2002 Buick Rendezvous Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Buick Rendezvous, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine12919.7%
- Fuel system10315.7%
- Electrical10115.4%
- Brakes588.9%
- Suspension456.9%
- Transmission274.1%
- Airbags243.7%
- Visibility243.7%
- Interior & seats233.5%
- Body & structure203.1%
- Other / unspecified172.6%
- Steering162.4%
- Powertrain (other)142.1%
- Exterior lighting91.4%
- Driver assistance81.2%
- Tires & wheels50.8%
- Seat belts20.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE STARTED TO FLASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS WERE DAMAGED AND IT WOULD BE BEST TO REBUILD THE ENGINE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FOR 45 MINUTES ON TWO-LANE PAVED COUNTRY ROADS. I DROVE THE FIRST 15 MINUTES, WITH ONE OF MY SONS DRIVING THE OTHER 30 MINUTES WHILE I WAS A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. WE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND SWITCHED DRIVERS SO ANOTHER SON COULD BEGIN A DRIVING LESSON WITH ME. WHEN HE BEGAN TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE HE SAID THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL RIGHT AND NOTICED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I TOLD HIM TO PULL BACK INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND RELEASE THE HOOD SO I COULD CHECK FOR AN OVERHEATING ENGINE, EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS IN THE CENTER OF THE VISIBLE RANGE. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD I SAW A SIX-INCH WIDE AREA OF FLAMES TO THE RIGHT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I TOLD MY SONS TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND ASKED ONE OF THEM TO CALL 911 ON HIS CELLPHONE AND THE OTHER TO GO TO THE NEAREST BUILDING, ABOUT 75 YARDS AWAY, AND LOOK FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. IN THE MEANTIME, I OPENED THE REAR VEHICLE HATCH TO LOOK FOR SOMETHING I COULD USE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. FINDING NOTHING USEFUL, I RAN TO THE BUILDING MY FIRST SON HAD APPROACHED FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND FOUND HIM INSIDE THE OUTER DOOR OF A LOCKED LOBBY AREA. WE BOTH RAN TO THE NEXT BUILDING ABOUT 100 YARDS AWAY WHERE WE LOCATED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE. I ESTIMATE THIS TOOK LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES. WHEN WE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE THE FLAMES WERE ABOUT TWELVE INCHES WIDE, STILL ONLY TO THE RIGHT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY PUT OUT THE FIRE, BUT HAD TO AIM MUCH DEEPER INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAN THE VISIBLE FLAME AREA TO STOP ALL FLAMES. WHEN THE DEALER LATER CHECKED THE VEHICLE I WAS TOLD IT APPEARED THAT A RUPTURED BRAKE LINE HAD SPRAYED BRAKE FLUID ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STARTED THE FIRE. THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR LEAKS OR BRAKE ISSUES OBSERVED.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CAR HAS A GAS TANK LEAK FROM THE INTAKE TUBE. IN 2007 I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT IT WASN'T A PROBLEM UNTIL NOW. I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE CAR HAS ONLY 130,000 MILES ON IT. CAN I GET HELP WITH THIS REPAIR? MY LOCAL DEALER DOESN'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT.
OVER HEATING FOR NO REASON. SOMETIMES THE FUEL LINE SEEMS CLOGGED OR FULL BUT WILL ACT AS IF IT OUT OF GAS. HAVE CHANGED THE ALTERNATOR AND DISTRIBUTOR AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURING. WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A RADIATOR BUT THERE SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. SOME DAYS IT WILL START TO RUN HOT AND IF YOU KEEP YOYR FOOT ON THE GAS THE HOT TEMP WILL GO DOWN. LEAKING OUT GAS FROM LEFT SIDE AS WELL AS BLOWING OUT WHITE SMOKE AS IF THE ENGINE IS BLOWN BUT I KNOW ITS A GOOD ENGINE. SOME DAYS THE CAR WILL RUN FINE BUT IT SEEMS TO.ME LIKE THE COLD WEATHER CAUSES MATBE SENSOR ISSUES WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. ALSO THE GAS LIGHT WILL COME ON SPIRATICALLY LIKE WHEN YOU HIT A POT HOLE LIKE THERE IS AN SHORT
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE HEAT. I WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS BLOWING COLD AIR OR NOT BLOWING AT ALL. BEFORE I HAD A CHANCE TO ADDRESS THE HEATING ISSUE, THE VEHICLE RAN HOT AND CONTINUED TO RUN HOT UNTIL A MECHANIC REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT AND THE COOLANT AND CU AT 2/3 SLIT IN THE RUBBER UNDER THE HOOD. IT CAME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THE VEHICLE HAD OVERHEATING PROBLEMS BEFORE IT WAS SOLD TO ME. I HAVE SINCE TRIED TO SELL IT AND FOUND TH ST IT WAS NOT ACCEPTED BY TWO CAR BUYING/SELLING WEBSITES DUE TO PREVIOUS SALVAGE. I PURCHASED FROM A BUY-HERE PAY- HERE. IT STILL HAS OVER HEATING ISSUES AND IT STILL HAS NOT HEAT BLOWING INSIDE. I WANT TO KNOW IF REPAIRS WILL HELP SINCE IT'S REGARDED AS A SALVAGE. IS IT LAWFUL TO SELL A SALVAGED VEHICLE KNOWING THE PURCHASER WAS PUTTING THE CAR ON THE ROAD? I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OHIO AND I LIVE IN NEW YORK.
WHEN DRIVING THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS 2002 HOME THE BRAKES BEGAN TO NOT RESPOND. AFTER ARRIVING HOME AND DRIVING DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY, THE SUV HAD SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS WAS TURNED OFF BUT CONTINUED TO EXPELLED LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE UNDER THE ENGINE AREA. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE ENGINE AREA CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE BOZRAH FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED WITHIN 15 MINUTES OR SO THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FOR 45 MINUTES ON TWO-LANE PAVED COUNTRY ROADS. I DROVE THE FIRST 15 MINUTES, WITH ONE OF MY SONS DRIVING THE OTHER 30 MINUTES WHILE I WAS A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. WE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND SWITCHED DRIVERS SO ANOTHER SON COULD BEGIN A DRIVING LESSON WITH ME. WHEN HE BEGAN TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE HE SAID THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL RIGHT AND NOTICED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I TOLD HIM TO PULL BACK INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND RELEASE THE HOOD SO I COULD CHECK FOR AN OVERHEATING ENGINE, EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS IN THE CENTER OF THE VISIBLE RANGE. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD I SAW A SIX-INCH WIDE AREA OF FLAMES TO THE RIGHT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I TOLD MY SONS TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND ASKED ONE OF THEM TO CALL 911 ON HIS CELLPHONE AND THE OTHER TO GO TO THE NEAREST BUILDING, ABOUT 75 YARDS AWAY, AND LOOK FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. IN THE MEANTIME, I OPENED THE REAR VEHICLE HATCH TO LOOK FOR SOMETHING I COULD USE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. FINDING NOTHING USEFUL, I RAN TO THE BUILDING MY FIRST SON HAD APPROACHED FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND FOUND HIM INSIDE THE OUTER DOOR OF A LOCKED LOBBY AREA. WE BOTH RAN TO THE NEXT BUILDING ABOUT 100 YARDS AWAY WHERE WE LOCATED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE. I ESTIMATE THIS TOOK LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES. WHEN WE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE THE FLAMES WERE ABOUT TWELVE INCHES WIDE, STILL ONLY TO THE RIGHT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY PUT OUT THE FIRE, BUT HAD TO AIM MUCH DEEPER INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAN THE VISIBLE FLAME AREA TO STOP ALL FLAMES. WHEN THE DEALER LATER CHECKED THE VEHICLE I WAS TOLD IT APPEARED THAT A RUPTURED BRAKE LINE HAD SPRAYED BRAKE FLUID ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STARTED THE FIRE. THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR LEAKS OR BRAKE ISSUES OBSERVED.
WHEN DRIVING THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS 2002 HOME THE BRAKES BEGAN TO NOT RESPOND. AFTER ARRIVING HOME AND DRIVING DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY, THE SUV HAD SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS WAS TURNED OFF BUT CONTINUED TO EXPELLED LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE UNDER THE ENGINE AREA. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE ENGINE AREA CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE BOZRAH FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED WITHIN 15 MINUTES OR SO THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE HANDLED VERY POORLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. RIGHT REAR COIL SPRING BROKEN IN 1 PLACE, LEFT REAR BROKEN IN 2 PLACES. AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENTS HAD MORE WINDINGS. BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW - GETS NORMAL USE, NO ACCIDENTS, NEVER RUN OVER ANYTHING, E.G. CURB. MANY OTHER OWNERS COMPLAINING OF SAME ISSUE ONLINE. *TR
I PURCHASED A USED 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS IN APRIL OF 2004 FROM A GM DEALERSHIP (ABOVE). IT IS AN AWD V6 CXL SUV. MY CAR MANUAL SPECIFICALLY STATES NOT TO USE ANYTHING OTHER THAN DEXCOOL ANTIFREEZE. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE FROM GM OR THE DEALERSHIP OR DEXCOOL REGARDING THE PROBLEMS ON THIS VEHICLE AND DEXCOOL. EVEN AFTER THE LAWSUIT AGAINST GM IN 2008 I DID NOT GET NOTIFIED IN ANY WAY, AND THE DEALERSHIP NEVER TOLD ME TO STOP USING DEXCOOL, SO I HAVE BEEN CONTINUING TO EXPERIENCE ENGINE PROBLEMS! WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR IT HAD 37,591 MILES ON IT. I PAID JUST UNDER $20,000 FOR IT. ON 12/8/05 I DID A TRANSMISSION FLUSH. FOUR MONTHS LATER, ON MARCH 9, 2006, THE CAR WAS FOUND TO HAVE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS LEAKING OIL AND COOLANT, AND THE FRONT TIMING COVER SEAL WAS LEAKING. IT ALSO NEEDED FRONT AND REAR BRAKES. AT THAT TIME THEY TOLD ME THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING ALL OVER EVERYTHING AND WAS GETTING INTO THE TRANSMISSION (AND THE BRAKES, TOO, I THINK.) HAD TO HAVE ANOTHER TRANSMISSION FLUSH DONE AND I THINK COOLANT FLUSH DONE - COST WAS $222. I HAD 3 ESTIMATES DONE FOR THE REST OF THE WORK AND THEY RANGED FROM $3,300, TO 1700 TO $1,380. IT COST ME $89 AND $73 FOR TWO OF THE ESTIMATES. HAD WORK DONE AT 4TH SHOP ON 4/20/06, COST ME $730. ON AUGUST 22, 2007, I HAD TO HAVE THE INTAKE GASKET DONE AGAIN AS WELL AS A COOLANT FLUSH; COST ME $492. ON AUGUST 11, 2009 I HAD TO HAVE THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACED AS IT WAS LEAKING PLUS OTHER WORK; TOTAL WAS $257. I WAS TOLD ABOUT A YEAR AGO THAT THE INTAKE GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL AND COOLANT AGAIN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE CAR DID NOT PASS INSPECTION IN JUNE, 2010; ONE OF THE PROBLEMS IS TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. IS THAT A RESULT OF THE DEXCOOL COOLANT CONTAMINATING THE TRANNY? OTHER WORK NEEDED IS STEERING RACK (AGAIN), AIR COMPRESSOR, & REAR AIR SHOCKS. THE COOLANT LEAKING HAS CAUSED THE FAILURE OF MANY OF THE PARTS I HAVE HAD TO HAVE FIXED ON THIS CAR, NOT JUST THE GASKET. *TR
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM, AIR CONDITIONING AND THE ENGINE FAILED. THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD NOT INDICATE WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL OR EMPTY. THE AIR CONDITIONING WOULD NOT BLOW COOL AIR AND THE ENGINE WAS EXHIBITING AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,794.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED THE CONTACT COULD HEAR THE ENGINE RODS AND LIFTERS KNOCKING. THE NOISE WOULD STOP AFTER 3 MINS. THE CONTACT HAS KEPT UP WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILED AND THE AIR CONDITIONER RECHARGE UNIT FAILED AND HE HAS HAD THEM REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56000 MILES.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REPLACING THE VEHICLES TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE TO THE RADIATOR, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. SHE ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145, 000.
