NHTSA — Engine And Engine Cooling: Engine Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
52,324 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Buick Rendezvous engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Buick Rendezvous:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2003 Buick Rendezvous Owner Comments

problem #11

Feb 012006

Rendezvous

  • 40,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. The contact stated that the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure occurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the rocker arm bolts fractured from the engine block which caused the head gasket to fail. The dealer stated that the engine would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage 110,000.

- West Henrietta, NY, USA

problem #10

Mar 192010

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • 135,000 miles
For the second time, the bolt that holds down the DOHC rod backed out, and resulted in severe engine failure. Apparently this is a known problem that results from heat over time. Buick has failed to ever issue a recall for this very expensive preventive repair issue. How can a manufacturer not issue a recall for this widely known issue with this vehicle. ??

- Brigantine, NJ, USA

problem #9

Jul 172003

Rendezvous

  • 80,565 miles
2003 Buick Rendezvous. I bought this car for $8200 one month ago. The car had only 78,000 but now has 81,000. In one month's time and 3000 miles we have had to replace the brakes, the muffler, the plugs and wires, as well as the coil pack. Now we have a big problem! antifreeze smell, knocking in the engine... like all other complaints, it looks like this is going to be another 2003 Rendezvous with a blown head gasket. I have been researching this online and have found over 300 different complaints for the exact gasket problem. What can we do? the failure info: The car is jumping at idle and at low speeds every time it's driven. It's now making a knocking noise that knocks quicker the more you speed up. The knock is so loud now that the only place it is being driven is to a repair shop for what we are sure is another head gaskets, like so many others have had replaced with this particular model.

- Columbia, SC, USA

problem #8

Apr 302007

Rendezvous

  • 140,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The 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.

- Bronx , NY, USA

problem #7

Apr 012008

Rendezvous

  • 55,000 miles
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. I know Canada has, I am concerned because my engine now has a bottom end rattle, ie the crankshaft and or connecting rod bearings worn, I have done auto mechanic work for 30 years and I know this is a sign of premature ware, then engine failure, and I feel G.M. should be 100% responsible for engine replacement, please advise.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #6

Dec 102007

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2003 Buick Rendezvous - engine gaskets, wheel bearings, AWD, rear differential, A/C condenser and on and on. Car is a lemon.

- Lakewood, CO, USA

problem #5

Nov 012006

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Leaks antifreeze and antifreeze getting into the oil. Will replace the head gasket.

- Auxvasse, MO, USA

problem #4

Oct 152006

Rendezvous 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles
Within the last seven months we have had to replace the window motor on the drivers sie, blower motor, load leveler. Now the power steering is going and the 02 sensor has to be replaced.

- Medina, OH, USA

problem #3

Jun 012004

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • miles
While turning right or left at any speed the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection but the mechanic could not distinguish the problem. The battery light has begun to illuminate intermittently.

- Suffolk, VA, USA

problem #2

Jul 112003

Rendezvous

  • miles
Consumer states that while driving at any speed engine light comes on and will stay on the remainder of the time the vehicle is being operated. Dealer notified.

- Austell, GA, USA

problem #1

Mar 082003

Rendezvous

  • miles
While driving the vehicle stalled intermittently and without. The dealer has been unable to duplicate the problem.

- Dawson, GA, USA

Not what you are looking for?