2001 GMC Safari Problems
- Complaints
- 39filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 52,825miles, 24 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 4.3L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 20 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 GMC Safari (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 2001 GMC Safari. The part named most often is brakes, with 14 complaints (36% of the total), followed by electrical system (9) and exterior lighting (4). 24 of the complaints include a mileage, and 42% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 52,825 miles. Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 56 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 271 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the switch and 13 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 48 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes14 36%
- Electrical system9 23%
- Exterior lighting4 10%
- Steering4 10%
- Engine cooling3 7.7%
- Interior lighting2 5.1%
- Body and structure2 5.1%
- Vehicle speed control2 5.1%
Also reported: Air bags (1), Fuel system (1), Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “I have a 2001 Gmc Safari van.approx 49000 miles.I first expierenced my antiloc brake system activating when not needed at slow speeds.thinking this was a little odd and I thought I would need to get it to act up more in order to properly explain what is happening to my service personel.and I thought it was minor as even tho the antiloc system activated the brakes seemed to work fine.untill one day when all I heard was the noise accustomed with the antilock system but the brake pedal went to the floor.after pushing as hard as I have ever pushed on a brake pedal the van stopped. …”
NHTSA complaint #10120151, filed 2005-05, 49,500 milesElectrical system: “After fueling, could not restart vehicle. Dash lights. Had to wait 15 - 30 minutes until I was able start vehicle. Battery 4 months old, intermittent ongoing problem. Independent research discovered via web search list problem with ignition passlock/passkey security system . This is a manufacturing defect that my local GM dealer will not address or fix. Estimated consumer repair cost over $1000,00.”
NHTSA complaint #10618129, filed 2014-08, 84,300 milesExterior lighting: “Whenever I press the brake pedal while the hazard warning flashers are on, the fuse blows. I have replaced the fuse repeatedly after such occasions, but fortunately no accident has occurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10114249, filed 2005-03, 80,000 milesSteering: “Power steering and brake failure without warning .no accident,vehicle was starting out from parked position, when power steering unit failed,which also caused the brakes to fail. Driver was able to get the vehicle stopped. This resulted in the vehicle having to be towed and repair bill of $ 571 dollars. Had the vehicle been out in traffic moving, it could have resulted in a bad accident. This was without any known previous indication or warning. No lights or warning signal of any type.”
NHTSA complaint #10106456, filed 2005-01, 40,940 milesMileage when problems were reported
42% of the 24 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 44,000 and 84,300 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 GMC Safari. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safari · 3 DR | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 GMC Safari version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safari 2WD (Passenger) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Safari 2WD (cargo) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Safari AWD (Passenger) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Safari AWD (cargo) | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 05V099000Mar 14, 2005Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: GMC Safari 2001–2002, Chevrolet Astro 2001–2002
On certain minivans, the multifunction switch may develop an open circuit condition in the stop lamp or hazard lamp circuit that results in the stop lamps and hazard lamps being inoperative.
Recall details for the 2001 GMC Safari → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 271 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Fuel system, Engine. This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492…
Other model years of the GMC Safari
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 5 | 17,000 | 0 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 18 | 46,400 | 1 | — | 16 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 25 | 32,265 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 39 | 52,825 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 68 | 51,000 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 61 | 65,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 89 | 71,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 135 | 80,000 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 139 | 93,615 | 4 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 195 | 112,000 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 119 | 107,500 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 61 | 80,000 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 59 | 99,250 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 39 | 162,000 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 35 | — | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 18 | 117,260 | 3 | — | 18 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 7 | — | 2 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1987 | 11 | 1,912 | 1 | — | 18 | — | Not enough data |
| 1986 | 7 | — | 1 | — | 20 | — | Not enough data |
All GMC Safari model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 GMC Safari have?
NHTSA recorded 39 consumer complaints for the 2001 GMC Safari as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 GMC Safari is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 14 complaints (36% of the total), followed by electrical system with 9.
Has the 2001 GMC Safari been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 GMC Safari get?
The EPA rates the 2001 GMC Safari (Safari 2WD (Passenger), 4.3L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 GMC Safari reported?
Among the 24 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 52,825 miles and the middle half falls between 44,000 and 84,300 miles; 42% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.