1996 GMC Safari

1996 GMC Safari

The 1996 GMC Safari is a full-size van that offers a spacious interior and powerful engine options. It is available with a variety of engine and transmission configurations, including a 4.3L V6 with a 4-speed automatic transmission, a 5.0L V8 with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 5.7L V8 with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Despite its versatility, the GMC Safari has a history of various issues that affect different components of the vehicle.

Engine

4.3L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak, rough idle, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.0L V8

• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil pressure warning, engine stalling, overheating.
  • Solution: Replace oil pressure sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Valve Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, increased emissions, check engine light.
  • Solution: Clean or replace EGR valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.7L V8

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, loss of power.
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Distributor Cap and Rotor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting, misfiring, reduced engine performance.
  • Solution: Replace distributor cap and rotor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Slippage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle does not engage gears properly, loss of power, harsh shifting.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: 97V030000
• Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: No communication with transmission, shifting issues, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace TCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Ball Joint Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noises, vibration, reduced steering stability.
  • Solution: Replace ball joint.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Suspension Springs Sagging:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits lower in the rear, reduced ride height.
  • Solution: Replace rear suspension springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery dies quickly, reduced electrical power.
  • Solution: Test and replace faulty electrical components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Charging system malfunction, low battery, electrical system issues.
  • Solution: Replace alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sliding Door Cable Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Sliding door does not open or close smoothly, can become stuck.
  • Solution: Replace sliding door cable.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rust on Undercarriage:
  • Description/Symptoms: Corrosion on metal parts, can lead to structural issues.
  • Solution: Clean and treat affected areas, apply rust-proofing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks or splits in the dashboard material, especially in direct sunlight.
  • Solution: Replace dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Floor Mat Design Flaw:
  • Description/Symptoms: Floor mat can interfere with accelerator pedal, increasing the risk of unintended acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace floor mat with a correctly designed one.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign ID: 06V281000

Summary

The 1996 GMC Safari has a range of issues that affect its engine, transmission, suspension, electrical, exterior, and interior components. The severity of these issues varies, with some being relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, while others can be more serious and costly. Overall, the GMC Safari is a reliable vehicle with a comfortable interior and powerful engine options, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues associated with this model before making a purchase.