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Model year record

1990 GMC Safari recalls & problems

The 1990 GMC Safari has 4 safety recalls and 35 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (15 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints35filed by owners
Crashes · fires2 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

SeatsNov 16, 1993

Seats

Recall 93V187000604,207 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME MAY HAVE FOAM AND/OR VINYL BETWEEN THEM, CREATING A "SOFT" JOINT. THIS "SOFT" JOINT RESULTS IN LOWER THAN SPECIFIED BOLT TORQUE WHICH LEADS TO JOINT LOOSENESS, CAUSING BOLT FATIGUE AND EVENTUAL BOLT FAILURE.
Risk
IF BOLT FAILURE OCCURS TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT, IT WOULDALLOW THE SEAT BACK TO SUDDENLY RECLINE, AND COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLECONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FOAM AND/OR VINYL FROM BETWEEN THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME "SOFT" JOINT AND REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS.
Service brakes, hydraulicAug 2, 1993

Foundation components › Disc › Rotor

Recall 93V119000341,364 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Seat beltsSep 20, 1991

Front › Anchorage

Recall 91V1640004,842 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem
SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE BAR FOR REAR SOFA FAILED TO SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210.
Risk
VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 210.
Fix
REPLACE NONCOMPLYING SOFA BAR WITH BAR THAT MEETS REQUIREMENTS.
Fuel system, gasolineAug 13, 1990

Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 90V14600030,640 vehicles

Problem
FUEL RETURN HOSES MAY BREAK AT EITHER CRIMPED COUPLING, CAUSING A LEAKAGE OF FUEL.
Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A FUEL RETURN LINE SEPARATION, A FUELLEAK OCCURRING IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD CAUSE A FIRE.
Fix
INSTALL A PROPERLY CRIMPED FUEL RETURN HOSE.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

1990 GMC Safari

OverallNot Rated
Frontal crashNot Rated
Side crashNot Rated
RolloverNot Rated

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Safari 2WD (cargo)

20mpg combined
City / highway18 / 24 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel

Safari 2WD (cargo)

19mpg combined
City / highway17 / 23 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Safari 2WD (passenger)

17mpg combined
City / highway15 / 20 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Safari AWD (cargo)

17mpg combined
City / highway15 / 20 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Safari 2WD (cargo)

17mpg combined
City / highway15 / 20 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Safari AWD (passenger)

16mpg combined
City / highway15 / 18 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

4.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light15201—
StructureBody › Door; Body › Hatchback/liftgate7000—
SeatsFront assembly › Power adjust; Front assembly › Recliner5000—
Seat beltsFront › Retractor; Front › Buckle assembly4000—
SteeringSteering wheel/handle bar; Linkages › Arm › Idler and attachment3000—
Electrical systemIgnition; Ignition › Module2000—
VisibilityDefroster/defogger/hvac system › Windshield › Electrical heating element2000—
Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline2000—
SuspensionRear2000—
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch1000—
Exterior lightingHeadlights › Switch1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations