2002 Buick Rendezvous

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 486 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 3 times.

Avoid One of the Buick Rendezvous years to avoid: 2.9× the complaints of a typical Rendezvous year. Which Buick Rendezvous years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,000 milesMedian miles at failure

377 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Buick Rendezvous problems

102 of the 486 complaints (21%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System60
030
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine35
010
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system31
010
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system24
001
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine24
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine22
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission19
001
Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing18
201
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes18
000
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner18
000

2002 Buick Rendezvous engine problems

21% of all complaints

102 of the 486 complaints are about the engine. This is what owners describe:

  • overheats32% · 33
  • leaks oil or fluid31% · 32
  • stalls13% · 13
  • sets off warning lights on the dash10% · 10
  • turns on the check engine light4% · 4

Share of the 102 engine complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
68,000 mi
median of 81 reports
Peak year of filing
2009
17 engine complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 1 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the engine
None
“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.”
Owner complaint, filed May 15, 2018 at 169,000 miles
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 buick rendezvous. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle overheated causing the engine to stall. The vehicle was unable to restart. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 9, 2015

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2001: 4 complaints, 0 about the engine'012002: 20 complaints, 2 about the engine2003: 44 complaints, 6 about the engine'032004: 43 complaints, 5 about the engine2005: 51 complaints, 9 about the engine'052006: 40 complaints, 5 about the engine2007: 52 complaints, 14 about the engine'072008: 48 complaints, 11 about the engine2009: 40 complaints, 17 about the engine'092010: 23 complaints, 11 about the engine2011: 32 complaints, 7 about the engine'112012: 13 complaints, 5 about the engine2013: 11 complaints, 3 about the engine'132014: 22 complaints, 3 about the engine2015: 18 complaints, 1 about the engine'152016: 13 complaints, 2 about the engine2017: 2 complaints, 0 about the engine'172018: 7 complaints, 1 about the engine2019: 2 complaints, 0 about the engine'192020: 0 complaints, 0 about the engine2021: 1 complaints, 0 about the engine'21Recall 02V222000 (airbags)Recall 07E021000 (fuel system)Recall 07V349000 (fuel system)NHTSA investigation RQ06009
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2002 Rendezvous peaked in 2007, with 52 filed that year. No recall on file covers the engine, the subject of 21% of the complaints. In 2021 owners filed 1 so far.

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage07V349000
Filed Aug 8, 200720,594 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi

Defect. 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.

Risk. FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Air Bags › Frontal02V222000
Filed Aug 9, 2002133,221 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. 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.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2002 Rendezvous.

FUEL TANK LEAKAGEEngineering analysis EA07006Closed
Opened Apr 18, 2007Closed Sep 13, 2007Led to recall 07V349000fuel system

Gm is recalling (NHTSA recall no. 07v-349) certain model year (my) 2002-2004 buick rendezvous, chevrolet venture (regular wheelbase) and 2001-2004 pontiac aztek and montana (regular wheelbase) vehicles to replace fuel tanks and correct a defect that may allow fuel leakage.the vehicle recall population is rendezvous and aztek vehicles built in may 2003, venture and montana vehicle built in june through august 2002 and certain same model vehicles registered in nevada, arizona, virgin islands, puerto rico and hawaii that were built through nov/dec 2003 (depending on model).the total number of …

FUEL TANK LEAKAGERecall query RQ06009Closed
Opened Dec 14, 2006Closed Apr 18, 2007fuel system

Certain subject vehicles may exhibit leakage of odor and/or fuelfrom the lower portion of the fuel tank inlet filler pipe (inlet check valve).the inlet check valve (icv) and the fuel tank are joined together using a hot plate welding process for plastic parts.GM reports that its analysis of field returned parts show evidence of process variations for different manufacturing periods.these variations produced some icv to fuel tank joints with poor melt flow lines.odi's analysis of GM's warranty claim data finds more frequent fuel tank replacements in the hotter climate states.this investigation …

