Safari (2001)
Engine Reliability Ratings
L35
4.3L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
4 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the GMC Safari regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (3)
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.
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.
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH MAY DEVELOP AN OPEN CIRCUIT CONDITION IN THE STOP LAMP OR HAZARD LAMP CIRCUIT THAT RESULTS IN THE STOP LAMPS AND HAZARD LAMPS BEING INOPERATIVE.
Alternatives in Van
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2001-2001 GMC Safari problems?
The 2001-2001 GMC Safari has accumulated 49 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Electrical System, Steering. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which GMC Safari engine is most reliable?
The 2001-2001 GMC Safari was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.3L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2001-2001 GMC Safari a good used car?
The 2001-2001 GMC Safari can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 49 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001-2001 GMC Safari have?
The 2001-2001 GMC Safari has 49 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2001-2001 GMC Safari?
There are 3 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2001-2001 GMC Safari vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used GMC Safari?
Before buying a used GMC Safari, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Electrical System, Steering, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Safari have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2001 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. 49 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-04-07.