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2002 GMC Safari problems

The most common problem on the 2002 GMC Safari is brakes, typically around 28,530 miles. It has 1.4 times the complaints of a typical Safari model year.

Typical year1.4x the typical complaints
Year score
63/100
Owner complaints
25
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
350
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
15-17mpg

The worst 2002 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.

  • Brakes
    12
  • Suspension
    4
  • Electrical
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Lights
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 GMC Safari

Brake failure 5

Recalls 1

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported March 14, 2005 · 77,055 vehicles affected
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 2002 GMC Safari

Defect investigations

Loss of brake lamp illuminationOpened October 19, 2004, closed March 21, 2005

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 2002 GMC Safari 350

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 350 bulletins for the 2002 GMC Safari

2002 GMC Safari fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.3L 6‑cylRWD14-1518-2016-17
4.3L 6‑cyl4WD13-1417-1815

What 2002 GMC Safari owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 15, 2017 · Airbags · 100,000 miles · NJ · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc safari. While driving 45 MPH, the contact's vehicle was struck on the driver's side by a 2006 dodge caravan. The contact's vehicle then crashed into a pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained lower back pain, a bruised toe, a forehead gash, and damage to the ribs. Medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. *tt updated 8/21/18

Filed Oct 4, 2013 · Brakes · 92,000 miles · MI

Front brake line rusted out and failed, necessitating expensive repair and replacement.

Filed Jun 8, 2009 · Brakes · 76,306 miles · NJ

My 2002 gmc safari would not start. I went and replaced the 2.5 year old battery (it was leaking at the terminals) it started one time and then about 45 minutes later it was dead again. It was towed to the dealer. I was first informed that the charging system was o.k. And that the probable cause was the battery was not fully charged. I was then informed that the brake light was on the dash and a brake lining was leaking. They recommended to replace both linings and flush the system and fill with fresh fluid. After several hours I was told that when the parts came and the tech was to install the linings that the fluid was smoking and the tech almost burned his hands. The vehicle was on the lift three hours for this to happen. The service rep could not explain how this happened. I was told that gm told them to check the positive cable for grounding. They found it was grounding on the center link of the steering. The work order said they re-routed the cable. I was told by a gm rep in argentina that gm felt that after the time and mileage that they were not responsible. I told him that if the cable had been properly routed at the time of manufacture that this would not have happened regardless of the time and/or miles. I am thankful that the fluid had not leaked out or boiled to the point that I would have had brake failure. I feel it cost me all most $700. At this point that was do to the routing of the cable and would like to be reimbursed. The gm rep said I could go to the better business bureau that he could do nothing. Can you help or tell me where I can go for help? Thank you.

Filed Apr 17, 2008 · Brakes, Steering · 28,530 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 gmc safari. While driving 5 or 6 MPH, it took 40-50 feet before the contact could stop the vehicle. A mechanic stated that both the passenger and driver side wheel bearings and idler arms needed to be replaced. The local mechanic performed the repairs. Gmc denied him reimbursement because they did not make the repair. The consumer had the repairs made a an independent shop the current mileage was 28,550 and failure mileage was 28,530. Updated 5/5/08 *cn updated

Filed Feb 25, 2008 · Lights · 28,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 gmc safari. The contact stated that the brake lights worked intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and they stated that the repair required them to dismantle some of the major components to better access the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified requesting information on the federal safety agency campaign id number 05v099000 (exterior lighting:brake lights:switch), but the VIN was not included in the recall. The current mileage was 44,500 and failure mileage was 28,000. Updated 03/26/08.

Filed May 11, 2007 · Brakes · 22,000 miles · MO

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 gmc safari. The contact stated that the vehicle's brakes squeaked and she had the brake pads replaced. The pads were replaced a second time at 40,000 miles. The brakes continue to squeak. The vehicle's purchase date and engine size were unknown. The current mileage is 68,000 and failure mileage was 22,000.

Filed Mar 25, 2006 · Transmission · 39,000 miles · NC

Had to replace transmission at 39,000 miles. Then again at 131,000 miles. Now it is back in the shop with transmission problems yet to be determined at 149,000 miles. Judging from the complaints on the internet, this seems to be a defect that is costing the consumer a bundle of money. So far I have spent over $3000 to repair the transmission. I am now waiting to hear how much more I will have to spend. This needs to be investigated.

Filed Jan 24, 2006 · Brakes, Suspension · 43,514 miles · PA

When backing out of garage brakes failed and the pedal went all the way to the floor. Dealer told me there was no brake problems, but could be ABS sensors rusted or had dirt build up. The dealer cleaned ABS sensors and sprayed a rust inhibitor on sensors and hubs , and said they hoped this would solve the problem. If problem persists to come back.

Filed Jan 9, 2006 · Brakes · 43,500 miles · NY

I was very nearly broadsided when my vehicle's anti lock brake sensor failed when attempting to stop at an intersection of a secondary road with a state highway. My vehicle proceeded into the intersection at a very slow rate of speed while my brake was pushed to the floor. I have subsequently discovered that there has been a recall for this problem but that it is limited to selected states and the district of columbia. I live in the adirondack park in upstate ny where towns use dirt only on its roads. I can't imagine a worst situation for this condition to occur than the combination of salt and dirt (like dc I suppose). How many crashes or fatalities are required in each state on known problems before recalls are expanded?

Filed Nov 29, 2005 · Brakes · TX

2002 gmc safari brakes would not perform properly. *ts ***no answer required*** the brakes would not stop the vehicle and resulted in extended stopping distance. The consumer mentioned this problem to the dealer several times but each time they claimed that no problem was found. The consumer heard of the recall on some gmc vehicle's but soon found out the her vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. * nm

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Compare the 2002 GMC Safari

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005

Questions about the 2002 GMC Safari

Is the 2002 GMC Safari reliable?

Owners have filed 25 complaints about the 2002 GMC Safari, 1.4 times a typical Safari model year.

What is the 2002 GMC Safari year score?

The 2002 GMC Safari scores 63 out of 100 (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 2002 GMC Safari?

Brakes, with 12 complaints, typically around 28,530 miles. Next is suspension (4).

How many recalls does the 2002 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 2002 GMC Safari get?

Official estimates for the 2002 GMC Safari range from 15 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14-15 city and 18-20 highway.

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