1997 GMC Safari Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 8%of 135 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,804miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 GMC Safari, 8% of the 135 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,804 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“September 1, 1999: AC problem (not cooling) repaired under warranty. November 3, 1999: left drivers door window motor replaced under warranty (not passenger side as documented on the invoice). January 31, 2003: I wrote to Gmc customer service via email, detailing some problems that had developed with my van. I complained that the drivers window motor was intermittent at best. I mentioned was the windshield wipers worked erratically. My low setting on the AC fan was inoperable, and eventually all 3 levels stopped. …”
NHTSA complaint #10072604, filed 2004-05, 32,804 miles“At 90000 miles, windshield wipers on my 97 Gmc Safari suddenly started to fail while driving in the rain. 10 minutes later they might work for a while. This started happening regularly. I had several near accidents on the freeways of los angeles as a result. I was told by one web forum it was faulty leads due to wire harness stress. I have not been able to afford to fix the problem and now avoid the freeways in the rain.”
NHTSA complaint #10129852, filed 2005-07“1997 Gmc Safari complete power failure which negates power steering, power brakes, and is a danger to me and my family! I never know when the power will go out. It has gone out on at least 10 occasions since I purchased the vehicle. Also, the transmission slams into gear on occasion at no specific interval. There can be several days seperating the incidents; no logical pattern. I have taken the vehicle to martin cadillac in los angeles at least 4 times to have these problems fixed and so far they have been unable to duplicate the problems and make the fix.”
NHTSA complaint #10030456, filed 2003-07“While driving consumer smelled smoke coming from the vents, and underneath hood from the windshield. Consumer pulled over, lifted up the hood, and vehicle caught on fire. Consumer was able to extinguishe the fire. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10089678, filed 2004-08“A malfunctioning wiring harness causing loss of all instrument panel lights. Also, turn signal became inoperative, consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer has pulled all types of wires out of the engine compartment, problem still occurs.”
NHTSA complaint #858791, filed 2000-03Related 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 1997 GMC Safari
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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