTSA ↗

1913.7%
ODI 10026262

WHILE DRIVING TORSION BAR BROKE ON THE FRONT LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE DOWN ON THE FRONT TIRE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT GMC NEEDS TO NOTIFY THE CUSTOMERS ABOUT THE DEFECTS OF HOW BAD OF A DESIGN THE TORSION BARS ARE. *AK *CB

Look up ODI 10026262 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.6%
ODI 729675

WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER THEY SAID EVERYTHING WAS O.K. CAN'T FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR.

Look up ODI 729675 at NHTSA ↗

1815.1%
ODI 10018124 · 30,000 mi

VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE WITH IT'S WINDSHIELD WIPER AS STATED IN RECALL 03 V 159 000, BUT IT'S VIN NUMBER OR MODEL YEAR IN NOT INCLUDED. *TT

Look up ODI 10018124 at NHTSA ↗

2311.8%
ODI 10005625

BROKEN TORSION BARS

Look up ODI 10005625 at NHTSA ↗

128.6%
ODI 10018166 · 58,000 mi

VEHICLE'S WINDSHIELD WIPER EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 03 V 159 000, BUT IT'S VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED.

Look up ODI 10018166 at NHTSA ↗

128.9%
ODI 520835

WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED IN RAINY CONDITIONS.

Look up ODI 520835 at NHTSA ↗

33.4%
ODI 10020752 · 50,000 mi

SINCE DECEMBER, 2002, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL TO TURN ON ABOUT ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK. THE OPERATION IS TOTALLY UNPREDICTABLE. THEY HAVE FAILED TO COME ON IN THUNDERSTORMS TWICE CAUSING A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION, THEN WILL WORK RELIABLY FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, ONLY TO UNEXPECTEDLY FAIL AGAIN. *AK

Look up ODI 10020752 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

12.6%
ODI 10039772

EVERY WINTER WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECOME FROZEN AND OBSTRUCT THE DRIVER'S VIEW. ALSO THE ENGINE STALLED AT ANY SPEED. *AK. ALSO THE DASH LIGHTS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. *JB

Look up ODI 10039772 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission
37.7%
ODI 725099

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Look up ODI 725099 at NHTSA ↗

11.7%
ODI 507797

TRANSMISSION MAKES LOUD NOISE WHEN GOING INTO EITHER REVERSE OR SECOND GEAR.

Look up ODI 507797 at NHTSA ↗

11.6%
ODI 973683

WHILE DRIVING, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED. TT

Look up ODI 973683 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

31.5%
ODI 503051

TRANSMISSION FAILED.

Look up ODI 503051 at NHTSA ↗

21.4%
ODI 529881

DRIVE TRAIN MAKES NOISE, RECALL NOTICE HOWEVER DEALER DOESN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

Look up ODI 529881 at NHTSA ↗

1712.6%
ODI 10016477 · 85,000 mi

97 SAFARI CONSISTENTLY SETS P1870 CODE, TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN WARMED UP. THE VEHICLE SHIFT EXTREMELY HARD (ACTUALLY SLIP)1ST-2ND-3RD. HARD ENOUGH A SIGNIFICANT CHANCE OF U-JOINT BREAKAGE, UNCONTROLLED TIRE SPINNING ON ICE/SLICK ROADS, (I HAVE EXPERIENCED),WHIPLASH TYPE EXPERIENCE UNDER MODERATE ACCELERATION. THIS SUDDEN SHIFT ALSO ATTRIBUTED TO CAUSING INTERIOR COMPONENTS SUCH AS CENTER CONSOLE TO SHAKE LOOSE. SEVERAL INSTANCES HAVE CAUSED ITEMS IN CENTER COLUMN CUP HOLDER TO FALL OUT AND SPILL. GM HAS TSB ON RECORD AND RECOGNIZES THIS A…

Look up ODI 10016477 at NHTSA ↗

89.0%
ODI 10014055

I HAD THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ON THIS VEHICLE REPAIRED ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS IN THE 3 YEARS I HAVE OWNED IT. THE DEALER DID IT TWICE UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I HAD ON IT, THE THIRD TIME WAS 3,000 MILES AFTER THE WARRANTY ENDED AN AAMOCO TRANSMISSIONS REPAIRED IT. THIS WAS THE FIRST WEEK OF DECEMBER 2002. THE TRANSMISSION IS AGAIN SHIFTING HARD AND "JUMPING" INTO GEAR AFTER STOPPING FOR RED LIGHT OR ANY SUCH INCIDENT.*JB

