Head-to-head reliability
GMC Safari vs FORD F 150
How the GMC Safari and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
GMC Safari vs FORD F 150: The Safari averaged about 35 complaints per year over 6 years, while the F-150 averaged over 1,100 per year over 10 years. The Safari's top issues are service brakes and hydraulics, often causing longer stopping distances. The F-150's top issue is the power train, with reports of hard shifting and sudden power loss. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the GMC Safari or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
GMC Safari
The GMC Safari is a full-size van that averaged about 35 complaints per year over six years, with 15 recalls. The most common owner-reported trouble spots are service brakes and hydraulic components, often involving ABS engaging at low speeds and increasing stopping distance. Electrical and steering issues also appear, including dash lights going out and steering wheel lock-up. With 21 crash-related complaints and 64 injuries reported, these are not just minor annoyances.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that generated over 11,000 complaints in ten years, averaging more than 1,100 per year, along with 145 recalls. Power train complaints dominate, especially hard or delayed shifts and sudden loss of power in 10-speed automatic transmissions. Electrical problems like camera malfunctions and battery cable issues are also frequently reported. The sheer volume of complaints and recalls suggests a higher rate of owner-reported problems than the Safari.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | GMC Safari | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 207 Better | 11,311 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 15 Better | 145 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 21 Better | 328 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 34.5 Better | 1131.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 64 Better | 287 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
GMC Safari
- 01SERVICE BRAKES77
- 02HYDRAULIC69
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM22
- 04STEERING21
- 05STRUCTURE14
Owners report the ABS engaging at low speeds, which greatly increases stopping distance. One 2003 Safari owner said the ABS would activate unexpectedly, making the van harder to stop. This is a serious safety concern because it can lead to longer stopping distances in everyday driving.
Complaints often mention charging system and battery problems, such as a leaking battery and repeated dead battery after replacement. These issues can leave a driver stranded. The hydraulic and brake complaints sometimes overlap, pointing to broader brake system trouble.
One owner reported all dashboard lights going out, the steering wheel locking up, and the brakes failing at 55 mph. Another mentioned an anti-theft device problem that stranded drivers. Electrical faults like these can disable critical controls without warning.
A 2002 Safari owner said it took 40-50 feet to stop from 5-6 mph, and a mechanic found both wheel bearings and idler arms needed replacement. Another owner reported the steering wheel rapidly decaying. Steering problems can make the van hard to control, especially at low speeds.
“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…”
“I OWN A 2003 GMC SAFARI WHICH I PURCHASED IN UTAH. EARLIER THIS YEAR I EXPERIENCE A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BAKING SYSTEM WHERE THE ABS WOULD ENGAGE AT LOW SPEEDS, INCREASING MY STOPPING DISTANCE GREATLY. I CONTACTED GM AS THIS SEEMED TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE AND WA…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,553
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,071
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,401
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,164
- 05ENGINE847
Owners of 2020 F-150s with the 10R80 transmission report hard, delayed, or jerky shifts between gears, and sometimes a sudden loss of power while driving. One owner said the truck shut off and drifted on a crowded road. These transmission issues can be dangerous if they happen in traffic.
Complaints include warnings like 'Front Camera Malfunction' and 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' appearing every time the truck starts. Another owner heard a loud bang from the transmission and a popping sound from the rear suspension. Electrical glitches can disable driver-assist features and point to deeper problems.
This category captures miscellaneous complaints that don't fit elsewhere, often related to noises, vibrations, or intermittent faults. While not specific, the high count suggests owners experience a variety of unexplained issues. For a buyer, this means many small problems may be hard to diagnose.
There are over 1,100 complaints about exterior lighting, and recalls for headlights. Owners may report lights flickering, failing, or not working properly. Lighting problems affect visibility and can be a safety risk, especially at night.
“I started noticing hard and delayed shifts from 7th into 8th gear. My RPM's were not increasing when this happened, and then on a very crowded major road I lost all power, vehicle shut off and drifted, then started up and jerked again very hard. This failure…”
“I am reporting a safety-related transmission problem I experienced with my 2020 Ford F-150 equipped with the 10R80 automatic transmission. While driving normally, the transmission shifts hard (ie: jerks, clunks) between 4-5 and 5-6 gears, and has on occasion…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
GMC Safari — 15 recalls
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON C…
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON C…
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE D…
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The fix: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
FORD F 150 — 145 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 trucks equipped with high series LED headlamps with Autolamp (On/Off) functionality. The Daytime Running Lamps (DRL) may remain activated instead of dimming to parking lamps when the Master Lighting Switch (MLS) is manually rotated from…
The risk: DRL that cannot dim may reduce the visibility of other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the body control module, free of charge. The recall began March 10, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20C03.
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2019-2020 F-150 vehicles. The fastener securing the Power Distribution Box (PDB) 12V cable and Battery Monitoring System (BMS) eyelets to the positive battery terminal may loosen and affect the vehicle's systems such as instrument panel displays and br…
The risk: Inoperative vehicle systems or an engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. Reduced braking and steering efforts increases the risk of a crash. This condition could also create a resistive short, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the positive battery cable/BMS/PDB joint for excess sealant adhesive and remove any excessive adhesive, reassemble the joint, and retorque the fastener, as necessary, free of charge. The re…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2018-2020 F-150 and 2019-2020 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty pickup trucks, and 2018-2019 Ford Explorer, 2019-2020 Expedition, and 2020 Escape vehicles equipped with driver and/or passenger's manual front seat back recliner mechanisms. Also…
The risk: A seat back with an improperly assembled recliner mechanism may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and Ford and Lincoln dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's num…
Buyer analysis
GMC Safari or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The GMC Safari has far fewer complaints per year (about 35) compared to the Ford F-150 (over 1,100), but the Safari's complaints often involve brakes and steering that can directly affect control. The F-150's higher volume means more reported issues overall, especially with transmissions and electronics. In practice, the Safari may have fewer total problems, but the ones it has can be severe.
Key differences
- The GMC Safari averages about 35 complaints per year, while the Ford F-150 averages over 1,100 per year, a much higher rate.
- Safari owners most often report brake and hydraulic problems, including ABS engaging at low speeds and increasing stopping distance.
- F-150 owners most often report power train issues, especially hard shifting and sudden loss of power in 10-speed automatic transmissions.
- The F-150 has 145 recalls versus 15 for the Safari, and more crash-related complaints (328 vs 21), though it also sold in far greater numbers.
- Test the brakes at low speeds to see if the ABS engages unexpectedly or if stopping distance feels longer than normal.
- Check the steering for play, locking, or unusual noises, and ask if wheel bearings or idler arms have been replaced.
- During a test drive, pay close attention to transmission shifts, especially between 4th and 5th or 7th and 8th gears, for jerks or delays.
- Start the truck and look for warning messages like 'Front Camera Malfunction' or 'Pre Collision Assist Not Available' on the dashboard.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brakes, steering, and suspension on the GMC Safari, and the transmission and electrical system on the Ford F-150.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes on the F-150 and brake work on the Safari.
- Test drive both vehicles in conditions similar to your daily driving, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic.
- Budget for potential repairs: Safari brake and steering fixes can be costly, and F-150 transmission repairs may be expensive.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific GMC Safari or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- GMC Safari vs FORD F 150
- GMC Safari total complaints
- 207
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,311
- GMC Safari total recalls
- 15
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 145
- GMC Safari avg complaints/year
- 34.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1131.1
- More reliable overall
- GMC Safari
- GMC Safari top complaint area
- SERVICE BRAKES
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN