AI Damage2004 GMC Safari: common problems
Owners of the 2004 GMC Safari filed 5 complaints with NHTSA, most often about suspension and equipment. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 5
What fails most often
- 1 Suspension 40% of all complaints
- 2 Equipment 20% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 20% of all complaints
- 4 Powertrain 20% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 20% of all complaints
- 6 Steering 20% of all complaints
- Suspension: 2 complaints (40% of all).
- Equipment: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Fuel system: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Powertrain: 1 complaints (20% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (20% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 4.3 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
Drive: RWD, AWD
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 gmc safari awd. The contact was driving approximately 3-5 mph and coming to a stop when the abs activated abnormally and caused the brakes to pulsate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised the contact that the hubs needed to be replaced.
She took the vehicle to a mechanic, who discovered a hole in the air conditioning line. The failure was caused by the air conditioning line rubbing against the fuel line. The mechanic stated that the repair for the air conditioning line would cost between $800-$1,000.
The rear end was making a noise and was taken to the car dealer checked the vehicle. The dealer said that the problem was with the carrier bearings and the ring & pinion (factory defect). The vehicle has been making this noise since it was purchased and the warranty will not cover repairs.
Steering wheel of 2004 gmc safari is rapidly decaying. No cleaning chemicals have been used on the steering wheel. I work in an office, so there are no extraordinary chemicals on my hands.
While parallel parking vehicle turned 90 degrees to the left within two-car lengths. Vehicle had been to the dealer on four occasions. Dealer checked the tire pressure, did a complete wheel alignment, and rotated the tires. But, problem still recurred.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 14,283 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 39% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Safari has 52 complaints (22 years in the data). This year has 5, below average.
What to check before buying
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
- Safari 19867 sources
- Safari 198711 sources
- Safari 19887 sources
- Safari 198918 sources
- Safari 199035 sources
- Safari 199139 sources
- Safari 199259 sources
- Safari 199361 sources
- Safari 1994119 sources
- Safari 1995195 sources
- Safari 1996139 sources
- Safari 1997135 sources
- Safari 199889 sources
- Safari 199961 sources
- Safari 200068 sources
- Safari 200139 sources
- Safari 200225 sources
- Safari 200318 sources
- Safari 20054 sources
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2004 GMC Safari?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: suspension, equipment, fuel system. Total complaints: 5. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: A/C or heater (20%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2004 GMC Safari?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2004 GMC Safari from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2004 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.