Look up ODI 10014055 at NHTSA ↗

1016.4%
ODI 10021337 · 26,000 mi

RED ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TRANSMISSION WAS JUMPING INTO GEAR, WITH 26,000 MILES, TOOK TO DEALER THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. TOOK TRIP TO FLORIDA RED LIGHT CAME ON TOOK TO AAMCO TRANSMISSION (36,000 MI) FOUND PROBLEM,850$, SAID THIS WAS COMMON WITH THIS VEHICLE. GMC PAID ME HALF, GOING TO COURT WITH DEALER FOR OTHER HALF. MY WARRANTY WAS OVER DUE TO YEARS. *AK

Look up ODI 10021337 at NHTSA ↗

34.4%
ODI 10024011

WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH TRANSMISSION WENT OUT.THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ANY LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. *AK

Look up ODI 10024011 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

14.0%
ODI 10153709 · 39,000 mi

HAD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION AT 39,000 MILES. THEN AGAIN AT 131,000 MILES. NOW IT IS BACK IN THE SHOP WITH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS YET TO BE DETERMINED AT 149,000 MILES. JUDGING FROM THE COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET, THIS SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT THAT IS COSTING THE CONSUMER A BUNDLE OF MONEY. SO FAR I HAVE SPENT OVER $3000 TO REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. I AM NOW WAITING TO HEAR HOW MUCH MORE I WILL HAVE TO SPEND. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. *JB

Look up ODI 10153709 at NHTSA ↗

211.1%
ODI 10011257 · 3,500 mi

THE TRANSMISSION DID NOT RESPOND QUICKLY ENOUGH TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING FORWARD WHILE IN REVERSE. THE GM TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM. *NLM *NLM

Look up ODI 10011257 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

108.4%
ODI 10030712 · 155,000 mi

I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON MY 1994' GMC SAFARI. ACCORDING TO NHTSA, THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND YET THE RECALL ONLY COVERS FROM 95 AND UP MODELS. IF THE PROBLEM WAS KNOW TO OCCUR ON THE 1994 MODELS, WHY DOESN'T THE RECALL COVER THEM? THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OCCASSIONS IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS WHEN MY WIPERS HAVE FAILED AND NEARLY CAUSE ME TO BE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD MULTIPLE TIMES UNTIL THEY DECIDED TO WORK AGAIN. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE IT FIXED IF IT WAS A KNOWN P…

Look up ODI 10030712 at NHTSA ↗

115.6%
ODI 10059155

CONSUMER ALREADY PERFORMED RECALL 03V159000 REPAIRS CONCERNING WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER MOTOR. ORIGINAL INVOICE WAS SEND TO THE MANUFACTURER IN AUGUST 2003, AND WAS STILL WAITING FOR REIMBURSEMENT. *AK

Look up ODI 10059155 at NHTSA ↗

85.8%
ODI 724189

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL EITHER NOT COME ON OR STOP WORKING WHEN ON. ALSO AIR CONDITIONER FAILED WHEN COOLANT LINE RUBBED AGAINST UNDERBODY, FORMED A HOLE, AND LEAKED OUT COOLANT GAS. *AK

Look up ODI 724189 at NHTSA ↗

85.9%
ODI 10033753

WHILE TRAVELING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL COME ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. *AK

Look up ODI 10033753 at NHTSA ↗

44.5%
ODI 10025585 · 36,500 mi

WINDSHIELD WIPERS SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF PULSE MODULE.*AK

Look up ODI 10025585 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Structure:Body:Door
12.6%
ODI 818155

