VehicleVerdict

1991 GMC Safari problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 60 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Safari year — the 1991 model ranks #10 of 24 Safari years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 19 reports (32% of the total).

60

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

4

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Safari years?

Safari NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 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, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Safari years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 GMC Safari problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1932%
Transmission712%
Seats47%
Engine47%
Other47%
Seat Belts47%
Visibility & Wipers35%
Electrical System35%
Speed Control35%
Steering23%
Lighting23%
Body & Structure12%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)12%
Suspension12%
Tires & Wheels12%
Latches & Locks12%

Does the 1991 GMC Safari have recalls?

4 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.

93V119000BrakesAugust 2, 1993 · 341,364 units

Defect

SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.

Consequence

SEPARATION OF THE ROTOR SECTIONS CAN CAUSE LOSS OFBRAKING ABILITY IN THE AFFECTED WHEEL. THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPINGDISTANCE AND/OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS.

91V164000Seat BeltsSeptember 20, 1991 · 4,842 units

Defect

SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE BAR FOR REAR SOFA FAILED TO SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210.

Consequence

VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 210.

Remedy

REPLACE NONCOMPLYING SOFA BAR WITH BAR THAT MEETS REQUIREMENTS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 1, 1997 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 1, 1997 · crash

“I HAVE HAD MORE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS FROM MY 1991 GMC SAFARI MINI VAN THAN ALL OTHER PREVIOUS VEHICLES I'VE EVER OWNED. I'M LOOKING AT MY THIRD TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL SOON (SEEMS LIKE ONE EVERY TWO YEARS) AND I DON'T DRIVE FAST AND DON'T HAVE A HITCH TO "PULL" ANYTHING. CURRENTLY, MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 15, 1997

“DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40-45 CONSUMER HIT TREE. DEFECT IN DRIVER'S POWER SEAT, CAUSED THE SEATBACK TO FALL ONTO PASSENGER WHO WAS SITTING BEHIND DRIVER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · July 12, 1998 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 1997 · crash

1991 GMC Safari — common questions

Is the 1991 GMC Safari reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 60 complaints put the 1991 model at #10 of 24 Safari years. It is one of the Safari years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Safari problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (19 complaints), transmission (7 complaints), engine (4 complaints).

Does the 1991 GMC Safari have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 GMC Safari. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 GMC Safari under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 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.