1996 GMC Safari Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 21%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 GMC Safari, 21% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,500 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Since the middle of last year, we experienced a problem w/ABS brakes. When you would slow down & get to about 20 MPH, the van would start to lock up rendering the vehicle out of control & unable to stop. We took it to our usual mechanic who determined the sensor on the driver side was bad & replaced it. That lasted about 6 months & we had the same problem reoccur. Again, our mechanic looked at it (pulling his hair out mind you) & determined that there was unequal voltage, so he replaced both sensors. Now again we started having the same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070281, filed 2004-01, 109,000 miles“Consumer stated while driving, the anti-lock brake system light illuminated, suddenly the brake pedal went to the floor. Consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop.”
NHTSA complaint #10033874, filed 2003-09, 110,000 miles“I had the air conditioner replaced in dec. And in feb. I had just driven in from ga to ca and it was 7:30am in the middle of traffic and the front of the air condit. Unit fell off. I heard what I thought was rocks hitting under the front end and later found out it was bearings, but just as I heard the sound I lost my power steering and brakes. I had no brakes at all .. I hit my emergency brake slowly and power steered my van to the side of the road. It took everything I had to turn the wheel . If I had been going 60 on the freeway instead of 10 miles an hr. …”
NHTSA complaint #722144, filed 2000-05“My vehicle was moving about 10 m.p.h. In preparation to stop behind several vehicles at a red light. I applied my brakes in an attempt to come to a complete stop; however, the brakes failed to engage. I then put full pressure on the brake pedal. The pedal went down almost to the floor, but the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. As a result of this brake failure, my vehicle struck the vehicle in front of it which in turn struck a third vehicle. My vehicle was towed to a mechanic who was able to duplicate the failure. At this time however, he is unable to determine what is causing the failure.”
NHTSA complaint #753776, filed 2001-10“Consumer states that when trying to apply the brakes the brake pedal will go to the floor causing the vehicle to have extended stopping distance. Dealer notified. *mrthe brake line ruptured causing total loss of brakes. There was an air conditioning line routed across the brake line which wore a hole in the brake line causing the failure.”
NHTSA complaint #8020427, filed 2002-10Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10028790Nov 1, 2010General 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…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 20% |
| 2003 | 7 | 39% |
| 2002 | 12 | 48% |
| 2001 | 14 | 36% |
| 2000 | 28 | 41% |
| 1999 | 18 | 30% |
| 1998 | 14 | 16% |
| 1997 | 18 | 13% |
| 1996 | 29 | 21% |
| 1995 | 60 | 31% |
| 1994 | 39 | 33% |
| 1993 | 30 | 49% |
| 1992 | 28 | 47% |
| 1991 | 16 | 41% |
| 1990 | 15 | 43% |
| 1987 | 2 | 18% |
| 1986 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Safari
33 complaintsSuspension
29 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 GMC Safari
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology