2001 GMC Safari SLE AWD review from North America

Within the first week, the starter had failed due to moisture seeping in, and it had to be towed to the dealer.

At around 50,000 km, I would notice when turning a tight circle, the inside back wheel would spin and hop, the vehicle would shudder. I was told by the dealer this was normal, initially. Actually, the problem was in the all wheel drive transfer case.

It was supposedly repaired, the "hopping" and shuddering was gone, but after winter arrived, it was apparent that it was only operating in 2 wheel drive. The back wheels would sit and spin. It took 2 more visits to get the All wheel drive working properly.

That work lasted for almost 1 year, then the "service all wheel drive" light came on. It was again only working in 2 wd. This time, the AWD encoder motor had failed.

The service engine light comes on frequently, and the code indicates a problem with too rich fuel mixture, yet the dealer says the setting for fuel injection are normal, my mileage is fine so I am told to ignore the indicator.

I had a 1996 Astrovan before this and it was much more reliable, except the transmission went at 102,000 kms. But no all wheel drive problems. Repairs were $1200.

Unless GM gets their act together, I would not recommend buying anything with all wheel drive made by them.

Also the dealer's first line of defence seems to be to tell you nothing is actually wrong. It is up to you to prove otherwise. Very annoying.