Does the 2002 GMC Safari have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 GMC Safari, the most recent reported on March 14, 2005 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 GMC Safari?

Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (11 complaints), followed by suspension (4).

How many 2002 GMC Safari complaints mention a crash or fire?

4 of 25 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 GMC Safari recalls and problems

1 recall and 25 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 GMC Safari.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 GMC Safari recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 05V099000 · reported March 14, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 77,055 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the hazard warning flasher switch and apply special grease to the contacts at the time of installation of the module free of charge. The repair would be used in vehicles in which the hazard slider button is still movable. If a vehicle has a hazard slider button that is not movable (frozen), the entire multifunction switch will be replaced. The recall began on april 13, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Service brakes, hydraulic11
Suspension4
Electrical system3
Visibility3
Air bags2
Equipment2
Steering2
Engine and engine cooling1
Exterior lighting1
Interior lighting1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Nov 15, 2017 · Air bags · 100,000 miles · crash reported
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SAFARI. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BY A 2006 DODGE CARAVAN. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE THEN CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LOWER BACK PAIN, A BRUISED TOE, A FOREHEAD GASH, AND DAMAGE TO THE RIBS…

Oct 4, 2013 · Service brakes · 92,000 miles
FRONT BRAKE LINE RUSTED OUT AND FAILED, NECESSITATING EXPENSIVE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT.

Jun 8, 2009 · Service brakes, hydraulic · 76,306 miles
MY 2002 GMC SAFARI WOULD NOT START. I WENT AND REPLACED THE 2.5 YEAR OLD BATTERY (IT WAS LEAKING AT THE TERMINALS) IT STARTED ONE TIME AND THEN ABOUT 45 MINUTES LATER IT WAS DEAD AGAIN. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. I WAS FIRST INFORMED THAT THE CHARGING SYSTEM WAS O.K. AND THAT THE PROBABLE CAUSE WAS THE BATTERY WAS…

Apr 17, 2008 · Suspension · 28,530 miles
TL CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SAFARI. WHILE DRIVING 5 OR 6 MPH, IT TOOK 40-50 FEET BEFORE THE CONTACT COULD STOP THE VEHICLE. A MECHANIC STATED THAT BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE WHEEL BEARINGS AND IDLER ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE LOCAL MECHANIC PERFORMED THE REPAIRS. GMC DENIED HIM REIMBURSEMENT BECAUSE THEY…

Feb 25, 2008 · Exterior lighting · 28,000 miles
TL CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SAFARI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THEY STATED THAT THE REPAIR REQUIRED THEM TO DISMANTLE SOME OF THE MAJOR COMPONENTS TO BETTER ACCESS THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…

Safari model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	0	68	11	0
2001	1	39	1	2
2002	1	25	4	1
2003	1	18	1	1
2004	0	5	0	0
2005	0	4	0	0

Across all years, the 2000 Safari has the most complaints (68). All GMC Safari years →

Questions

Does the 2002 GMC Safari have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 GMC Safari, the most recent reported on March 14, 2005 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 GMC Safari?: Owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (11 complaints), followed by suspension (4).
How many 2002 GMC Safari complaints mention a crash or fire?: 4 of 25 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 2 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 15, 2017.