2003 GMC Safari: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Safari years.
27 owner complaints, most about service brakes. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2003 Safari?The 2003 GMC Safari has 27 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are service brakes and hydraulic.
Safety record for the 2003 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 GMC Safari vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Safari years only. How we score it
Is 2003 a good year for the Safari?
Across the 5 Safari model years we track, complaint volume runs from 5 (2005) to 49 (2001). With 27 complaints, the 2003 Safari sits about the same as the model's median of 27.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2003 Safari
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 06E043000CERTAIN 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.
exterior lighting
Campaign 06E026000CERTAIN 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.
suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint
Campaign 03V328000CERTAIN 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the vehicle's core utility, durability, and practicality, but this is heavily tempered by the expectation of ongoing mechanical issues and the need for owner maintenance.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Safari. See the full Safari owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Safari listings typically run $8,057–$11,080 across 2000 to 2005 model years.
Other Safari model years
Compare every Safari year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Safari against its rivals
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