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2003 GMC SafariProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 18 owner complaints about the 2003 GMC Safari, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

2003 GMC Safari
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints182 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage50kService brakes, hydraulic, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 5, 2015. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 GMC Safari has problems

18 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Service brakes, hydraulic51
Service brakes20
Power train20
Engine and engine cooling20
Suspension10
Tires10
Vehicle speed control10
Air bags11
Visibility10
3 other systems30

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

2003 GMC Safari recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Control arm: lower ball joint

Recall 03V-328 · Sep 12, 2003 · 41,477 vehicles

Risk. THE STEERING KNUCKLE COULD SEPARATE FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, DROPPING DOWN THE AFFECTED CORNER OF THE VEHICLE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other Safari year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Safari median. How we score

'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2003 GMC Safari safety ratings

2003 GMC Safari in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Safari owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

OUR 2003 GMC SAFARI HAS HAD THE BRAKES SPONTANEOUSLY FAIL WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IT AT LEAST SIX TIMES (EVERY COUPLE OF MONTHS OR SO) FOR THE PAST YEAR. EACH TIME, THE PEDAL JUST DROPPED TO THE FLOOR, THE "BRAKE" LIGHT CAME ON, AND WE HAVE HAD TO PRACTICALLY STAND ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO GET IT TO…
Complaint 10277216 · Jul 17, 2009 · 80,000 miles
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SAFARI. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE CONTACT SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING. HE LIFTED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THE CLAMP THAT HELD THE BRAKE LINE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE. HE CHANGED THE BRAKE LINE HOSE, AND…
Complaint 10188121 · Apr 17, 2007 · 40,800 miles
CORROSION HAS BUILT UP ON THE ABS SENSORS CAUSING THEM TO ACTIVATE AT LOW SPEEDS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE BRAKES DON'T LOCK UP AND AT LOW SPEEDS (LESS THAN 4 MPH) THAT MEANS THE VEHICLE TAKES AN EXTRA FEW FEET TO STOP. ON ONE OCCASION I ALMOST HIT A PERSON AND TWO OTHER TIMES A PARKED CAR IN A…
Complaint 10150922 · Feb 22, 2006 · 50,000 miles

Own a 2003 Safari?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.