- The problem
- On certain vehicles, variations in the manufacturing process or exposure to high ambient temperatures may lead to fracture of the fuel tank inlet check valve (icv).
- The risk
- A fracture may allow fuel vapors to pass through and allow droplets of fuel to accumulate on the side of the fuel tank. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the fuel tank. The recall will be mailed in two phases with the first phase beginning on december 4, 2007. The second phase will be mailed on december 13, 2007. Owners may contact buick at 1-866-608-8080; chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. The vehicle population includes buick rendezvous and pontiac aztek vehicle built in may 2003; chevrolet venture and pontiac montana vehicles built from june through august 2002; and all vehicles registered in nevada, arizona, virgin islands, puerto rico, and hawaii.
Vehicle safety record
2003 Buick Rendezvous Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 284 complaints about the 2003 Buick Rendezvous with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (84) and the engine & cooling (64). Those complaints describe 12 crashes, 13 fires and 13 injuries. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in August 2007 for the storage. For comparison, the 2002 has 498 and the 2004 has 200.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Rendezvous year, for its age
#52 most complained-about 2003 vehicle
- Complaints
- 284
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 12
- Fires
- 13
- Injuries
- 13
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2003 Buick Rendezvous problems
Share of all 284 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2003 Buick Rendezvous recalls 7
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after january 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
- The risk
- FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- The fix
- Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on april 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
- The problem
- On certain sport utility vehicles, a structural support at the latch attachment in the rear liftgate may be inadequate to retain the latch to the liftgate in certain severe vehicle crash events.
- The risk
- If the liftgate were to open in a vehicle crash, an occupant could be ejected from the vehicle resulting in increased risk of personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will add structural reinforcements to the liftgate in the area adjoining the latch assembly. Owner notification schedule began on june 21, 2004. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080. This is an expansion to a previous recall (03v211).
- The problem
- Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "Child restraint anchorage system." The owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.
- The risk
- This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
- The fix
- Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or booster cushion. Owner notification began august 18, 2003. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
- The problem
- In some of these sport utility vehicles, the diameter of the steering column intermediate shaft is too small.
- The risk
- This condition could allow the intermediate shaft to spin inside the steering column coupling, resulting in loss of steering control of the vehicle. If this were to happen while the vehicle is moving, a crash could resulting without prior warning.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect, and replace if necessary, the steering column intermediate shaft. Owners were notified by telephone on february 7, 2003, with a follow-up letter on february 11, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300 or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
- The problem
- On certain mini vans, passenger and sport utility vehicles, some of these vehicles have a driver's side air bag that may not deploy as designed. In addition, the air bag inflator could rupture.
- The risk
- This could result in reduced capability of the air bag to protect the driver. Also if the air bag inflator ruptured, pieces of the inflator could strike and injure the vehicle occupants.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, install a new driver's air bag. Owner notification began on march 11, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
- The problem
- Certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.
- The risk
- Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began august 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
What owners say
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284 complaints about the 2003 Buick Rendezvous
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 12.
The gas gage has been off since I bought it in September 2018. I run out of gas right before 1/4 of a tank and when I fill it it goes about 1/4 over the full line. The passenger seat side airbag went off closing the door May 2019.
After filling the fuel tank there is a strong gas odor that is present until the tank is almost empty. When walking around the vehicle or loading/unloading the vehicle, the strong gas odor is always present. This vehicle was at a dealership and they took it to the local personal auction company where i bid on it and bought it along with household items.
I purchased this vehicle in 2013, and a few years later, I began smelling gas. After doing my due diligence, I found out that there is a recall for this issue, because the check inlet valve at the top of the tank where the filler neck connects to the tank is cracked. Great, NO, only CERTAIN Rendezvous were covered, and even though mine has the exact same issue, they refuse to cover it and replace the tank. Well, apparently, there were SO MANY complaints by other Rendezvous owners that were also not "included" in...
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the recall, the recall was expanded to ALL Rendezvous', BUT with the stipulation that it had to have less than 150,000 miles on it, which by THAT TIME, my car WAS over that mileage. So now I'm still driving with gas leaking out of my car, A KNOWN AND ADMITTEDLY UNSAFE DEFECT, because just to purchase that gas tank is over $1,000, not including the labor to drop the tank and replace it, approximately 3-4 hours labor. My disability check cannot afford that, so I have been FORCED to continue driving an unsafe car because they are refusing to repair THEIR DEFECT. And I'm not the only one. I've seen NUMEROUS videos of mechanic's shops BEGGING GM to cover this. And I take my grandchildren to school in this car. At least if the car does blow up one day because they wont' fix THEIR OWN SAFETY issue, I'll have ONE more record of trying to get it fixed and the request being ignored. I'm putting all this information in a file that will go to my daughter and attorney, as well as anyone else's attorney that is injured or killed because of not being repaired. All I was is to drive a car with gas not leaking out of my tank as I drive. I cover ALL the other repairs that it needs. I don't think this is too much to ask, especially since it won't cost the dealership anywhere near $1500 to fix, and any price would be far less than it will cost GM in a wrongful death suit.
Have been told by several different mechanics that fuel is leaking where the fuel filler neck connects to the plastic gas tank at the check inlet valve. I've seen many, many complaints of this same issue from other rendezvous owners, as well as the same problem of gm and/or buick refusing to repair the vehicle, even though it is a safety issue, (possible fuel ignition outside of the engine usually is). I live off a very modest disability check and a new tank is over $1,000, not including another 4-5 hours of labor....