I PURCHASED A USED 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS IN APRIL OF 2004 FROM A GM DEALERSHIP (ABOVE). IT IS AN AWD V6 CXL SUV. MY CAR MANUAL SPECIFICALLY STATES NOT TO USE ANYTHING OTHER THAN DEXCOOL ANTIFREEZE. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE FROM GM OR THE DEALERSHIP OR DEXCOOL REGARDING THE PROBLEMS ON THIS VEHICLE AND DEXCOOL. EVEN AFTER THE LAWSUIT AGAINST GM IN 2008 I DID NOT GET NOTIFIED IN ANY WAY, AND THE DEALERSHIP NEVER TOLD ME TO STOP USING DEXCOOL, SO I HAVE BEEN CONTINUING TO EXPERIENCE ENGINE PROBLEMS! WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR IT HAD 37,591 MILES ON IT. I PAID JUST UNDER $20,000 FOR IT. ON 12/8/05 I DID A TRANSMISSION FLUSH. FOUR MONTHS LATER, ON MARCH 9, 2006, THE CAR WAS FOUND TO HAVE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS LEAKING OIL AND COOLANT, AND THE FRONT TIMING COVER SEAL WAS LEAKING. IT ALSO NEEDED FRONT AND REAR BRAKES. AT THAT TIME THEY TOLD ME THE COOLANT WAS LEAKING ALL OVER EVERYTHING AND WAS GETTING INTO THE TRANSMISSION (AND THE BRAKES, TOO, I THINK.) HAD TO HAVE ANOTHER TRANSMISSION FLUSH DONE AND I THINK COOLANT FLUSH DONE - COST WAS $222. I HAD 3 ESTIMATES DONE FOR THE REST OF THE WORK AND THEY RANGED FROM $3,300, TO 1700 TO $1,380. IT COST ME $89 AND $73 FOR TWO OF THE ESTIMATES. HAD WORK DONE AT 4TH SHOP ON 4/20/06, COST ME $730. ON AUGUST 22, 2007, I HAD TO HAVE THE INTAKE GASKET DONE AGAIN AS WELL AS A COOLANT FLUSH; COST ME $492. ON AUGUST 11, 2009 I HAD TO HAVE THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACED AS IT WAS LEAKING PLUS OTHER WORK; TOTAL WAS $257. I WAS TOLD ABOUT A YEAR AGO THAT THE INTAKE GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL AND COOLANT AGAIN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE CAR DID NOT PASS INSPECTION IN JUNE, 2010; ONE OF THE PROBLEMS IS TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. IS THAT A RESULT OF THE DEXCOOL COOLANT CONTAMINATING THE TRANNY? OTHER WORK NEEDED IS STEERING RACK (AGAIN), AIR COMPRESSOR, & REAR AIR SHOCKS. THE COOLANT LEAKING HAS CAUSED THE FAILURE OF MANY OF THE PARTS I HAVE HAD TO HAVE FIXED ON THIS CAR, NOT JUST THE GASKET. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND CLOSING THE DOOR, THE DRIVER SEAT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED VIOLENTLY ON THE DRIVERS HEAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND FACE CAUSING UNCONSCIOUSNESS. IN ADDITION, LEFT ARM AND SHOULDER INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT WENT TO URGENT CARE WHERE SHE WAS REJECTED DUE TO LIABILITY CONCERNS. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT BUT NOT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AS OF YET. THE VEHICLE WAS STORED IN THE CONTACT GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V222000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104.776.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND COMING TO A STOP, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED AND CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG EXPLODED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CUT ON THE HAND AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 205,000.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 TO 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE FROM THE FRONT INTERIOR VENTS. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE IGNITION OFF AND VACATED THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CAUGHT FIRE. THE WIRE HARNESS FROM THE FUSE BOX TO THE FIREWALL WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE DETAILS OF THE RECALL WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
