1991 GMC Safari Problems
- Complaints
- 39filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 162,000miles, 4 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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
- 17 mpgcombined, 4.3L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1991 GMC Safari (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1991 GMC Safari. The part named most often is brakes, with 16 complaints (41% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain (7) and seat belts (4). 4 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 162,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 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.
- Brakes16 41%
- Seat belts4 10%
- Seats4 10%
- Electrical system3 7.7%
- Engine cooling3 7.7%
- Equipment3 7.7%
- Vehicle speed control3 7.7%
- Other or unknown2 5.1%
Also reported: Steering (2), Exterior lighting (1), Interior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Loss of brake action due to instant fluid loss. Brake line ruptured due to extreme and isolated corrosion in brakeline located area of gasoline tank (forward of rear axle on driver's side.) no notice or prior events leading to failure. Have noted many internet complaints of this nature and location on both Gmc Safari and chevrolet astro vans and silverado light trucks - year and/or mileage not a factor.”
NHTSA complaint #10272630, filed 2009-06, 277,500 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I have had more transmission problems from my 1991 Gmc Safari mini van than all other previous vehicles I've ever owned. I'm looking at my third transmission overhaul soon (seems like one every two years) and I don't drive fast and don't have a hitch to "pull" anything. Currently, my transmission slips into neutral when the transmission shifts from 2nd to drive. It went from happening once a month to approximately 4-6 times a day. The transmissions shops I've seen say I need an overhaul again. I hate this Gmc automatic transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #10070717, filed 2004-01, 150,000 milesSeat belts: “While driving at approx 15 MPH prepairing to stop, weather condition was dry, rear ended vehicle in front. Went to apply brakes, heard noise ,no reaction, no skid marks from wheels. Dealership cannot find problem. Changed brakepads and shoes/rotors/master cylinder. This defect can result in an accident. Serpentine belt replaced due to causing noise. Transmission slipping, dealer found no problems. Front brakes worn to sensors, dealer has replaced rear brake drums replaced, front caliper dragging. Consumer states frost coming out of vents at times. …”
NHTSA complaint #818155, filed 1997-11Seats: “Driving at approximately 40-45 consumer hit tree. Defect in driver's power seat, caused the seatback to fall onto passenger who was sitting behind driver.”
NHTSA complaint #825554, filed 1998-08Mileage when problems were reported
0% of the 4 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 150,000 and 174,000 miles.
Complaints 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 1991 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 1991 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) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Safari 2WD (passenger) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| 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 | 14 | 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.
Recall details for the 1991 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 1991 GMC Safari have?
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 1991 GMC Safari as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1991 GMC Safari is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 16 complaints (41% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 7.
Has the 1991 GMC Safari been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1991 GMC Safari get?
The EPA rates the 1991 GMC Safari (Safari 2WD (cargo), 4.3L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1991 GMC Safari reported?
Among the 4 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 162,000 miles and the middle half falls between 150,000 and 174,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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.