1989 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 1989 Gmc Safari problems
The GMC Safari, produced from 1985 to 2005, has been known to have several common problems, particularly in the 1989 model year. These issues are based on complaints from owners of this car, as reported in various sources.
- Engine Stalls While Driving: This is the most reported problem among GMC Safari owners, with a significant number of complaints for the 1995 model year. This issue can be quite dangerous, especially when it occurs during high-speed driving. The average cost to fix this problem is around $1,500, and it tends to occur at an average mileage of 28,000 miles.
- ABS Light Due to Brake System Control Unit Failure: This issue is common in various model years of the GMC Safari. The ABS light, which indicates a problem with the anti-lock braking system, may come on due to a failure in the brake system control unit. This problem can affect the vehicle's safety, as the ABS system is crucial for maintaining control during hard braking.
- Rear Doors Won't Open: This is another common problem, particularly in the 1995 model year. The rear doors of the GMC Safari may fail to open, which can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous in emergency situations. The cause of this problem is not explicitly stated in the search results, but it may be due to a mechanical or electrical issue.
- Transfer Case Lockup: This issue is more common in the 2000 model year. The transfer case, which distributes power to the front and rear axles, may lock up, causing the vehicle to become stuck or difficult to maneuver. This problem can be particularly problematic in off-road or slippery conditions.
- Heater Doesn't Work: This problem is common in the 2000 model year. The heater may fail to function, which can be uncomfortable during cold weather. The cause of this problem is not explicitly stated in the search results, but it may be due to a mechanical or electrical issue.
- Electrical Problems: Owners of the 1990 model year have reported various electrical problems, including issues with the oil and coolant temperature gauges, odometer, interior lights, and driver side mirror and locks. These problems may be due to loose connections, faulty wiring, or issues with the electronic control unit.
These common problems with the GMC Safari 1989 and other model years can significantly affect the vehicle's safety, comfort, and reliability. If you own a GMC Safari, it is essential to be aware of these issues and to address them promptly to ensure the vehicle's safe and efficient operation.
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.
Is the GMC Safari FWD or RWD?
rear-wheel drive
The Astro and Safari used a rear-wheel drive chassis; all-wheel drive became an option in 1990.
What is the best year for 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.
How big is the gas tank on a GMC Safari?
27 gal
Fuel & MPG
378/486 mi. 27 gal.
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.
Is the GMC Safari FWD or RWD?
rear-wheel drive
The Astro and Safari used a rear-wheel drive chassis; all-wheel drive became an option in 1990.
When did they stop making GMC Safari?
General Motors today announced that its Chevy Astro and GMC Safari will be discontinued in 2005. As a consequence, the company's Baltimore, Maryland assembly plant, which exclusively builds the Chevy Astro and GMC Safari, will also close in 2005.
What is the best year for 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.
1989 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:
- Steering problems
- Seat belts problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
- Seats problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Gmc Safari vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1989 Gmc Safari complaints
The NHTSA has received 21 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Gmc Safari.
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-08-18
- VIN: 1GKDM15Z2KB
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THE BRACKETS ON THE FRONT AND BACK OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP HAVE BROKEN 3+ TIMES AND HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED, PUMP, SERPENTINE BELT, BRACKETS, FLUID, AND HOSE TO BE REPLACED. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY AND WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES THE MOST RECENT WAS LAST WEEK. 08/18/2011 *TR
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-09
- VIN: 1GKEL19W7WB
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: RANDOM FAILURE OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. VERY SPOOKY WHEN IT HAPPENS AT NIGHT. WHEN QUESTIONED THE DEALERSHIP IS NOT AWARE OF ANY PROBLEM. BUT THEY KNEW JUST WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND THEY HAVE A FIX. *LA
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-15
- VIN: 1GKDM15Z9KB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: FRONT VAN CAPTAINS CHAIR FRAME AND TRACK, HAS HAD TO BE REPAIR SEVERAL TIMES. SEAT LIFTS UP, DOES NOT STAY SECURED TO TRACK. *JB
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-01
- VIN: 1GKDM15Z6KB
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE ALUMINUM OR SIMILAR MATERIAL BRACKET WHICH CONNECTS THE ELECTRONICALLY-CONTROLLED DRIVER'S SEAT TO THE FLOOR GUIDES IS "RIPPED" --- NOT COMPLETELY BUT ENOUGH TO MAKE THE SEAT INSECURE AND DEFINITELY UNSAFE IN A SUDDEN STOP OR IMPACT.*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-08