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX 15 MPH PREPAIRING TO STOP, WEATHER CONDITION WAS DRY, REAR ENDED VEHICLE IN FRONT. WENT TO APPLY BRAKES, HEARD NOISE ,NO REACTION, NO SKID MARKS FROM WHEELS. DEALERSHIP CANNOT FIND PROBLEM. CHANGED BRAKEPADS AND SHOES/ROTORS/MASTER CYLINDER. THIS DEFECT CAN RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK SERPENTINE BELT REPLACED DUE TO CAUSING NOISE. TRANSMISSION SLIPPING, DEALER FOUND NO PROBLEMS. FRONT BRAKES WORN TO SENSORS, DEALER HAS REPLACED REAR BRAKE DRUMS REPLACED, FRONT CALIPER DRAGGING. CONSUMER STATES FROST COMING OUT OF V…

Look up ODI 818155 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.6%
ODI 981141

DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IS COMING OFF BECAUSE IT WAS NOT WELDED IMPROPERLY. *AK

Look up ODI 981141 at NHTSA ↗

32.5%
ODI 484906

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE FAILURE. *AK

Look up ODI 484906 at NHTSA ↗

52.6%
ODI 502921

COIL SPRING THAT ACTIVATES REAR SECTION OF DOOR NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO PUSH DOOR OUT ENOUGH TO OPEN. *DH

Look up ODI 502921 at NHTSA ↗

85.8%
ODI 536113

SLIDING DOOR FAILED SIX TIMES.

Look up ODI 536113 at NHTSA ↗

32.2%
ODI 548976

THE LEFT REAR WINDOW BRACKET FAILED TO LOCK IN PLACE CAUSING THE WINDOW TO SLAM ON CHILDS FINGERS AFTER IT HAD BEEN SERVICED. NLM

Look up ODI 548976 at NHTSA ↗

22.2%
ODI 608913

RIGHT HAND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR INOPERABLE. YH

Look up ODI 608913 at NHTSA ↗

23.3%
ODI 561209

THE REAR DOOR HANDLE FAILED. NLM

Look up ODI 561209 at NHTSA ↗

22.9%
ODI 10161743 · 100,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE SIDE SLIDING DOOR ON THE VEHICLE WAS OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE, THE DOOR FELL OUTWARD AFTER DETACHING FROM THE TRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE A NEW PIECE WAS WELDED TO THE DOOR.

Look up ODI 10161743 at NHTSA ↗

12.6%
ODI 10023658 · 31,000 mi

BRAKES FAULTY. BRAND NEW PADS INSTALLED LAST WEEK ALL AROUND ADJUSTED AND DEALER CLAIMS ALL IS WELL BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. IT TAKES AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF FORCE APPLIED TO THE PEDAL TO STOP THIS VEHICLE, NOTICED AT 35K. DANGEROUS AND NOT EASY TO GET USED TO. IN ADDITION, WINDSHIELD LEAKS ON THE TOP DRIVERS SIDE AND THE REAR RIGHT DOOR HANDLE IS FAILING ON BACK DUTCH DOORS NOW AT 65K. ALSO, BOTH POWER DOOR ACTUATORS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FAILED COMPLETELY AT 34K. *JB

Look up ODI 10023658 at NHTSA ↗

14.0%
ODI 8021104

CONSUMER STATES THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GOES OUT WITH OUT WARNING AT NIGHT. THE OVERHEAD INFORMATION PANEL HAS NOT WORKED SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. MR THE VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO BATTERY FAILURE. THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE DOORS FAILED DUE TO ELECTRICAL LOCK FAILURE. THE RIGHT PASSENGER WINDOW FOGS UP AND CANNOT SEE MIRROR. KEY LESS SECURITY FAILED. *YH *JB *DT

Look up ODI 8021104 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

125.0%
ODI 10107916 · 185 mi

1. THE BREAKING SYSTEM IS REAL BAD THAT CAUSED A GREAT SHAKING IN THE STIRRING WHEEL. 2. UNUSUAL SOUND IN THE BACK OF THE VAN 3. RATTLING NOISE IN THE SHELVES 4. STIRRING WHEEL IS NOT WORKING GOOD WHEN MAKING A U-TURN, I NEED SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE MAKING A COMPLETE U-TURN. 5. NOISE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR AND OTHER MINOR PROBLEMS. *NM

Look up ODI 10107916 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
25.1%
ODI 481267

FRONT DRIVESHAFT RUSTED/BROKE, ALSO TRANSFER CASE REBUILT. *AW

Look up ODI 481267 at NHTSA ↗

35.1%
ODI 800425

IN APPLYING THE ABS IN A PANIC SITUATION THE SYSTEM DOES NOT ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO STOP IN TIME. THIS CONDITION CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS.*AK

