Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Buick Rendezvous owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On 3/13/2015 my car had gone to a Firestone location in indiana due to a check gauges light on.they replaced my alternator and battery. My vehicle was only kicking out 300 cca. I took my car home and parked it. The following day I put approximately 350 miles of interstate driving on my truck. When arriving home, I parked my truck. On 3/15/15 I took a short 2 mile drive and lost my brakes.I have a severe back problem, which makes quick and sudden moves painful. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I was on a winding road and it made it difficult to control the truck at 40 MPH. There was no warning to my brakes going out. I had to have my car towed in to the shop as I was not going to attempt to drive it any further with no brakes. I have own many different makers of cars and never encountered this type of problem. …
We drove 6.4 miles from our relatives house to a restaurant. When I parked, my wife noticed smoke coming out from the front of the vehicle on the passangers side. I told her to exit the vehicle and I released the hood latch. When I opened the hood the flames were visible. I called 911, prior to fd arrival the flames were put out by someone from the restaurant. The brake line had rusted out and the brake fluid leaked out onto the exhaust system catching the electrical system on fire. The response from Buick via claims admisinstrator bryan schwartz they claim no liability due to braach of warranty. I claim this brake line should not have rusted out after only 60,000 miles. At 59,411 miles this vehicle was serviced @ vyletel Buick included in this service was a multi-point vehicle inspection including the brake system (also including lines,hoses and parking brake) no issues were noted.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the brakes failed when engaged and the brake pedal became stuck to the floorboard. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of a parked vehicle. In addition, the engine rpms increased excessively. The contact was able to stop the failure by shifting into park while the vehicle was still in motion. The contact sustained injuries to the hip, shoulder, knee and ankle from the impact. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed a local body repair center fo further inspection. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 100,000.
Tl* - the contact owns a 2003 Buick Rendezvous cx/csl. The contact was driving at 5-10 MPH in bumper to bumper traffic. She applied the brakes and the car started shaking from side to side and then it flipped over three times, landing in an embankment. The contact stated that it had rained earlier that day, but that this incident happened approximately two hours after the rain stopped. The contact was injured and was currently still under the care of a doctor. The police were contacted, however, they never came to the scene. The contact stated that no research was done concerning the cause of the crash. Updated 1/29/2007 -
I purchased a used 2003 Buick Rendezvous several years ago for my daughter. Since the purchase, she has had issues with traction warning light coming on, accompanied by a loud grinding noise, difficulty with braking and steering, especially when applying the brakes. She has had the car repaired several times, each time the issue recurs. On 9/28 she was in an accident, she could not get the car to brake effectively, hitting car in front of her. The traction light had recently come on again, and the grinding noise resurfaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. The contact stated that while at a complete stop with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle rolled away. The brake warning light was illuminated and smoke emitted from the engine compartment. Upon inspection, it was found that brake fluid was leaking and making contact with the exhaust manifold. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 127,000.
Dt*: the contact stated when the brake was applied, the vehicle began to shake. The vehicle then rolled over three times. This occurred at 5-10 MPH in bumper to bumper traffic on a dry road. The police was not contacted and the vehicle was driven home on four flat tires. The contact sustained head, neck, and back injuries. The insurance company inspected the vehicle and deemed it totaled. Updated 2/28/2006 -
This has occurred on and off since purchasing my 2003 Buick Rendezvous in January 2005. Usually occurs when outside temps are warmer, spring thru fall, not in the winter. At slow speeds ( 10 to 20 miles/hour) when braking and/or turning steering wheel while applying the brakes, a grinding/crunching noise is heard and depressing the brakes feels like you are crushing something with your feet. Brakes do not work immediately. Anti-lock brake light, service traction system light, and anti-lock brake off indicator lights all come on and stay on after the braking and noise stops. Warning lights sometimes stay on for several minutes afterwards. Just backing out of the garage can even cause this to occur. Recently I had an instance when driving at 10 to 15 miles/hour and could not stop at an intersection. …
I was parked on a hill facing up wards. I made a u turn in the street to go down the hill as I always do. As I approached the stop sign I lost all pressure to the brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I went through the stop sign but no accident occurred. I was able to come to a very slow stop. While I continued driving to the nearest mechanic I noticed smoke coming from under the hood and now the "low brake fluid" warning light came on and warning chimes were ringing constantly. I pulled over and noticed brake fluid hitting hot engine components causing the smoke. I could see brake fluid dripping under the vehicle too but under the engine. The mechanic inspected the line and said that the line runs up to the fire wall behind the top of the engine and that he didn't want to work on it. "real nice". I have to find a shop who is competent to do this job. …
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. I feel used and abuse at this point and my vehicle is still have problems with leaking coolant/overheating even after getting the problem fixed. All I want from GM is justice for all us who work hard each day and have continue to support their company and products. I would like to be added to class action lawsuit, can anyone give me information on getting on that train. …
Brake complaints in other Rendezvous years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2003 Buick Rendezvous?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Buick Rendezvous, 16% of the model year's 281 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Buick Rendezvous brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2003 Buick Rendezvous, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Buick Rendezvous brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.