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That's more than I get in a month. Gm needs to step up and honor the recall and fix these vehicles. It's complete bs that they are limiting it to vehicles with less than 150,000 miles on them. And my vehicle had less than that the first time I contacted gm about this, but that was before they so graciously extended the warranty to all rendezvous' with this issue, but adding the mileage restriction effectively eliminating any other vehicles actually qualifying to be repaired. I bought this vehicle in 2013, and it has always been legally registered, but I never received any communications from gm about this recall. That, and the refusal to repair a recall safety issue, is, or should be criminally negligent.I really feel like a class action lawsuit is what will have to happen. Maybe since I have so much time on my hands, that is something I should look into.
Our rendevouz plastic fuel tank started seeping fuel at the filler neck yesterday. After doing some reading, I saw there was a recall and then a special coverage adjustment. The one listed on july 21, 2008 said the tank would be replaced regardless of age and mileage. Then, gm changed their mind on august 8, 2008 and limited mileage and age to 150,000 miles and 10 years. I am very disturbed about this and think that this tank needs replaced for safety reasons at minimum. The fuel tank is not available from any aftermarket source and purchasing it from gm is $1590. I cannot believe that purchasing a used tank would be safe due to the issue gm has mentioned.
Gas tank leaks sometimes... When in motion and when stationary
Fuel dripping from tank due to crack around inlet
Strong smell of gas outside the rendezous at first after filling car which seem to occur only when newly filled. Now the strong smell outside of car is continuous and fuel is leaking. This is a subject of recall but date of recall is too old for gm to honor the recall. Have been told that the fuel tank has to be replaced.
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.
Takata recall traction control, abs I have replaced both front hubs barings with abs sensors twice in 1 year. Still the traction control comes on when iam about to stop or turn
Vehicle is leaking fuel from the gas tank seam. The amount of fuel being lost is significant.
Gas tank started leaking from connection where filler tube meets the gas tank. Other models were included in a recall but not the rendezvous model I have.
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. *Tt *tr
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
Car shuts down. Fuel gauge goes to empty. Loses power in the steering. Have to pump gas into the tank slow. Takes forever.
Driving down the road all of a sudden no matter what speed you are driving and the temparture of car it slips while in drive out of gear and starts in gear when it wants to which is bad on highway going 55-70 mph on the interstate highway when cars are behind you and you can not go any speed but coast and is getting worse
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 buick rendezvous. The contact stated that the plastic fuel tank inlet check valve prematurely disconnected from the fuel tank without warning. The dealer and manufacturer indicated that the vehicle was excluded from nhtsa campaign number: 07v349000 (fuel system, gasoline), but the contact experienced the failure related to the recall. The manufacturer provided no solution. The vehicle was inspected, diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 126,529. *Js
I am having trouble out of my vehicle. I have replace several parts and still have not solved the problem. For instance, when I drive my car and cut it off I have to wait 30-45 mins. Before it will start again. I have changed the fuel pump 3 times and other parts of the car and I have not yet found a solution to my problem. I have had the truck for a year and eight months. The vehicle is motion but it cuts off and I have to wait 30-45 mins. Before my truck can restart. It's been going on for some months and I have changed many parts and it still does the same thing. *Tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 buick rendezvous. The contact stated that while parked at the residence, the vehicle had a strong odor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a fuel leak around the inlet valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 07v349000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.
The brakes on this vehicle just stopped working after taking it in for analysis the master cylinder and the brake booster have ceased to work. Pulling into gas station I rammed parking column in front of store.
As I pulled up to my home and got out of the vehicle; I smelled a strong gasoline smell. I noticed drippin under my vehicle. I took it to the shop this weekend. Gasoline leaking through the neck of the tank.
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.
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...
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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.
The suv was parked. The fuel tank inlet check valve: the area where the fuel tank and fuel tank inlet check valve connect is seeping fuel. At first I could smell the gasoline fumes and it continued that I had to look under the suv. I saw indications of gasoline dripping from the fuel tank. I looked for internet information. I found other owners were having the same problem. I searched for recalls using the make, model, and year. I did find information that indicated that I and others had the same problem. ...
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Recall is the name of the situation. I have printed out the information. If it looks like a recall then I should go after this as a recall issue. I will most likely get pushed back from the manufacture. I will make calls to buick and nhtsa to get some help.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 buick rendezvous. While driving any speed, the fuel gauge failed to provide an accurate reading. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 191,186.
Buick Rendezvous: every year compared
All Rendezvous years2003 Buick Rendezvous vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Buick Rendezvous | 284 | 7 | D | |
| 2003 Buick Lesabre | 167 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Buick Century | 130 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Buick Regal | 104 | 5 | F | Compare |
| 2003 Buick Park Avenue | 36 | 1 | C | Compare |
| 2003 Buick Buick Truck | 2 | 0 | - | Compare |
| 2003 Buick Rainier | 1 | 0 | A | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2003 Buick Rendezvous
Does the 2003 Buick Rendezvous have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2003 Buick Rendezvous: storage (August 2007); pressure relief devices (March 2007); lock (March 2004); owners / service / other manual (July 2003) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Buick Rendezvous?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (84), engine & cooling (64), electrical system (46).
How many complaints has the 2003 Buick Rendezvous had?
284 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on March 24, 2003 and the latest on March 15, 2022. Of these, 12 describe a crash and 13 a fire, and together they report 13 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2003 Buick Rendezvous a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 25 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Buick Rendezvous year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Buick Rendezvous years have the most complaints?
2002 (498), 2003 (284), 2004 (200). See every Buick Rendezvous year compared.
What should I do if my 2003 Buick Rendezvous has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data