Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
When driving on the highway, white/terrible smelling smoke came rolling out of the vents inside my vehicle. It was so bad that I had to pull over, as it was burning my throat/nose/eyes and made me dizzy- this was in a matter of just a few short minutes. No dashboard lights or other signs of vehicle malfunction occurred at that time; however, this was a very alarming safety situation for my children, who were also in the vehicle...! The fire department was called, along with the police and a tow truck; as I obviously was not willing to drive the vehicle any further! …
I have had ongoing electrical problems with my vehicle for about a year now. It keeps blowing the number 40 fuse which causes the vehicle to lose its turn signals, break lights, and emergency flashers. The dealer has attempted to fix the problem 3 times since June of 2005. The fourth time this happened a wiring harness under the dashboard caught fire while my wife and a friend of hers were traveling 350 miles from home. It was at night, in the rain, and on I-77 in the mountains of west virginia. A local GM dealer looked at the vehicle. They stated a serious fire could have resulted from this, particularly since a 30 amp fuse was place in the #40 position which is made to take a 15 amp fuse. I have also replaced both front wheel bearings on this vehicle one with under 36,000 miles and the other with less than 50,000 miles. The vehicle has been very hard on front tires. …
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. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shook and stalled and the battery light illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road, restarted the vehicle, and resumed driving. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, but the technician could not find a failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken a fourth time to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the battery, alternator, and serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 215,000.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact noticed smoke from the driver's side front seat. Upon further inspection, she noticed flames coming from the vehicle. She took her vehicle to a dealer and they concluded that when she adjusted her seat, the track ran over a cord in the wiring harness that created a fire. The vehicle does not have optional heat/cooler integrated seats. The technician stated that the seat would have to be replaced and the wiring in the electrical system needed to be repaired. The contact is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The failure and current mileages were 66,000.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH with the air conditioner on, there was a burning odor and the instrument panel began emitting smoke. The contact opened the instrument panel and removed the control box. The contact then noticed wires melting inside the box which stopped the air conditioner fan from running. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
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 mechanic to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
The car would buck while I was on the road. During these times the wipers might come on and be intermittent. I took the cat in to a GM dealer. The problem was diagnosed as a faulty ignition switch, and so stated on my invoice. I called GM on this for a refund and was told that there were not enough complaints on this model. Its interesting that the 2003 Saturn, which was a recall, had the same ignition switch.
Vehicle will go a few miles and stall illuminating battery light.if you let vehicle sit will restart only go a few more miles. Finally car will turn over for split second and RPM will go all the way down and car will stall. No check engine light. Had three different mechanics look at vehicle can not diagnose changed just about everything under hood.
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
Electrical complaints in other Rendezvous years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2003 Buick Rendezvous?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Buick Rendezvous, 16% of the model year's 281 complaints. The component named most often is horn (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Buick Rendezvous electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.