2002 Buick Rendezvous: brake failure

Filed Mar 25, 2015 · Brakes · 108,784 miles · FL

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).

Filed May 14, 2014 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · MI

1st occasion (3/11/11): I was driving east bound on a freeway, in the right lane, and at a speed of approximately 45 miles per hour. I also had my two young boys (ages 4 and 7) in the car with me. I had to brake suddenly when traffic backed up unexpectedly and it was at that moment my brakes failed and I had to veer off the right shoulder and up onto the embankment and fortunately did not crash into another car. I had minimal brake power. My regular repair shop was about 3 miles away and was able to very slowly drive my car there. The brake line on ABS pump to right wheel had to be replaced. 2nd occasion (2/28/13): I was driving east bound in the right lane of a busy road during rush hour traffic. I was going about 30 miles per hour. I had to brake hard for traffic backed up at an intersection. Again, my brakes failed and fortunately there was enough distance for me stop before hitting the car in front of me. I had minimal brake power. At the intersection I turned right, heading south bound and then was able to safely pull into a parking lot and park my car. This time I had to be towed to my repair shop. The same brake line failed ' the brake line on the ABS pump to right wheel had to be replaced again.

Filed Aug 22, 2011 · Brakes · 98,120 miles · NJ

No brakes, brake line rusted and burst, due to it being under fire wall, according to the mechnaic the fire wall gets wet and this causes rust to set in. The brake line was not visible to mechanic to do an inspection during regular safety checks. Since the line was not visible there is no way to tell if it is viable. Thankfully we felt the brakes go soft and stopped safely. This is a poor design, and am not sure how many more cars are designed in a similar manner.

Filed Jan 10, 2011 · Brakes · 105,000 miles · FL

My 2002 buick rendezvous had complete brake failure a few months ago. Luckily I was only traveling about 10 miles an hour and was within a mile of home. The brake line had rusted out. This car was stored in a garage when not driven and has been in florida for two years. The buick dealership implied that this is just common wear and tear. There was no warning, and no repair shop that did work on the car ever indicated this rusting of the brake line was happening. Car had about 100,000 miles on it. I have also been through three control modules, luckily covered under warranty. Also, because I got an extended warranty at time of purchase, the air conditioning, the head gasket and various other problems were covered. This 2002 model definitely has some specific and expensive and dangerous problems. Lately, it's calmed down. Great car for comfort, and roomy for carrying household items. Too bad toyota didn't make it.

Filed Apr 10, 2010 · Brakes · 128,158 miles · NE

Main brake line between front brakes rusted through and all brakes were lost instantly. According to brake mechanic, the line runs under the firewall and has insulation wrapped around the line. The insulation retains moisture and allows it to start the rust process. Brake failure would be sudden and without warning. Brake failure occurred in this situation when vehicle was being backed out of a parking stall and brakes were applied. Brake pedal went to the floor with little or no brake response. My wife and grandson were in the car. If this had happened on the freeway, they could have been killed with the sudden and total loss of brakes.

Filed Jun 9, 2009 · Brakes · 82,000 miles · MI

2002 buick rendezvous with approx. 80k miles at time of failure. At approximately 40mph while exiting the freeway, the front brakes failed totally. I was (barely) able to stop the vehicle safely due to the relatively low speed at the time of the failure. It is pure luck that there was not an accident or fatality. The brake failure was due to a rusted out front brake line that runs from left to right behind the engine and against the firewall. It is impossible to see unless the vehicle is on a lift. The ruptured brake line was replaced by shelton pontiac at a cost of $620. When gm was contacted about the failure, they took the position that rust was normal and it was the owner's responsibility to inspect the brake lines and replace as necessary. They refused to acknowledge a problem or to help with the repair cost in any way whatsoever.

Filed Mar 19, 2009 · Brakes · 74,000 miles · WI

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick rendezvous. While driving 45 MPH, the brakes failed and the ABS indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact kept pumping the brakes, but nothing happened. He applied the emergency brake to slow down the vehicle. Through online research, he found several complaints about this failure. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 82,000 and failure mileage was 74,000.

Filed Feb 9, 2007 · Engine · 65,755 miles · OH

Own a 2002 buick rendezvous. After numerous problems including speed sensor replacement, hub replacement multiple times, lift gate replacement, washer motor replacement, brake failure, odometer that zeroed out, now I am told the intake manifold has failed. Have been advised by independent garage that incidence of intake manifold failure in this vehicle is well above average. Also advised that since initial model rollout, gm has modified, redesigned the intake manifold to address manifold failure. Gm is unwilling to correct problem with vehicle which at the time of initial intake manifold problem had less than 60,000 miles on it. Repair will cost in excess of $850.00 as long as the head gasket has not been damaged. Unfortunately while saving up the $850. For repairs, the head gasket could very well have been damaged. Will not know until I take it in for repair in a few days. Shouldn't have to pay to repair a defective design but gm is unwilling to stand behind their product.

Filed Apr 25, 2005 · Brakes · 300 miles · PA

Parking brake goes to the floor. Does not hold the car. Has been fixed at least 6 times.

Filed Aug 6, 2004 · Brakes · 51,000 miles · OH

2002 buick rendezvous - brake failure needed new wheel bearings at 45000 miles only on one side... Cost to repair 679.00..... Gm not responsive. Now A/C leak in a 2 year old car!