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GMC Safari brake failure problems

74 of the 1,091 owner complaints about the GMC Safari describe brake failure, most of them for the 1996 model year.

owner complaints
74
worst model year
1996
typical mileage
43,514
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 9, 2017 · Airbags, Brakes · 168,979 miles · MS · crash

There were two cases: first I was involved in a wreck with a car hitting me in the rear so hard that my back compartments wont open and now the air bag light is on and wont go off. Another case was as I was driving slowly to the laundry matt my power steering quit while my brakes went to the floor. It scared me to death and is broke down now. My three children are usually with me always. I have an 18 yr old autistic girl, a 13 yr old boy and a 4 year old boy. I'm a stay at home mom and used my ride for the children. Now I'm scared to drive it and dont know if anyone can help me.

Filed Aug 4, 2011 · Brakes · 185,000 miles · VA · crash

1997 gmc safari brake failed completely no rear no front suspect it was the anti lock control under the drivers seat . No leaks visible.

Filed Jan 11, 2011 · Brakes · PA · crash

Pulling into a parking slot, without warning brakes failed and hit parking meter. Took it to mechanic who could not replicate the problem and couldn't find anything wrong. Vehicle drove fine for awhile, and then again, without warning brakes failed... Again in a parking lot and another vehicle was hit. Took to a different mechanic and the wheel sensors were found to be the problem. After experiencing this problem, I did further research and see numerous others have had this same problem. It is a very dangerous safety issue for which gmc has not acknowledged and issued a recall. Because of the incidence of brake failure without warning, it has made me psychologically afraid to drive or even be a passenger in this car. It is supposedly "fixed" right now, but I do not feel comfortable that it won't happen again. I have spoken to others who have told me the problem re-occurred for them after having their vehicle fixed. So it is a constant fear factor. Gmc should do the right thing and include this model/year in the recall.

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 Jun 2, 2009 · Brakes · 277,500 miles · MO

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.

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 Sep 27, 2005 · Brakes, Tires · WI

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.

Filed May 13, 2005 · Engine · 30,738 miles · MI

1998 gmc safari has died five times and each time there was a loss of brakes and power steering ability.*mr stalled while driving (no start), check fuel system. Perform fuel induction and throttle body clean. R&r old belt, tensioner came apart, replace tensioner and belt to repair.

Filed May 6, 2005 · Brakes · 49,500 miles · NY

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.

Filed Feb 3, 2005 · Brakes · 71,384 miles · MI

While applying the brake pedal to pull into the driveway, the pedal went to the floor. The consumer had to press the brake pedal several times to get the vehicle to stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The mechanic found that two brake lines leading to the right front caliper have rub through one another. *jb

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotorReported August 2, 1993 · 341,364 vehicles affected
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

Questions about the GMC Safari brake failure

Which GMC Safari years have brake failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1996 (11 complaints), 1995 (8 complaints) and 2001 (8 complaints).

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