VehicleVerdict

1999 GMC Safari problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 92 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Safari year — the 1999 model ranks #7 of 24 Safari years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (20), transmission (20), and fuel system (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

92

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Safari years?

Safari NHTSA complaints by model year, 1999 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, 1999 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Safari years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 GMC Safari problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2022%
Transmission2022%
Engine89%
Fuel System89%
Seat Belts67%
Electrical System67%
Airbags33%
Speed Control33%
Steering33%
Tires & Wheels33%
Suspension22%
Other22%
Lighting22%
Body & Structure22%
Visibility & Wipers22%
Latches & Locks11%
Seats11%

Does the 1999 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).

06E026000LightingMarch 23, 2006 · 61,944 units

Defect

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

01V123000Seat BeltsApril 10, 2001 · 461,851 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 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.

Consequence

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW ALARM MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 27, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“RED ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TRANSMISSION WAS JUMPING INTO GEAR, WITH 26,000 MILES, TOOK TO DEALER THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. TOOK TRIP TO FLORIDA RED LIGHT CAME ON TOOK TO AAMCO TRANSMISSION (36,000 MI) FOUND PROBLEM,850$, SAID THIS WAS COMMON WITH THIS VEHICLE. GMC PAID ME HALF, GOING TO COURT WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 10, 2002

“WHILE TRYING TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT AT 20 MPH, AND WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL VEHICLE WENT INTO EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, CAUSING CONSUMER TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *AK AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY DURING ACCIDENT. *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 10, 1999 · crash

“CONUSMERS VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN FOR REPAIRS OF THE FUEL INJECTORS SIX TIMES. VEHICLE IS NOT RUNNING PROPERLY BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED RESULTING IN NECESSARY FLUSHING OF THE INJECTORS. THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR IS LEAKING AND THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE NEEDED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 16, 2000

“RED ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON TRANSMISSION WAS JUMPING INTO GEAR, WITH 26,000 MILES, TOOK TO DEALER THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. TOOK TRIP TO FLORIDA RED LIGHT CAME ON TOOK TO AAMCO TRANSMISSION (36,000 MI) FOUND PROBLEM,850$, SAID THIS WAS COMMON WITH THIS VEHICLE. GMC PAID ME HALF, GOING TO COURT WITH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 10, 2002

“THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, WHERE THE SEAT BELTS IN THE REAR DID NOT HOLD THE PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. MR SCC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · November 2, 2002 · crash

1999 GMC Safari — common questions

Is the 1999 GMC Safari reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 92 complaints put the 1999 model at #7 of 24 Safari years. It is one of the Safari years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Safari problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (20 complaints), transmission (20 complaints), fuel system (8 complaints).

Does the 1999 GMC Safari have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 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.

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.