2002 GMC Safari recalls and problems

The 2002 GMC Safari has 1 safety recall and 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

4 / 1

Injuries / deaths

2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 GMC Safari vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 GMC Safari recalls

Recall 05V-099: Exterior Lighting

Reported Mar 14, 2005 · 77,055 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

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.

2002 GMC Safari problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	11
Suspension	4
Electrical System	3
Visibility	3
Steering	2
Equipment	2
Air Bags	2
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Structure	1
Interior Lighting	1
Unknown or Other	1
Engine and Engine Cooling	1

Most reported parts

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 7
Suspension › Front — 2
Vehicle Speed Control › Linkages — 1
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump — 1
Structure › Body › Door — 1
Visibility › Windshield — 1
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 1
Equipment › Electrical — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 36,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 GMC Safari complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 100,000 miles · reported Nov 15, 2017

The contact owns a 2002 gmc safari. While driving 45 MPH, the contact's vehicle was struck on the driver's side by a 2006 dodge caravan. The contact's vehicle then crashed into a pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained lower back pain, a bruised toe, a forehead gash, and damage to the ribs. Medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. Updated 8/21/18

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 76,306 miles · reported Jun 8, 2009

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…

Suspension · at 28,530 miles · reported Apr 17, 2008

The 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 did not make the repair. The consumer had the repairs made a an independent shop the current mileage was 28,550 and failure mileage was 28,530. Updated 5/5/08 updated

Exterior Lighting · at 28,000 miles · reported Feb 25, 2008

The contact owns a 2002 gmc safari. The contact stated that the brake lights worked intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and they stated that the repair required them to dismantle some of the major components to better access the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified requesting information on NHTSA campaign id number 05v099000 (Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch), but the VIN was not included in the recall. The current mileage was 44,500 and failure mileage was 28,000. Updated 03/26/08.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 22,000 miles · reported May 11, 2007

The contact owns a 2002 gmc safari. The contact stated that the vehicle's brakes squeaked and she had the brake pads replaced. The pads were replaced a second time at 40,000 miles. The brakes continue to squeak. The vehicle's purchase date and engine size were unknown. The current mileage is 68,000 and failure mileage was 22,000.

Other GMC Safari years

2005 2004 200320022001 2000

Compare all GMC Safari years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 GMC Safari have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 GMC Safari: 05V-099 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 GMC Safari?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (11 reports), followed by suspension (4). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 36,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.