Look up ODI 800425 at NHTSA ↗

11.6%
ODI 973337

WHEN BRAKING POWER STEERING FLUID AND BRAKE FLUID COMES OUT FROM THE SYSTEM.DUE TO POOR DESIGN IT IS OF ONE SYSTEM IT HAS POOR CONNECTIONS. TT

Look up ODI 973337 at NHTSA ↗

65.0%
ODI 823314

WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES THE PEDAL WILL TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 823314 at NHTSA ↗

73.6%
ODI 484240

BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *DH

Look up ODI 484240 at NHTSA ↗

53.6%
ODI 514969

BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING A POPPING NOISE FROM LEFT FRONT WHEEL AREA.

Look up ODI 514969 at NHTSA ↗

21.5%
ODI 838813

WHILE BRAKING VEHICLE GOES TO LEFT SIDE AND SHAKES, CAUSING POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, AND MAY RESULT IN A CRASH. BEEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 838813 at NHTSA ↗

11.1%
ODI 533461

BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN VEHICLE COLLISIION. (NEW JERSEY POLICE ACCIDENT REPORT).

Look up ODI 533461 at NHTSA ↗

11.6%
ODI 562042

CONSUMER STATES THERE IS DIFFERENTIAL WEAR BETWEEN THE LEFT AND FRONT BRAKE PADS, DEALER STATED THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR, CONSUMER STATES THE LEFT FRONT CALIPER WAS NOT RELEASING PRESSURE ON PADS TO ROTOR CAUSING EXCESSIVE WEAR, RIGHT FRONT CALIPER FROZEN OR PARTIALLY FROZEN CAUSING LEFT FRONT PADS TO DO ALL OR MOST OF THE BRAKING, AND WARPED OR OTHER DEFECTS IN THE LEFT FRONT ROTOR, DEALER STATED NEW ROTORS WERE NEEDED, FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE WORN, AND REAR BRAKES WERE OUT OF ADJUSTMENT, CONSUMER ALSO STATES THERE IS A PULSATING GRINDING NOISE COMI…

Look up ODI 562042 at NHTSA ↗

34.4%
ODI 567938

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS IN NEED OF AN ALIGNEMENT, WHICH IS CAUSING THE TIRES TO WEAR.*JB

Look up ODI 567938 at NHTSA ↗

12.6%
ODI 891688

DUE TO LOCATION OF BRAKE FLUID CONTAINER, BRAKE FLUID IS IMPOSSIBLE TO CHECK OR REFILL, BRAKE FLUID CONTAINER IS LOCATED UNDERNEATH VEHICLE .CHASSIS IDENTIFICATION NUMBER IS S4041014383.*AK

Look up ODI 891688 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

75.9%
ODI 480689

DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT INFLATE DURING ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURY. *SKD

Look up ODI 480689 at NHTSA ↗

126.2%
ODI 10011658

THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE PASSENGER, WHICH RESULTED IN INJURIES. *JB

Look up ODI 10011658 at NHTSA ↗

42.9%
ODI 10003955

CONSUMER WAS REAR ENDED AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, AND SUSTAINED INJURIES FROM THE IMPACT.*JB PH

Look up ODI 10003955 at NHTSA ↗

53.7%
ODI 551695

THE BRAKE RESERVOIR HAD A HOLE IN IT CAUSING THE CONSUMER TO REAR END ANOTHER VEHICLE, VIOLENT DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG BROKE DRIVERS HAND. NLM

Look up ODI 551695 at NHTSA ↗

33.4%
ODI 824470

DURING FRONTAL IMPACT AT 40 MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 824470 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

11.5%
ODI 8006087

AS A RESULT OF A CAR CRASH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ANY TIME. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 8006087 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range98,568 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10016477 · 85,000 mi

