I purchased 2002 rendezvous in 2002. It began in the second year I could not believe that I would be replacing the radiator and condenser assembly. Each year following I was shelling out major bucks in repairs. Each year there was something wrong with either the heat or the air conditioner. From replacing sensors, thermostat to water pumps. Each year I have had to replace the brakes and rotors and had the hub bearing replaced once. In 2009 I began to have problems with the engine and electrical. I had the head gaskets replaced and once again problems with heat and replaced the blower motor resistor. In december of 2009 the driver side window no longer works. Then in january 2010 despite my efforts in taking very good care of my car with regular scheduled maintenance, the engine took a finial dump. The cam shaft broke inside the engine that pumps the oil without any warning. I was left stranded and carless. I received a recall notice regarding the hub bearings but did not qualify because of the mileage. I was never notified on the recall for the dex coolant and when I found out it was too late. In my recent research I found that there was a recall for the head gaskets that closed in april of 2009, I was never notified. I did receive a recall for the fuel fill tube which is good for 10 years or 150,000 miles and I do qualify, however, I don't have an engine! I called buick consumer relations 1‑800‑521‑7300, and they said the only recall they have is for the lift gate latch. I feel that gm should reopen the recalls for the dex coolant, hub bearings and the head gaskets. I am looking for some recourse because in no way should the cam shaft broken.
2002 Buick Rendezvous engine complaints
Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 129, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Head gasket blew. Was fixed for $2000 then next day after I picked it up from the shop the engine caught on fire, they said brake lines leaked on manifold...
Intake manifold gasket is dangerous truck overheats and very expensive to fix I cant afford.
I own a 2002 buick rendezvous with 86,000 miles. Ever since I have had the vehicle I have had problems with the ABS system, having it fixed over & over. About a month ago my vehicle began overheating all the time. Since my extended warranty has expired taking it though the dealership I am sure would cost me mucho bucks which I do not have. My neighbor is a top licensed mechanic who has worked for a chrysler dealership for 30 plus years. He took the vehicle to work with him one day last week to see if he could locate the problem.. He informed me I had a leak in my intake manifold and it needs to be replaced. He checked to see if gm had any recalls for the problem, low and behold they did not. After telling me how much it would cost to replace it, I nearly passed out. I am a single woman and since the economy has fallen I have had to take 3 pay cuts at work. It was either take the paycuts or look for a new job. I can hardly even I have pay my mortgage, let alone pay for a major issue with my vehicle. I purchased gm cars before with no problems . I believe gm should stand up for their vehicles and fix the issue for me. I now understand there are many people out there that have this same issue.
I purchased a 2002 buick rendezvous, less than 2 months ago. Within 2 wks of purchasing it the overheating light came on. We took it back to the dealership and they said it was a sensor and replaced it. 3 wks after that when the limited warranty was up it overheated again. The sensor was replaced thermostat, engine flushed, radiator cap, finally I came upon a discussion about the intake manifold and the class action suit against dexcool. The mechanic did a compression test and yes it is bad. I am a mother of 5 children and now I will owe over $2000 in repairs for a car less than 60 days old. There needed to be a recall!! If there was a suit why was it not put in the carfax for this make of car? The car still is not fixed I cannot afford it. Now I can't go places with all my children.
Purchased 2002 buick rendezvous in april 2005 within a month started to experience locks turning on and off ,A/C also would turn on and off while driving. Car began running hot this spring had to replace manifold gaskets ,still overheating . Now car is no longer running needs major repair owe more than its worth.
Multiple discussions with rendezvous owners all revolve around hub bearings being almost detached making driving hazardous and the car running hot, multiple people have check engine light on.
I have a 2002 buick rendezvous with 52,650 miles on it. In the past 3 months I have had to have the body control module, a rt frt wheel speed sensor replaced. When I had it in for the speed sensor replaced, the gm shop found that the intake manifold is leaking and must be repaired @ a cost od $1000.00 and then maybe the head gaskets may need to be replaced due to the type od gaskets that gm used and the dex-cool anti freeze used I by gm. This has been a problem for several years and numerous complaints have been filed. A class action suit was filed but no one--no one notified the public about it until it was to late to get in on it. I think that there needs to be a forced recall to correct this problem. Tax payers have bailed out gm and we get stuck with a faulty product. I contacted gm and in the end they refused to make good or even admit this problem has existed since they started to use dexcool.