BOUGHT USED IN 2004 WITH 45K MILES. IN 2006 I HAD TO HAVE THE WINDOW CONTROL REPLACED. IN 2009 AT 70K MILES I HAD TO HAVE MAIN GASKET ON ENGINE REPLACED (WAS TOLD BUICK KNEW OF PROBLEM BUT REFUSED RECALL) AND 2 HEADS REPLACED AS KEPT LOSING COOLANT & OVERHEATING. THE VERY NEXT YEAR THE BODY CONTROL MODULE WENT OUT & HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR YEARS & NO BODY, NOT EVEN THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE CONTROL MODULE, CAN GET IT TO GO OUT. LAST YEAR THE FUEL GAUGE QUIT WORKING. THIS YEAR THE LEFT FRONT HUB HAS GONE BAD AT 170K SO I CAN'T SAY IT WASN'T DUE, BUT THE OVERHEATING GAUGE KEEPS GOING INTO THE RED & THE OVERHEAT LIGHT COMES. HAD IT CHECK AND THE THERMOSTAT IS WORKING FINE, I AM NOT LOSING COOLANT AND THE COOLANT IS GOOD, & THERE IS NO WATER IN MY OIL. I CAN'T DRIVE MORE THAN 2 MILES WITHOUT THE OVERHEATING LIGHT COMING ON & THE GAUGE GOING INTO THE RED. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
BODY CONTROL MODULE WENT OUT. HAD TO FIND THE ANSWER ON GOOGLE SO THE DEALER COULD FIX IT (HEADLIGHTS AND DASH CONTROLS WENT ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT) $650 FRONT SEAT INOP DEALER STILL DOES NOT KNOW WHAT'S WRONG $? GAS GAUGE INOP DEALER STILL DOES NOT KNOW WHAT'S WRONG $? CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT OUT THIS MONTH ALSO COST $850 WATER PUMP $25 O2 SENSOR BANK 1 AND 2 - $145 MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR- $104 FUEL FILTER- $11 STEERING RACK AND PINION- $195 TOTAL $1980 ALL THESE THINGS HAPPENED IN ONE MONTH. I HATE THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS. GETTING RID OF AS SOON AS I CAN. *TR
JUST PURCHASED A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS 4 MONTHS AGO AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES WITH THIS CAR, IT LEFT ME STRANDED AND STARTED UP BY A JUMP START. I GOT THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, AND STARTER CHECKED ALL REPORTED FINE. CAR RAN FINE FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS THEN IT DID IT AGAIN. THE HEADLIGHTS WILL FLICKER AT NIGHT SOMETIMES AT A RHYTHM. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS DECIDED WHEN THEY WILL AND WILL NOT WORK. MAINLY THE SEAT HEATER BUTTONS. REPLACED BATTERY YESTERDAY AND WHILE DRIVING TO RICHMOND VA ALL INTERIOR/EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLASHED ON AND OFF WITH THE BATTERY LIGHT SHOWING IN THE DASH. AFTER A FEW MINUTES EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. THESE CHEAPLY MADE VEHICLES WILL CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT IF NOT DEATHS IF THESE COMPANIES DON'T STAND BEHIND WHAT THEY PUT OUT TO IT'S PUBLIC. CONSIDERING THAT I OWE 5000.00 FOR IT I WILL NOT PUT ALOT INTO IT TO KEEP IT RUNNING. THIS COMPANY NEEDS TO FIX THEIR VEHICLES THE WAY THEY WERE ADVERTISED. *TR
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HEADLIGHTS, DASHBOARD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, AND RADIO, CD PLAYER, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND TAIL LIGHTS ON MY 2002 BUICK, RENDEZVOUS KEPT GOING OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT IS THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. IT IS MY OPINION THAT THIS MALFUNCTION IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. IN MY SITUATION THE SEVERAL TIMES THAT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT, I WAS IN A DANGEROUS PLACE (ON CURVEY HIGHWAY BETWEEN PENNSYLVANIA AND OHIO AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 55-70MPH) THE SITUATION WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS WERE OUT COULD HAVE HAD FATAL CONSEQUENCES ESPECIALLY WHEN TALL HILLS SURROUND CURVEY FREEWAYS AND ROADS AND SUCH AS A DEER CROSSING THE ROAD OR WORSE YET, A PERSON ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING AND THE BCM KEEPS MALFUNCTIONING EVERY FEW MINUTES TURNING OFF ALL LIGHTS AND DASHBOARD CLUSTERS AND IT COSTS TOO MUCH FOR ME TO FIX-ALMOST $1400. *TR