Technical service bulletins

391 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2002 Rendezvous. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 136engine 73electrical system 55transmission 24visibility 13body and frame 12fuel system 12equipment adaptive/mobility 11
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

02019Service campaignMay 6, 2002brakes

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM REGARDING BRAKE BOOSTER POWER PISTON. *TT

02019Service campaignMay 1, 2002brakes

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM BULLETIN REGARDING VEHICLES WITH BRAKE BOOSTER CONTAINING CERTAIN INTERNAL PARTS THAT ARE NOT TO SPECIFICATION. *TT

16-NA-383Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 28, 2024engine

This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.

16-NA-383Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 13, 2024engine

This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.

22-NA-074Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 22, 2024engine

This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.

23-NA-153Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 1, 2023engine

The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.

18-NA-073Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 24, 2023engine

This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.

PIP5628GService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsAug 10, 2023engine

This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D

Showing the newest 6 of 73 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2002 Buick Rendezvous 4-DR. w/SAB———★★★★★—

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 6, 2021130,000 milesMN

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 17, 2019IN

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

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Aug 13, 2019104,776 milesCO

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 26, 2018150,000 milesCO

I FIND THE 2002 RENDEZVOUS HAS A DEFECTIVE GAS TANK. WHEN THEY MAKE THE TANK THEY USE TWO DIFFERENT PLASTIC MATERIALS FOR THE TANK AND THE FILLER TUBE THAT RESULT ON THE WELD NOT HOLDING ON. AND DUE TO THE UNUSUAL POSITION OF THAT FILLER TUBE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAS TANK A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR EXPLOSION AND FIRE. THERE IS PLENTY OF REPORTS ON THE INTERNET PERTAINS ONLY TO THE 2002 MODEL. ACCORDING TO BUICK ITS NOT THEIR PROBLEM BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRE.

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Jun 12, 201820,000 milesCA

NO NOTICE FROM GM ON RECALL DATED 08/08/2007 FUEL TANK DEFECT. FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL TANK AT THIS SPECIFIC LOCATION. DEALERS WILL NOT REPAIR THIS DEFECT. I AM THE ORIG. OWNER.

Engine
Filed May 15, 2018169,000 milesMI

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 15, 2018110,000 milesPA

VEHICLE SHOWED CHECK ENGINE CODE FOR EMISSIONS FOR SOME TIME. NOW SMELLING FUEL FROM CAR. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED AS CRACKED TANK, SAME AS RECALL NUMBER 06230A. VIN DOES NOT MATCH RECALL. DEALERSHIP AND BUICK WERE NOT HELPFUL AT PROVIDING ALTERNATIVES TO GETTING ISSUE FIXED. UPON MORE RESEARCH THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF THIS SAME ISSUE. CRACKED TANK AND VIN IS NOT LISTED IN RECALL. THIS PROVIDES VERY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. CAR SMELLS LIKE FUEL INSIDE AND OUT. NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR HAD ANY ISSUES THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS PROBLEM.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 26, 2018121,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A VERY STRONG FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED FUEL WAS LEAKING VERY HEAVILY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THEIR RESIDENCE, THEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 22, 2018126,000 milesNY

