2003 Buick Rendezvous CXL

Summary:

She's got issues!

Faults:

75000: AWD disable light and anti lock brake light came on.

79292: Lights came on again.

General Comments:

Drives awesome and is very roomy.

Never really had a problem out of it until the warranty expired.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th May, 2008

2003 Buick Rendezvous CXL 3.4L

Summary:

Never again

Faults:

I have had to replace seat back adjuster handles on both rear seats. The power for the front passenger seat works intermittently and the switch lever is broken (falls off) The plastic side covers for both rear seats have been replaced 2 times. The lumbar adjusting knob has been replaced 1 time. After these items had broken again, I refuse to fund GM and replace them again.

The front right bearing was squealing and I checked the brakes. Replaced the brake pads (2nd time at 59,000 miles). Then was told by dealer there was a recall for the front right bearing. Ordered the part and put it on myself. Had a discussion with GM and they said was beyond 60,000. By the time dealer had informed me of recall, the car was at 61,300. They finally paid for part.

Now there is a loud whirring noise outside under drivers seat. I think it is the fuel pump bushings. I am scared to find out.

General Comments:

I will NEVER buy another Buick if this is the quality that they have to offer.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd December, 2007

2003 Buick Rendezvous SUV

Summary:

I would not buy another one

Faults:

I just went to the dealership because of a check engine light. They found a puddle of water under the drivers side floor mat. They checked the underside and found water in all the electric connections. I park my vehicle in the garage the only time its out is when I am at work.

The door behind the drivers side power lock stopped working. The front brakes spray brake dust all over the chrome rims. and the power stirring hums badly.

General Comments:

It is very good on gas for its size.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 31st October, 2007

2003 Buick Rendezvous CX

Summary:

Fair

Faults:

Intake Manifold leaked at 76,000 miles, allowing coolant to enter the engine oil. Costly repair!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th October, 2006

2003 Buick Rendezvous CX

Summary:

Perfect if you really need a minivan, but can't bring yourself to own one

Faults:

Front Passenger seat adjust cable came loose on right side. A plastic guide had popped free and thus the cable was not disengaging the catches. Fixed it myself by taking out the seat. Used some zap-straps to ensure neither came out again.

Replaced all 4 brake pads at about 50-60 000kms or so. Not disappointed with that, but the right rear set was over-worn on one side so the caliper had jammed at some point.

At 100,000kms or so I replaced the transmission oil filter and fluid. It felt like a new car after that. Took me a couple of times re-torquing the bolts to stop it from leaking. The filter kit does NOT come with a new gasket, but rather a note that says the old on should be re-used.!? Glad I did that work myself or it wouldv'e been a back -n-forth with the dealer.

Since the dealer has been doing (free) oil changes I had not noticed it going through a quart or more between changes. No drips on the floor (garage parked).

Now I've got coolant leak. First noticed that the Heater was not working properly. Until the car had been driven over 15km or so it was cold air only. Since there was nothing on the floor and the oil was clean it confused me. Now I've seen that there is a common issue with the manifold gasket so that's likely the source of both leaks. Should be easy to fix, but again I'll be doing the work myself.

General Comments:

Generally it's been a good car for us. Exactly what we need as a family of 4 including 2 teenage boys. Service and support has been good too.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd September, 2006

21st Jan 2014, 10:38

I had the same problem with the heater not working in my 03 Rendezvous. I took it to a local mechanic, and he said that the dealer had to fix the problem. Took it to the dealer, and they didn't even start the car to check it. They were full of assumptions and we think it is this. It was 40 below zero that week, and the battery was dead when I went to pick it up from the dealer.

I then took it to another mechanic, and they said that the intake manifold leaks and the heater line was plugged. They unplugged the line and said sometime soon we need the intake manifold gasket fixed. OK.

We drove it a few days with heat, which felt nice. Then it overheated on the highway. The change oil light came on and the car was stuck.

Towed it to mechanic; they are now working on replacing the head gaskets and intake manifold seal. Luckily they take payments. I'd do it myself if I could. I think it is awesome that you can fix cars.

Other then minor problems recently, I think it has been a good running SUV.