1990 GMC Safari Problems
- Complaints
- 35filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 4campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl RWD · 17 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 GMC Safari (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 1990 GMC Safari. The part named most often is brakes, with 15 complaints (43% of the total), followed by body and structure (6) and seat belts (4). Of all complaints, 2 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the rotor and 1 technical service bulletin filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes15 43%
- Body and structure6 17%
- Seat belts4 11%
- Seats4 11%
- Electrical system2 5.7%
- Engine cooling2 5.7%
- Steering2 5.7%
- Suspension2 5.7%
- Exterior lighting1 2.9%
Also reported: Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Abs brake problems; during normal braking at low speed in no inclement weather, mostly when coming out of the driveway(very little hill), when applying the brakes, the pedal goes straight to the floor and the truck does not stop. After the truck sits for one to two minutes and the brakes are normal, dealer not able to detect a prolbem with the system.”
NHTSA complaint #823168, filed 1998-05Body and structure: “In dry weather applied the brakes and ABS light came on and there were no brakes, took to dealer and he replaced the computer system, the passenger's and midle bench seat belt buckles broke on three different occasions, the ECM failed when driving and the electric lock also failed.”
NHTSA complaint #807192, filed 1997-01Seat belts: “The 2 front safety belts dont work properly, if you lean forward the shoulder belt stay loose and don't come back against the passenger, also a rear lap belt which is supposed to be able to retract and lock into place after it is pulled all the way out does not work. I had contacted GM a couple years ago and they said they would make a note of it but would not offer to fix them. I think beings this is a safety issue they should repair it. The belts have been like this ever since we bought the van, it was a used vehicle, we didnt buy it new. …”
NHTSA complaint #721319, filed 2000-04Seats: “Consumer have received recall notice 93v187000 for frontal seats. Rear seats are the same type of seats with a different package. But, manufacturer refused to replace the parts as stated in the recall for the rear seats. The front and the rear seats are reclining seat for this van unlike other vans.”
NHTSA complaint #870995, filed 2000-09Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1990 GMC Safari. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safari · 3 DR | not rated | 1 / 1 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1990 GMC Safari version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safari 2WD (cargo) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Safari 2WD (cargo) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Safari 2WD (cargo) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Safari 2WD (passenger) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Safari AWD (cargo) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Safari AWD (passenger) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 18 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 93V187000Nov 16, 1993SeatsCovers: GMC Safari 1985–1991, Chevrolet Astro 1985–1991, Suburban 1989–1990 +1 more
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.
- 93V119000Aug 2, 1993Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › RotorCovers: GMC Safari 1988–1992, Chevrolet Blazer 1988–1992, Suburban 1988–1992 +6 more
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.
- 91V164000Sep 20, 1991Seat belts › Front › AnchorageCovers: GMC Safari 1989–1991, Ford Aerostar 1989–1991, Chevrolet Astro 1989–1991 +1 more
Seat belt anchorage bar for rear sofa failed to sustain loads required by fmvss 210.
- 90V146000Aug 13, 1990Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: GMC Safari 1990, Chevrolet Astro 1990
Fuel return hoses may break at either crimped coupling, causing a leakage of fuel.
Recall details for the 1990 GMC Safari → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10028790Nov 1, 2010Brakes. General motors: on all 1988-2009 full size chevrolet/gmc pickups, utilities and vans, the brake pedal will move down or self apply during full lock turns or near full lock turns. Chevrolet astro and…
Other model years of the GMC Safari
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 5 | 17,000 | 0 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 18 | 46,400 | 1 | — | 16 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 25 | 32,265 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 39 | 52,825 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 68 | 51,000 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 61 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 89 | 71,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 135 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 139 | 93,615 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 195 | 112,000 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 119 | 107,500 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 61 | 80,000 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 59 | 99,250 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 39 | 162,000 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 35 | — | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 18 | 117,260 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 7 | — | 2 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 11 | 1,912 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 7 | — | 1 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
All GMC Safari model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1990 GMC Safari have?
NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 1990 GMC Safari as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 GMC Safari is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 15 complaints (43% of the total), followed by body and structure with 6.
Has the 1990 GMC Safari been recalled?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1990 GMC Safari get?
The EPA rates the 1990 GMC Safari (Safari 2WD (cargo), 2.5L 4-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.