2003 Buick Rendezvous Problems
- Complaints
- 281filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles, 213 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 6campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.4L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Buick Rendezvous (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2003 Buick Rendezvous most often describe fuel leaking from the plastic tank at the filler neck and inlet check valve, often noticed as a strong gas smell or a puddle under the rear of the vehicle, frequently right after refueling. A second common theme is coolant loss and overheating traced to intake manifold gasket failures, plus brake line corrosion and wheel bearing noise. Many of these complaints come in between roughly 50,000 and 130,000 miles.
- Fuel system
Fuel leak at tank filler neck / inlet check valve
- 66 complaints (23%)
- median 87,000 mi at 11.2 yrs old (56 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $1,000 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2005–2022
Owners report a strong fuel odor, a wet spot or puddle of gas under the rear of the vehicle, and fuel loss after filling the tank. Several say the leak comes from where the filler tube meets the plastic tank or from the inlet check valve area, and some describe the tank itself as cracked. Complaints describe dealers telling them the vehicle was not covered by the fuel tank recall, or that coverage had expired, and that the tank needed to be replaced at the owner's expense. Reported from about 42,000 miles upward, with many examples between 60,000 and 130,000 miles, and often noticed right after refueling.
What to check: Look under the rear of the vehicle for fuel staining or a damp seam at the filler inlet, and check for a gas smell after filling the tank. Ask whether the fuel tank recall work was ever performed and whether the vehicle was covered.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My wife's Rendezvous has been leaking gas for the past year. I've looked on every sight seeing if her car is due for a recall and it is saying that the only recall on her vehicle is the frame. I don't know if it has already been accomplished or not because she had the vehicle before I married her. But the incident has got much worse.”
NHTSA complaint #10705894, filed 2015-04, 175,000 miles“My gas tank is leaking exactly like in the description of recall # 07v349000 but im not sure if it is covered under the same recall. I contacted the dealer and they are being uncooperative in trying to resolve this issue it leaks right where the fuel goes into the gas tank from the filler tube around the check valve assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #10693267, filed 2015-03, 132,567 miles - Engine cooling
Intake manifold gasket leaks, coolant loss and overheating
- 42 complaints (15%)
- median 60,500 mi at 4.7 yrs old (38 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,068 (median of 20 quotes)
- filed 2003–2019
Owners describe losing coolant without an obvious external leak, needing to top up the overflow tank, and the temperature gauge moving around or the engine running hot. In several cases mechanics found a failed intake manifold gasket, sometimes with oil and coolant mixing, and recommended replacing the engine. Complaints describe the work being done at independent shops or dealers, with owners asking for help with the cost. Typically reported between roughly 50,000 and 115,000 miles, sometimes earlier.
What to check: Check the coolant level and look for coolant residue or a sweet smell around the intake area; ask whether the intake gaskets have been replaced and whether coolant has ever mixed with the oil.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have an 03 Buick Rendezvous and the intake manifold gasket ($875) was identify by the dealership as the source of the problem at the same time my front hub bearings were fixed at just over $400 by the Buick dealership in new jersey. The dealership took my money gladly and later that day I find out in this forum my vehicle should have been repaired at no cost to me. I find it hard to believe the service manager/dealership were not aware of this problem and the notice posted by GM. …”
NHTSA complaint #10169030, filed 2006-09, 67,000 miles“2003 Buick Rendezvous. I bought this car for $8200 one month ago. The car had only 78,000 but now has 81,000. In one month's time and 3000 miles we have had to replace the brakes, the muffler, the plugs and wires, as well as the coil pack. Now we have a big problem! Antifreeze smell, knocking in the engine... Like all other complaints, it looks like this is going to be another 2003 Rendezvous with a blown head gasket. I have been researching this online and have found over 300 different complaints for the exact gasket problem. What can we do? …”
NHTSA complaint #10277402, filed 2009-07, 80,565 miles - Brakes
Rust-through brake lines and brake system warning lights
- 47 complaints (17%)
- median 79,000 mi at 7.1 yrs old (41 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $713 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2005–2019
Complaints describe the brake pedal going to the floor or the vehicle failing to stop, with mechanics finding brake lines rusted through or broken, often near the firewall or at the rear. Other owners report the ABS, traction and service lights staying on together. Repairs were typically line replacement or brake components, and owners note the work was not covered as warranty. Reported from about 36,000 miles into the 140,000s, with many cases in the 40,000 to 80,000 mile range.
