1998 GMC Safari

1998 GMC Safari

The 1998 GMC Safari is a full-size van that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. It was popular for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engines. However, like all vehicles, the Safari has its share of problems.

Engine

• 3.4L V6
  • Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a loss of coolant, a decrease in engine power, and a rough idle. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. The estimated cost to fix is $400-$600.
  • Head gasket failure: The head gasket can also fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include a loss of coolant, a decrease in engine power, and a rough idle. The solution is to replace the head gasket. The estimated cost to fix is $1,000-$1,500.
• 4.3L V6
  • No engine-specific issues found
• 5.0L V8
  • No engine-specific issues found

Transmission

• 4-speed automatic
  • Transmission slipping: The transmission may slip, causing the vehicle to lose power. The solution is to rebuild the transmission. The estimated cost to fix is $1,500-$2,000.
• 6-speed manual
  • No transmission-specific issues found

Suspension

• Front suspension: The front suspension components, such as the ball joints, tie rods, and control arms, can wear out over time. Symptoms include a clunking or rattling noise when driving over bumps, and the vehicle may pull to one side when braking. The solution is to replace the worn components. The estimated cost to fix is $500-$1,000.
• Rear suspension: The rear suspension components, such as the shocks, springs, and leaf springs, can also wear out over time. Symptoms include a bumpy ride, reduced handling, and the vehicle may sag in the rear. The solution is to replace the worn components. The estimated cost to fix is $500-$1,000.

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to discharge. Symptoms include a loss of electrical power, dimming headlights, and a battery warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the alternator. The estimated cost to fix is $300-$500.
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, preventing the engine from starting. Symptoms include a clicking noise when trying to start the engine, or the engine may not crank at all. The solution is to replace the starter. The estimated cost to fix is $200-$400.

Exterior

• Rust: The body of the Safari can rust over time, especially in areas where salt is used on the roads. Symptoms include bubbles or peeling paint, and the body may eventually rust through. The solution is to repair or replace the rusted panels. The estimated cost to fix depends on the severity of the rust.
• Plastic trim fading: The plastic trim on the Safari can fade over time, especially in areas where the vehicle is exposed to sunlight. The solution is to replace the faded trim. The estimated cost to fix is $200-$400.

Interior

• Seat fabric tearing: The seat fabric can tear over time, especially in areas where the seats are used frequently. The solution is to repair or replace the torn fabric. The estimated cost to fix is $100-$300.
• Dashboard cracking: The dashboard can crack over time, especially in areas where the vehicle is exposed to sunlight. The solution is to replace the dashboard. The estimated cost to fix is $500-$1,000.
• Power window failure: The power window motors or switches can fail, causing the windows to become inoperable. The solution is to replace the failed components. The estimated cost to fix is $200-$400.

Summary

Overall, the 1998 GMC Safari is a reliable vehicle with few major problems. However, some of the issues listed above can be expensive to fix. It is important to factor these potential costs into your decision when purchasing a Safari.