that is not normal. Today I installed x10.3 on 3 systems: Powerbook G3 (pismo), iMac DV 400, and a iMac 17" flat panel.
On all but the 17" I did an erase and install, on that one I did archive and install, and Safari works FINE on all three.
You've got a botched install, or your prefs are hosed
Try deleting the safari folder in your Library.
If that does not work, back up and du it rite, i.e erase and install.
bd