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2003 GMC Safari problems

The most common problem on the 2003 GMC Safari is brakes, typically around 58,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Safari model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
18
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
406
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
14-17mpg

The worst 2003 GMC Safari problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    7
  • Engine
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    7
  • Engine
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 1

Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball jointReported September 12, 2003 · 41,477 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
The steering knuckle could separate from the lower control arm, dropping down the affected corner of the vehicle. The coil spring would push the control arm down into contact with the ground, creating a drag that would slow the vehicle. The driver could have difficulty in maintaining the directional control of the vehicle. In addition, the affected wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle if forces resulting from the wheel's dragging action were sufficient to fracture the tie rod end and upper ball joint connections. Separation of the wheel assembly would also sever that wheel's hydraulic brake hose, resulting in lost braking performance from the front brake system. Vehicle stopping distance would increase, which could result in a crash.
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.

Recall number 03V328000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2003 GMC Safari

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 GMC Safari 406

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 406 bulletins for the 2003 GMC Safari

2003 GMC Safari fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.3L 6‑cylRWD13-1518-2115-17
4.3L 6‑cyl4WD12-1416-1814-15

What 2003 GMC Safari owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 5, 2015 · Brakes · 189,000 miles · IL

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?

Filed Sep 28, 2014 · Brakes · 67,000 miles · NJ

. 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.

Filed Mar 25, 2013 · Airbags · 126,000 miles · MI · crash

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.

Filed Jul 17, 2009 · Brakes · 80,000 miles · FL

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 finally roll to a stop. Fortunately it has been at slow speeds each time and we have not caused any accidents yet. We have been to two different dealerships repeatedly and spent over $1000.00 for various brake system components that are not fixing the problem. We think it is either a booster or sensor issue, but the dealerships will not listen to us and gmc's customer service line has not been helpful either. We are terrified of driving this vehicle but can't afford a new one at this time.

Filed Apr 19, 2007 · Seat belts · FL

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.

Filed Apr 17, 2007 · Brakes · 40,800 miles · WI · fire

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 drove the vehicle for about a mile at 35 MPH. The contact parked the vehicle, and noticed that the brakes were failing when he attempted to shift the vehicle to the drive position. He looked under the hood and realized that the brake line was hot again. The vehicle was towed back to his residence and inspected by a mechanic. The cause of failure has not been determined. The current mileage was 40,924 , and failure mileage was 40,800.

Filed Feb 22, 2006 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · OH

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 parking lot because the car didn't stop. The problem is intermittent so the dealer could not duplicate the problem and therefore can't fix it. There is a gm recall (#05068) for other like models of gm cars but not mine. So my problem is the dealer can't fix it without a recall and gm won't issue a recall because there hasn't been enough complaints.

Filed Sep 2, 2005 · Brakes · 46,400 miles · OR

I own a 2003 gmc safari which I purchased in utah. Earlier this year I experience a problem with the ABS baking system where the ABS would engage at low speeds, increasing my stopping distance greatly. I contacted gm as this seemed to be a safety issue and was told to take it in to a local gm dealership. The dealership inspected the brakes and noted that the sensor was bad and billed me for a repair. I see now that gm has issue a recall, although it does not cover my state or vehicle model, I was experiencing the exact problem that these other vehicles have with the ABS failure. I think this needs to be more widely investigated as it seems to be a larger problem then they want to admit. I understand that the problem is caused by products used on icy streets which the van operated on in utah before I bought it. Ps-the dealership destroyed the faulty part even though I asked to see it - they stated that this was there policy.

Filed Aug 30, 2005 · Brakes · 58,000 miles · CO

At irregular times when driving at slow speeds (~10 MPH), on dry clean pavement, and under light to moderate braking, the anti-lock braking system engages and extends the stopping distance of the vehicle. I understand that a recall was issued for other vehicles in other states, but obviously the problem extends to more year models and over a wider area. In addition, gm has issued a technical service bulletin #02-05-25-006a covering more vehicles than were in the initial recall for this failure. It seems that if a tsb was released, they are aware that the problem is on much wider scale than the recall indicates.

Filed Jan 31, 2005 · Suspension · 36,000 miles · MO

While driving at any speed steering wheel vibrated. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

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Compare the 2003 GMC Safari

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Questions about the 2003 GMC Safari

Is the 2003 GMC Safari reliable?

Owners have filed 18 complaints about the 2003 GMC Safari, close to a typical Safari model year.

What is the 2003 GMC Safari year score?

The 2003 GMC Safari scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Safari: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 GMC Safari?

Brakes, with 7 complaints, typically around 58,000 miles. Next is engine (2).

How many recalls does the 2003 GMC Safari have?

1 recall, covering suspension.

What year does the GMC Safari have bad brakes?

The GMC Safari model years with the most brakes complaints are 1995 (60 complaints), 1994 (39 complaints) and 1993 (30 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2003 GMC Safari get?

Official estimates for the 2003 GMC Safari range from 14 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 13-15 city and 18-21 highway.

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