1999 GMC Safari Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 31%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,350miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 GMC Safari, 31% of the 61 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,350 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Red engine light came on transmission was jumping into gear, with 26,000 miles, took to dealer they found nothing wrong. Took trip to florida red light came on took to aamco transmission (36,000 mi) found problem,850$, said this was common with this vehicle. Gmc paid me half, going to court with dealer for other half. My warranty was over due to years.”
NHTSA complaint #10021337, filed 2003-06, 26,000 miles“I own a 1999 Gmc Safari that had its transmission fail at less than 50,000 miles. It failed before its first scheduled maintenance. I contacted the dealer and was told I was out of the 3/36 warranty period so I was out of luck.”
NHTSA complaint #10032542, filed 2003-08, 40,000 miles“This morning (5/4/05) while driving my 1999 Gmc Safari, I experienced a jolt and a high RPM rev and a long 1-2 shift. I got to my destination (1/4 mile up the road) and then discovered that I had no reverse. I immediately drove to the dealer (a 6-mile drive). I noticed in addition to no reverse, there was also no overdrive (4th gear). The preliminary diagnosis from the dealer is a failed sun shell assembly. They (the dealer) indentifies this as a common problem. To repair it requires a major overhaul a nearly $2000.00 repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #10119776, filed 2005-05, 88,700 miles“Dear whom it may concern, last monday(5-17-04) my car would not start. Prior to that the car was running fine, it has been a dependable vehicle. The f- control had broke in two. The car can not go into gear and/or changes gears without notice when the f control is broken. The car was towed the next day to the dealer. It was at the dealer until friday(052104), due to the need to order the f control part. The car seems to be repaired. I do have the old part. I am notifying you due to the potential loss of life if a vehicle was being driven when the f control breaks. …”
NHTSA complaint #10073029, filed 2004-05, 87,302 miles“While driving over 50 MPH vehicle vibrated. Consumer was in touch with the dealer and manufacturer, but the problem still existed. Consumer stated that the driveshaft was the problem, yet they won't do anything about it.”
NHTSA complaint #10080166, filed 2004-06, 44,200 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10096073Feb 17, 2016This preliminary information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a…
- 10115081Nov 2, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission…
- 10114916Oct 21, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicle that after a transmission or torque converter replacement the vehicle may have a…
- 10017190Oct 27, 20054l60e, 4l65e replacement valve body gaskets does not seem to fit.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 20% |
| 2003 | 2 | 11% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2000 | 5 | 7% |
| 1999 | 19 | 31% |
| 1998 | 8 | 9% |
| 1997 | 21 | 16% |
| 1996 | 3 | 2% |
| 1995 | 5 | 3% |
| 1994 | 4 | 3% |
| 1993 | 6 | 10% |
| 1992 | 3 | 5% |
| 1991 | 7 | 18% |
| 1989 | 2 | 11% |
| 1987 | 1 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1999 GMC Safari
18 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 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