Consumer discovered that the power driver seat would rock back and forth when the vehicle accelerated too quickly, consumer thought that a mounting bolt was loose, he then tilted the seat back and inspected the front mounting bolt to the seat platform connection and the consumer saw that when the seat back was pushed, the entire bolt/nut combo lifted off of the mounting platform, and that was the cause of the seat rocking back and forth, upon lifting the seat off the platform all four corners of the platform had broken off, the adjacent metal around the bolt holes were disfigured, fractured and cracked.
The worst 1990 GMC Safari problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes15
- Body6
- Seat belts4
- Seats4
- Electrical2
- Engine2
- Steering2
- Suspension2
- Visibility2
- Lights1
- Locks1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 GMC Safari
Recalls 4
Seats
- What is wrong
- The recliner mechanism and the seat frame may have foam and/or vinyl between them, creating a "soft" joint. This "soft" joint results in lower than specified bolt torque which leads to joint looseness, causing bolt fatigue and eventual bolt failure.
- Risk
- If bolt failure occurs to the driver's seat, it wouldallow the seat back to suddenly recline, and could result in loss of vehiclecontrol and a vehicle crash without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will remove the foam and/or vinyl from between the recliner mechanism and the seat frame "soft" joint and replace the recliner bolts.
Recall number 93V187000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- Severe corrosion due to road salt at the joint of the stamped steel center section and the cast outer section can cause the sections to separate.
- Risk
- Separation of the rotor sections can cause loss ofbraking ability in the affected wheel. This could result in increased stoppingdistance and/or loss of vehicle control and an accident.
- Remedy
- Replace the front brake rotors with new rotors with a corrosion protection coating. However, if replacement of brake linings are necessary, it will be done at owner's expense since brake linings are normal maintenance items.
Recall number 93V119000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- What is wrong
- Seat belt anchorage bar for rear sofa failed to sustain loads required by fmvss 210.
- Risk
- Vehicles would not comply with fmvss 210.
- Remedy
- Replace noncomplying sofa bar with bar that meets requirements.
Recall number 91V164000 · Recall details
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Fuel return hoses may break at either crimped coupling, causing a leakage of fuel.
- Risk
- In the event of a fuel return line separation, a fuelleak occurring in the presence of an ignition source could cause a fire.
- Remedy
- Install a properly crimped fuel return hose.
Recall number 90V146000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 1990 GMC Safari
Defect investigations
Instrument panel/dash electrical fire
Alleged electrical fires may occur in the dash area while the subject vehicles are being operated or while parked.
PE97025
Seat back bolt breakage
There is no summary currently available
EA92022
Brake failure
===
EA91028
Brake failure
There is no summary currently available
PE91052
Technical service bulletins for the 1990 GMC Safari 6
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- General motors: on all 1988-2009 full size chevrolet/gmc pickups, utilities and vans, the brake pedal will...
- Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case
- Window regulator motor does not fit
- Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan
- Cold engine knock
- Transmission extention seal leaks
1990 GMC Safari fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl | RWD | 17-18 | 23-24 | 19-20 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 20 | 17 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 15 | 18-20 | 16-17 |
What 1990 GMC Safari owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Consumer was driving along and made a stop; then, put vehicle in reverse and it made a loud noise, later she was told that idle arm had fallen off.*ak vehicle also would vibrate while driving at 65 MPH. Steering column loose and needed to be tightened.
Consumer have received recall notice 93v187000 for frontal seats. Rear seats are the same type of seats with a different package. But, manufacturer refused to replace the parts as stated in the recall for the rear seats. *ak the front and the rear seats are reclining seat for this van unlike other vans.
The 2 front safety belts dont work properly, if you lean forward the shoulder belt stay loose and don't come back against the passenger, also a rear lap belt which is supposed to be able to retract and lock into place after it is pulled all the way out does not work. I had contacted gm a couple years ago and they said they would make a note of it but would not offer to fix them. I think beings this is a safety issue they should repair it. The belts have been like this ever since we bought the van, it was a used vehicle, we didnt buy it new. I transport children, I have a 5 year old and a 3 month old, so this is very important to me, I have to always make sure they are in one of the working belts. This also leaves the driver at risk, beings the drivers belt doesnt function properly. I am unable to use one of the spots in the back due to the defective belt. If you can help, please contact me @ 314‑729‑1288 or email me at [email protected] thank you, maureen wiehage.
After a hard braking incident, the ABS & brake lights came on and stayed on. System was reset by mechanic, worked for 4 or 5 brake applications but had electric motor noise under hood, then problem returned. Regular brakes work properly, ABS does not. Independent repair shop stated ABS computer failure. Cost to repair - $450, work not performed. Problem persists. After viewing your online complaints, this seems to be a common problem for this make/model/year of vehicle.
The ABS warning lights comes on, indicating that the ABS does not function at all. Dealer has seen vehicle, and reset the ABS code. Problem exsits again.
Abs light keeps coming on & staying. When applying brakes (ABS), vehicle would slide. Vehicle fails to stop right away. Wheels would lock up. Been to dealer & mechanic reset computer for brakes. The diagnostic machine had a code of 63.
Was leaning forward with the seat belt on. Seat belt failed to lock up properly when this happens. Owner feels it would not be adequate protection if an accident occurs.
Took the vehicle for repair service on rear end. Was hit. When consumer drove away, steering wheel column moved the column into the inner sleeve.consumer contacted dealer.
Sliding door came out of the track, door was locked. Incident occurred two times. Dealer has been notified and is investigating problem. No warranty.
Compare the 1990 GMC Safari
Other model years
1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
Questions about the 1990 GMC Safari
Is the 1990 GMC Safari reliable?
Owners have filed 35 complaints about the 1990 GMC Safari, 1.9 times a typical Safari model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1990 GMC Safari?
Brakes, with 15 complaints. Next is body (6).
How many recalls does the 1990 GMC Safari have?
4 recalls, covering seats, service brakes, hydraulic and seat belts.
Was there a recall on the 1990 GMC Safari brakes?
Yes, 1 recall: 93V119000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the GMC Safari have bad brakes?
The GMC Safari model years with the most brakes complaints are 1995 (60 complaints), 1994 (39 complaints) and 1993 (30 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 1990 GMC Safari get?
Official estimates for the 1990 GMC Safari range from 16 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 17-18 city and 23-24 highway.
VIN decoder
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