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 7, 201845,000 milesIL

NOTICED SMELL OF GAS BY THE 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. MECHANIC VERIFIED THERE WAS A LEAK NEAR FILLING POINT OF CAR. SAID WOULD BE EXPENSIVE TO FIX THIS, THOUGHT HE SAW SOMETHING ABOUT GM RECALLING GAS TANKS ON SOME VEHICLES. LOOKED IT UP AND SAW MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THERE WAS A RECALL. THIS WAS MY PARENTS CAR, NOW BEING USED BY MY TEENAGE SON, SO I LOOKED IN THEIR FILE AND FOUND A LETTER SENT FROM GM THAT A CRACK COULD OCCUR IN THE TANK DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND IF IT HAPPENED TO THE VEHICLE THEY WOULD REPLACE IT. WRONG. APPARENTLY A DANGEROUS FIRE HAZARD DOESN'T MATTER AFTER 10 YEARS. GM SAID THIS REPLACEMENT OFFER HAS EXPIRED. GM TOLD ME TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT A BUICK DEALER TO HAVE THEM VERIFY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER I BROUGHT IT TO TOLD ME NOT TO WASTE MY MONEY HAVING IT DIAGNOSED BY THEM, SINCE MY MECHANIC HAD ALREADY VERIFIED IT WAS LEAKING IN THE DEFECTIVE SPOT, BECAUSE GM NEVER COVERS THIS PREVIOUSLY OFFERED REPAIR ANYMORE. THE 2002 RENDEZVOUS HAS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 45,000 MILES ON IT!! OWNED BY MY PARENTS WHO TOOK METICULOUS CARE OF IT. WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A GREAT CAR FOR MY 16 YEAR OLD SON IS NOW A FIRE HAZARD, AND ESSENTIALLY UNSELLABLE IF I HAVE ANY CONSCIENCE!! I CANNOT BELIEVE GM REFUSES TO UPHOLD THEIR PROMISE TO REPAIR THIS COMPLETELY, DANGEROUSLY UNSAFE DEFECT, THAT THEY ALLOTTED REPLACEMENT PARTS AND MONEY FOR, BECAUSE THEY KNEW IT WAS THEIR DEFECTIVE PART THEY PUT INTO THESE RENDEZVOUS. I GUESS THEY ARE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO ACTUAL

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 13, 201740 milesFL

FUEL TANK IS DEFECTIVE, WITH THE CAR IN MOTION AND STATIONARY, WHEN I PUT MORE THAN A HALF TANK, GASOLINE WILL FIND A WAY OUT THE TANK, I ALREADY REPLACED THE FUEL TANK FOR ANOTHER ORIGINAL ONE AND IT WAS GOOD FOR ONLY 3 MONTHS. THE TRACTION SYSTEM WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY IS ALWAYS GIVING AN ERROR ON THE COMPUTER AND MAKING FUNNY NOISES AND SOMETIMES BRAKES MAKE A NOISE LIKE TA TA TA BECAUSE OF THE TRACTION SYSTEM. BATTERY SYSTEM IS A JOKE I HAD TO REPLACE AND PUT THE BATTERY TERMINALS ON THE TOP BECAUSE CABLES GET DISCONNECTED FROM THE ORIGINAL WAY. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE RECALLS ON THIS CAR, SO MANY PROBLEMS AND MY CAR HAVE A LITTLE OVER 80,000 MILES

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 17, 201770,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A FUEL ODOR ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK AROUND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM) AND 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 31, 201690,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000(FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 19, 2016111,000 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE ONTO THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL AND THAT THE FUEL TANK HOUSING FRACTURED. THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 22, 2016187,000 milesMI

ONE DAY LAST WEEK, I NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTING BEHIND MY GAUGES WAS OUT AND THE LIGHT ON THE RADIO IS DIM. THEN THE NEXT DAY NONE OF MY WINDOWS WORK, THEY ARE STUCK DOWN ABOUT 2 INCHES. AND THEN I GET ON THE HIGHWAY AND AT 60MPH THE FRONT END FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO FALL OFF. AND WHEN IN THE DRIVE THROUGH THE ENGINE TEMP WAS HEADING FOR THE RED ZONE, I HAD TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. AFTER COMING TO A STOP AND THEN ACCELERATING TO GO, THE FRONT WHEELS ACT LIKE THEY GRAB THE CAR JERKS THEN THE TIRES SQUEAL AND CAR MOVES. I HAVE A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON NOW, THAT IS SOME DEALER CODE :AUTOZONE DID A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK., BUT THE DEALER WOULDN'T TELL ME WHAT IT WAS WHEN I CALLED. I HAVE A LIGHT THAT CAME ON FOR THE BRAKES, AS WELL AS A LIGHT FOR SERVICING THE TRACTION SYSTEM?? ALL THIS HAPPENED WITH IN A COUPLE DAYS TIME. ITS VERY FRUSTRATING. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO START FIRST, OR IF IT JUST NEEDS TO GO TO THE JUNK YARD. VERY DISAPPOINTED. I'M ON DISABILITY, THOUGHT I WAS BUYING A RELIABLE GM PRODUCT. ALSO A PIECE OF REAR WINDOW TRIM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE JUST FELL OFF.. AND $132 IS RIDICULOUS TO REPLACE A PIECE OF TRIM. AND I NOTICED ON OTHER VEHICLES LIKE MINE MANY ARE MISSING THIS PIECE OF TRIM ON THE SAME SIDE. WHATS UP WITH THAT?