2002 buick rendezvous head gasket and intake manifold gasket failures.
I have a 2002 buick rened. I have had an on going problem with the car overheating and no AC. I have had the AC replaced on the vehicle, the temp gauge, the thermostat, the water-pump, 2 blown head gaskets, the fuel sensor, anti lock brake sensor and the fuel pump. I also have had to replace the window regulator on the passenger side window. I have receipts for all repairs but no I do not have the old parts. These repairs have costs me at least $5000k if not more.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick rendevous. The contact experienced failure in the engine and was advised that the intake manifold gasket in the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that there were no recalls related to her VIN and she would be responsible for the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
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.
My wife and I purchased a 2002 buick rendezvous and we've had issues with it not starting up once being turned off. It does it quite often. If we travel to different stores or appointments that require, estimating here, more than 2 hrs driving then we are stuck in that location. We've had it towed to a trust auto shop (grismer tire) and a buick dealership and neither can find a problem with it when it stops on us. We've checked the recall list for rendezvous for anything pertaining to this problem and the 2004 model does the exact same thing as our vehicle, but there is a recall for that year but not the 2002. It also state that this happens while driving and we thank the lord that we haven't experienced that. We spoke with someone from gm and they say to take back to the dealership when this occurs and have the dealership contact them, but with the economy being the way that it is we would have to save money to afford the price of them putting it on the machine to try and diagnose the problem. We are also frighten to drive the vehicle more than a few miles now due to reading that if could also cut off at anytime. We are also aware that there many owners of this vehicle that experiencing the same problem with no resolution or help from gm. *tr updated 05//05/10.
Coolant leak found by vehicle inspection mechanic. A sealant was put in by dealership as a temporary fix, but due to estimate of $1800, work to permanently fix the problem has not been done yet. I did an internet search and found the problem is a common complaint in the 2002 buick rendezvous. I am driving the vehicle as little as possible until I decide on a course of action.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick rendezvous. The contact stated that the intake manifold gasket was leaking coolant. After she placed more coolant in the vehicle, it would overheat while driving approximately five miles. She continues to add coolant, but the vehicle keeps running hot. The mechanic stated that the upper and lower intake manifold failed. The contact will call the manufacturer for assistance. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick rendezvous. While driving approximately 35 MPH on normal road conditions, the temperature gauge displayed a significant increase. Immediately, the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and remained lit until the engine was turned off. Roadside assistance was called to the scene and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for inspection. The technician observed a coolant leak and stated that the head gasket failed. The vehicle is in the process of being repaired. The failure and current mileages were 68,000. 4/01/09 *nj updated 04/09/09. *j
I have owned my 2002 buick rendezvous for less than 2 yrs and I have had to replace 2 wheel bearings and now I have blown a head gasket. Less than a month ago I had to replace the alternator and battery. The driver side window fell in less than a yr ago and I have electrical problems with it constantly. Including the alarm and security going off for no reason at all.
My 2002 buick rendezvous began to lose cabin heating and showed low coolant levels. Repair facility found coolant in engine oil and determined intake manifold gasket repair was needed. Repair facility commented that this is a common problem that was easily confirm by some research. I am strongly of the opinion that this matter should be a recall by the manufacturer.
My husband had driven the vehicle about 2 miles when all of a sudden it began overheating and a warning light came on. He returned home and the following day we took it to a shop. The mechanic checked everything. Could not find the source. We finally had to have it towed to a gm dealer. They say that the head gasket is blown. However, they say that we should buy a new engine at a cost of $5131.00, because according to them with the hollow cam it will only be a matter a time before the head blows again. I researched and found this is a common problem with this vehicle. I was not notified of the dexcool lawsuit and have received no definite help from buick customer assistant. Additionally, 3 of 4 window motors have gone out. Through my research I find this too is a common problem. When the 2 second motor went out, I had a local window repair man lock the window so that it would no longer drop down, because I could not afford the repair. I have had repeated brake/rotor/tire work, so called "spark plug misfires" and expensive electrical repairs. I consistently service and perform routine maintenance on the vehicle. As of today, the vehicle has less than 91,000 miles on it, but is completely inoperable.