What to check: Have the brake lines inspected underneath for rust, especially along the firewall and rear axle, and confirm the ABS and traction warning lights go out after start-up.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The service traction system light is on, and the traction off light is on, and the anti-lock brake light is also on. I was backing up when this first happened, and now the lights all come on everytime I am in the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10522156, filed 2013-06, 147,000 miles“Brake failure on a 2003 Buick Rendezvous, 36,440 miles due to rusted through brake line at firewall above exhaust. My wife was barely able to get the car safely off the road. Car was towed to the dealer; not warranty; very expensive; towed to transmission shop for repair. This could have resulted in a major accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10196668, filed 2007-07, 36,480 miles - Suspension
Wheel bearing noise and hub failures
- 21 complaints (7%)
- median 55,000 mi at 4.0 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2005–2013
Owners report a roaring, growling or squealing noise from the front of the vehicle that changes with speed, and mechanics identifying worn front wheel bearings or hub assemblies. Some describe repeat replacements, and one owner mentions an extended warranty offer on front bearings that had already expired by the time the noise was diagnosed. Others report hub or speed sensor replacement linked to ABS warnings. Mostly reported from about 11,000 to 65,000 miles, with some later examples past 100,000 miles.
What to check: Listen for a hum or roar that rises with road speed and changes when turning; ask whether any wheel hub or bearing has been replaced and whether an extended bearing warranty applies.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“All 4 of my wheel bearings went bad before 60,000 miles, I received a letter from Buick stating they are offering an extended warranty for the front wheel bearings up to 60,000 miles. This problem was not diagnosed until I had 63,000 miles, though 4 months ago when I asked my mechanic about the load noise coming from my vehicle I was told it was from my new tires and I just needed to wear the tread and the noise would stop. It got worse and I brought the vehicle to 3 mechanics. …”
NHTSA complaint #10206404, filed 2007-10, 58,000 miles“In jan 2011, front right wheel hub assembly and speed sensor was replaced with oem part. In june 2011, the part had failed again. Per mechanic, fault is due to speed sensor not returning correct speed when speed is < 8 MPH. Per mechanic, this wiill increase stopping distance when it occurs.”
NHTSA complaint #10406105, filed 2011-06, 140,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Power window regulator and guide failures
- 13 complaints (5%)
- median 48,000 mi at 4.2 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2005–2010
Complaints describe power windows that stop moving or will not go back up, with dealers or shops replacing window guides, regulators or motors, sometimes more than once and on different doors. Owners frequently mention the cost per window. Some also report windshield wiper failures and warnings on the same vehicle. Reported from about 22,000 to 60,000 miles, often within the first several years of ownership.
What to check: Operate every window through a full up-and-down cycle and listen for grinding or slow movement; ask whether any window regulator or guide has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought a 2003 Buick Rendezvous in july 2006. I had to have the driverside window fix immediately thank god the dealer fixed it for me and now here we are in september 2007 and now the passenger side wont go down and I live on disability and I have seen alot of people that have had the same problem. Also heat or air stops when you are sitting at a light.”
NHTSA complaint #10202876, filed 2007-09, 100,486 miles“The driver and passenger window motors on my Buick Rendezvous (2003) have both stopped working. I understand that there are several parts that are made of cheap plastic and to repair will cost over $500 per window.”
