1985 Gmc Safari problems

General information about Gmc-Safari
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Chevrolet Astro is a van that was manufactured and marketed by the Chevrolet division of American auto manufacturer General Motors from 1985 to 2005. Sold alongside the GMC Safari, the Astro was marketed in multiple configurations, including passenger minivan and cargo van.

The Astro and Safari used a rear-wheel drive chassis; all-wheel drive became an option in 1990. For its entire production, the Astro and Safari were produced by Baltimore Assembly in Baltimore, Maryland; the vans would be the final model line produced by the facility. In total, approximately 3.2 million Astros and Safaris were produced from 1985 through 2005.

Background

The Astro and Safari were introduced for the 1985 model year as the first minivan from General Motors. While marketed as a response to the first-generation Chrysler minivans, GM selected a rear-wheel drive layout, sizing the Astro and Safari closely to the short-wheelbase Chevrolet G10 van. Similar to the Ford Aerostar, to reduce production costs, GM adapted light-truck powertrain components; engines and transmissions were sourced from the Chevrolet S-10, allowing for a towing capacity of up to 5,500 lb (2,500 kg).

Prior to its use on a minivan, the Astro nameplate was used twice by General Motors; in 1967 (for the Chevrolet Astro 1 concept car) and from 1969 until 1987 (on the GMC Astro COE semitractor). GMC sourced the Safari nameplate from Pontiac (used by the latter to denote station wagons). As GMC was half of the Pontiac/GMC Division (later including Buick), from 1985 through 1989, both GMC and Pontiac Safaris were simultaneously offered through the same dealership network.

Social links

Common 1985 Gmc Safari problems

The GMC Safari 1985 is known for several common problems, which are discussed in detail below based on complaints from car owners.

ABS Light Due to Brake System Control Unit Failure: The ABS light often comes on due to a failure in the brake system control unit. This issue is prevalent in the GMC Safari 1985, and it can lead to the ABS system not functioning correctly, posing a safety risk.
No Start Due to Fuel Pump Failure: The fuel pump in the GMC Safari 1985 can fail if the fuel filter is not routinely replaced. This issue can cause the engine to not start, and it may require replacing the fuel pump and filter.
Door Lock Actuators: The door lock actuators in the GMC Safari 1985 can fail, which is typical in high mileage models. It is recommended to replace the actuators with name brand ones instead of the cheapest ones available.
Rear AC Failure: The rear AC can prematurely fail due to a leak in the rear AC lines. This issue can be resolved by replacing the lines or tracing and fixing the leak.
Rear Brake Lights Not Working: The rear brake lights can malfunction, specifically in the 1992 model but also in other models. This issue is most likely due to a short, and replacing the multi-function lever can fix it.
AWD Pull: High mileage all-wheel-drive models can develop a severe pull to one side during braking, which is most likely due to a broken ball joint or control arm.
Engine Mounts: The engine mounts in the all-wheel-drive model can cause damage to the oil pan, making it hard to replace in all-wheel-drive vehicles.
Brake Lines Rusting Out: In colder regions, the brake lines can rust out, causing a safety concern.
Leaks: Leaks are a common problem in the GMC Safari 1985, and they can occur in various parts of the vehicle.
Power Steering Pump: The power steering pump can fail, causing difficulty in steering the vehicle.

These are some of the common problems reported by GMC Safari 1985 owners. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help prevent these issues and prolong the life of the vehicle.

What is the best year for the Chevy Astro van?

However, if you are after the best version possible without tipping into the conversion vans, it is best to look for a 2003 to 2005 Chevrolet Astro. These specific years of Astro vans will give you the best chassis, safety, and interior upgrades possible.

What year did GMC stop making the safari?

The GMC Safari ended production after 2005; as of current production, this remains the final use of the nameplate by General Motors.

What is the Chevy version of the GMC Safari?

What old van is most reliable?

Top 10 most reliable used vans

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. ...
Volkswagen Transporter. ...
Volkswagen Caddy. ...
Mercedes-Benz Vito. ...
Vauxhall Vivaro. ...
Citroen Berlingo. ...
Vauxhall Movano. ...
Renault Trafic. Aside from the Ford Transit, the Renault Trafic is probably the most familiar name to those searching for a commercial van.

Are GMC Safaris good?

GMC Safari fan

It has been very reliable and gets >17.5 mpg doing package delivery in northern Nevada. It drives well, feels planted on the road and is rattle free. With regular maintenance this van should easily eclipse 200K miles.

What year did GMC stop making the safari?

The GMC Safari ended production after 2005; as of current production, this remains the final use of the nameplate by General Motors.

What is the best year for the Chevy Astro van?

What is the Chevy version of the GMC Safari?

1985 Gmc Safari car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc Safari problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine and engine cooling problems
Latches/locks/linkages problems
Seats problems
Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Gmc Safari vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Gmc Safari complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Gmc Safari.

1997-03-14

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Fire: 1
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Summary: OWNER STATES UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE.THE FIRE STARTED FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CAUSE HAS BEEN UNDETERMINED, OWNER ALSO NOTES THAT BECAUSE OF THE WAY THE HOOD LATCH ON THIS VEHICLE IS MADE HE HAD A HARD TIME IN LIFTING THE HOOD. *AK

Add Complaint

1994-06-17

SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-06-17
Components: SEATS
Summary: SEAT BELT RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO VIN (93V187). *SKD

Add Complaint

1994-06-17

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-06-17
Components: STEERING
Summary: STEERING GEAR BOX RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO VIN (85V-160). *SKD

Add Complaint

1985 Gmc Safari recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1985 Gmc Safari.

2006-05-19

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

1993-11-16

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: SEATS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FOAM AND/OR VINYL FROM BETWEEN THE RECLINER MECHANISM AND THE SEAT FRAME "SOFT" JOINT AND REPLACE THE RECLINER BOLTS.

1985-12-03

Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Components: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary: A PART OF THE STEERING GEAR HOUSING WHICH ATTACHES TO THE FRAME MAY BREAK. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: STEERING DIFFICULTIES WILL OCCUR AND THE STEERING GEAR TO THE FRAME MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: REPLACE BROKEN OR CRACKED STEERING GEAR OR INSTALL A BRACE IF STEERING GEAR IS NOT BROKEN OR CRACKED.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Gmc Safari problems:

1st Gen Issues | Chevy Astro and GMC Safari Forum

https://www.astrosafari.com/threads/1st-gen-issues.4980/

Nov 4, 2009 ... Chevy Astro and GMC Safari Forum. in this ... 1985 Astro - 350/700r4....loud & low! :chevy ... Window motors are another common problem with ...

Acceleration problems? - Chevy & GMC Vans

http://chevygmcvans.com/viewtopic.php?t=8224

Mar 3, 2012 ... I have a 96 Astro AWD, with 240000 miles. I just bought it, as my 95 Safari died. The vehicle starts great, gets better gas mileage than the ...

Diagnosis chart for common 4l60e problems | Chevy Astro and GMC ...

https://www.astrosafari.com/threads/diagnosis-chart-for-common-4l60e-problems.5956/

Feb 4, 2010 ... Chevy Astro and GMC Safari Forum. in this ... I ran across this today and it is a great breakdown of common 4L60 problems. ... 1985 Astro - 350/ ...

power locks not working - Chevy & GMC Vans

http://chevygmcvans.com/viewtopic.php?t=8958

Jan 6, 2013 ... ... GM master mechanic and claims this is a common problem with astro/safaris. ... common problem with astro ... Chevrolet Astro, GMC Safari (1985 to ...