97 SAFARI CONSISTENTLY SETS P1870 CODE, TRANSMISSION SLIPS WHEN WARMED UP. THE VEHICLE SHIFT EXTREMELY HARD (ACTUALLY SLIP)1ST-2ND-3RD. HARD ENOUGH A SIGNIFICANT CHANCE OF U-JOINT BREAKAGE, UNCONTROLLED TIRE SPINNING ON ICE/SLICK ROADS, (I HAVE EXPERIENCED),WHIPLASH TYPE EXPERIENCE UNDER MODERATE ACCELERATION. THIS SUDDEN SHIFT ALSO ATTRIBUTED TO CAUSING INTERIOR COMPONENTS SUCH AS CENTER CONSOLE TO SHAKE LOOSE. SEVERAL INSTANCES HAVE CAUSED ITEMS IN CENTER COLUMN CUP HOLDER TO FALL OUT AND SPILL. GM HAS TSB ON RECORD AND RECOGNIZES THIS A…

Look up ODI 10016477 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10133998 · 112,135 mi

1997 GMC SAFARI TRANSMISSION FAILURE. SUN GEAR SHELL FAILURE CAUSED NO REVERSE, SECOND OR OVERDRIVE ON THIS VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 10133998 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineToo few reports for a range78,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10039372 · 78,000 mi

THE THROTTLE BODY ON OUR 1997 GMC SAFARI CAME APART SENDING PIECES INTO THE ENGINE AND FAILING IN A WIDE OPEN THROTTLE CONDITION THAT WAS NOT CONTROLLABLE BY THE DRIVER. THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE DRIVER ENTERED THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR ACCELERATED THROUGH 85 MILES PER HOUR WITHOUT ANY DEPRESSION OF THE ACCELERTOR. THE DRIVER HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY APPLY BRAKE PRESSURE TO KEEP SPEED SOMEWHAT UNDER CONTROL. THE ONLY MEANS TO CONTROL THE ENGINE WAS TO TURN IT OFF.

Look up ODI 10039372 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipToo few reports for a range27,860 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10025829 · 27,860 mi

ANTILOCK BRAKES FAIL WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ANTILOCK SYSTEM STARTS TO FUNCTION AND THEN AT ABOUT 2 MPH THE PEDAL GOES DOWN COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. YOU COULD ONLY REGAIN BRAKING ABILITY IF YOU TOOK YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKES WHILE THE ABS SYSTEM RESET ITSELF. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND THE LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY (PART COST $864) WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER'S SERVICE INVOICE INDICATED A TEST DRIVE FOUND THE LEFT FRONT ABS SENSOR "DROPPING OUT" AND "TESTED CIRCUIT SENSOR OPEN". THE SERVICE ADVISOR …

Look up ODI 10025829 at NHTSA ↗

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:MotorToo few reports for a range90,902 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10059608 · 149,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED, MAKING IT HARD TO SEE DURING RAINY WEATHER. *AK

Look up ODI 10059608 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10072604 · 32,804 mi

SEPTEMBER 1, 1999: AC PROBLEM (NOT COOLING) REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. NOVEMBER 3, 1999: LEFT DRIVERS DOOR WINDOW MOTOR REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY (NOT PASSENGER SIDE AS DOCUMENTED ON THE INVOICE). JANUARY 31, 2003: I WROTE TO GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE VIA EMAIL, DETAILING SOME PROBLEMS THAT HAD DEVELOPED WITH MY VAN. I COMPLAINED THAT THE DRIVERS WINDOW MOTOR WAS INTERMITTENT AT BEST. I MENTIONED WAS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED ERRATICALLY. MY LOW SETTING ON THE AC FAN WAS INOPERABLE, AND EVENTUALLY ALL 3 LEVELS STOPPED. I HAD BEEN LIVING WI…

Look up ODI 10072604 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or OtherToo few reports for a range122,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10070433 · 122,000 mi

A/C/HEATING: REAR HEAT WENT OUT AND HAD TO BE REWIRED ENGINE: THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT AND HAD TO REPLACE IT, THAT WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY. BUT STILL HAS A FRONT OIL LEAK SOME WHERE IN THE FRONT. OTHER: I HEARD A GRINDING NOISE WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM AND THEY LOOKED IT OVER AND SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. SHORTLY AFTER WARRANTY RAN OUT THE TRANSFER CASE WENT OUT SO WE HAD A USED ONE PUT IN AND IT ONLY LASTED FOUR MONTHS NOW IT SITS IN THE GARAGE THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING TO DO ABOUT THE TRANSFER…

Look up ODI 10070433 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 23 reports