NHTSA complaint #10291009, filed 2009-11, 55,000 miles
Buying note. On a used Rendezvous of this year, check the fuel tank and filler area for leaks or a gas smell and confirm the status of the fuel tank recall, then have the coolant system and brake lines inspected for gasket leaks and rust. Service records showing prior intake gasket, brake line and wheel bearing work are worth asking about.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 281 consumer complaints for the 2003 Buick Rendezvous. 213 of the complaints include a mileage, and 30% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 70,000 miles. Of all complaints, 12 involved a crash, 13 a fire, 13 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns and 377 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system84 30%
- Engine cooling53 19%
- Brakes45 16%
- Electrical system45 16%
- Transmission and drivetrain25 8.9%
- Suspension21 7.5%
- Steering17 6.0%
- Engine9 3.2%
- Other or unknown9 3.2%
Also reported: Body and structure (9), Equipment (8), Air bags (7), Latches, locks and linkages (6), Wheels (6), Vehicle speed control (5), Exterior lighting (4), Electronic stability control (3), Tires (3), Seats (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Interior lighting (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “Have been told by several different mechanics that fuel is leaking where the fuel filler neck connects to the plastic gas tank at the check inlet valve. I've seen many, many complaints of this same issue from other Rendezvous owners, as well as the same problem of GM and/or Buick refusing to repair the vehicle, even though it is a safety issue, (possible fuel ignition outside of the engine usually is). I live off a very modest disability check and a new tank is over $1,000, not including another 4-5 hours of labor. That's more than I get in a month. …”
NHTSA complaint #11415455, filed 2021-05, 135,724 milesEngine cooling: “The car over heated while I was driving. I took it to be seen by a mechanic and he said my antifreeze mixed with engine oil. My head gasket blew, the engine had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10450121, filed 2012-03, 150,000 milesBrakes: “Brake failure due to corroded brake line on firewall above exhaust pipe. I was able to bring car to full stop using emergency brake. Because of light traffic and low speed major accident was avoid. Brake line fixed by shelton Buick dealer in rochester hills and price was $429.70. I'm finding out that this is common problem with this type of GM vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10406708, filed 2011-06, 109,248 milesElectrical system: “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 from illuminating the dial especially around 10:45 and 11:15 am mst.) esp. When I'm driving”
NHTSA complaint #11072178, filed 2018-02, 30,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
30% of the 213 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 43,880 and 112,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Buick Rendezvous. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rendezvous · sedan | not rated | 3 / 3 | — | — | 3 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2003 Buick Rendezvous version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rendezvous AWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Rendezvous FWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 07V349000Aug 8, 2007Fuel system, gasoline › StorageCovers: Buick Rendezvous 2002–2004, Pontiac Aztek 2001–2004, Montana 2001–2004 +1 more
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).
- 04V150000Mar 29, 2004Latches/locks/linkages › Hatchback/liftgate › LockCovers: Buick Rendezvous 2003–2004
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.
- 03V250000Jul 15, 2003Equipment › Other › Owners/service/other manualCovers: Buick Rendezvous 2003, Pontiac Aztek 2001–2003, Montana 2001, 2003 +10 more
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 does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the…
- 03V052000Feb 20, 2003SteeringCovers: Buick Rendezvous 2003, Pontiac Aztek 2003
In some of these sport utility vehicles, the diameter of the steering column intermediate shaft is too small.
- 03V051000Feb 14, 2003Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator moduleCovers: Buick Rendezvous 2003, Chevrolet Trailblazer 2003, GMC Envoy 2003 +5 more
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.
- 02V222000Aug 9, 2002Air bags › FrontalCovers: Buick Rendezvous 2002–2003, Oldsmobile Bravada 2002–2003, GMC Envoy 2002–2003 +10 more
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.
Recall details for the 2003 Buick Rendezvous → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 377 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This 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…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This 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…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This 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…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle 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…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM 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…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Fuel system, Engine. This 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…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
Other model years of the Buick Rendezvous
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 43 | 84,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 89 | 82,500 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2005 | 138 | 56,520 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 200 | 67,500 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 281 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 486 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Buick Rendezvous model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick Rendezvous?
Owners of the 2003 Buick Rendezvous most often describe fuel leaking from the plastic tank at the filler neck and inlet check valve, often noticed as a strong gas smell or a puddle under the rear of the vehicle, frequently right after refueling. The issues reported most often: Fuel leak at tank filler neck / inlet check valve; Intake manifold gasket leaks, coolant loss and overheating; Rust-through brake lines and brake system warning lights.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Buick Rendezvous have?
NHTSA recorded 281 consumer complaints for the 2003 Buick Rendezvous as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Buick Rendezvous is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 84 complaints (30% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 53.
Has the 2003 Buick Rendezvous been recalled?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Buick Rendezvous get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Buick Rendezvous (Rendezvous FWD, 3.4L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Buick Rendezvous reported?
Among the 213 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 70,000 miles and the middle half falls between 43,880 and 112,000 miles; 30% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.