1996 GMC Safari Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 9%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 GMC Safari, 9% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Electrical system fails even with new battery, alternator. When I attempt to start vehicle all power is lost. Happened last year is happening again, only in winter. Kills battery after battery. Have bought 3 batteries, now the electrical power just does not come on.”
NHTSA complaint #10296435, filed 2009-12, 130,000 miles“Intermittently rear windshield wipers become inoperable, obstructing driver's view. The accelerator cable was replaced twice. The alternator was replaced three times. The water pump was replaced twice. The driver's side power window motor was replaced and the passenger side needs to be replaced. The driver's side seat motor failed. The hatch failed. The rear captain chairs seat belts broke.”
NHTSA complaint #10038013, filed 2003-10, 93,000 miles“The consumer 1996 Gmc Safari van electrical problem with fuel pump. The fuel pump did not pump fuel. The fuel pump suffered electrical damage. The fuel filter was changed when the rebuilt engine was placed in the vehicle. The main bearing was shot.”
NHTSA complaint #10112837, filed 2005-02, 87,000 miles“Alternator had to be replaced. Then, air conditioner was blowing hot air, and consumer took vehicle to a repair shop. They told her that intake manifold was rubbing against a block connecting with air conditioning unit, and this was causing air conditioning coolant to run out onto the ground.”
NHTSA complaint #867449, filed 2000-08“Abs light would come on/ pedal jerked, and there were no brakes. Contacted dealer. He said that it was a sensor that needed to be reset. Replaced computer module. Vehicle has been dealer about five times, and is still at the dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #863796, filed 2000-06Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 3 | 12% |
| 2001 | 9 | 23% |
| 2000 | 6 | 9% |
| 1999 | 4 | 7% |
| 1998 | 9 | 10% |
| 1997 | 11 | 8% |
| 1996 | 12 | 9% |
| 1995 | 9 | 5% |
| 1994 | 8 | 7% |
| 1993 | 6 | 10% |
| 1992 | 6 | 10% |
| 1991 | 3 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Safari
33 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsSuspension
29 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 29, 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