Rendezvous (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LA1
3.4L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Buick Rendezvous Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
LX9
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LY7
3.6L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
LM7 Iron
5.3L 8-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LZ9
3.9L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Buick Rendezvous, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous
On a used 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the electrical system (302), the fuel system (277) and the engine (276). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 302 owner complaints on the 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous about the electrical system.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 277 owner complaints on the 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 276 owner complaints on the 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous about the engine, all engines combined.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 206 owner complaints on the 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous about the cooling system, all engines combined.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 141 owner complaints on the 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous about the brakes.
Recalls (10)
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).
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.
CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION ON IGNITION RELAY CONTACTS CAN CAUSE HIGH RESISTANCE. THIS CAN AFFECT SIGNALS TO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND, COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY TIME.
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.
Show 5 older recalls
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A WELD BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE AND THE FUEL TANK CAN FAIL.
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.
IN SOME OF THESE SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DIAMETER OF THE STEERING COLUMN INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS TOO SMALL.
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.
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Midsize SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous complaints?
Owners have filed 1,229 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous. The systems they name most often are the electrical system, the fuel system and the engine.
Is the 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 1,229 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous have?
NHTSA has 1,229 owner complaints on file for the 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous?
NHTSA lists 10 recalls covering some 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Buick Rendezvous?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the electrical system, the fuel system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Rendezvous?
The 2003 Buick Rendezvous received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars. Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,229 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.