KnownCarProblems2002 GMC Safari Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 25 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 GMC Safari, most often about the brakes (48% of complaints, typically around 28,500 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Safari model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.
Most common 2002 GMC Safari problems
Brakes
12 complaints · 48%Half of these problems showed up before 28,500 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components.
Tl 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…
While applying the brakes, the pedal went to the floor and bounces up and down. The vehicle continued to accelerate. The consumer was able to pull over . The vehicle was later taken to a mechanic, who informed the consumer that the switch to the anti-lock brake modular had shortened out and needed replacement. Please…
Suspension
4 complaints · 16%Parts named most often: front.
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…
Tl 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…
Electrical
3 complaints · 12%Parts named most often: ignition.
Vehicle has experienced severe electrical problems. While driving power locks intermittently popped up and down on their own. Right side windows will go down, but will not come back up with out physically pulling them up by hand. Dome light popped on intermittently, and the vehicle had to be jump started at least six…
Visibility and wipers
3 complaints · 12%Parts named most often: windshield, power window devices and controls, defroster/defogger/hvac system.
Vehicle has experienced severe electrical problems. While driving power locks intermittently popped up and down on their own. Right side windows will go down, but will not come back up with out physically pulling them up by hand. Dome light popped on intermittently, and the vehicle had to be jump started at least six…
The heater blower motor doesn't operate in high humidity unless I unplug and replug the connection at the motor under the hood. It is an 02 GMC Safari cargo van with 48k mi.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 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 2002 GMC Safari
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 GMC Safari?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (12 complaints, typically around 28,500 miles); suspension (4 complaints); electrical (3 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2002 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 2002 a bad year for the GMC Safari?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Safari model year since 2000, with 25 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.