Pontiac Safari recall history and complaint patterns

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Pontiac Safari, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: 2025-12-22 (NHTSA data snapshot)

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At a Glance

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Pontiac Safari, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

• Coverage spans model years 1971–1987 with 7 recall campaigns and 6 complaints in NHTSA data.
• Years with the most recall activity: 1977 (2), 1979 (1), and 1978 (1).
• Years with the most complaint volume: 1987 (4), 1986 (1), and 1985 (1).
• Top recall themes: Seats and restraints and Visibility and lighting.
• Most reported complaint areas (across all years): Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder, Electrical system:wiring:front underhood.
• Complaints are not proof of a defect, but repeated themes can be useful signals when researching a used vehicle.
• Always check your specific VIN for open recalls (open recalls are VIN-specific and can change over time).

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Pontiac Safari in NHTSA complaint data are Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylinder, Electrical system:wiring:front underhood.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

What to Do Next

• Check open recalls by VIN on the official NHTSA site (open recalls are VIN-specific).
• If buying used, ask for proof of recall remedy completion (dealer paperwork helps).
• If symptoms match common complaint themes, consider a mechanic inspection before purchase or long trips.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Latches/locks/linkages , Exterior lighting and Visibility

Other Pontiac Models

Explore recall and complaint data for other Pontiac models.

• 6000 1981–1991
• Aztek 2000–2005
• Bonneville 1981–2005
• Catalina 1981–1981
• Fiero 1984–1988
• Firebird 1981–2002
• G3 2008–2010
• G5 2007–2010
• G6 2005–2010
• G8 2008–2010
• Grand AM 1985–2005
• Grand Lemans 1981–1983
• Grand Prix 1981–2008
• GTO 2004–2006
• J2000 1982–1983
• Lemans 1981–1993
• Montana 1999–2004
• Parisienne 1981–1989
• Phoenix 1981–1984
• Pursuit 2005–2006
• Solstice 2006–2010
• Sunbird 1985–1995
• Sunfire 1996–2005
• T1000 1981–1987
• Tempest 1987–1991
• Torrent 2006–2009
• Trans Sport 1990–1998
• Vibe 2003–2010

⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov