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.
GMC Safari power steering loss problems
17 of the 1,091 owner complaints about the GMC Safari describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 1997 model year.
- owner complaints
- 17
- worst model year
- 1997
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
- 20021
- 20011
- 19992
- 19974
- 19963
- 19953
- 19942
- 19911
Often reported together
Loss of power 5Brake failure 2Wipers 1Stalling 1Grinding brakes 1
What owners say
Significant loss of steering and braking response due to failure of alternator bracket that resulted in serpentine belt falling off that resulted in loss of power steering and power brakes. Vehicle drifted into oncoming traffic lane and then off the road. Vehicle was towed to repair facility that day. Alternator bracket was replaced the following day. Failed part at repair facility.
Power steering failed, drive shaft in pump broke, causing brakes to fail. No accident. Vehicle was being backed out of parking space. Vehicle towed to garage and repaired with new power steering pump installed.
While drivingf 60-65 MPH power assist pump failed, causing loss of steering and braking, the dealer was contacted.
Both torsion bars broke at 60 MPH causing front of vehicle to drop on tires.vehicle skidded to a stop with no steering.had vehicle towed to nearest dealer.service tech.said this was normal wear and tear.called gmc and they agreed with dealer.I ask dealer for the broken torsion bars and had them anylized by a metal lab tech.his opinion was that the bars had stress cracks from the metal being defective.if this is normal wear and tear after only 5 years gm has a major safety hazard driving on your highways daily.how many traffic accidents,injuries or deaths are required before an investigation is started.
Was pulling out of parking slot when front torsion bar broke. This caused the vehicle to drop on the wheel and loss of steering control. Problem sounded like an explosion.
Vehicle lost power steering and power brakes at same time while approaching a stop light. Vehicle taken to the dealer shop, and informed that cooling line to power steering was leaking ( no sign of cut or rust/corroded). Dealer waiting on part. Also, windshield wipers worked intermittently, and were not covered under a manufacturer's recall. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
Hydraulic pump failed, there was no steering or brakes. Consumer totalled van.
Idler arms that position steering tie rod were extremely loose. This allowed loss of steering control when applying brakes rapidly. Also resulted in violent side-to-side shimmy when applying brakes or when driving on grooved highway surfaces.close inspection of idler arms revealed that bushings were extremely worn. Idler arms (gm part number 26018165) had been regularly lubricated, yet appeared dry and dirty around bushing. Replacement part procured from gm dealer (part number 12471302) was a different design, with grease fitting on side of arm, with an extended bushing surface. This type of part should normally last the life of the vehicle if properly maintained. My failure occurred at about 40,000 miles. Dealer states that a service bulletin had been issued, yet no recall or owner notification of problem, despite obvious safety hazard inherent in a loss of control.
While driving at 35 MPH front torsion bar broke, causing momentary loss of steering control. Dealer/ manufacturer notifed, and informed consumer that it was out of warranty. Also, not covered under a recall. Repairs have not been done at this time. Feel free to provide further details.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the GMC Safari power steering loss
Which GMC Safari years have loss of power steering problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1997 (4 complaints), 1995 (3 complaints) and 1996 (3 complaints).
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