- VIN: 1GKDM15Z7KB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WITHOUT WARNING THE TIE ROD RIPPED ITSELF OUT OF THE FRAME. IF THIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN TRAVELING AT NORMAL SPEED, THE DRIVER WOULD HAVE COMPLETELY LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER THE VEHICLE. ONE BODY SHOP OWNER SAID THAT HE HAS NEVER SEEN OR HEARD OF ANYTHING LIKE THIS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GDDM15Z7KB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ON GOING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE BEFORE I BOUGHT IT, BUT EVEN WHEN I HAD A REBUILT ENGINE PUT IN BY MILES CHEV, MILLINGTON,TN IN JULY 97 AT 146,737 MILES ,NOTHING WAS SAID ABOUT ANY ENGINE FIRES...MOST MECHANICS SAID IT WAS A "MINOR" ELECTRIAL PROBLEM...THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT CAME ON WHEN IT NEEDED OIL, AND PERIODICALLY THE RED BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, EVEN THOUGH THE EMERGANCY BRAKE HAD NOT BEEN APPLIED AND THE LEVER PULLED TO DOUBLE CHECK FOR RELEASE. NO OTHER WARNINGS OF POSSIBLE FIRE...NO SMOKE OR ODORS THAT NIGHT, JUST DROVE HOME ABOUT 20 MILES IN THE RAIN, PARKED IN MY DRIVE AND ABOUT 3.5HRS LATER A MAN WALKING BY SAW IT BURNING AND HAD PEOPLE CALL 911. TUNE UP & OIL CHG. @187,314M,12/17/98. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-04
- VIN: 1GKDM15Z3KB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH SEAT BELTS. WHILE DRIVING THE SEAT BELT DOESN'T ADJUST, IT'S LOOSE. IT DOES NOT HOLD. THIS DEFECT COMPLIES WITH RECALL 98V150000. THE MANUFACTURER HAS YET TO BE CONTACTED. *AK THE BOLT HOLDING THE ENGINE BRACKET BROKE OFF. *YH
STEERING,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-10-23
- VIN: 1GKDM15Z3KB
- Components: STEERING,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR SEAT BELT FAILED UNDER HARD BRAKING. ALSO, POWER STEERING PUMP REAR BRACKET MALFUNCTIONED.
STEERING,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GKDM152KB5
- Components: STEERING,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT 60 MPH VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. DRIVER WAS EJECTED FROM SEAT BECAUSE THE LAP BELT DID NOT HOLD. FURTHERMORE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT WHEN GOING OVER 55 MPH. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: GEAR SHIFTER STUCK IN PARK POSITION. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-03-21
- VIN: 1GKDM15Z2KB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE GETTING INTO VEHICLE DRIVER'S SIDE HANDLE BROKE OFF DOOR INTO DRIVER'S HAND, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HANDLE HAS NOT BROKEN. DEALER HAS NOT SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GKDM15Z3KB
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: AFTER HAVING RECALL REPAIR WORK DONE ON SEAT, THE SEAT BOLT BROKE AGAIN, CAUSING THE SEAT TO RECLINE INTO THE REAR SEAT. RECALL#93V187000. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-18
- VIN: 1GKDM15Z6KB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: POWER STEERING PULLEY CAME APART, CAUSING SERPENTINE BELT TO BREAK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: 1GDDM15Z1KB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN BOLT THAT HOLDS THE STEERING COLUMN IN PLACE, BECOMES VERY LOOSE, CAN NOT SHIFT GEARS AND USE TURN SIGNALS. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: 1GDDM15Z1KB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN BOLT THAT HOLDS THE STEERING COLUMN IN PLACE, BECOMES VERY LOOSE, CAN NOT SHIFT GEARS AND USE TURN SIGNALS. TT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-01
- VIN: 1GDDM15Z1KB
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN BOLT THAT HOLDS THE STEERING COLUMN IN PLACE, BECOMES VERY LOOSE, CAN NOT SHIFT GEARS AND USE TURN SIGNALS. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GTCM15Z5KB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WHEN PULLED FORWARD AND BACKWARDS DOESN'T TIGHTEN UP. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GTCM15Z5KB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER AND BUCKLE WILL NOT LOCK WHEN PULLING FORWARD AND GO BACKWARDS THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR DON'T TIGHTEN UP . TT
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-02-04
- VIN: 1GKDM15Z4KB
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: BOLT THAT CONNECTS THE POWER STEERING UNIT TO THE MOTOR SHEARED OFF, REPLACED WITH STEEL BOLT, THEN THE BRACKET CRACKED CAUSING POWER STEERING UNIT TO COME OFF.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-12-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE AUX PULLEY THAT HOLD CRANKSHAFT AND THE TIMING GEAR PULLEY BROKE TWO TIME. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLE REAR MIDDLE BENCH OUTSIDE SEAT BELTS RETRACTOR MECHANISM HAD BROKEN PARTS JAMMING IN A FIXED POSITION. TT
1989 Gmc Safari recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1989 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.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
- Summary: SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.
- Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE ROTOR SECTIONS CAN CAUSE LOSS OFBRAKING ABILITY IN THE AFFECTED WHEEL. THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPINGDISTANCE AND/OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS.
- Manufacturer: SHERROD VANS, INC.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
- Summary: SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE BAR FOR REAR SOFA FAILED TO SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210.
- Consequence: VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 210.
- Remedy: REPLACE NONCOMPLYING SOFA BAR WITH BAR THAT MEETS REQUIREMENTS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Gmc Safari problems:
GMC Safari Problems and Complaints - 30 Issues
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