Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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. The contact stated that her vehicle stalls and shuts off at all times. The vehicle also smokes a lot and the gasket overheated. In addition, the driver's side window dropped down into the door. The Buick dealer has had the vehicle for over a week making repairs. The dealer stated that different failures keep arising, such as the air mast flow sensor had to be changed twice, along with the water pump, timing belt, and new thermostats were installed. The repair could possibly cost more than $2,000. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 140,000.
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 illuminated. The failures recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the intake manifold gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,200.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. The contact started the vehicle and the heater was activated with a burning odor. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer. The failure was contributed to a melted cable connected to the heater and the air conditioner. The technician replaced the heater module and cable. The manufacturer was notified and stated that there were no recalls and was unable to provide further assistance. The current mileage was 65,500. The failure mileage was 65,373.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the fuel tank leaked and there was an abnormal odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel leak was near the filler spout. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 07V349000 (fuel system, gasoline) was related to the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
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.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. The contact stated the vehicle failed to accelerate up an incline. The contact mentioned that when travelling at a steady speed, the vehicle jerked violently. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle had not been diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
The car has a noise and it lags at 4K RPM. We had it diagnosed and there where no codes. The noise has gotten worse. We were driving down the road and it staled out on us and then again when we were pulling in our driveway. I need it fixed and I refuses to pay for something that wont even show up on a shops computer.
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. …
Bought the car aprox. 3 years ago,a 2003 Buick Rendezvous with 30,000 miles on it,it now has aprox.60,000 miles on it. Within the last year [ 2008 ] it has started loosing coolant,not externally,having to refill overflow tank every 1,500 to 2,000 miles,we have the vehicle serviced every 3,000 miles,using pure synthetic,with the amount of upper engine gasket failures ,apparently caused by antifreeze deterating head and intake manifold gaskets,ending in catastrophic gasket failure,and most of the coolant in oil,and the only repair is replacing defective gasket,where as the proper repair would be for the whole engine to be replaced,has there been a recall or class action taken here in the U.S. …
Engine complaints in other Rendezvous years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2003 Buick Rendezvous?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2003 Buick Rendezvous, 22% of the model year's 281 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Buick Rendezvous engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.