AI Damage2005 GMC Safari: common problems
Owners of the 2005 GMC Safari filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about steering and structure. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
What fails most often
- 1 Steering 50% of all complaints
- 2 Structure 50% of all complaints
- 3 Engine and cooling 25% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 25% of all complaints
- 5 Suspension 25% of all complaints
- Steering: 2 complaints (50% of all).
- Structure: 2 complaints (50% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Suspension: 1 complaints (25% 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
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 4 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 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.
2005 safari with defective frame** the frame holding the a frame had rusted through, which allowed the bolt holding the a frame to cut its way through the frame and drop the lower a frame. The consumer stated the frame dropped while backing out of a parking spot.
Driver noticed that the steering system did not work properly. It took approximately four to five attempts to make a complete u-turn. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic claimed that it was normal.
The breaking system is real bad that caused a great shaking in the stirring wheel. 2. Unusual sound in the back of the van 3. Rattling noise in the shelves 4. Stirring wheel is not working good when making a u-turn, I need several attempts before making a complete u-turn. 5.
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 15,521 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 42% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Safari has 52 complaints (22 years in the data). This year has 4, below average.
What to check before buying
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- 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 20045 sources
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2005 GMC Safari?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: steering, structure, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: knocking, grinding or other noise (25%), rust, corrosion (25%), vibration (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2005 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 2005 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 2005 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 2026-11-05.