I HAVE A 2002 BUICK RENV. AND I BOUGHT IT FROM A USED CAR DEALER IN ALBANY NY, I HAVE HAD TO RETURN THE CAR 2 TIMES FOR DIFFERENT PROBLEMS, ONCE WAS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND IT CAME ON 3 HOURS AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR, THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY ALREADY TOOK CARE OF IT BUT THEY DID NOT, SO THEY DID FIX THAT, THERE WERE A FEW OTHER PROBLEM THEY FIXED, BUT THE BIG PROBLEM CAME THE OTHER DAY WHEN IT WAS RAINING I CAME OUT TO FIND A LEAKY SUNROOF, SO I TOOK IT TO BE SEALED AND COME TO FIND OUT THE WHOLE ROOF OF THE CAR IS RUSTY, IT NEEDS ALMOST 2,000 DOLLARS WORTH OF WORK, AND THE PEOPLE THAT I TOOK THE CAR TO TRY TO FIX IT TOLD ME THAT THE CAR SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN SOLD TO ME, AND TO RETURN THE CAR TO THE DEALER, THIS ROOF COULD CAVE IN, IT IS IN THAT BAD OF SHAPE, THAT IS WHAT I AM TOLD, WHILE THE REPAIR SHOP WAS TRYING TO SEAL IN WHAT THEY COULD, WHILE THIS WAS BEING DONE THE CORNER OF THE ROOF BY THE SUNROOF JUST CAME OFF NOW THERE IS A HOLE IN THE ROOF, HE TOLD ME THAT THE ROOF COULD JUST CRACK ANY TIME, WELL I AM STUCK AND I TRIED TO RETURN THE CAR AND THE DEALER WILL NOT TAKE THE CAR BACK, OR REPAIR IT, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO, SO I AM HOPING SOMEONE CAN HELP ME HERE. *TR
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
OIL AND ANTI FREEZE LEAKING VALVE COVER GASKET NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AND ALSO THE WHEEL HUB AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY RUNNING HOT
MY ALL WHEEL DRIVE & ANTI- LOCK BRAKES HAVE GONE OUT. THIS COULD PROVE VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE WE LIVE IN AN AREA OF VERY HARSH WINTERS
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
STEERING WHEEL FLUID WAS EMPTYING OUT RAPIDLY, IT WAS REPLACED. START DRVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE CAR STEERINF FROZE I COULD NOT STEER IT. MADE IT OFF THE ROAD MECHANIC PUT IT ON THE LIFT HE TOLD ME THAT THE RACK AND PION WAS GONE ON BOTH SIDES WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS AND VERY EXPENSIVE JOB. I HEARD NOTHING ABOUT A RECALL. *TR
BODY CONTROL MODULE WENT OUT. HAD TO FIND THE ANSWER ON GOOGLE SO THE DEALER COULD FIX IT (HEADLIGHTS AND DASH CONTROLS WENT ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT) $650 FRONT SEAT INOP DEALER STILL DOES NOT KNOW WHAT'S WRONG $? GAS GAUGE INOP DEALER STILL DOES NOT KNOW WHAT'S WRONG $? CATALYTIC CONVERTER WENT OUT THIS MONTH ALSO COST $850 WATER PUMP $25 O2 SENSOR BANK 1 AND 2 - $145 MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR- $104 FUEL FILTER- $11 STEERING RACK AND PINION- $195 TOTAL $1980 ALL THESE THINGS HAPPENED IN ONE MONTH. I HATE THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS. GETTING RID OF AS SOON AS I CAN. *TR
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE GAVE NO KIND OF NOTICE JUST STARTED JUMPING OUT OF GEAR GOING DOWN THE MAIN ROAD. IT WILL JUMP IN AND OUT OF GEAR AND JUST STOPS SHIFTING. HAVE TO TURN ENGINE OFF THEN BACK ON FOR IT TO GO BACK INTO GEAR AND SOMETIMES THAT STILL DOES NOT WORK. ALMOST GOT HIT FROM THE REAR BECAUSE IT JUMPED OUT OF GEAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE ACCELERATION DECREASED AND THE ENGINE REVVED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HEADLIGHTS, DASHBOARD INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, AND RADIO, CD PLAYER, INTERIOR LIGHTS, AND TAIL LIGHTS ON MY 