2003 GMC Savana Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 18%of 22 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 GMC Savana, 18% of the 22 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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 bought this Gmc Savana used (22,000 miles) and the parking brake did not work at that time. The dealer refused to fix it under warrantee, claiming it was a wear item. I have not had it repaired yet. Parking brakes should not wear out in that short a time. No crashes yet, but I saw that Gmc pickups are being recalled for the same problem and this van probably has the same parking brake system.”
NHTSA complaint #10126340, filed 2005-06, 22,500 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Gmc Savana. While operating the vehicle, the steering wheel and brake pedal malfunctioned and did not properly operate. While depressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel would jerk and the brake pedal was hard to depress, which affected the vehicle stopping. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake hydro pump was faulty. The pump was replaced, but the failures continued. The contact indicated that the hydro pump had been replaced three times within the past eight months. …”
NHTSA complaint #11208186, filed 2019-05, 100,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Gmc Savana. The contact stated that when applying the brakes at speeds of at least 50 MPH, the anti-lock brake would engage, forcing the petal back into the idle position and causing reduced braking response. The contact confirmed that the anti-lock braking light would illuminate on the instrument panel moments before the failure would occur. The failure mileage was 37,000 and the current mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 05/19/10.”
NHTSA complaint #10325799, filed 2010-04, 37,000 miles“Consumer feels that there is a design flaw in the brake system. This flaw results in excessive brake pad wear. Only the outside brake pads wear. As a result, brake pads need to be continuously replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10046154, filed 2003-11Related recalls
- 04V045000Feb 4, 2004Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135…Covers: GMC Savana 2003–2004, Chevrolet Silverado 2003–2004, GMC Yukon 2003–2004 +10 more
Related 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 14% |
| 2016 | 2 | 33% |
| 2007 | 3 | 50% |
| 2006 | 1 | 14% |
| 2005 | 2 | 15% |
| 2004 | 2 | 17% |
| 2003 | 4 | 18% |
| 2002 | 2 | 17% |
| 2001 | 2 | 11% |
| 2000 | 21 | 43% |
| 1999 | 13 | 27% |
| 1998 | 9 | 27% |
| 1997 | 9 | 20% |
| 1996 | 6 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2003 GMC Savana
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 GMC Savana
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