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1997 GMC SafariProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 135 owner complaints about the 1997 GMC Safari, most often about the visibility. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

32
CarFlaw IndexUse caution2.1× the Safari median · #3 of 16 years by complaints
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints13519 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage91kVisibility, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 19, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 GMC Safari has problems

135 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Visibility290
Power train211
Engine and engine cooling180
Service brakes, hydraulic173
Steering141
Fuel system, gasoline120
Electrical system112
Vehicle speed control90
Structure83
12 other systems398

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

1997 GMC Safari recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer

Recall 03V-159 · Apr 28, 2003 · 1,755,876 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Seat belts: rear/other

Recall 97V-057 · Apr 8, 1997 · 18,972 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other Safari year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Safari median. How we score

'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1997 GMC Safari safety ratings

1997 GMC Safari 4x2 in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 GMC Safari, and the recalls they led to.

  1. WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILUREEA02006 · closed Jul 23, 2003
    Led to recall 03V-159
In owners' words

What Safari owners report

Recent visibility complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE FAILURE, APPROXIMATELY IN EARLY 2006 ON 1000K TRIP. PARTS PURCHASED MODULE N12463 PART NUMBER 12463090 FROM DEALER IN EDMONTON AT COST OF $64.87 INCLUDING GST.. RETURNED HOME 1000K AS DEALER TOO BUSY TOO FIX, AND PAID $36.00 LABOR TO HAVE INSTALLED. TOTAL COST FOR MODULE AND…
Complaint 10227944 · May 15, 2008 · 171,000 miles
WHILE DRIVING INCLEMENT WEATHER WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON AND OFF ON THEIR OWN. DRIVER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETRERMINED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
Complaint 10115908 · Mar 25, 2005
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…
Complaint 10072604 · May 14, 2004 · 32,804 miles

Own a 1997 Safari?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.