2004: 3 complaints · 2005: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2004223
2005000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2004500
2005103

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentPower Train:Automatic TransmissionVisibility:Windshield Wiper/WasherEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipVisibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:MotorUnknown Or OtherVisibility:Power Window Devices And ControlsAir Bags:Frontal
Power Train:Automatic Transmission—000
1
ODI 10066973

CONSUMER DISAPPOINTED IN SOME OF THE PROBLEMS HE HAD WITH THE CHASSIS AND OTHER AUXILIARY SYSTEMS. (NAR) *PH TRANSMISSION, ENGINE, AC/ HEATER, GAS GAUGE, WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, ELECTRIC WINDOW. *CB

Look up ODI 10066973 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 841157

VEHICLE EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING PUMP LEAKING/GAS PEDAL STICKING/GAS INDICATOR ALWAYS READING FULL TANK OF GAS/ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF, AND TRANSMISSION SLIPPING WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 841157 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10066973

CONSUMER DISAPPOINTED IN SOME OF THE PROBLEMS HE HAD WITH THE CHASSIS AND OTHER AUXILIARY SYSTEMS. (NAR) *PH TRANSMISSION, ENGINE, AC/ HEATER, GAS GAUGE, WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, ELECTRIC WINDOW. *CB

Look up ODI 10066973 at NHTSA ↗

0
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer0—000
1
ODI 751372

GM CHAS A FAILURE IN THE SAFARI AND THEY DON'T CARE, IT'S A LEMON!! NO SAFETY DEFECT STATED.*AK

Look up ODI 751372 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 751372

GM CHAS A FAILURE IN THE SAFARI AND THEY DON'T CARE, IT'S A LEMON!! NO SAFETY DEFECT STATED.*AK

Look up ODI 751372 at NHTSA ↗

0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline00—00
1
ODI 739353

ENGINE HAS ROUGH IDLE/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT PREVIOUSLY, DEALER PERFORMED ENGINE TUNE-UP. NEXT PROBLEM OF ROUGH ENGINE/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, STILL WAITING FROM DEALER AS TO THE CAUSE. TSB 00-06-04-003 HAS BEEN ISSUED CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM, THE QUESTION IS, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM, SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE TRAVELLING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS.

Look up ODI 739353 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 858704

VEHICLE STALLS AT A SLOW SPEED OR WHEN APPLYING ACCELERATOR PEDAL FROM A STOP POSITION. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON 12 OCCASIONS, AND AT TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS. PROBLEM IS STILL UNRESOLVED. ROTORS REPAIRED/OUT OF ROUND, MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH FAILED, HEADLAMP SWITCH REPLACED.*AK *ML

Look up ODI 858704 at NHTSA ↗

0
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip000—0000
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
1
ODI 10066973

CONSUMER DISAPPOINTED IN SOME OF THE PROBLEMS HE HAD WITH THE CHASSIS AND OTHER AUXILIARY SYSTEMS. (NAR) *PH TRANSMISSION, ENGINE, AC/ HEATER, GAS GAUGE, WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, ELECTRIC WINDOW. *CB

Look up ODI 10066973 at NHTSA ↗

000—0
1
ODI 10066973

CONSUMER DISAPPOINTED IN SOME OF THE PROBLEMS HE HAD WITH THE CHASSIS AND OTHER AUXILIARY SYSTEMS. (NAR) *PH TRANSMISSION, ENGINE, AC/ HEATER, GAS GAUGE, WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, ELECTRIC WINDOW. *CB

Look up ODI 10066973 at NHTSA ↗

0
Unknown Or Other
1
ODI 841157

VEHICLE EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS WITH POWER STEERING PUMP LEAKING/GAS PEDAL STICKING/GAS INDICATOR ALWAYS READING FULL TANK OF GAS/ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON AND OFF, AND TRANSMISSION SLIPPING WHICH MAY CAUSE A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Look up ODI 841157 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 751372

GM CHAS A FAILURE IN THE SAFARI AND THEY DON'T CARE, IT'S A LEMON!! NO SAFETY DEFECT STATED.*AK

Look up ODI 751372 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 739353

ENGINE HAS ROUGH IDLE/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT PREVIOUSLY, DEALER PERFORMED ENGINE TUNE-UP. NEXT PROBLEM OF ROUGH ENGINE/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, STILL WAITING FROM DEALER AS TO THE CAUSE. TSB 00-06-04-003 HAS BEEN ISSUED CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM, THE QUESTION IS, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM, SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE TRAVELLING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS.

