2003 GMC Safari recalls and problems

The 2003 GMC Safari has 1 safety recall and 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
18
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 GMC Safari vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 GMC Safari recalls

Recall 03V-328: Suspension

Reported Sep 12, 2003 · 41,477 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2003 GMC Safari problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
Power Train2
Engine and Engine Cooling2
Service Brakes2
Steering1
Structure1
Visibility1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Tires1
Suspension1
Seat Belts1
Air Bags1

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 2
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Power Steering Fluid — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan — 1
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
  • Suspension › Front — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 46,400 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 GMC Safari complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · at 189,000 miles · reported Oct 5, 2015
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?
Service Brakes · at 67,000 miles · reported Sep 28, 2014
. 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.
Air Bags · at 126,000 miles · reported Mar 25, 2013
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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 80,000 miles · reported Jul 17, 2009
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…
Seat Belts · reported Apr 19, 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.

Other GMC Safari years

Compare all GMC Safari years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 GMC Safari have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2003 GMC Safari: 03V-328 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (5 reports), followed by power train (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 46,400 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.