1999 GMC Safari problems

Filed Jun 14, 2007 · Steering · 70,000 miles · IA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 gmc safari. Since the vehicle was purchased in may of 2005, the steering idler arm has been replaced four times. As a result, the vehicle has lost steering ability. The contact has put 30,000 miles on the vehicle in two years. The mechanic stated that the idler arms have failed and need to be replaced. The mechanic also stated that this is a common failure due to a design flaw. She has not contacted a local authorized dealer or the manufacturer. The VIN and engine size were unknown. The current mileage is 99,000 and failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Nov 3, 2006 · Brakes · 110,000 miles · NY

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 5 MPH, the vehicle's ABS sensor unit failed on three separate occasions. The service dealer replaced the ABS sensor unit three times, but the problem persisted.

Filed Oct 1, 2005 · Transmission · 70,500 miles · IL

1999 gmc safari transmission failure. See gm tsb #00-07-30-002 dated 11/2000. 1st-2nd late shift, reverse, 2nd, & 4th gear caused immediate failure. All required transmission service performed by dealer on this vehicle. Root cause is the known sun gear shell failure in the gm 4l60e automatic transmission. Vehicle has 70,511 miles. Filed gmc customer complaint #1-366073225.

Filed Jul 15, 2005 · Brakes · 48,000 miles · PA

Dt: about a year ago the problem began. When braking at low speeds about 5-10 MPH ABS kicks in and a grinding sound occurs. This causes extended stopping distances. All wheel drive, all wheel antilock to the owner's knowledge. No warning lights illuminated and the dealer said that the ABS sensor looked corroded. The vehicle was put on the diagnostic machine but it showed no codes. When the ABS fuse is pulled the car works fine but has no ABS. The owner hasn't disconnected the ABS fuse. The vehicle has not been repaired yet and the problem has remained about the same. The problem occurs about 90 percent of the time during low speed brake applications.*ak

Filed May 4, 2005 · Transmission · 88,700 miles · MI

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. I'm a member of iatn (internation automotive technicians' network) and I did a serach of this concern and learned that this is a common failure. I also learned that gm has a tsb on this concern (I don't know the number or nature of the tsb). At 6-years of age and 88,000 miles this (in my estimation) is a premature failure. The transmission has been serviced (flushed and filter replacement) twice in the past three years and has not been abused. I do tow two snowmobiles in the winter, but the weight is by far within the parameters stated for this vehicle. I called the gm service assistance center and the woman acknowledged the pattern failure, but said their "policy" for goodwill assistance is capped at 72,000 miles, my vehicle has 88,000 miles. She was prepared to offer me some kind of voucher to be used toward the purchase of a new gm vehicle, but I'm not interested in that. There's clearly a product concern, and if gm is willing to give me a deal on a new car, why don't they give me a "deal" on repairing this one? Anyway, that's my complaint.

Filed Aug 31, 2004 · Engine · TX

Email fm robert carter (tx) re gmc refusing to repair a recall engine part free of charge on his gmc safari van since he missed the recall cut off date while on military duty overseas.*mr

Filed Aug 21, 2004 · Transmission · 73,487 miles · CA

(1) nothing leading up to event. Suddenly the vehicle was not able to be moved in reverse although the gear selector was able to be placed into r. Also, the vehicle would not drive smoothly in any forward gears. However, it was able to move forward and subsequently able to be driven onto a transport trailer for towing. (2) fortunately, the failure happened in a parking lot and no accident or injuries were incurred. The vehicle was loaded onto a u-haul vehicle transport trailer and taken to a transmission repair facility (ocean side transmission incorporated located in oceanside, ca). (3) transmission was repaired with several parts replaced at the cost of almost $2000.00. Transmission repair shop said the shell was cracked and "this vehicle's transmission is known for having a weak shell". I have this old part available and it is broken into two pieces appearing to have sheared apart.

Filed Aug 10, 2004 · Brakes, Suspension · 60,000 miles · MI

Second occurance of same problem with ABS system engaging at low speeds for no reason on 1999 gmc safari van. The problem is a bad sensor in the front brakes but requires a complete replacement of the hub/bearing assembly unit.

Filed Jul 23, 2004 · Transmission · 2,000 miles · NM

Driveline was not synchronized when turning a corner or when backing up. The tires seemed to be trying to catch up to each other. The tires were replaced, but problem recurred.

Filed Jun 29, 2004 · Transmission · 44,200 miles · PA

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.