Buick / Rendezvous / 2003
2003 Buick Rendezvous problems
Owners have filed 407 complaints about the 2003 Buick Rendezvous with NHTSA. Engine and engine cooling accounts for 13.5% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of electrical system at 11.5%.
Complaints407
Crashes18
Fires17
Injuries17
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine and engine cooling 13.5% · 55
Electrical system 11.5% · 47
Fuel/propulsion system 10.6% · 43
Fuel system, gasoline 9.8% · 40
Service brakes, hydraulic 7.6% · 31
Power train 6.6% · 27
Suspension 5.7% · 23
Visibility 5.4% · 22
Severity
Of those complaints, 18 describe a crash, 17 describe a fire and 17 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 5 model years of the Buick Rendezvous in this data, 2003 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2002 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 8 in the last three years against 13 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 67,291 miles.
In owners' own words
Crank seals, oil pan seal, head gasket corrosion and potential failure. Mechanic found these leaks which will lead to engine failure. Reported to Buick, examined by dealership. Buick said essentially, "too bad, you're on your own." The car is well-maintained, low miles, male senior driver. This should not occur on a vehicle in this condition. Gm should take care of significant problems such as these. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 67,500 miles
Cooling system continues to get very hot after thermostat was replaced. If ac is on temperature gauge stays 3/4 quarters of the way. Gm tested cooling fan operation and both fans are running. Pressure tested system for leak. Found rear head gasket leaking fluid. Per gm head gaskets would need to be replaced. Heads would need to be sent out and milled. Parts and labor would be around $1849.22. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 116,248 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking antifreeze. The dealer replaced the head gasket, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was repaired a second time. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but denied any assistance with repair to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 46,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. The vin was unavailable. Engine and engine cooling · reported at 46,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…