2000 GMC Safari Reliability Score: 7.7 out of 10

72 NHTSA Complaints

2 Recalls

0 Fire Reports

12 Crash Reports

Reliability Score

7.7 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer owner complaints than similar vans

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 15 powertrain complaints. A typical van fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 20.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Breakdown

Complaints overall15 complaints against about 20 for similar vehicles

7.7

Last three years

n/aNot enough data

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced

n/aNot enough data

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

L35

4.3L 6-cyl

56 complaints 56.0 per year

View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes

body

electrical

engine

cooling

Same engine used in

GMC Jimmy (2000-2005)GMC Sierra 1500 (2000-2006)GMC Sonoma (2000-2004)GMC Envoy (2002-2009)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2000-2006)CHEVROLET Cavalier (2000-2005)

GMC Safari Unidentified Engine

16 complaints 16.0 per year

View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system

brakes

steering

other

exterior

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the GMC Safari, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Brakes: 32 owner complaints

Body/Trim: 11 owner complaints

Fuel System: 8 owner complaints

Electrical System: 6 owner complaints

Steering: 5 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2000 GMC Safari

On a used 2000 GMC Safari, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the brakes (32), the body and structure (11) and the fuel system (8). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 32 owner complaints on the 2000 GMC Safari about the brakes.
Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 11 owner complaints on the 2000 GMC Safari about the body and structure.
Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 8 owner complaints on the 2000 GMC Safari about the fuel system.
Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 6 owner complaints on the 2000 GMC Safari about the electrical system.
Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 5 owner complaints on the 2000 GMC Safari about the steering.

Open the full inspection checklist for the 2000 GMC Safari

Recalls (2)

06E043000May 19, 2006serious

Fuel System

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.

06E026000Mar 23, 2006serious

Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

All Generations

20002000 20012001 20022002 20032003

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2000-2000 GMC Safari complaints?

Owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2000 GMC Safari. The systems they name most often are the brakes, the body and trim and the fuel system.

Is the 2000-2000 GMC Safari a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000-2000 GMC Safari. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000-2000 GMC Safari have?

NHTSA has 72 owner complaints on file for the 2000-2000 GMC Safari as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2000-2000 GMC Safari?

NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2000-2000 GMC Safari vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used GMC Safari?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the brakes, the body and trim and the fuel system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

Does the Safari have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2000 GMC Safari. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 72 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.