2003 GMC Safari Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 39%of 18 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 GMC Safari, 39% of the 18 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“. 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.”
NHTSA complaint #10639617, filed 2014-09, 67,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10277216, filed 2009-07, 80,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10135233, filed 2005-09, 46,400 miles“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?”
NHTSA complaint #10779874, filed 2015-10, 189,000 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 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10150922, filed 2006-02, 50,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10242252Aug 18, 2023This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.
- 10226382Oct 18, 2022This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its…
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10178353Jun 26, 2020This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its…
- 10168960Nov 12, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire…
- 10162149Jun 24, 2019This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its…
- 10161004May 13, 2019This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its…
- 10129088Jan 23, 2018This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its…
- 10113364Jan 31, 2017This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its…
- 10078876May 11, 2016This preliminary information communication advises the technician that the hydro-boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1 | 20% |
| 2003 | 7 | 39% |
| 2002 | 12 | 48% |
| 2001 | 14 | 36% |
| 2000 | 28 | 41% |
| 1999 | 18 | 30% |
| 1998 | 14 | 16% |
| 1997 | 18 | 13% |
| 1996 | 29 | 21% |
| 1995 | 60 | 31% |
| 1994 | 39 | 33% |
| 1993 | 30 | 49% |
| 1992 | 28 | 47% |
| 1991 | 16 | 41% |
| 1990 | 15 | 43% |
| 1987 | 2 | 18% |
| 1986 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Safari
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Safari
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology