1996 GMC Safari Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 24%of 139 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 GMC Safari, 24% of the 139 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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“Power windows do not work. Consumer checked the fuses, and the fuses are not the problem. Consumer took the vehicle to an after market repair shop where the defect was noticed. No recall found on this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10095233, filed 2004-11, 78,000 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“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“Wiper switch disconnects when turned on . Gmc service manager believes there were recalls for this defect but unable to find for Gmc vehicle; believes there was recall for same problem on other Gmc - chevrolet astrol models. Reports there have been a lot of similar defects seen and to wait until recall is official before replacing $100. Switch.”
NHTSA complaint #704817, filed 1999-03Related recalls
- 03V159000Apr 28, 2003On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked…Covers: GMC Safari 1995–1997, Chevrolet Suburban 1994–1997, GMC Suburban 1994–1997 +10 more
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 6% |
| 2002 | 3 | 12% |
| 2001 | 3 | 8% |
| 2000 | 2 | 3% |
| 1999 | 2 | 3% |
| 1998 | 10 | 11% |
| 1997 | 29 | 21% |
| 1996 | 33 | 24% |
| 1995 | 38 | 19% |
| 1994 | 30 | 25% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 3 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1996 GMC Safari
29 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