2003 Buick Rendezvous: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2003 Buick Rendezvous? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 284 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2003 Buick Rendezvous Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2003 Buick Rendezvous trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2003 Buick Rendezvous Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2003 Buick Rendezvous has 284 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Buick
- Model
- Rendezvous
- Model year
- 2003
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 284
- Crash-related complaints
- 12
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Most Common 2003 Buick Rendezvous Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Brake System
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Brake System, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2003 Buick Rendezvous?
The 2003 Buick Rendezvous shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2003 Buick Rendezvous
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for known issues.
- Check brake system condition and service history.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and fuel system repairs.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for known issues.
- Check brake system condition and service history.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and fuel system repairs.
- Consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2003 Buick Rendezvous, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2003 Buick Rendezvous are concentrated in engine, brake, and electrical systems, with a notable number of fuel-related issues. The data suggests potential concerns with these components, though the low confidence level and limited model year range warrant caution.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints at 64.
- Brake system complaints total 47, indicating a recurring theme.
- Electrical faults are reported 46 times, another frequent issue.
- Fuel/propulsion and fuel system complaints together exceed 80, suggesting fuel-related concerns.
- Engine Problems
- Brake System
- Electrical Faults
All 2003 Buick Rendezvous Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Buick Rendezvous. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 64 | — | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 47 | 4 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 46 | — | 7 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 43 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 42 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 36 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 30 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 21 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 21 | — | 2 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 17 | 4 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 4 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | 2 | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Buick Rendezvous. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The gas gage has been off since I bought it in September 2018. I run out of gas right before 1/4 of a tank and when I fill it it goes about 1/4 over the full line. The passenger seat side airbag went off closing the door May 2019.
After filling the fuel tank there is a strong gas odor that is present until the tank is almost empty. When walking around the vehicle or loading/unloading the vehicle, the strong gas odor is always present. This vehicle was at a dealership and they took it to the local personal …
I purchased this vehicle in 2013, and a few years later, I began smelling gas. After doing my due diligence, I found out that there is a recall for this issue, because the check inlet valve at the top of the tank where the filler neck connects to the tank is cracked. Great, NO, o…
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…
OUR RENDEVOUZ PLASTIC FUEL TANK STARTED SEEPING FUEL AT THE FILLER NECK YESTERDAY. AFTER DOING SOME READING, I SAW THERE WAS A RECALL AND THEN A SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT. THE ONE LISTED ON JULY 21, 2008 SAID THE TANK WOULD BE REPLACED REGARDLESS OF AGE AND MILEAGE. THEN, GM CH…
GAS TANK LEAKS SOMETIMES... WHEN IN MOTION AND WHEN STATIONARY
FUEL DRIPPING FROM TANK DUE TO CRACK AROUND INLET
STRONG SMELL OF GAS OUTSIDE THE RENDEZOUS AT FIRST AFTER FILLING CAR WHICH SEEM TO OCCUR ONLY WHEN NEWLY FILLED. NOW THE STRONG SMELL OUTSIDE OF CAR IS CONTINUOUS AND FUEL IS LEAKING. THIS IS A SUBJECT OF RECALL BUT DATE OF RECALL IS TOO OLD FOR GM TO HONOR THE RECALL. HAVE BE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. IN ADDITION, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD JERK VIOLENTLY. FURTHERMORE, THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FLUID AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS I…
TAKATA RECALL TRACTION CONTROL, ABS I HAVE REPLACED BOTH FRONT HUBS BARINGS WITH ABS SENSORS TWICE IN 1 YEAR. STILL THE TRACTION CONTROL COMES ON WHEN IAM ABOUT TO STOP OR TURN
VEHICLE IS LEAKING FUEL FROM THE GAS TANK SEAM. THE AMOUNT OF FUEL BEING LOST IS SIGNIFICANT.
GAS TANK STARTED LEAKING FROM CONNECTION WHERE FILLER TUBE MEETS THE GAS TANK. OTHER MODELS WERE INCLUDED IN A RECALL BUT NOT THE RENDEZVOUS MODEL I HAVE.
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. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT …
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 ESPE…
CAR SHUTS DOWN. FUEL GAUGE GOES TO EMPTY. LOSES POWER IN THE STEERING. HAVE TO PUMP GAS INTO THE TANK SLOW. TAKES FOREVER.
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ALL OF A SUDDEN NO MATTER WHAT SPEED YOU ARE DRIVING AND THE TEMPARTURE OF CAR IT SLIPS WHILE IN DRIVE OUT OF GEAR AND STARTS IN GEAR WHEN IT WANTS TO WHICH IS BAD ON HIGHWAY GOING 55-70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN CARS ARE BEHIND YOU AND YOU CAN NOT …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE PREMATURELY DISCONNECTED FROM THE FUEL TANK WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FU…
I AM HAVING TROUBLE OUT OF MY VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACE SEVERAL PARTS AND STILL HAVE NOT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. FOR INSTANCE, WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR AND CUT IT OFF I HAVE TO WAIT 30-45 MINS. BEFORE IT WILL START AGAIN. I HAVE CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP 3 TIMES AND OTHER PARTS OF THE CAR AND I…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED AT THE RESIDENCE, THE VEHICLE HAD A STRONG ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK AROUND THE INLET VALVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RE…
THE BRAKES ON THIS VEHICLE JUST STOPPED WORKING AFTER TAKING IT IN FOR ANALYSIS THE MASTER CYLINDER AND THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAVE CEASED TO WORK. PULLING INTO GAS STATION I RAMMED PARKING COLUMN IN FRONT OF STORE.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2003 Buick Rendezvous.
2003 Buick Rendezvous Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2003 Buick Rendezvous. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2003 Buick Rendezvous Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2003 Buick Rendezvous reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 284 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2003 Buick Rendezvous shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick Rendezvous?▾
#1: Engine Problems (64 complaints). #2: Brake System (47 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (46 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Buick Rendezvous?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2003 Buick Rendezvous?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2003 Buick Rendezvous, NHTSA complaints include 12 crash-related reports and 13 fire reports out of 284 total complaints. 13 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2003 Buick Rendezvous have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2003 Buick Rendezvous. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2003 Buick Rendezvous?▾
The 2003 Buick Rendezvous shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Buick Rendezvous reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2003 Buick Rendezvous based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.