Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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! …
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 contact owns a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. Two weeks after the vehicle was purchased in December of 2007, the contact noticed a loud noise when making left turns. The dealer stated that the power steering pump was defective and was repaired for free. Two months after the repair, the windshield wipers stopped working and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The mechanic informed her that the windshield wiper box failed and was repaired. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stopped accelerating. The contact smelled a burning odor coming from the front driver's side wheel well. She pulled the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle would shift gears, but it would not move forward or backwards. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the brake oil was contaminated and the master cylinder was defective. …
I have had so many problems with my Rendezvous I feel like the dealership has had my car more than I have. For starters, the front and rear hub failed four times, with the fourth one still needing to be repaired and GM refusing to address the problem because of the number of miles on the car, the check engine light stays on intermittently, the rear wiper stays on and I had to remove the fuse, I have replaced the tires three times with no explaination on the uneven excessive wear, the power steering pump makes loud whining noise and leaks power steering fluid with no explaination, windshield wipers catch on each other and I have on numerous occassions had to stop the car, get out and untangle them, however, the dealer cannot duplicate the problem, the rear air compressor still does not work after being repaired twice, fuses blow for no reason.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. While driving at approximately 35 MPH and attempting to engage the front, driver side power window, the window would not respond. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the front drivers side window guides were replaced. The failure recurred a few years later. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the window guides were replaced again. Three months later, the front passenger window exhibited the exact failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 32,000 and the current mileage was 45,000. Updated 10/01/2010. Updated 10/04/10
Buick rendevous. 1st was a 2002 cxl - problems: rear differential slipped, passenger side window regulator broke, ac condenser broken, rear view mirror fell off, back up sensors shut down vehicle - because of this fried entire electrical system, brakes and rotors replaced at 30K. 2nd is a 2003 cxl - problems - rear differential slipping, passenger side window regulator broken, driver 1 & 2 memory broken, engine running hot because of leak in radiator - again 30K
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.
Front and rear windows fail to properly move or up down. One window falls while driving. Issue is identified as broken window regulators. Problem apparently widespread as parts are hard to find (out of stock). Unable to leave vehicle in public areas as you can't keep the windows closed.
Transmission failure- replaced 12/04, wheel hub bearing failure-replaced 06/05, heating/ac problems since new 09/03, brake problems since new, window regulators replaced 2x's, hatch latch failure-multiple, parking brake failure 07/04-present, overheating 07/04-present
When snow builds up in wheel wells the AWD became disabled and spun out in road, have failed with mud, build up as well had replaced 3 times since owning vehicle. Also feel that the sideview mirrors have dangerous blind spot that could be a problem.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Rendezvous years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2003 Buick Rendezvous?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2003 Buick Rendezvous, 7% of the model year's 281 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Buick Rendezvous window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.