Service BrakesFire
Filed Sep 3, 2016165,000 milesNE

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 ALT

Engine
Filed Aug 20, 2016IN

OIL AND ANTI FREEZE LEAKING VALVE COVER GASKET NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AND ALSO THE WHEEL HUB AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY RUNNING HOT

Service BrakesFire
Filed Aug 1, 201615,500 milesCT

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 22, 201682,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED FUEL LEAKED FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 29, 2016NY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FUEL TANK LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE CLEANED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CHECK VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 29, 2016200,000 milesVA

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 11, 2016FL

FUEL TANK RECALL # 07V349000 I TOOK MY CAR TO MY SERVICE CENTER TO CHECK OUT FUEL LEAK A FRACTURE IN TANK HOUSING WAS FOUND, I CALL BUICK TO REPORT FINDINGS OVER 9 MONTHS AND MANY PHONE CALLS NOTHING WAS DONE THEY FINELY SAID MY VIN WAS NOT ONE OF THE ONES WITH THAT PROBLEMS AND SAID I SHOULD HAVE TANK REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE IF IT IS THE SAME DEFECT THEY SHOULD PAY FOR IT I WOULD LIKE THE CAR FIXED BY BUICK AT THEIR EXPENSE IF U HAVE A RECALL THEN HONOR IT NO PICK AND CHOOSE I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE IF BUICK DOESN'T WANT TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE THEN THEY SHOULD BUY IT FOR THE RETAIL PRICE OR GIVE ME ANOTHER VEHICLE OF EQUAL VALUE

Power Train
Filed Mar 10, 2016130,000 milesTN

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 26, 2016100,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PIKE THAT ENTERED INTO THE TANK WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 04/08/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE TANK WAS REPLACED AND THE FUEL LEAK STOPPED. UPDATED 04/13/16/*JB

Engine
Filed Jan 6, 2016MI

GM HAS RECALLED (FIRE HAZARD) 6 MODELS FOR A SMALL OIL LEAK ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS. MY RENDEZVOUS DOESN'T DRIP A 'FEW' DROPS ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IT 'COATS' THE WHOLE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ALL THE WAY TO THE REAR WHEELS. I HAVE TO CARRY A 5 QUART JUG OF OIL WITH ME TO RE-FILL. GOING TO THE DEALER INQUIRING ABOUT A FIX THEY ASKED ME IF I LIVED ON A DIRT ROAD. I'M TOTALLY CONFUSED AS TO WHAT THAT HAD TO DO WITH ANYTHING....BUT NO, I DON'T LIVE ON A DIRT ROAD. WITH THE SEVERITY OF THIS LEAK COMPARED TO THE 'RECALLS' IT SEEMS THAT GM SHOULD BE LIABLE FOR THE FIX. WITH THAT BEING SAID I'M SURE THERE ARE OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IF THE ENGINE IS RUNNING IT'S LEAKING, THE MOTION OF THE VEHICLE JUST PUSHES THE OIL FURTHER TO THE REAR. I DON'T HAVE PICTURES NOW BUT I CAN GET THEM.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 7, 2015163,000 milesIN

