VehicleVerdict

1985 GMC Safari problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1985 GMC Safari — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

2

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

5

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other Safari years?

Safari NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted256 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 11 complaints1987: 22 complaints1988: 8 complaints1989: 25 complaints1990: 44 complaints1991: 60 complaints1992: 66 complaints1993: 79 complaints1994: 142 complaints1995: 256 complaints1996: 199 complaints1997: 200 complaints1998: 111 complaints1999: 92 complaints2000: 95 complaints2001: 55 complaints2002: 35 complaints2003: 19 complaints2004: 8 complaints2005: 8 complaints
Safari NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Safari years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 GMC Safari problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine150%
Latches & Locks150%

Does the 1985 GMC Safari have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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 MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

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).

93V187000SeatsNovember 16, 1993 · 604,207 units

Defect

THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME MAY HAVE FOAM AND/OR VINYL BETWEEN THEM, CREATING A "SOFT" JOINT. THIS "SOFT" JOINT RESULTS IN LOWER THAN SPECIFIED BOLT TORQUE WHICH LEADS TO JOINT LOOSENESS, CAUSING BOLT FATIGUE AND EVENTUAL BOLT FAILURE.

Consequence

IF BOLT FAILURE OCCURS TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT, IT WOULDALLOW THE SEAT BACK TO SUDDENLY RECLINE, AND COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FOAM AND/OR VINYL FROM BETWEEN THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME "SOFT" JOINT AND REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS.

85V160000SteeringDecember 3, 1985 · 26,741 units

Defect

A PART OF THE STEERING GEAR HOUSING WHICH ATTACHES TO THE FRAME MAY BREAK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: STEERING DIFFICULTIES WILL OCCUR AND THE STEERING GEAR TO THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

REPLACE BROKEN OR CRACKED STEERING GEAR OR INSTALL A BRACE IF STEERING GEAR IS NOT BROKEN OR CRACKED.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“OWNER STATES UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE.THE FIRE STARTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CAUSE HAS BEEN UNDETERMINED, OWNER ALSO NOTES THAT BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE HOOD LATCH ON THIS VEHICLE IS MADE HE HAD A HARD TIME IN LIFTING THE HOOD. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · fire

“OWNER STATES UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE.THE FIRE STARTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CAUSE HAS BEEN UNDETERMINED, OWNER ALSO NOTES THAT BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE HOOD LATCH ON THIS VEHICLE IS MADE HE HAD A HARD TIME IN LIFTING THE HOOD. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · fire

1985 GMC Safari — common questions

Is the 1985 GMC Safari reliable?

The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1985 GMC Safari have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 GMC Safari. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 GMC Safari under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Safari years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Safari years to avoid are 1995, 1997, 1996, 1994, 1998, 2000, 1999, 1993, 1992, 1991. The cleanest record among Safari years belongs to 1984.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.