2003 Buick Rendezvous recalls and problems
The 2003 Buick Rendezvous has 6 safety recalls and 281 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Buick dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Buick Rendezvous vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Buick Rendezvous recalls
Recall 07V-349: Fuel System, Gasoline
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).
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.
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.
Recall 04V-150: Latches/Locks/Linkages
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.
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.
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).
Recall 03V-250: Equipment
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.
Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
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.
Recall 03V-052: Steering
Problem: In some of these sport utility vehicles, the diameter of the steering column intermediate shaft is too small.
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.
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.
Recall 03V-051: Air Bags
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.
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.
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.
Recall 02V-222: Air Bags
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.
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.
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.
2003 Buick Rendezvous problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 55 | |
| Electrical System | 47 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 43 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 40 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 31 | |
| Power Train | 27 | |
| Suspension | 23 | |
| Visibility | 22 | |
| Steering | 17 | |
| Service Brakes | 13 | |
| Structure | 9 | |
| Air Bags | 9 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 13
- Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 12
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 11
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage — 10
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 10
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 8
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 8
- Electrical System › Horn — 6
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,050 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Buick Rendezvous complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Buick Rendezvous years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Buick Rendezvous have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2003 Buick Rendezvous: 07V-349 (fuel system, gasoline), 04V-150 (latches/locks/linkages), 03V-250 (equipment), 03V-052 (steering), 03V-051 (air bags) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Buick Rendezvous?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (55 reports), followed by electrical system (47). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,050 miles.
Are Buick recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Buick dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.