2003 Buick Rendezvous
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2002 | 486 |
| 2003 | 281 |
| 2004 | 200 |
| 2005 | 138 |
| 2006 | 89 |
| 2007 | 43 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
15% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 43 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180212
I HAVE PROBLEMS TRYING TO GET THE DASH LIGHTS INCREASE IN BRIGHTNESS USING THE VARIIABLE CONTROL ON THE INTERIOR DURING A NORMAL DAYTIME ESPECIALLY WHEN I TRY TO SEE THE SPEEDOMETER (DUE TO THE POOR DESIGN OF THE DASH WHICH CAN BLOCK EXTERIOR LIGHT...
NHTSA ODI report, 20180211
8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 23 distinct reports on file.
FIRE6% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY5% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 14 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER O
Campaign 02V222000 — check if this car was fixed
IN SOME OF THESE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DIAMETER OF THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS TOO SMALL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY, THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON FEBRUARY 7, 2003, WITH A FOLLOW-UP LETTER ON FEBRUARY 11, 2003. OWNERS WH
Campaign 03V052000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE
Campaign 03V051000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DO
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE
Campaign 03V250000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A STRUCTURAL SUPPORT AT THE LATCH ATTACHMENT IN THE REAR LIFTGATE MAY BE INADEQUATE TO RETAIN THE LATCH TO THE LIFTGATE IN CERTAIN SEVERE VEHICLE CRASH EVENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ADD STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENTS TO THE LIFTGATE IN THE AREA ADJOINING THE LATCH ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE BEGAN ON JUNE 21, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8
Campaign 04V150000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNI
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK. THE RECALL WILL BE MAILED IN TWO PHASES WITH THE FIRST PHASE BEGINNING ON DECEMBER 4, 2007. THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE MAILED ON DECEMBER 13, 2007. OWNERS MAY CON
Campaign 07V349000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Buick Rendezvous — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (23 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V222000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V052000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V051000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V250000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V150000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07V349000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Buick Rendezvous reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Buick Rendezvous is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick Rendezvous?
The most-reported component is fuel/propulsion system, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Buick Rendezvous have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.