1997 GMC Safari Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 10%of 135 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,272miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the steering of the 1997 GMC Safari, 10% of the 135 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,272 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“A/c/heating: rear heat went out and had to be rewired engine: the water pump went out and had to replace it, that was covered by warranty. But still has a front oil leak some where in the front. Other: I heard a grinding noise while going down the road I took it in to the dealer I bought it from and they looked it over and said nothing was wrong. Shortly after warranty ran out the transfer case went out so we had a used one put in and it only lasted four months now it sits in the garage there should be something to do about the transfer case they should last longer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070433, filed 2004-01, 122,000 miles“Idler arms should not go bad at 36k miles. The dealer where we purchased has been sold. The problem was discovered when we took the vehicle for pa state inspection (annual). Obviously the idler arms did not go bad from mile 36000 to 36900. We are still within the three years and only over the mileage by 900 miles. But the dealer we took it to would not cover the problem, and charged $525.44 to replace front brakes and idler arms.”
NHTSA complaint #706703, filed 1999-05“A new vehichle should never have these kinds of problems. Gmc could care less about my problems because they were out of warranty and I had to pay for them. Each time cost over $1,000 dollars. No safety defect listed in summary.”
NHTSA complaint #719600, filed 2000-03“Consumer can't turn steering wheel if brake is fully applied. This is a problem when driving, esecially trying to parallel park, going into reverse. Consumer test drove another vehicle that did the same thing. Dealer said that this was design of the vehicle & nothing was subject to change. Consumer was going to contact the manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #871524, filed 2000-09“Vehicle experience problems with power steering pump leaking/gas pedal sticking/gas indicator always reading full tank of gas/engine light coming on and off, and transmission slipping which may cause a crash. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #841157, filed 1999-06Related service bulletins
- 10021450Mar 1, 2007Reduced steering effort (diagnose/replace steering wheel position sensor).
Steering: 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 1997 GMC Safari
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsFuel system
17 complaintsElectrical system
11 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 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