Vehicles / GMC / Safari / 1998

1998 GMC Safari

89 federal complaints (111 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 61 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 21 model years of the GMC Safari →
Engine
4.3L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 20 hwy
Federal complaints
89
Recall campaigns
3
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Brakes
15
Glass & wipers
11
Electrical system
10
Speed control
8
Power train
8
Fuel system
7
Suspension
6
Steering
6
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 20 complaints01 years old: 9 complaints2 years old: 5 complaints3 years old: 10 complaints4 years old: 5 complaints5 years old: 11 complaints56 years old: 5 complaints7 years old: 3 complaints8 years old: 1 complaints9 years old: 1 complaints10 years old: 0 complaints1011 years old: 0 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 0 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 1 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 71 of 89 complaints with a usable failure date.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Brakes

15 complaint records2 crash reports
"CONSUMER LOST CONTROL BECAUSE BRAKES DID NOT CATCH, CAUSING HIM TO HIT A PARKED CAR. HE WAS BACKING OUT OF DRIVEWAY.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Glass & wipers

11 complaint records
"1998 SAFARI VAN, RANDOM FAILURE OF WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR, THERE IS NO PATTERN TO IT, IT FAILS INTERMITTENTLY TO FUNCTION, WHICH IS KIND OF A SAFETY CONCERN, SINCE THE ONLY TIME I USE THE WIPERS IS DURING A RAINSTORM, WHICH REDUCES VISION GREATLY. *NM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →

Electrical system

10 complaint records1 fire report
"WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, THE EXTERIOR TAIL LIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE UNLESS THE HIGH BEAMS WERE TURNED ON. *NLM *TS *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
03V093000VisibilityCERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.Normally free
01V123000Seat BeltsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO.Normally free
99V009000Child SeatVEHICLE 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2003062
2003-03-10
Electrical40,759On certain vehicles, a short in the electric outside rearview mirror switch could develop. If this were to occur, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's...
2001097
2001-04-17
Lights And Instruments73,459Certain vehicles fail to comply with requirements of CMVSS 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.
1998040
1998-03-18
Emissions89,752Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 1103 - Exhaust Emissions. Vehicles may been built with the ignition coil wire too close to metal brackets or the transmission fluid fill tube (M/L van only).

