The contact owns a 1995 GMC Safari. While the vehicle was parked in the garage, the front torsion bar on the front driver side snapped in half. The entire driver side front end dropped down on the tire. The contact called GM and was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and that he would be responsible for the repair. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 156,000 and failure mileage was 144,000.

- Tornado, WV, USA

The consumer owns a 1995 GMC Safari. The contact says while the vehicle was sitting in the garage they heard a loud banging noise. When they went out to the garage they noticed that the torsion bar snapped. The mechanic noticed several of the same vehicles with the same problem. Also on the NHTSA website there were 26 complaints for this same problem. The consumer requested reimbursement. The dealer replaced both the left broken torsion bar and the right torsion.

- Kingsford, MI, USA

When right front torsion bar on all wheel drive minivan was replaced two years ago, van began exhibiting unstable, extremely sensitive, and dangerous handling characteristics at highway speeds. Replacement of tires, two sets of shock absorbers, and multiple realignments at my expense did not solve this problem. If I had needed to make an emergency evasive maneuver under these conditions, my van would very likely have rolled over. When left front torsion bar was replaced this week, I was informed that GM had developed a new torsion bar design, and that I was now required to replace both left and right bars if either failed. This dual replacement finally solved my handling problems. The manufacturer should recall and replace such defective parts free when they endanger passengers! I have paid for replacing three defective torsion bars over a two year period.

- West Valley City, UT, USA

Right torsion bar broke overnight in my garage.only has 66K miles, parked in a garage at all times. Most astro/Safari vans break on the left side. The dealer informed me that I can no longer buy the 41 inch bar, I must buy the new 36 inch bar and adjuster arm for both sides. The adjusters are welded into the frame which must be cut out and rewelded in. I liked our van until I starded dealing with this problem. I have found a GM replacement kit from overlandvans.com for much less than the dealer is asking. I do not understand why the NHTSA does not issue a recall on this and the only thing GM can say is "your van is not under warranty". no one seems to care about all the families traveling in these vehicles. I hope that no one gets hurt, there will be more failures. I feel there must be a recall issued for this known defect. I feel this is much more important than a windshield wiper motor recall! I will be selling the van after the repair has be made. Sorry GM, I will not buy another one, this is our 2nd AWD van and will be our last!

- Painesville, OH, USA

The front of vehicle was very low to the ground. Consumer found that the right torsion bar broke.

- Painesville, OH, USA

Left front torsion bar broke as it was put into gear from park. Mechanic states that this is a problem with this make and model, but no recall has been initiated. Can't find replacement torsion bar and have to order replacement kit that requires replacement of both torsion bars which more than triples the repair costs.

- Flint, MI, USA

Torsion bar broke, and the front end of the vehicle collapsed into the front tires while the vehicle was parked. The cause of the failure was undetermined.

- Owatonna, MN, USA

I do have 95 GMC Safari AWD w/99,000 mile on it and I drive a lot at highway all the time. Last month July 31, 03 I drove my van at highway early morning to go work it was fine and during before go to lunch head out to my van and I notice my left frt suspension went down. I hoist to the lift and notice it my left frt torsion bar was broken. I call my dealer at GMC about the safety problem of my van they said no recall. I love my van and my families ride with it, too. This suspension is unsafe and now I'm affraid to put my family to this van again, very dangerous. I spent $450 to replace both side torsion bar and brkt, I do it myself. By the way I'm auto tech mechanic for 18yr's and I do hope you make this concern...

- Des Plaines, IL, USA

Broken torsion bars

- Glenwood, MN, USA

The left torsion bar broke and the left front of the van fell on the tire. The van was towed to an independ garage and the manager said he has seen six or more of the same type of failure in the past six momths. I contacted the delar and they said that there is no recall on that van. The replacement part has been redesinged and both the left and right torsion bar must be ordered

- Linden, MI, USA

Front of vehicle dropped down to wheels while vehicle was parked, this was a result of the both torsion bars breaking. Dealer contacted. Consumer stated that this appears to be a corrosion problem and the design of the replacement parts.

- Hudson, WI, USA

Failure of left torsion bar while vehicle parked in driveway, resulting in the left front bodywork dropping down on tire. There has been at least 55 other complaints of the same occurance reported for the 1995 astro/Safari. This seems to be an unusually high number for a somewhat low production vehicle. I would like to see this investigated further, as if a failure occurred at highway sppeds results could be devastating. I would like to see a recall on this as this part was modified, indicating that the old design had a known defect. Also, this part failed with no previous indication of failure. Torsion bars should last the life of the vehicle.

- Whitehall, WI, USA

While driving at highway speeds, torsion bar broke and cauased vehicle to drop. Manufacturer has been notified.

- Ham Lake, MN, USA

While vehicle was parked front driver's side dropped onto wheel. While being loaded onto flatbed passenger side dropped onto wheel. Dealer stated front torsion bar broke on both sides. Torsion bar is on nationwide backorder.

- Tonawanda, NY, USA

While my wife and 5 small children were in our 1995 GMC AWD Safari van, the torsion bar broke and the front end of the van dropped to the ground. Fortunatly this happened in town and no one was hurt. When the wrecker arrived, the driver said, this is the second one this week. When I asked the GMC dealer about it, they also said they were aware of the problem. If this would have happened at highway speeds, serious injury could have occured. GMC customer service was less then concerned.

- Tecumseh, MI, USA

While parked front suspension collapsed. Dealer has been notified. The torsion bars broke while the vehicle was parked causing the suspension to collapse.

- Canonsburg, PA, USA

Left front torsion bar broke while parked. Vehicle towed to dealer. Please feel free to provide us with any further details on this matter.

- Rochelle, IL, USA

Van used to Transport disabled child. Torsion bar, driver-side snapped following highway trip. Extremely dangerous. Certified mechanic stated failure at low mileage (less than 40,000) is rare.

- Acton, MA, USA

Torsion bar broke while vehicle was parked. Dealer has repaired the vehicle.

- Olean, NY, USA

While pulling into a parking lot the front torsion bar broke, believed this occur due to defected part with under 50,000 miles of wear; mfr's was notified. Please provide any further details:

- Youngtown, OH, USA