Look up ODI 739353 at NHTSA ↗

00—
1
ODI 751372

GM CHAS A FAILURE IN THE SAFARI AND THEY DON'T CARE, IT'S A LEMON!! NO SAFETY DEFECT STATED.*AK

Look up ODI 751372 at NHTSA ↗

0
Visibility:Power Window Devices And Controls
1
ODI 10066973

CONSUMER DISAPPOINTED IN SOME OF THE PROBLEMS HE HAD WITH THE CHASSIS AND OTHER AUXILIARY SYSTEMS. (NAR) *PH TRANSMISSION, ENGINE, AC/ HEATER, GAS GAUGE, WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, ELECTRIC WINDOW. *CB

Look up ODI 10066973 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 751372

GM CHAS A FAILURE IN THE SAFARI AND THEY DON'T CARE, IT'S A LEMON!! NO SAFETY DEFECT STATED.*AK

Look up ODI 751372 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 858704

VEHICLE STALLS AT A SLOW SPEED OR WHEN APPLYING ACCELERATOR PEDAL FROM A STOP POSITION. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON 12 OCCASIONS, AND AT TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS. PROBLEM IS STILL UNRESOLVED. ROTORS REPAIRED/OUT OF ROUND, MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH FAILED, HEADLAMP SWITCH REPLACED.*AK *ML

Look up ODI 858704 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10066973

CONSUMER DISAPPOINTED IN SOME OF THE PROBLEMS HE HAD WITH THE CHASSIS AND OTHER AUXILIARY SYSTEMS. (NAR) *PH TRANSMISSION, ENGINE, AC/ HEATER, GAS GAUGE, WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, ELECTRIC WINDOW. *CB

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1
ODI 751372

GM CHAS A FAILURE IN THE SAFARI AND THEY DON'T CARE, IT'S A LEMON!! NO SAFETY DEFECT STATED.*AK

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Air Bags:Frontal0000000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

7 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

7 mentions · 5.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 60,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10025829 · 27,860 mi

ANTILOCK BRAKES FAIL WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE ANTILOCK SYSTEM STARTS TO FUNCTION AND THEN AT ABOUT 2 MPH THE PEDAL GOES DOWN COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR. YOU COULD ONLY REGAIN BRAKING ABILITY IF YOU TOOK YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKES WHILE THE ABS SYSTEM RESET ITSELF. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS AND THE LEFT FRONT HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY (PART COST $864) WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER'S SERVICE INVOICE INDICATED A TEST DRIVE FOUND THE LEFT FRONT ABS SENSOR "DROPPING OUT" AND "TESTED CIRCUIT SENSOR OPEN". THE SERVICE ADVISOR …

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ODI 10120029 · 60,000 mi

BRAKES FAIL AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 5 MPH

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ODI 10417131 · 185,000 mi

1997 GMC SAFARI BRAKE FAILED COMPLETELY NO REAR NO FRONT SUSPECT IT WAS THE ANTI LOCK CONTROL UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT . NO LEAKS VISIBLE. *TR

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Steering assistance concerns

6 mentions · 4.4% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10011391

THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FAILED, WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.*JB

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ODI 10030456

1997 GMC SAFARI COMPLETE POWER FAILURE WHICH NEGATES POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKES, AND IS A DANGER TO ME AND MY FAMILY! I NEVER KNOW WHEN THE POWER WILL GO OUT. IT HAS GONE OUT ON AT LEAST 10 OCCASIONS SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION "SLAMS" INTO GEAR ON OCCASION AT NO SPECIFIC INTERVAL. THERE CAN BE SEVERAL DAYS SEPERATING THE INCIDENTS; NO LOGICAL PATTERN. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO MARTIN CADILLAC IN LOS ANGELES AT LEAST 4 TIMES TO HAVE THESE PROBLEMS FIXED AND SO FAR THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEMS AN…

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ODI 716890

NO BRAKES, NO POWER STEERING. IS SUCH CATASTROPHIC FAILURE COMMON AT 40.832 MILES? *AK

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 1.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 707843

