After running errands, vehicle would not restart. Time in between errands 2 hours. Outside temp 95. Had to wait 15 - 30 minutes in hot vehicle trying to start vehicle every 20-30 seconds. Problem with passlock/passkey security system as listed on various web sites. Checked with personal obd ii & can scan tool and found no dtc's. This problem is becoming more constant and occupant safety is a major concern.
The worst 2001 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.
- Brakes14
- Electrical9
- Lights6
- Steering4
- Engine3
- Visibility3
- Acceleration2
- Body2
- Locks2
- Airbags1
- Fuel system1
- Seat belts1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2001 GMC Safari
Recalls 1
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could lead to a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the hazard warning flasher switch and apply special grease to the contacts at the time of installation of the module free of charge. The repair would be used in vehicles in which the hazard slider button is still movable. If a vehicle has a hazard slider button that is not movable (frozen), the entire multifunction switch will be replaced. The recall began on april 13, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 05V099000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2001 GMC Safari
Defect investigations
Loss of brake lamp illumination
In its letter dated march 9, 2005, gm stated that it would conduct a safety recall to remedy a faulty multifunction switch in certain model year (my) 2001 and 2002 chevrolet astro and gmc safari vehicles; specifically, all my 2001 vehicles and early my 2002 vehicles built between march and august 2001.see the federal safety agency recall no. 05v‑099 for details.the multifunction switch may develop an open circuit in the brake lamp or hazard lamp circuit resulting in inoperative brake lamps and hazard lamps.this is due to the combined effects of the material and lubrication for the hazard switch contactor that result in increased resistance in the hazard switch and stuck hazard slider button in open (no contact) condition.dealers are to replace the hazard switch and apply special grease to the hazard switch contactor.if a vehicle has a stuck hazard slider button, dealers are to replace the entire multifunction switch.
PE04072
Technical service bulletins for the 2001 GMC Safari 315
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Unknown or other
- Electrical system
- Unknown or other
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
- This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake...
2001 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 | RWD | 15 | 20 | 17 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 13-14 | 17-18 | 15 |
What 2001 GMC Safari owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
After running errands, vehicle would not restart. Brake & ABS indicator lit. Wait 15- 30 minutes and vehicle may restart. Independent research found that this is a well known problem. Noted: passlock/passkey security system intermittent failure.
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.
At times vehicle will not start until the steering column shift lever is moved. All power is up, turn key and no response. Depress brake pedal and move shift lever from p to d3 may cause starter to work. Told by aaa driver that this is a common problem.
At slow speeds the ABS activates and the vehicle is hard to stop. The sierra van uses the same components as the trucks that were recalled by 05v379000 on 8/3/05. The problem is the same with dirty speed sensors.
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 gmc safari. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrates, backfires, and fails to start when cold. He has not taken the vehicle to a dealer. The federal safety agency service bulletin number 03-06-04-041 was referenced. The current mileage was 94,000 and failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 03-04-08 *bf when the vehicle did start, it would run rough and then stall. Updated
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's anti lock braking system sensors were faulty and activated on dry pavement at a speed of lower than 8 MPH. There were no warning signal to indicate a failure. The failure occurred under normal braking. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who advised filing a complaint with the federal safety agency. The manufacturer has not been notified yet by the contact.
Passenger side power window goes part way down, will not go out - intermittent problem increased to permanent problem. Now goes down maybe 1/2 inch, only goes up 1/32 inch at a time. Has been repaired twice, needs repair again. I purchased the vehicle used in 6/03, not long after that, problem surfaced in increasing regularity. When I had problem repaired by dealer in 1/04, I was told this had been repaired before. Items repaired / replaced, were: 1314wsc95 - electrical misc. Po45391 - motor po45386 - actuator several rivets. The repair facility described the window problem as "binding", and a also found that the door lock was not activating properly due to a door lock mechanism problem (the actuator) as having an "internal short". The repair of 1/04 was good for about 14 months (dealer refused to warrant work), when in 3/05, the problem had gradually returned. When I asked the dealer if this was a common problem, he said it was not. I recently decided to look into the problem as I am about to have it repaired again, and see that the passenger windows on gmc vans have been a problem for a long time. I believe the malfunctioning window is a hazard, as it creates a dangerous situation for the driver when distracted by a malfunctioning window, which is used to protect the vehicles occupants from weather, smoke, dust and dirt, wind and even potential criminals. My attention has been drawn away from the normal hazards of urban and highway driving by the distraction of a malfunctioning window. Why has this been allowed to be a prolific problem for so long? I wonder just how many complaints you have received on this issue? Does someone have to actually die before you take action?
Dt: 2001 gm safari. The consumer states the brakes will not work for a couple of seconds and vehicle could slide into the intersection. Wife was scared to drive the car. The consumer went to different dealers, they told him that it may be that the wheels needed to be repacked. . The consumer took vehicle took to local repair shop, the consumer was told they never heard of such a thing. The vehicle had 58,000 miles. Brake failure started within months after the consumer purchased the vehicle. Brakes became worse. The consumer could not keep front tires from wearing out.
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. Being afraid to drive it anymore I got it into my service dept.who replaced both front wheel speed sensors.
Compare the 2001 GMC Safari
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Questions about the 2001 GMC Safari
Is the 2001 GMC Safari reliable?
Owners have filed 39 complaints about the 2001 GMC Safari, 2.2 times a typical Safari model year.
What is the 2001 GMC Safari year score?
The 2001 GMC Safari scores 42 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Safari: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 GMC Safari?
Brakes, with 14 complaints, typically around 55,650 miles. Next is electrical (9).
How many recalls does the 2001 GMC Safari have?
1 recall, covering exterior lighting.
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 2001 GMC Safari get?
Official estimates for the 2001 GMC Safari range from 15 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 20 highway.
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