2002 BUICK, RENDEZVOUS KEPT GOING OUT FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SHOP AND THEY SAID IT IS THE BODY CONTROL MODULE. IT IS MY OPINION THAT THIS MALFUNCTION IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. IN MY SITUATION THE SEVERAL TIMES THAT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT, I WAS IN A DANGEROUS PLACE (ON CURVEY HIGHWAY BETWEEN PENNSYLVANIA AND OHIO AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 55-70MPH) THE SITUATION WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS WERE OUT COULD HAVE HAD FATAL CONSEQUENCES ESPECIALLY WHEN TALL HILLS SURROUND CURVEY FREEWAYS AND ROADS AND SUCH AS A DEER CROSSING THE ROAD OR WORSE YET, A PERSON ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING AND THE BCM KEEPS MALFUNCTIONING EVERY FEW MINUTES TURNING OFF ALL LIGHTS AND DASHBOARD CLUSTERS AND IT COSTS TOO MUCH FOR ME TO FIX-ALMOST $1400. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR LOCATE A FAILURE WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
5 MINUTES AFTER BEING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MILES PER HOUR THE VEHICLE STARTED DROPPING SPEED AND MESSAGE CENTER STARTED SHOWING LOW BATTERY, LIGHTS PROBLEM, SERVICE ENGINE SOON, BRAKE FLUID LOW, WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID LOW, LOW TIRE PRESSURE, SECURITY SERVICE. ALSO, WHEN I COME TO A STOP THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF BY ITSELF AS A LOW POWER, FEW MINUTES LATER, STARTS BACK UP AND CAN KEEP DRIVING BUT HITTING THE GAS PEDAL AND RELEASING IT AFTER A FEW SECONDS AT A TIME TO RECHARGE THE BATTERY SO IT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AGAIN. ALSO, AFTER THIS HAPPENED THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS BEGAN TO COME ON AND OFF BY THEMSELVES. TOOK TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE IT SERVICED THEY SAID TO REPLACE THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR AND IF PROBLEMS CONTINUED THE STARTER. FEW MONTHS LATER AFTER REPLACING THESE PARTS, IT STARTED GIVING ME PROBLEMS WITH LOW FAN AS IF THE RELAYS WERE BAD BUT THEY ARE IN GOOD CONDITION, LOW BATTERY FUEL AND HAD TO BE CHANGED AGAIN BECAUSE THE BATTERY WAS NOT RETAINING CHARGE. THE VEHICLE STILL HAS ALL THE MESSAGES IN THE MESSAGE CENTER, THEY NEVER WENT AWAY. THEN WITHIN THE LAST MONTH I WANTED TO HAVE THE RADIO REPLACED, BUT I FOUND OUT THE SPEAKERS HAVE POWER COMING STRAIGHT FROM THE BATTERY TO THE RADIO THAT CAUSES IT TO OVERHEAT AND MAKES STATIC WHEN THE RADIO IS ON WHILE DRIVING. ALSO, THE NEUTRAL SAFETY SWITCH FOR THE IGNITION KEY GOT BURNED SO NOW IT IS NOT WORKING BUT STILL HAS ALLOWED FOR THE CAR TO TURN ON AND OFF AND DRY. A WEEK AGO, 04/28/14 THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SHOWING AN ERROR MESSAGE IN THE MESSAGE CENTER, EVERY LIGHT POSSIBLE IN THE MESSAGE CENTER ABOUT THE SERVICES THAT NEED TO BE DONE COME ON, WHICH I ASSUME NOW IS THE BODY CONTROL MODULE THAT HAS GONE BAD. MOST FREQUENT MESSAGE IS SECURITY. GAS GAUGE GOES UP AND DOWN AND NEVER GIVES AN ACCURATE READING OF HOW MUCH IS IN THE VEHICLE. *TR
CAR IS RELUCTANT TO MOVE AT LOW SPEEDS (25/30 MPH). GEAR MOVES VERY RELUCTANTLY INTO HIGHER GEAR. HEAR LOUD CLUTTERING NOISES FROM GEAR BOX, METALS GRINDING AGAINST EACH OTHER. THIS CAUSES SLOWING THE TRAFFIC AND FEEL AS IF SOMEONE WILL HIT ME FROM BEHIND. FEEL UNSAFE TO DRIVE. SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I OWN A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE FOR ME SINCE THE GET GO (2004). I HAVE NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS THAT ARE GOING ON WITH MY VEHICLE AS OTHER OWNERS. ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS STARTED AT OR AROUND 70000 MILES. THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS GO OFF WITH OUT WARNING AND FOR NO REASON FOR SOMETIMES UP TO A MINUTE (AND THIS HAS HAPPENED AT NIGHTIME) "MAJOR SAFTEY ISSUE" NO ONE CAN TELL US WHY THE VEHICLE DOES THIS. THE NOISE THAT COMES FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN DRIVEN AT 45 MPH OR MORE IS OUTRAGIOUS...IT MAKES AN AWFUL HUMMING SOUND SO LOUD THAT THE RADIO CAN'T BE HEARD. THE VEHICLE ALSO WILL NOT START AT TIMES AS WELL...FOR NO PARTICULAR REASON AT ALL...NOTHING CAN BE FOUND WRONG WITH IT ALL!!! IT WILL STALL OR WILL NOT START AT ALL AFTER SEVERAL STARTS AND TURN OFFS. IT HAS ALSO DONE THIS ON INCLINES OR AFTER FILLING AT THE GAS STATION ONCE AS WELL. IF YOU GO BACK AND TRY TO START THE VEHICLE IN ABOUT A HALF HOUR IT WILL START...I FIGURED THIS OUT AFTER CALLING A TOW TRUCK SEVERAL TIMES...AND BY THE TIME THEY GOT TO ME..THEY TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE AND IT STARTED. THE VEHICLE BURNS A QURT OF OIL EVERY 3000 MILES OR SO. NOW MY BRAKES ARE TO THE FLOOR WHICH I HAVE RECENTLY HAD IT TO THE SHOP AGAIN AND THE MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME THAT MY BRAKES ARE FINE THAT I NEED MY ABS PUMP (MASTER CYLINDER) REPLACED IT IS LEAKING 800.00 +++ JUST FOR THE PART ALONE HMMMMM??? JUST ANOTHER ISSUE REPORTED LIKE ALL THE ABOVE FROM OTHER BUICK RENDEZVOUS 2002 OWNERS. OH AND ALSO MY DRIVER SIDE WINDOW REGULATOR HAS BROKE AND THAT WILL BE COSTING ME 450.00. PASSENGER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT SHUT CORRECTLY NOW AT ALL THE HINGES ARE MESSED UP ON THESE MODELS. THE DOOR GETS STUCK ALL THE TIME. ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE PROBLEMS THAT OTHER BUICK RENDEZVOUS OWNERS OF THE 2002 MODELS ARE HAVING AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT ASAP. *JB
2004 BUICK RENDEVOUS 64K MILES - COMPLETE ATO TRANSMISSION FAILURE - INCLUDING TRANSFER ASSEMBLY. OCCURED 40MPH WITH NO PREVIOUS SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS - ALMOST CAUSED REAR END COLLISION. LOST ALL GEARS, 1,2 AND REVERSE - ONLY 3RD BARELY OPERABLE. 5 MILES FROM DEALER - HAD TO BE TOWED. SUPERIOR BUICK (KANSAS CITY) PULLED PAN - SAID LOT OF GROUND UP METAL. INITIAL COST $5K! INVESTIGATING OTHER CASES - FINDING GM KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM - IN SOME CASES DEALERS BUYING BACK '02 RDV'S. FINDING THIS EXACT SAME OCCURANCE WITH OTHER OWNERS IS NOT JUST A RANDOM - BUT MANY FAILURES. JUST 30 DAYS AGO ALSO HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE AC CONDENSER UNIT $1,500 - NOW FINDING THIS TOO IS A GM DEFECT WITH LOT OF OTHER RDV OWENERS. WILL TRY TO PURSUE VEHICLE BACK BY FROM GM - SEEING A LOT OF 'LEMON' CASES OUT THERE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON MAY 31,2011, WE WERE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY 82, IN NAHUNTA, GA. AND A CAR PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME AND WE CRASHED AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THERE WERE TOW PEOPLE IN THE FRONT AND ONE PERSON IN THE BACK. THE SHOULDER HARNESSES DID NOT LOCK AND I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, MY WIFE HIT THE DASH WITH HER FACE AND MY DAUGHTER WAS THROWN ABOUT IN THE BACK SEAT INJURING HER LEG AND HER SHOULDER SHE HAD JUST BEEN RELEASED FROM HAVING SURGERY ON. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 29, 2011 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED IN WAYX, GA. *TR
FOLLOWING A HEAD-ON COLLISION AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT TIGHTEN INSTANTLY WHICH CAUSED SEVERE INJURY TO BOTH DRIVER (BROKEN SHOULDER) AND PASSENGER (INTERNAL CHEST INJURY). *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .