1996 GMC Safari Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 7%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 87,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 GMC Safari, 7% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 87,000 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.
“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“Problem with 1996 Gmc Safari van not starting. The mechanic found the fuel pump was not pumping fuel. Upon retrieving the fuel pump from the gas tank, he found it to have suffered severe electrical damage. The actual failure was not the fuel pump, but because it generated enough heat to melt the hose coming from the pump along the connection. The consumer also stated he had to have a rebuilt engine installed after the first engine failed with only 87,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10115064, filed 2005-02, 87,000 miles“Windshield wipers do not operate - recalled - dealer claims it was repaired, now wipers operate whenever it feels like it. Both torsion rods failed without warning within 1 day apart of each other. Mechanic revealed that GM now has a special technique to be done when this happens and it costs an extra $90 to repair. Which means they are aware of the problem and will not recall the vehicles and replace at their cost. Broken spark plug almost killed my family. Fuel pump went out. Driver's side window does not roll down, driver's side view mirror does not operate.”
NHTSA complaint #10070505, filed 2004-01, 66,000 miles“Started vehicle in the garage and heard a clunking & grinding noise. Kept vehicle running, backed out of the garage, turned the wheel, and there was no steering. Went to apply brakes , and there were no brakes. Contacted dealer. . Vehicle lost power and brakes due to tension pulley was broke.”
NHTSA complaint #862104, filed 2000-05Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10139019May 3, 2013This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10012145Jun 1, 2004Boom type noise during engine warm up. This service bulletin replaces 000605001a.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 2 | 11% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 8% |
| 2000 | 5 | 7% |
| 1999 | 6 | 10% |
| 1998 | 6 | 7% |
| 1997 | 18 | 13% |
| 1996 | 10 | 7% |
| 1995 | 16 | 8% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
| 1993 | 3 | 5% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 3 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 6% |
| 1989 | 3 | 17% |
| 1988 | 1 | 14% |
| 1987 | 4 | 36% |
| 1986 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Safari
33 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsSuspension
29 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsSteering
11 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 28, 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