2003 GMC safari
1GKDM19X13B508549
Vehicle history report for the 2003 GMC safari (VIN 1GKDM19X13B508549). White, van, 4.3L 6-cyl, gasoline. Title: Clean. 146,129 mi reported. Registered in Ca. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 3 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Lower mileage than typical for the year.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1GKDM19X13B508549, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 3 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
📋 All factory specifications on file3 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
⚙️ Engine, fuel & battery
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2003 GMC safari with this engine.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions with this engine; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2003 GMC safari costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2003 GMC safari — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 1
PARKING BRAKE FAILURE Closed
IN A LETTER DATED APRIL 20, 2005, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT HAD DECIDED THAT DEFECTS THAT RELATE TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXIST IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999-2002 C/K 1500 SERIES (PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM) AND MY 2001-2005 C/K 2500 AND 3500 SERIES (TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM) PICKUPS WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS. ACCORDING TO GM, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE CONDITIONS THAT CAUSE THE FRICTION LININGS TO WEAR TO AN EXT…
NHTSA #EA04011 · Parking Brake · opened Apr 2004 · closed May 2005An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 423
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 423.
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment…
Bulletin PIP5358D · Feb 2025This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…
Bulletin PIP4723J · Electrical System · Oct 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…
Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…
Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in que…
Bulletin PIT3271P · Sep 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exc…
Bulletin General Communication · Electrical System · Aug 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more caref…
Bulletin 24-NA-141 · Power Train · Jul 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce c…
Bulletin 16-NA-383 · Fuel/propulsion System, Engine · Jun 2024This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
Bulletin 18-NA-099 · Jun 2024Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the SAFARI. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 1
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2003 GMC safari. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Steering
On certain vehicles, interference between the lower ball joint rubber boot and the steering knuckle could result in cutting the boot. If the lower ball joint boot were cut, contamination from the road could enter the ball socket area of the ball joint. Contamination could cause the ball joint to wear out faster than one that remained sealed. Correction: The dealer will modify t…
Transport Canada #2003218 · Sep 2003Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
Safety recall campaigns 3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN 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 AP…
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
NHTSA Campaign #06E043000 · 19/05/2006EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN 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.
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
NHTSA Campaign #06E026000 · 23/03/2006SUSPENSION: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. 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 …
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.
NHTSA Campaign #03V328000 · manufacturer #03044 · 12/09/2003These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2003 GMC safari, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 2 involved a crash 🔥 1 involved a fire 🚑 2 reported injuries
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 27
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2003 GMC safari.
SERVICE BRAKES
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 ODI #10779874SERVICE BRAKES
. 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 …
NHTSA ODI #10639617SERVICE BRAKES
MY ABS SYSTEM IS THE SAME AS THE OTHER COMPLAINTS. I WILL PRESS ON THE BRAKES AND IT ACTS LIKE I HAVE NO BRAKES. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP YESTERDAY AND THEY SAID THE PART WOULD COST $1,310.00 FOR ONE PART ALONE. WHY HAVEN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL ON THIS SITUATION. BEFORE SOMEONE DOES GET HURT.
NHTSA ODI #10583278AIR BAGS
TL* 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.
Crash · NHTSA ODI #10504464SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ABS SYSTEM DEFECT. WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO STOP, AT VERY LOW SPEED (ABOUT 5 MPH) ABS ENGAGES, ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO NEED FOR IT. THIS CAUSES A "FLOATING" SENSATION, MAKING CONTROL OF THE STOPPING POINT UNCERTAIN, UNLIKE NORMAL BRAKING. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS. MOST RECENTLY, CAR IS PULLING TO RIGHT DURING THE STOP, WHEN ABS ENGAGES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10430853SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BACKING UP MY BOAT TO LAUNCH IT, THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. SLOWED IT DOWN AND ENDED UP THROWING IT IN PARK TO KEEP THE BOAT, TRAILER, AND VAN FROM ROLLING INTO THE WATER. GOT TOWED OUT AND A FRIEND PULLED THE BOAT HOME FOR ME. THE MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE RUSTED DRIVERS SIDE STEEL BRAKE LINE THAT HAD RUPTURED. HE ALSO TO…
NHTSA ODI #10413051SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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…
NHTSA ODI #10277216SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
ON VACATION ABS LIGHT WOULD COME ON DURING DRIVING. WHEN BRAKING, JUST BEFORE COMING TO A STOP, MORE TRAVEL IN THE PEDAL AND BRAKES CHATTERED. ABS LIGHT MIGHT BE ON OR OFF DURING BRAKING. WENT TO DEALER, RIGHT FRONT SENSOR ERRATIC. REPLACED RIGHT FRONT SENSOR. WORKS GOOD AGAIN. VAN HAS 32,000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10208656+ 19 more complaints on record.
