1992 GMC Safari problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 66 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Safari year — the 1992 model ranks #9 of 24 Safari years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 47% of all reports (31 of 66), far ahead of suspension at 11.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Safari years?

Safari NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Safari years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 GMC Safari problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	31	47%	▲ up
Suspension	11	17%	▲ up
Electrical System	6	9%	▲ up
Transmission	3	5%	▼ down
Other	3	5%	— flat
Seat Belts	3	5%	— flat
Seats	2	3%	▼ down
Speed Control	2	3%	▼ down
Steering	1	2%	▼ down
Body & Structure	1	2%	— flat
Engine	1	2%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	1	2%	— flat
Child Seat	1	2%	new

Does the 1992 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).

06E041000Fuel SystemMay 18, 2006 · 7,800 units

Defect

CERTAIN R&B, INC. CENTRAL MULTIPORT FUEL INJECTION (CMFI) FUEL RETURN LINES, MODELS HELP 55163, NAPA BALKAMP 700-3270, AND THE CONNECTION 2560001, SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE FUEL RETURN LINE HAS A MECHANICAL BLEED VALVE WHICH WAS NOT INSTALLED AT THE PROPER TORQUE.

Consequence

A FUEL LEAK CAN OCCUR AT THE VALVE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

R&B, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND AT THE CUSTOMERS REQUEST, EITHER REPLACE THE FUEL LINE OR OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 4, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT R&B, INC. AT 215-712-5330.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ABS FAILURE, WHILE DRIVING ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND DRIVER COULD HEAR THE BRAKES MAKING A ROARING NOISE, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. THIS CAUSED A REAR-END CRASH. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A BODY SHOP. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 31, 1996 · crash

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE'S FRONT SUSPENSION DROPPED ONTO THE FRONT TIRES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND NOT IN USE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE SHOCKS TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE BUT THE SHOCKS DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THERE WAS NOTHING THAT LED UP…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 7, 2006

“WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING. TT CONSUMER STATES THIS HAPPENS WHEN EVERIT WANTS, WITH NO WARNING AT ALL, THE VEHICLE JUST STALLS WITH NO DAHS WARNING LIGHTS, TO RESTART CONSUMER HAS TO PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND IT WILL RESTART, CONSUMER STATES THIS HAS HAPPENED FOUR…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 19, 1993

“VIN # UNAVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. CONSUMER FRONT PASSENGER AND BOTH MIDDLE ROW CAPTAIN SEATS BELTS LOCKING MACHANISMS DO NOT WORK. THE BACK DOOR HANDLE HAS BROKEN, AND THE DOOR CAN NOT BE USED. (BACK DOOR HANDLE IS BEING REPAIRED AT THIS TIME BY GURLEY LEEP BUICK/GMC TRUCK INC. PH. # [PHONE]). *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · June 15, 1997

1992 GMC Safari — common questions

Is the 1992 GMC Safari reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 66 complaints put the 1992 model at #9 of 24 Safari years. It is one of the Safari years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Safari problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (31 complaints), suspension (11 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 1992 GMC Safari have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 GMC Safari. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 1992 compare to other Safari years?

What are the most common 1992 GMC Safari problems?

Does the 1992 GMC Safari have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1992 GMC Safari — common questions

Is the 1992 GMC Safari reliable?

What are the most common 1992 Safari problems?

Does the 1992 GMC Safari have recalls?

Which GMC Safari years should you avoid?

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