VehicleVerdict

1994 GMC Safari problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 142 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.6 times the median Safari year — the 1994 model ranks #4 of 24 Safari years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 41 reports (29% of the total).

142

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other Safari years?

Safari NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 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, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Safari years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 GMC Safari problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes4129%
Visibility & Wipers3021%
Suspension1511%
Airbags96%
Electrical System86%
Engine64%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)54%
Steering54%
Transmission43%
Fuel System43%
Body & Structure43%
Seats43%
Speed Control32%
Seat Belts21%
Tires & Wheels11%
Other11%

Does the 1994 GMC Safari have recalls?

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

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.

94V087000OtherMay 9, 1994 · 2,255 units

Defect

THE MANUFACTURER'S CERTIFICATION LABEL AND/OR THE DRIVER AIR BAG ADVISORY LABEL MAY BE MISSING FROM THE VEHICLES, WHICH DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF 49 CFR 567.

Consequence

CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE: OWNERS OF VEHICLE WOULD BE UNAWARE OF THE LOAD CAPACITY OF THE VANS, THE VAN BUILD DATE, AND WOULD NOT HAVE ANY ASSURANCE THAT THE VANS MEET THE FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS.

Remedy

THE LABELS WILL BE FURNISHED TO OWNER'S FOR INSTALLATION ON THE VEHICLES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN DRIVING ON A SLICK SPOT VEHICLE WAS HIT. WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES, THE ANTI-SKID SYSTEM ENGAGED. WHEELS BEGAN TO SLIDE AND TURN ON THE SLICK SPOT, AND VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · crash

“INTERMITTENTLY WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WHILE IN MOTION AND MOTOR IS STILL RUNNING. PROBLEM HAS EXISTED FOR 5 YEARS. DEALER WAS NEVER INFORMED ABOUT ONGOING PROBLEM.*AK CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM IS SPORADIC, THE WIPERS STOPPING RUNNING WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY.*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers

“CATASRTOPHIC FRONT SUSPENSION FAILURE OF THE LEFT TORSION BAR ON A 1994 GMC SAFARI AWD VAN. APPARENTLY, THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM MUST NOW BE REPLACED DUE TO "SUPERSEDED PARTS" FROM GM. *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · May 17, 2003 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AT 12:00 POSITION AND HIT A TREE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED 2 BROKEN ARMS. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · crash

“WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE 2 YEARS AGO. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, WE HAD A PROBLEM IN A MALL PARKING LOT WHEREIN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (DASH BOARD, POWER WINDOWS, A/C, RADIO) FAILED AT THE VERY SAME TIME AS THE TRANSMISSION, WHICH WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 1ST GEAR. THE PROBLEM WENT AWAY AFTER WE TURNED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 15, 2003

1994 GMC Safari — common questions

Is the 1994 GMC Safari reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 142 complaints put the 1994 model at #4 of 24 Safari years. It is one of the Safari years to avoid.

What are the most common 1994 Safari problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (41 complaints), visibility & wipers (30 complaints), suspension (15 complaints).

Does the 1994 GMC Safari have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 GMC Safari. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1994 GMC Safari under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.