1986 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.

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Common 1986 Gmc Safari problems

The GMC Safari 1986 has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. One of the most frequently mentioned issues is related to the transmission. According to the Edmunds Forums, some owners have experienced shifting problems, particularly a sudden and abrupt gear shift from first to second after about 30-45 minutes of driving. This issue seems to occur after the warranty has expired, leaving owners with a hefty repair bill.

Another common problem with the GMC Safari 1986 is related to the fuel system. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued several recalls for this model due to fuel system issues, including a recall in 2003 for visibility problems caused by the fuel system.

The lighting system is also a common problem area for the GMC Safari 1986, with 15 recalls issued for lighting issues. These recalls include problems with headlights, taillights, and other lighting components.

The brakes are another area where the GMC Safari 1986 has had issues. According to the NHTSA, there have been 14 recalls issued for brake-related problems with this model, including issues with the brake system, brake lines, and brake components.

The suspension system is another area where the GMC Safari 1986 has had problems. There have been eight recalls issued for suspension-related issues, including problems with the suspension system, suspension components, and suspension mounts.

The seats are also a problem area for the GMC Safari 1986, with seven recalls issued for seat-related issues. These recalls include problems with the seat belts, seat components, and seat adjustment mechanisms.

Finally, the engine is another area where the GMC Safari 1986 has had issues. There has been one recall issued for engine-related problems, including issues with the engine control module and engine components.

In conclusion, the GMC Safari 1986 has had several common problems based on complaints from its owners. These issues include transmission problems, fuel system issues, lighting problems, brake problems, suspension problems, seat problems, and engine problems. It is important for owners of this model to be aware of these issues and to address them promptly to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicle.

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 Chevy version of the GMC Safari?

What is the towing capacity of the GMC Safari van?

between 5,100 and 5,800 pounds

Safaris have payload ratings between 1,495 and 1,636 pounds, and towing capacities range between 5,100 and 5,800 pounds.

Are GMC Safaris good?

GMC Safari fan

What years were the GMC Safari made?

Chevrolet Astro

Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari
Manufacturer	General Motors
Also called	GMC Safari
Production	1985–2005
Assembly	Baltimore Assembly, Baltimore, Maryland

Are GMC trucks good or bad?

The Sierra is a light-duty truck, rated number one in safety for 2020. The GMC Canyon is the automaker's heavy-duty pickup truck. There are three trims, all of which are part of the GMC Canyon reliability that ranks above average in J.D. Power's 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Survey (VSD) for 2023.

Is GMC a reliable Car?

GMC Overall Reliability and Maintenance Costs

According to RepairPal, one of the foremost sources for vehicle maintenance and reliability, GMC as a brand scores a 3 out of 5 for overall reliability, which is considered above average compared to other brands.

1986 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:

Seats problems
Service brakes problems
Hydraulic problems
Structure problems
Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Gmc Safari vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1986 Gmc Safari complaints

The NHTSA has received 10 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Gmc Safari.

2002-10-23

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1G5DM15Z7GB
Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LINNING RUPTURED. *JG

Add Complaint

2002-10-23

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: 1G5DM15Z7GB
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: THE CHASSIS FRAME IS COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT . *JG

Add Complaint

1998-10-15

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1998-10-10
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IS LOSING PRESSURE, AND OIL WAS LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. ALSO, THERE IS BLACK THICK SMOKE COMING TAIL PIPE. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-05-29

SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1996-05-26
Components: SEATS
Summary: DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE WHEN THE DRIVER SAT IN THE SEAT. *AK

Add Complaint

1996-04-25

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-01-24
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: HEADLIGHT SWTICH FAILED, CAUSING ACCIDENT. *SD

Add Complaint

1996-04-25

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-01-24
Number Of Injuries: 1
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: SEAT BELT FAILED TO SECURE DRIVER DURING ACCIDENT, CAUSING INJURY. *SD

Add Complaint

1996-04-25

SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1994-01-24
Components: SEATS
Summary: SEAT TRACK FAILED, CAUSING SEAT TO LOSE POSITION. *SD

Add Complaint

1996-03-25

SEATS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-02-20
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: 1G5CM15Z7GB
Components: SEATS
Summary: CONSUMER WAS HIT IN THE REAR, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT RECLINED BACKWARDS, DRIVER WAS FELL TO THE REAR OF THE TRUCK. PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

Add Complaint

1995-08-15

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1993-03-01
Components: TIRES
Summary: IRREGULAR WEAR OF B F GOODRICH TIRE TREADS, CONTRIBUTING TO BRAKING/STEERING PROBLEMS. *SD

Add Complaint

1995-05-16

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-05-03
Components: STEERING
Summary: ERRATIC OPERATION OF STEERING WHEEL. RESULTING IN POOR STABILITY. PLEASE DESCRIBE IN MORE DETAIL. TT

Add Complaint

1986 Gmc Safari recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1986 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.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1986 Gmc Safari problems:

1998 Safari for $1900 with transmission problem and bad AC ...

https://www.astrosafari.com/threads/1998-safari-for-1900-with-transmission-problem-and-bad-ac.148185/

Dec 7, 2021 ... You could get either from 95-05. Most cargos had the sealed beams because it was the cheaper option. 1986 Chevy Astro 4 cyl 5 SPD ...

GMC Safari/Chevy Astro Transmission Problem — Car Forums at ...

https://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/15905/gmc/astro/gmc-safari-chevy-astro-transmission-problem

Jan 13, 2001 ... Regarding a "known problem" with these transmissions: I'm not sure I can go that far. I own 75 Astros now, and have had more than 100 others. ( ...

2004 GMC Safari Crank No start when it rains | Chevy Astro and ...

https://www.astrosafari.com/threads/2004-gmc-safari-crank-no-start-when-it-rains.25017/

Jun 10, 2013 ... 1986 Chevy Astro Vortech 350 V8 5-speed ... I have discovered that this is a VERY common problem ... SephKnight Apr 7, 2013 · 94 GMC Safari ...

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 ...