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIT3665M
May 2023
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
17-NA-073
Feb 2023
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIT3665L
Oct 2022
Service BrakesThis Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
PIP4723F
Jan 2022
Fuel SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIT3665J
Jun 2020
Service BrakesThis Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP4723D
Jan 2020
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
19NA273
Dec 2019
EquipmentThis informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
PIC4696E
Nov 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
17NA073
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIC4696D
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIT3665H
Jun 2019
Service BrakesThis Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
PIT3665G
May 2019
Service BrakesThis Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
17NA073
Feb 2019
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIC4696C
May 2018
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIT3665F
Jan 2018
Service BrakesThis Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
PIP4723C
Sep 2017
TiresThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
17-NA-073
Mar 2017
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIP4723B
Feb 2017
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving...
PIT3665E
Jan 2017
Service BrakesThis Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
16NA260
Aug 2016
EquipmentTHIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS.
PIT-3665-D
May 2016
Service BrakesTHIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN THAT THE HYDRO-BOOST IS NOT SERVICEABLE AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED IF THE BRAKE PEDAL MOVES OR APPLIES ON ITS OWN AT A FULL TURN.
PIP5340A
Feb 2016
Power TrainTHIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT VEHICLE THAT AFTER A TRANSMISSION OR TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE A HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR IS ILLUMINATED.
PIC4696B
Dec 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIC4696A
Oct 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIP5340
Oct 2015
Power TrainThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a harsh 1-2 upshift and the Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon indicator is illuminated.
Recalls
Jun 2014
EquipmentVehicle Recalls
05-06-04-035D
May 2014
Fuel SystemThis informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
PIC5913
Sep 2013
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement.
130089009
Sep 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingExpanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
PI0969
May 2013
EquipmentThis preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
PIT3665C
Nov 2012
Service BrakesThis Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.
PIT-3665-A
Nov 2010
Service BrakesGENERAL MOTORS: ON ALL 1988-2009 FULL SIZE CHEVROLET/GMC PICKUPS, UTILITIES AND VANS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL MOVE DOWN OR SELF APPLY DURING FULL LOCK TURNS OR NEAR FULL LOCK TURNS. CHEVROLET ASTRO AND GMC SAFARI VANS; HUMMER 2 ARE INCLUDED. *PE UPDATED 5/24/11. *PE
070232001
Mar 2007
SteeringREDUCED STEERING EFFORT (DIAGNOSE/REPLACE STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR). *KB
020525006
Jan 2006
Service BrakesANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS. *TT
020730024A
Aug 2005
Power TrainDIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT
000605001
Jun 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingBOOM TYPE NOISE DURING ENGINE WARM UP. THIS SERVICE BULLETIN REPLACES 000605001A. *EH
030601024A
Mar 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingRATTLE NOISE IN ENGINE. *TT
01599
Jan 2004
Power Train4L60E, 4L65E FORWARD AND LOW REVERSE WAVED STEEL CLUTCH PLATE APPEARANCE CHANGE. *TT
01667
Jan 2004
VisibilityWINDOW REGULATOR MOTOR DOES NOT FIT. *TT
02115
Jan 2004
SuspensionPART NUMBER 15042486 LEAF SPRING DAMPER MENTIONED IN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) 00-03-09-001A IS NOT AVAILABLE. *MJ
02097
Jan 2004
SuspensionPART NUMBER 15042486 PER BULLETIN 00-03-09-001A FOR THE REAR SPRING DAMPER KIT IS CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE. *MJ
01225
Jan 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE COOLANT LEAK AT INTAKE GASKET. * MJ
02136
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemINTERMITTENT BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON, INTERMITTENT NO CRANK. *TT
3031A
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemDRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) STAYS IN BULB CHECK. *TT
000605001A
Nov 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingCONCERNS WITH BOOM TYPE NOISE DURING ENGINE WARM-UP HEARD IN THE VEHICLE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *TT
030730056
Nov 2003
Power Train4L60-E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PUMP FIRST AND SECOND DESIGN IDENTIFICATION. *TT
030601024
Aug 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingRATTLE NOISE IN ENGINE. *TT
03006
Apr 2003
Electrical SystemELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH SHORT CIRCUIT. *TT
031403
Mar 2003
VisibilityINSTALLING A FUSE JUMPER HARNESS TO CORRECT A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH. *TT *JB
020525006A
Dec 2002
Service BrakesANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 1995 AND 1996 ENVOY. *TT
990730016A
Oct 2002
Power TrainDIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT, SLIP, BUSY/CYCLING TCC OR NOISY COOLING FAN. *TT
020864013
May 2002
StructureSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE RIGHT REAR DOOR HANDLE ON THE CARGO DOOR BREAKS. *TT
311001
Oct 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST NOISE, RATTLE NOISE AT 550 RPM. *TT
01036
Aug 2001
Seat BeltsSUBJECT REGARDING FASTEN SEAT BELT WARNING AUDIBLE SIGNAL - PARTS INFORMATION UPDATE. *TT
01123
Jun 2001
Seat BeltsCAMPAIGN PARTS BULLETIN REGARDING FASTEN SEAT BELT WARNING AUDIBLE SIGNAL. *TT
01036
Jun 2001
Seat BeltsTHIS BULLETIN STATES THAT GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT CERTAIN VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFIRM TO FEDERAL/CANADA MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 208, OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION, 208, OCCUPANT RESTRAIN SYSTEM IN FRONTAL IMPACT, AND ARTICLE 22-3, TRIAS 49, SEAT BELT WARNING DEVICE,...
020201
Feb 2001
VisibilityTHIS MESSAGE CONCERNS 1996 THROUGH 2000 M & L VANS, CHEVROLET ASTRO AND GMC SAFARI THAT MAY EXHIBIT A LACK OF HEAT AT THE DRIVER'S SEAT. *TT
01036
Jan 2001
Seat BeltsINFORMATION REGARDING FASTEN SEAT BELT WARNING AUDIBLE SIGNAL PARTS AVAILABILITY. *SLC
98030
Jul 1998
Seat BeltsSPECIAL POLICY FOR SAFETY BELT GUIDE COVER. *YC
3081
Engine And Engine CoolingSERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT AND P0300 WHEN TOWING, CRUISING UPHILL OR ON HARD ACCELERATION. *TT

Showing 60 of 61 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  2. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this GMC Safari →