1996 GMC Safari Body and structure 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 body and structure 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.
“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 windshield wipers failed intermittently, never know when they will work, or won't work. 1996 Gmc jimmy's had same problem, which was recalled and fixed by Gmc dealers, why haven't the safaris? I have seen several complaints that have been reported, this is a safety hazard!!!!!! Some times they work and sometimes they don't. I have had to drive in the rain w/o wipers, and it's dangerous!!!!! Also the hydraulics that hold the top half of teh rear hatch door open, have failed three times. We had the dealer replace them twice, but at over $100.00 each time, it's getting expensive. …”
NHTSA complaint #721381, filed 2000-04“Sliding door does not sit on track properly. Intermittently door is inoperable. Dealer has repaired vehicle more than fifteen times. Consumer states door will not open without banging, consumer listed that 2 people had been injured.”
NHTSA complaint #888968, filed 2001-05“While the windshield wipers are in use the windshield wipers malfunctioned, causing visual diffculty which may cause an accident. Been to dealer on several occasions. Dealer cannot determine problem. Dealer replaced the fuses. Cause unknown. *akpower door locks inoperable.”
NHTSA complaint #829184, filed 1998-10“Back door post broken at its base, thru inside c channel (outside skin still intact). Exact failure time not known, just noticed crack when entering car. Apparent failure from metal fatigue; no known impact or cause of failure. Gmc has denied warranty claim saying that it is sheet metal failure, which is not covered. I'm contending that is a fialure to a structural member and therefore covered. Is there any record of similar failures on any Gmc product that may utilize the same door?”
NHTSA complaint #715830, filed 1999-12Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 6% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 5% |
| 2000 | 7 | 10% |
| 1999 | 2 | 3% |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% |
| 1997 | 8 | 6% |
| 1996 | 12 | 9% |
| 1995 | 9 | 5% |
| 1994 | 3 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 2% |
| 1992 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 6 | 17% |
| 1989 | 2 | 11% |
| 1988 | 1 | 14% |
| 1987 | 2 | 18% |
| 1986 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Safari
33 complaintsBrakes
29 complaintsSuspension
29 complaintsElectrical system
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