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD OVER HEAT LIGHT COMES ON TRIED EVERYTHING TOOK TO SERVICE AND HEAD CASKETS NEED REPLACED! 28 DAYS AFTER PURCHASING A USED AS IS VEHICLE!EVERYTHING I HAD TO PURCHASE A JUNK.LOOKS GOOD ON THE OUTSIDE AND RUN GOOD FOR FIRST FEW WEEKS EVEN TOOK TO MIDAS BEFORE PURCHASING ALL THE FIXES ALL VERY WELL HIDDEN.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 29, 2015147,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS FUEL LEAKING ONTO THE GROUND AND THAT THE FUEL GAUGE PROVIDED INCORRECT READING FUEL LEVELS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 29, 2015113,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, HE OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 113,000.

Engine
Filed Oct 9, 2015GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED CAUSING THE ENGINE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 26, 2015MA

AUTO STOPPED RUNNING SUDDENLY DETERMINED TO BE MECHANISM IN FUEL TANK

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 7, 2015117,000 milesMT

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

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 1, 2015178,060 milesFL

THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR STARTED TO OPERATE IMPROPERLY, INCORRECTLY CHECKING THE FUEL LEVEL.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 29, 2015OH

IT STARTED OVERHEATING , A VERY REPUTABLE MECHANIC CHECKED IT , SAID IT WAS POSSIBLE RADIATOR , THEN SAID SAID MAY BE GASKETS . I SAW WHERE OTHERS HAD OVERHEATING PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET . WILL THE COMPANY PAY FOR THIS TO BE FIXED AND ARE THEIR OTHER SAFETY ISSUES WITH THIS CAR I HAVE A DISABLED SON AND DO NOT WANT TO BE OUT IN IT AND HAVE IT CATCH FIRE OR WORSE .A OLDER LADY OWNED IT AND HER SISTER SOLD IT TO US WHEN SHE HAD TO GO INTO THE NURSING HOME ITS BEEN WELL TAKEN OF ITS A FOUR DOOR.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 29, 2015144,750 milesCT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK INLET VALVE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,750.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 23, 2015120,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THAT FUEL FUMES WERE EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 23, 2015189,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS CONSISTENTLY ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AS A BEEPING NOISE WENT OFF IN THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE RADIO LOCKED UP AND BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 8, 201550,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, FUEL FUMES EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jun 3, 2015205,000 milesWI

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.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 27, 201598,000 milesPA

VALET PERSON WAS PARKING MY RENDEZVOUS IN DEC 2012 AND SAID AS HE APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP HE NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM HOOD. 2,000 IN DAMAGES. MY BIGGEST COMPLAINTIS THAT I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKETS TWICE IN THE PAST SIX YEARS. I KEEP BEING TOLD THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL BECAUSE GM HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. I CANNOT AFFORD TO PURCHASE A NEW CAR NOW WITH ALL THE REPAIRS IVE PUT INTO THIS, AND ITS PROBABLY NOT WORTH MUCH. WE HAVE ALWAYS BOUGHT GM VEHICLES BUT WE MAY THINK LONG AND HARD BECAUSE ONCE THEIR OFF THE LOT IT SEEMS NO ONE CARES AND NO ONE WANTS TO BACK UP THEIR PRODUCT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 19, 201587,800 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT NOTICED A STRONG FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. ALSO, FUEL WOULD LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THERE WAS A CRACK OR HOLE IN THE FUEL TANK. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,800.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 1, 2015181,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART UNTIL AFTER APPROXIMATELY EIGHT HOURS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE ACCESSORIES, WARNING LIGHTS, AND GAUGES FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 25, 2015108,784 milesFL

