1987 Gmc Safari problems
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 1987 Gmc Safari problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the GMC Safari 1987, several common problems have been identified:
- Transmission Issues: A slipping transmission is a common problem in GMC Safari vans, often caused by low transmission fluid levels. Checking for signs of leakage and ensuring proper fluid levels can help address this issue.
- Electrical Problems: Complaints include instrument panel lights not coming on, which could be due to issues with ignition feed, ground connections, or a faulty cluster. Proper diagnosis and repair of these electrical components are essential to resolve such issues.
- High Mileage Concerns: While the GMC Safari is known for its reliability and longevity, high mileage models may experience issues like severe pulling during braking, fuel pump failures, engine mount damage, and brake line rust. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help address these issues .
- Window and Door Lock Actuator Problems: Some owners have faced issues with window switches, door lock actuators, and rear AC units. These problems may require repairs or replacements of the affected components to ensure proper functionality.
Each of these problems requires specific attention and expertise for diagnosis and resolution. By addressing these issues promptly and accurately, owners can maintain the performance and reliability of their GMC Safari 1987 without facing major setbacks.
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 they stop making GMC Safari?
2005
Chevrolet Astro
| Chevrolet Astro/GMC Safari | |
|---|---|
| Also called | GMC Safari |
| Production | 1985–2005 |
| Assembly | Baltimore Assembly, Baltimore, Maryland |
| Body and chassis |
Is the GMC Safari front or rear wheel drive?
rear-wheel-drive
Along with the Chevrolet Astro van, Safari was GM's rear-wheel-drive response to Lee Iacocca's front-wheel-drive mini-vans at Chrysler in the mid-'80s. GM insisted van owners wanted rear-wheel-drive, truck-tough haulers, not front-wheel-drive vans built for show and not tow.
What size engine is in the GMC Safari?
Under the hood, the carmaker installed a 4.3-liter V6 engine paired to a standard 4-speed automatic gearbox.
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 size engine is in the GMC Safari?
Under the hood, the carmaker installed a 4.3-liter V6 engine paired to a standard 4-speed automatic gearbox.
What is the Chevy version of the GMC Safari?
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.
1987 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
- Steering problems
- Structure problems
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Gmc Safari vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Gmc Safari complaints
The NHTSA has received 22 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Gmc Safari.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1901-01-01
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: CUSTOMER WANTS TO KNOW HOW TO REPLACE THE DOOR HANDLES ON A 1987 SAFARI VAN**CC *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-05-20
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION, AND THE SEAT BELT DID NOT PERFORM AS DESIGNED. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-01
- VIN: 1GKDM15ZXHB
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS BACKING INTO GARAGE, PUT GEAR SHIFT INTO PARK AND VEHICLE TOOK OFF BACKWARDS SECOND TIME WHILE WAITING FOR SOME PEOPLE TO CROSS. CONSUMER'S FOOT WAS STILL ON THE BRAKES AND TIRES WERE SPINNING. CONSUMER HAD TO PUT CAR IN NEUTRAL TO GET IT TO STOP.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-29
- VIN: IGDDMI5Z8HB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-29
- VIN: 1GDDM15Z8HB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MANY OTHER OCCURANCES CAN'T FIND ANY USED PARTS ANYWHERE RECYCLERS SAY VERY POPULAR OCCURANCE
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GKDM15Z7HB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: INTERMITTENTLY THE RESTRAINTS WILL NOT RETRACT. THE DRIVER HAS TO TIE A KNOT IN THE REAR REESTRAINT TO PROPERLY SECURE THE CSS . DEALER WILL BE CONTACTED. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GKDM15ZXHB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PAINT IS PEELING OFF ROOF AND HOOD OF VEHICLE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GKDM15ZXHB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: BRACKET THAT HOLDS ALL MOVING COMPONENTS (AIR COMPRESSOR, AIR PUMP, POWER STEERING PUMP, WATER PUMP) CRACKED.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-17
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: BRACKET HOLDING POWER STEERING UNIT CRACKED, SHEERING OFF THE MOUNTING BOLT, CAUSING BELT TO COME OFF. *DSH
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-16
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT END MISALIGNED, ALSO REPLACED TIRES. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-16
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED SERPENTINE BELT.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-16
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DEFECTIVE IDLER ARMS.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-16
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE FAILURE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONTROL.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-01-13
- VIN: 1GKCM1527HB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED THERMOSTAT DUE TO COOLANT LEAK. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-04-19
- VIN: 1GKCM1527HB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OIL LEAKS ONTO ENGINE DUE TO DEFECTIVE HEAD GASKET,CREATING POTENTIAL RISK OF FIRE. TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-06-15
- VIN: 1GKCM1527HB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: POOR ENGINE OIL CONSUMPTION. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-09-12
- VIN: 1GKCM1527HB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: REPLACED LEAKING PINION GEAR. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-01-09
- VIN: 1GKCM1527HB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: NOISY BRAKES. AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-01-25
- VIN: 1GKCM1527HB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: VEHICLE IS SLUGGISH, HAS NO POWER. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-11-17
- VIN: 1GKCM1527HB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: INTAKE GASKET LEAKING. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-06-13
- VIN: 1GKCM1527HB
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: REPLACED FRONT TIRE. *AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-05-19
- VIN: 1GKCM1527HB
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM NOT WORKING. *AK
1987 Gmc Safari recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 Gmc Safari.
- 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).
- 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
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