GMC Safari van was parked in driveway, next morning it was discovered that the front had collapsed and was just 2 inches off the pavement, inner fenders were touching the tires. Discovered that the torsion bars had failed, dealer said repairs will be $1000, part has been redesigned and has a new mounting kit to go along with new torsion bars. Vehicle is used as second family car and driven by daughter for school and work, luckily failure occurred while parked.

- Detroit Lakes, MN, USA

While driving 25 mph consumer heard a booming noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Consumer noticed that passenger side torsion bar broke. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the torsion bar needed to be replaced.

- Roy, UT, USA

When coming to a complete stop, the vehicle hit a pothole, causing the left side of the torsion bar to break. While driving slowly approaching a stop sign, the left side of the van had dropped down on the left tire and caused the vehicle to stop suddenly. The tire rubbed on the fender and caused the consumer to steer hard, then the torsion bar snapped.

- Flint, MI, USA

While traveling at 65 mph drivers side torsion bar inexplicably and without warning broke. Entire vehicle shuddered and pulled sharply to the left. Fortunately for my passengers and myself I was able to quickly regain control and come to a safe stop. This is a serious safety issue. Such a failure could easily result in serious injury or death. Since the torsion bar failure I have been told by different mechanics "they break all the time" and "it is a design flaw". I understand that General Motors is aware of the problem and has redesigned the affected parts. This is a far more serious and dangerous issue than those addressed by other recalls on this vehicle (seatbelt warning buzzer and windshield wiper motor failures). In the interest of safety for all owners, passengers and anyone in the proximity of the affected vehicles I believe a recall is in order.

- Bergen, NY, USA

The consumer heard a loud "bang." Front right side was very low to the ground. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on 7/7/2003 who repaired the torsion bar.

- Saginaw, MI, USA

While driving torsion bar broke on the front left side of the vehicle down on the front tire. The consumer stated that GMC needs to notify the customers about the defects of how bad of a design the torsion bars are.

- Detroit, MI, USA

The driver side torsion bar failed, causing left front end to hit the ground, and loss of control. No damage other than failed torsion bar.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

While driving slowly torsion bar broke and front of vehicle fell on tires. Contacted dealer, and dealer had 3 of the same vehicles in for the same problem.

- Harrison Twp, MI, USA

Both torsion bars broke at 60 mph causing front of vehicle to drop on tires.vehicle skidded to a stop with no steering.had vehicle towed to nearest dealer.service tech.said this was normal wear and tear.called GMC and they agreed with dealer.I ask dealer for the broken torsion bars and had them anylized by a metal lab tech.his opinion was that the bars had stress cracks from the metal being defective.if this is normal wear and tear after only 5 years GM has a major safety hazard driving on your highways daily.how many traffic accidents, injuries or deaths are required before an investigation is started.

- Hartford, WI, USA

While pulling out of the driveway consumer heard loud cracking noise. Then, front of vehicle hit the ground. Dealership informed consumer that torsion bar had broken, and had to be replaced. Parts were ordered, but were incorrectly designed for that particular vehicle. Both sides had to be replaced because design has changed. Mamufacturer has been contacted. But, refused to repair vehicle under warranty or customer's satisfaction.

- Chicago Ridge, IL, USA

This part failed without warning while the vehicle was parked. I was told by two different mechanics that both torsion bars must be replaced per the manufacturer because the torsion bar design has been changed since this vehcile was manufactured. It was also pointed out that the original 2 piece design rusted prematurely at the point where both components meet. The area in question was subject to moisture and salt accumulation and was not readily detectable until the untire suspension component failed. The cost for the repair is close to $1,000. GMC claims that there are no recall campaigns for this component. After some local research, I found that this problem is fairly common. Most technicians that I have spoken with agree that this part is not a wear item and if properly desinged should last the life of the vehicle. General Motors should consider recalling these components on all GMC Safari and Chevrolet astro vans.

- Mayfield Village, OH, USA

After returning home we heard a loud bang in the garage. We went out and the van was heading downwards in the front. We thought maybe a tire blew. The driver's side torsion bar broke. After looking on the internet, we realize how many Safaris this has happened to. Luckily we the four of us (2 kids, ages 3&6) were not in the vehicle when this blew as it could have been fatal.

- Eddington, ME, USA

Front end torsion bar fell of vehicle. Dealer was contacted. Consumer found that dealers have been told to grease the cup that the torsion bar knuckle goes into, this would stop the build up of road grime and help stop rust from forming on the knuckle, consumer is angry that he was never told this, he does all his maintenance at his residence, this could have caused a serious accident.

- Eddington, ME, USA

Front torsion bar broke while backing out of driveway. Manufacturer was notified. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.

- Ontario, CA, USA

While parked right torsion bar snapped in half which could have caused a loss of vehicle control. Dealer could not determine the cause. Dealer had to replace 2 torsion bars at consumer expense. Common problem.

- Duluth, MN, USA

While vehicle was standing with the engine running front of the van fell to the ground. Van was towed to the dealership. Dealership found two torison bars broke in half. Dealer stated that this is a common problem. Please provide any further informaton.

- Hesperia, MI, USA

Consumer was traveling about 15mph and heard a knocking and booming noise, torsion bar broke. Vehicle's front end just dropped down to the ground. No prior warning.

- Sterling H, MI, USA

While van was parked in the driveway torision bar on the right side collapsed. Van was in the driveway for about 1/2 when this happened. Van was towed to dealership for repairs. Please provide any furhter information.

- Holly, MI, USA

While driving at highway speed, the front end torsion bar broke, causing the front end to collapse. Dealer has been contacted.

- Allpgany, NY, USA