MY 2002 RENDEZVOUS ALMOST HAD A CRASH BECAUSE OF INSTANT BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO A RAPTURE OF THE ORIGINAL BRAKE-LINE. I HAD THE BRAKE LINE REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY AND WAS TOLD ALL MY ORIGINAL BRAKE LINES ARE CORRODED AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. I CONTACTED GM WITH THIS ISSUE , GOT A CASE NUMBER [XXX], AND WAS TOLD BY [XXX]( THE HIGHEST RANKED RESOLUTION OFFICER ) GM DOES NOT CONSIDER THIS A LATENT DEFECT ISSUE AND WILL NOT CORRECT THE BRAKE LINE PROBLEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 8, 201593,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A STRONG SMELL OF FUEL EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK INLET WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000. ..UPDATED 02/24/15*BF UPDATED 9/13/2017*CN

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 12, 2014137,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING ON THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 28, 2014166,000 milesNJ

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

Air BagsCrash
Filed Oct 27, 2014155,000 milesMI

CAR STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME, WAS ROOM TO STOP IN TIME, HOWEVER ABS SYSTEM KICKED IN & PREVENTED VEHICLE FROM STOPPING - IT ONLY SLOWED IT DOWN. ROAD WAS CLEAR & DRY, NO NEED FOR ABS BRAKES. BRAKE PADS & REAR ROTORS WERE LESS THAN 3 WEEKS OLD & FRONT TIRES WERE ONLY 3 DAYS OLD AT TIME OF ACCIDENT. TESTED BRAKES BY REMOVING ABS FUSE & CAR STOPS GREAT - FAULT IN ABS SYSTEM. ALSO, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, BUT AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON DASH CAME ON SOLID RED & STAYS ON AT ALL TIMES NOW. ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED BY ABS SYSTEM IMPROPER SETUP OR MANUFACTURER. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Oct 20, 2014OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed Sep 3, 2014100,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED CAUSING THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING TO ILLUMINATE AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE TO RISE. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A LEAK COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE MANIFOLD INTAKE GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 20, 2014FL

I HAVE REPLACED THE AIR CONDITIONING MOTOR MULTIPLE TIMES AND NO MATTER WHAT I DO IT CONTINUES TO BLOW AND FALL OFF. THIS MEANS THERE IS SOME TYPE OF MALFUNCTION WITH THIS VEHICLE. I'VE SEEN MULTIPLE OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE FROM OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 18, 2014205,000 milesOH

THE FUEL FILLER NECK INTO THE FUEL TANK LEAKS FUEL. I'VE SEEN ON YOUR SITE WHERE THE IS AN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA07006, AND NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER 07V349000. I CONTACTED GM TODAY AND SPOKE WITH A TECH, A SUPERVISOR AND AN EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, NONE COULD HELP ME, ALL I GOT WAS THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE. THE EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, SAID SHE WOULD GET BACK WITH ON 08/20/14, BUT I DON'T FEEL GM WILL PROVIDE ANY FIX. PLEASE HELP! *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 486, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2002
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200743000Routine
200689110Routine
2005138210Routine
2004200522Fatalities reported
20032817130Above average
2002 — this page486381Fatalities reported
20014000Routine

Compare every Rendezvous year →

2002 Buick Rendezvous: questions buyers ask

Is the 2002 Buick Rendezvous a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Rendezvous years to avoid: owners filed 486 complaints, 2.9 times as many as a typical Rendezvous year. The most common complaint is about the engine (21%).

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Buick Rendezvous?

The engine: 102 of the 486 complaints (21%) are about it. Owners most often say it overheats (32%), leaks oil or fluid (31%) and stalls (13%). The typical report comes at 68,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2002 Buick Rendezvous have?

3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Aug 8, 2007. The largest, 02V222000, covered 133,221 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2002 Buick Rendezvous problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 70,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 68,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2002 Buick Rendezvous?

Yes, 2 times. The latest, EA07006 ("FUEL TANK LEAKAGE"), was opened Apr 18, 2007 and closed Sep 13, 2007.

Are there service bulletins for the 2002 Buick Rendezvous?

The manufacturer filed 391 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (73), the electrical system (55) and the transmission (24). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Aug 8, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.