Loss of brake action due to instant fluid loss. Brake line ruptured due to extreme and isolated corrosion in brakeline located area of gasoline tank (forward of rear axle on driver's side.) no notice or prior events leading to failure. Have noted many internet complaints of this nature and location on both gmc safari and chevrolet astro vans and silverado light trucks - year and/or mileage not a factor.
The worst 1991 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.
- Brakes16
- Transmission7
- Seat belts4
- Seats4
- Acceleration3
- Electrical3
- Engine3
- Visibility3
- Steering2
- Body1
- Lights1
- Locks1
- Suspension1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 1991 GMC Safari
Recalls 3
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
See all 3 recalls for the 1991 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 1991 GMC Safari 9
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
- California recall - general motors has determined that certain 1991 c/k trucks, m/l and g vans with 4.3L...
- Unknown
- Cold engine knock
- Transmission extention seal leaks
- Oil pressure gauge reading concerns
1991 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14-15 | 18-20 | 16-17 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 20 | 16-17 |
What 1991 GMC Safari owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl*the contact owns a 1991 gmc safari. The contact noticed that the ABS warning indicator consistently illuminates on the instrument panel. Secondly, when applying pressure to the brake pedal, the vehicle skids. He is in the process of notifying a dealer in reference to the failures. The failure mileage was 174,000 and current mileage was 175,000. Updated 04-23-09 *bf updated 04/24/09.
1991 safari hood came up while driving and shattered the windshield. *ts
I have had more transmission problems from my 1991 gmc safari mini van than all other previous vehicles I've ever owned. I'm looking at my third transmission overhaul soon (seems like one every two years) and I don't drive fast and don't have a hitch to "pull" anything. Currently, my transmission slips into neutral when the transmission shifts from 2nd to drive. It went from happening once a month to approximately 4-6 times a day. The transmissions shops I've seen say I need an overhaul again. I hate this gmc automatic transmission.
Numerous complaints identical to those experienced by other owners of this vehicle type. Twice now when applying brakes in a panic situation the ABS system failed and warning light came on. Replaced ecu on brake system once now dealer informs that is must be replaced again at a cost of $1200. I believe this is an extravagant maintenance expense every time you need the anti-lock portion of the braking system. Also had to replace front drive shaft due to failure, must replace idler arms every two years due to failure and also had to replace the electrical connecters on the blower switch due to overheating and melting the switch.
I was travling at about 60 miles and hour when the a piece of the tire out sideway. The size 12 inches x 8 inches blew out of the tirer hitting the car nex to me. I have never seen a tirer have such catastrophic failure the side wall is missing a piece from first out side thread to the rim bead by about 12 inches long. The tirer exploded is the best way to describe it out of no ware on smooth dry road way. Blowing the piece out into the passing lane hitting a car in that lane. The piece was not recovered. Dt
Driver's seat belt buckle will no longer latch.
While consumer was driving transmission dip stick popped off, and transmission fluid was all over windsheild. Transmission was not working aftrerwards. Contacted dealer ,and was not willing to do anything.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
No summary listed for above vhicle.
Compare the 1991 GMC Safari
Other model years
1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
Questions about the 1991 GMC Safari
Is the 1991 GMC Safari reliable?
Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 1991 GMC Safari, 2.2 times a typical Safari model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1991 GMC Safari?
Brakes, with 16 complaints. Next is transmission (7).
How many recalls does the 1991 GMC Safari have?
3 recalls, covering seats, service brakes, hydraulic and seat belts.
Was there a recall on the 1991 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 1991 GMC Safari get?
Official estimates for the 1991 GMC Safari range from 16 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, 4WD) gets 14-15 city and 18-20 highway.
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