2003 Airstream Safari problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2003 Airstream Safari — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Safari years?

Safari NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Safari years to avoid →

Does the 2003 Airstream Safari have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09V159000LightingMay 15, 2009 · 2,052 units

Defect

AIRSTREAM IS RECALLING 2,052 MY 2002-2009 BAMBI, INTERNATIONAL, SAFARI, 75TH ANNIVERSARY, DWR, AND OCEAN BREEZE TRAVEL TRAILERS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE TRAVEL TRAILERS WERE BUILT WITHOUT REAR REFLEX REFLECTORS.

Consequence

INADEQUATE LIGHTING COULD REDUCE VISIBILITY OF VEHICLE INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH.

Remedy

AIRSTREAM WILL SEND DEALERS SEPARATE REFLECTORS TO THE AFFECTED CUSTOMERS AND DEALERS ALONG WITH INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER INSTALLATION. CUSTOMERS WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF INSTALLING THE REFLECTORS OR TAKING THE TRAVEL TRAILER TO THE NEAREST AIRSTREAM CERTIFIED DEALERS. THIS WILL BE DONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 15, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AIRSTREAM AT 1-937-596-6849.

07V083000OtherMarch 5, 2007 · 5,084 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS AND MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH A TWO-DOOR REFRIGERATOR, MANUFACTURED BY THE DOMETIC CORPORATION, MAY HAVE A DEFECT IN THE BOILER TUBE. PRESSURIZED COOLANT SOLUTION COULD BE RELEASED INTO AN AREA WHERE AN IGNITION SOURCE (GAS FLAME) IS PRESENT.

Consequence

RELEASE OF COOLANT UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS COULD IGNITE AND RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

AIRSTREAM WILL BE WORKING WITH DOMETIC IN ORDER TO REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS (PLEASE SEE 06E076). DOMETIC WILL REPAIR THESE REFRIGERATORS BY INSTALLING A SECONDARY BURN HOUSING, A THERMAL FUSE, AND A MELT FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. DOMETIC HAS RETAINED STERICYCLE INC. TO MANAGE THIS CAMPAIGN. STERICYCLE WILL ASSIST YOU IN LOCATING DEALERSHIPS OR SERVICE CENTERS AND WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOMETIC/STERICYCLE AT 1-888-446-5157 OR AIRSTREAM AT 1-937-596-6111.

03V464000OtherNovember 12, 2003 · 3,340 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRAVEL TRAILERS EQUIPPED WITH SAMSUNG MICROWAVE OVENS, THESE OVENS WERE PRODUCED WITH A DEFECTIVE PANEL. AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN CIRCUIT PATTERNS ON THE MEMBRANE PANEL, ESPECIALLY OVERLAPPED BY A "JUMPER" OR JUMP WIRE. THIS MAY CAUSE THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS.

Consequence

AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAN OCCUR CAUSING THE OVEN TO ACTIVATE WITHOUT PRESSING ANY KEY PADS. THIS COULD RESULT IN EXCESSIVE HEAT, SMOKE, OR POSSIBLY A FIRE.

Remedy

SAMSUNG WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND REPAIR THE PANEL FREE OF CHARGE. IN THE MEANTIME, CONSUMERS SHOULD UNPLUG THEIR MICROWAVE, IF POSSIBLE. IF THE CONSUMER IS UNABLE TO UNPLUG THE MICROWAVE, THEY SHOULD LEAVE THE DOOR AJAR UNTIL THE PANEL IS REPLACED. CONSUMERS SHOULD NEVER USE THE MICROWAVE OVEN FOR STORAGE OR LEAVE ANY TOWELS, PAPER, CLOTH OR OTHER PRODUCTS IN THE MICROWAVE AFTER USE. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SAMSUNG AT 800-932-3837 OR AIRSTREAM AT 937-596-6111.

2003 Airstream Safari — common questions

Is the 2003 Airstream Safari reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2003 Airstream Safari have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Airstream Safari. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2003 Airstream Safari under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2003 compare to other Safari years?

Does the 2003 Airstream Safari have recalls?

2003 Airstream Safari — common questions

Is the 2003 Airstream Safari reliable?

Does the 2003 Airstream Safari have recalls?

Is the 2003 Airstream Safari under NHTSA investigation?

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