2003 GMC Safari: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 24 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The brake lines in front are rusted out and leaking creating a serious problem, as the brakes are not working. I see this is a re-occurring problem with gmc vehicles. The cost to repair is astronomical. Why isn't gmc recalling these vehicles?”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2015
“. I would like to report the incident I had with my automobile: gmc safari wagon 2003. One day in july this year (2014) I applied the brakes of the above vehicle when I was approaching the red traffic light. The vehicle did not stop even through the brake system was recently worked on. I investigated the reason why it failed to stop and found out that the brake line was heavily corroded. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 gmc safari. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, he crashed head-on into another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. The vehicle was destroyed. There were no injuries reported. A police report was not filed. The failure and current mileage was 126,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“ABS system defect. When slowing down to stop, at very low speed (about 5 mph) ABS engages, although there is no need for it. This causes a "floating" sensation, making control of the stopping point uncertain, unlike normal braking. This has been going on for about 2 months. Most recently, car is pulling to right during the stop, when ABS engages. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2011
“Backing up my boat to launch it, the brake light came on and brake pedal went to the floor. Slowed it down and ended up throwing it in park to keep the boat, trailer, and van from rolling into the water. Got towed out and a friend pulled the boat home for me. The mechanic showed me the rusted drivers side steel brake line that had ruptured. He also told me all of the other lines had considerable rust and that all of them should be replaced due to safety concerns. The entire steel brake line has been replaced and I did save the rusted lines for now. *tt”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2011
“My ABS system is the same as the other complaints. I will press on the brakes and it acts like I have no brakes. I took it to a repair shop yesterday and they said the part would cost $1,310.00 for one part alone. Why haven't there been a recall on this situation. Before someone does get hurt.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2011
“On vacation ABS light would come on during driving. When braking, just before coming to a stop, more travel in the pedal and brakes chattered. ABS light might be on or off during braking. Went to dealer, right front sensor erratic. Replaced right front sensor. Works good again. Van has 32,000 miles. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2007
“Purchased booster seats for our grandchildren. A certified inspector showed us that all four rear seat belts do not lock when pulled quickly indicating that the seatbelts would not restrain the child in an accident (or an adult either). Took the vehicle back to the dealer. Dealer claims the seatbelts lock when you brake hard, but are not made for children's booster seats. We are under the impression that vehicles made after 2001 had to have the appropriate seatbelts for child safety. *jb”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2007
“My 2003 gmc safari van has now twice had its ABS activate in a parking lot situation at a slow speed causing the van to take an extremely long time to stop. Luckily there was no person in front of me or they would have been injured. There was no warning before the failure. The manual states that if the ABS light goes on that the system is not active, but the van is still ok to drive-but no light came on. I have tlked with others who own gm car/vehicles and they have reported similiar instances. Does gm have a problem with their brakes?”Owner report · Service Brakes, Air · Jan 2007
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 42 mph, the vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. Minor injuries were sustained by both drivers. A police report was taken. The vehicle was towed to an impound and was deemed totaled. The dealer was alerted.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
CERTAIN MINIVANS HAVE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION BETWEEN THE LOWER BALL JOINT RUBBER BOOT AND THE STEERING KNUCKLE (BOTH LEFT/RIGHT SIDES), WHICH COULD RESULT IN CUTTING OF THE BOOT THAT IS INTENDED TO SEAL THE BALL JOINT. IF THE LOWER BALL JOINT BOOT WERE CUT, CONTAMINATION FROM THE ROAD (SALT, DIRT, WATER, ETC.) COULD ENTER THE BALL SOCKET AREA OF THE BALL JOINT CAUSING THE JOINT TO WEAR OUT TOO QUICKLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING KNUCKLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 8, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
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 CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: 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).
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 DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Safari by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 GMC Safari reliable?
NHTSA has 24 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 GMC Safari. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 2003 GMC Safari have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.