1996 GMC Safari Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 8%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the steering of the 1996 GMC Safari, 8% of the 139 complaints for this model year.
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.
“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“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 2000-05“While turning or backing out of a parking space or making a turn steering wheel would make a loud noise. Consumer states he took vehicle to dealership and was advised that both front tie rod ends were loose and the vehicle could not be aligned properly which was causing abnormal tire wear on the front, consumer had the parts replaced and the vehicle was realigned, consumer was advised that idler arms were not buiilt strong enough.”
NHTSA complaint #886458, filed 2001-04“Left idle arm has exhibited excessive wear and needed to be replaced in order for vehicle to pass inspection. *note: consumer stated that this was a wide spread problem in these vehicles based on research he has done.”
NHTSA complaint #890528, filed 2001-06“While driving at approximately 20 MPH power steering pump failed/ cracked in half, causing loss of power steering and power brakes. Power steering pump controls both power steering and power brakes which could have resulted in a crash.”
NHTSA complaint #852014, filed 1999-10Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 20% |
| 2003 | 1 | 6% |
| 2002 | 2 | 8% |
| 2001 | 4 | 10% |
| 2000 | 6 | 9% |
| 1999 | 3 | 5% |
| 1998 | 6 | 7% |
| 1997 | 14 | 10% |
| 1996 | 11 | 8% |
| 1995 | 8 | 4% |
| 1994 | 5 | 4% |
| 1993 | 5 | 8% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 2 | 5% |
| 1990 | 2 | 6% |
| 1989 | 7 | 39% |
| 1988 | 2 | 29% |
| 1987 | 3 | 27% |
| 1986 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Safari
33 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsSuspension
29 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsEquipment
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 30, 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