Most common 2003 GMC Safari problems
Share of the 18 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Safari complaints by model year
Best Safari years: 2004, 2003, 2002. Years to avoid: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998. Compare all years →
2003 GMC Safari recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
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.
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.
What 2003 GMC Safari owners say
Brakes
Tl 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.
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?
2003 GMC Safari engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 GMC Safari a good car?
Based on 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Safari rates better than average: 73% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Safari at the same age. It is one of the best Safari years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 GMC Safari?
The brakes — 7 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (2) and engine & cooling (2).
How many recalls does the 2003 GMC Safari have?
There is 1 recall for the 2003 GMC Safari, the most recent from September 12, 2003 (lower ball joint). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Safari?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2004, 2003 and 2002. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998. See the full GMC Safari years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 GMC Safari problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 46,000 miles; 54% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.