VehicleVerdict

2005 GMC Safari problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 2005 GMC Safari — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Safari years?

Safari NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Safari years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 GMC Safari problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering225%
Body & Structure225%
Brakes113%
Engine113%
Other113%
Suspension113%

Does the 2005 GMC Safari have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“1. THE BREAKING SYSTEM IS REAL BAD THAT CAUSED A GREAT SHAKING IN THE STIRRING WHEEL. 2. UNUSUAL SOUND IN THE BACK OF THE VAN 3. RATTLING NOISE IN THE SHELVES 4. STIRRING WHEEL IS NOT WORKING GOOD WHEN MAKING A U-TURN, I NEED SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE MAKING A COMPLETE U-TURN. 5. NOISE IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 19, 2004

“1. THE BREAKING SYSTEM IS REAL BAD THAT CAUSED A GREAT SHAKING IN THE STIRRING WHEEL. 2. UNUSUAL SOUND IN THE BACK OF THE VAN 3. RATTLING NOISE IN THE SHELVES 4. STIRRING WHEEL IS NOT WORKING GOOD WHEN MAKING A U-TURN, I NEED SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE MAKING A COMPLETE U-TURN. 5. NOISE IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 19, 2004

“1. THE BREAKING SYSTEM IS REAL BAD THAT CAUSED A GREAT SHAKING IN THE STIRRING WHEEL. 2. UNUSUAL SOUND IN THE BACK OF THE VAN 3. RATTLING NOISE IN THE SHELVES 4. STIRRING WHEEL IS NOT WORKING GOOD WHEN MAKING A U-TURN, I NEED SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE MAKING A COMPLETE U-TURN. 5. NOISE IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 19, 2004

“1. THE BREAKING SYSTEM IS REAL BAD THAT CAUSED A GREAT SHAKING IN THE STIRRING WHEEL. 2. UNUSUAL SOUND IN THE BACK OF THE VAN 3. RATTLING NOISE IN THE SHELVES 4. STIRRING WHEEL IS NOT WORKING GOOD WHEN MAKING A U-TURN, I NEED SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE MAKING A COMPLETE U-TURN. 5. NOISE IN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 19, 2004

2005 GMC Safari — common questions

Is the 2005 GMC Safari reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 GMC Safari have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 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.