WHEN STARTING UP FROM PARK, THE ENGINE ROARS AND LOOSES POWER, SOMETIMES ONLY FOR A SHORT DISTANCE BUT SOMETIMES 500 TO 600 FEET. ALSO AFTER STARTING UP FROM A STOPPED POSITION, THE REAR OF THE VAN GIVES OFF A VERY LOUD THUD AND VAN LURCHES AT THE SAME TIME AS IF SOMEONE REARENDED THE VEHICLE. SOMETIMES, THE VAN AFTER BEING JUST STARTED (STILL IN PARK AND NOT TOUCHING THE BRAKE OR ANYTHING OTHER THAN STARTING THE ENGINE) AND SITTING FOR A SHORT WHILE, THE VAN WILL HAVE A LOUD THUD FROM THE REAR OF THE VAN AND YOU CAN ALSO FEEL MOVEMENT AT THE…

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ODI 867866

TRANSMISSION JERKS BETWEEN FIRST/ SECOND AND THIRD GEARS. WITH NO PRIOR WARNING ENGINE WILL STARTED UP WHEN THE VEHICLE IS WARMED UP. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP.*AK

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Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 1.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 858704

VEHICLE STALLS AT A SLOW SPEED OR WHEN APPLYING ACCELERATOR PEDAL FROM A STOP POSITION. VEHICLE BEEN IN/OUT OF DEALER SHOP ON 12 OCCASIONS, AND AT TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS. PROBLEM IS STILL UNRESOLVED. ROTORS REPAIRED/OUT OF ROUND, MASTER POWER WINDOW SWITCH FAILED, HEADLAMP SWITCH REPLACED.*AK *ML

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ODI 892016

WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ENGINE STALLED. DEALER REPLACED FUEL PUMP. ON JULY 1 WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH ENGINE STALLED AGAIN. FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN.*AK

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 1.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 739353

ENGINE HAS ROUGH IDLE/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT PREVIOUSLY, DEALER PERFORMED ENGINE TUNE-UP. NEXT PROBLEM OF ROUGH ENGINE/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, STILL WAITING FROM DEALER AS TO THE CAUSE. TSB 00-06-04-003 HAS BEEN ISSUED CONCERNING THIS PROBLEM, THE QUESTION IS, THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM, SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD WHILE TRAVELLING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS.

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ODI 747170

ADDITIONALLY, UPON REPAIR OF FAILED POWERTRAIN TRANSMISSION AND AFTER SPEKAING TO ANOTHER SAFARI OWNER WHO HAD SIMILAIR FAIURE, IT IS ALSO APPARNET THAT THE HEAT SENSOR TO THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO EVOKE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ETC.. BUT THE FAILURE CODE WAS STORED INTO THE ONBOARD COMPUTER SYSTEM. THIS POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION MAY BE OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY. I DO NOT HAVE ANY WAY OF OBTAINING ANY "FAILURE" DATA SO THAT I CAN RUN SOME REGRESSION ANALYSIS. BUT IF I CAN JUST PICK UP THE PHONE AND CALL ANOTHER OWNER WHO IS SELLING THE SAM…

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

1 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 32,804 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10072604 · 32,804 mi

SEPTEMBER 1, 1999: AC PROBLEM (NOT COOLING) REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. NOVEMBER 3, 1999: LEFT DRIVERS DOOR WINDOW MOTOR REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY (NOT PASSENGER SIDE AS DOCUMENTED ON THE INVOICE). JANUARY 31, 2003: I WROTE TO GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE VIA EMAIL, DETAILING SOME PROBLEMS THAT HAD DEVELOPED WITH MY VAN. I COMPLAINED THAT THE DRIVERS WINDOW MOTOR WAS INTERMITTENT AT BEST. I MENTIONED WAS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED ERRATICALLY. MY LOW SETTING ON THE AC FAN WAS INOPERABLE, AND EVENTUALLY ALL 3 LEVELS STOPPED. I HAD BEEN LIVING WI…

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 37,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10167944 · 37,000 mi

FUEL LEAK IN SAFARI SUPPLIED FUEL LINE THAT GOES TO THE GENERATOR. *NM

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Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b