1986 GMC Safari Problems

Below Average Complaints

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1986 GMC Safari.

19851987
Complaints
11
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0

Worst 1986 GMC Safari Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#12 complaints

Seat-Related Issues

#21 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

#31 complaints

Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe

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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1986 GMC Safari.

Seat-Related Issues
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Exterior Lighting:Headlights:Switch
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belts:Front:Anchorage
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Structure:Frame And Members
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Tires:Tread/Belt
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1986 GMC Safari. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other GMC Safari Years

198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005

1986 GMC Safari — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 1986 GMC Safari reliable?
Verdict: Below Average Complaints. The 1986 GMC Safari has 11 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Seat-Related Issues with 2 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1986 GMC Safari?
Top reported problems: Seat-Related Issues (2 complaints); Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine (1 complaints); Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe (1 complaints). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
How safe is the 1986 GMC Safari?
NHTSA complaints for the 1986 GMC Safari include 2 crash-related reports, 0 fire reports, 3 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1986 GMC Safari have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1986 GMC Safari as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1986 GMC Safari?
Fewer complaints than typical for this model. That's a good sign, but every individual car is different — the VIN still tells you what happened to this specific one.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full GMC Safari reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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