KnownCarProblems2001 GMC Safari Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 39 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 GMC Safari, most often about the brakes (36% of complaints, typically around 52,500 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about Safari model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.
Most common 2001 GMC Safari problems
Brakes
14 complaints · 36%Half of these problems showed up before 52,500 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, power assist, antilock.
Hydraulic brake system failure due to right-front brake line rubbed on the transmission cooler line until the brake line leaked fluid out. Brake pedal went to the floor and would not stop the vehicle. Vehicle is only 1 year old.
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…
Electrical
9 complaints · 23%Half of these problems showed up before 83,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, ignition.
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.
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…
Lights
6 complaints · 15%Parts named most often: brake lights, hazard flashing warning lights, turn signal.
Was driving, at night, approximately 30mph, the interior lights went out. The problem would be intermittently. Was informed by another motorist that no rear brake lights were visible. This only happens when the interior lights go out. Had taken vehicle to a mechanic who repaired the multifunction switch.
Whenever I press the brake pedal while the hazard warning flashers are on, the fuse blows. I have replaced the fuse repeatedly after such occasions, but fortunately no accident has occurred.
Steering
4 complaints · 10%Parts named most often: hydraulic power assist, hydraulic power assist system.
Replaced carburetor, ignition coil and rotor. Steering fluid pump leaks, rust coming through paint, doors do not lock manuallyand can not open back hatch.
Power steering and brake failure without warning .no accident,vehicle was starting out from parked position, when power steering unit failed,which also caused the brakes to fail. Driver was able to get the vehicle stopped. This resulted in the vehicle having to be towed and repair bill of $ 571 dollars. Had the…
Engine
3 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: engine.
Tl 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. Nhtsa 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 when the vehicle…
Visibility and wipers
3 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: power window devices and controls, windshield, windshield wiper/washer.
Brakes faulty. Brand new pads installed last week all around adjusted and dealer claims all is well but problem still exists. It takes an extreme amount of force applied to the pedal to stop this vehicle, noticed at 35k. Dangerous and not easy to get used to. In addition, windshield leaks on the top drivers side and…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 GMC Safari recalls
Lights: switch
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of brake lamp illumination
Summary
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 NHTSA 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)
Questions about the 2001 GMC Safari
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 GMC Safari?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (14 complaints, typically around 52,500 miles); electrical (9 complaints, typically around 83,000 miles); lights (6 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2001 GMC Safari have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 14, 2005 (lights). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the GMC Safari?
- It is the 2nd most complained-about Safari model year since 2000, with 39 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.