After buying the car from a gm dealer in july 2004 one year later the AC system leaked and blowout the whole electrical board of AC which had to be replaced and never worked properly. Then in june of 2008 the thermostat needed to be replace. Then in august of 2008 a radiator hose needed to be replaced. Then in september of 2008 the intake manifold and gaskets had to be replaced. In november 2008 the rendezvous is continuing to overheat. The car has been checked and the coolant pressure cap replaced but still the car continues to overheat the minute you start to drive it. I have had several mechanics check and they can not find anything wrong. In december of 2008 the rendezvous continues to overheat. It is january 1, 2009 and I am taking it into the shop again. I have read that the A/C system on the 2002 rendezvous is a major issue which gm is aware of but continues to ignore due to the fact that the car is no longer under warranty. I believe that they should be responsible for this. And if they do not want to take the responsibility on their own then someone should make them accountable.
I own a 2002 rendezvous that has intake manifold / head gasket issue. I have condensation under the oil cap and have been told that this problem was part of a class action lawsuit as the result of dexcool antifreeze deteriorating the intake manifold and thus damaging the head gasket. It is now way past the class action filing deadline and am left to pay for the repairs myself. Gm service departments have acknowledged that this is a problem with the 3.4l engines yet is not owning up to their responsibility by remedying the defect. Build a faulty product and get off scott free. The only time it seems the auto companies take responsibility is when someone is seriously injured or dies. Sad to say the least.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick rendezvous. The first failure occurred in the summer of 2006. The vehicle overheated without warning. The contact took the vehicle to an auto repair shop and they stated that the gasket failed. The gasket was replaced. The second failure occurred on november 3, 2008. The contact noticed that the heater was not working and she added some coolant. After a few minutes, the vehicle began to overheat. She pulled into a parking lot and the vehicle shut off. Fluid was leaking from the rear of the vehicle and it was towed to a repair shop. The diagnosis indicated that the gasket failed and the intake manifold was deteriorating. The repair shop will replace the gasket and the intake manifold at the cost of $600. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 105,000 and current mileage was 143,000.
The rear hatch door unlocks by itself from the body computer problem when you first start the car also other things that are controlled by this unit work or don't work including air bags sys outside temp air cond. Cooling fans among others. If you shut the car off and turn it on it goes away until you shut the car off.
Had to replace the intake manifold gasket due to dexcool antifreeze issues on the 3.4 l v-6 of my 2002 buick rendezvous. I saw where there had been a class action suit filed but I never received notification from gm or the dealer where I bought the car. According to the class action web-site, the date for filing a claim has expired. I have had the intake manifold gasket replaced at a cost of $747. According to several internet sites, this was a problem that gm was aware of but never notified their customers. The mechanic told me (substantiated by the internet sites) that dexcool destroyed the intake manifold gaskets and this problem could happen again. I plan to contact gm directly, but wanted to file this complaint first.
My 2002 buick rendezvous with 79,300 miles on it blew a head gasket. There was no warning on vehicle overheating. All of a sudden temp gauge was in the red zone and a warning light and sound came. I immediately pulled over and turned off the engine to check the manual. The manual said the vehicle needed to be serviced immediately. I was one mile from the dealership and drove straight there. They said the vehicle had a blown head gasket. Repairs normally approx $1,800. Dealer did it for $950 because my son-in-law works there. I was told this is a common problem with the rendezvous and my investigation reveals the same. A well maintained vehicle should not have a blown head gasket at 79,300 with no warning of the vehicle overheating. Contacted buick customer service and was told there was nothing they would do as vehicle was outside of warranty.
I own a 2002 buick rendezvous, it is the worst car I ever bought, transmission broke, ABS is damaged, cooling system has been repaired several times dashboard lights are out of control, condenser is cracked.
My air conditioner in my 02 rendezvous quit working recently. (my vehicle has only 85,000 on it.) it was determined that the A/C condenser has a major leak. In the process they also found a small leak in my radiator. $860 later it will be fixed by the end of the day.
We have had to replace manifold gasket twice,now waterpump and cracked head gaskets resulting in need for new engine at 81,000 miles on 2002 buick rendezvous. From reading seems like common fault and yet no recall.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick rendezvous. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated when he used the air conditioner. He took vehicle to dealer but because of the costs, he decided to have a friend repair it. However, the issue still occurred. The other issue with the vehicle was that it did not get the fuel mileage that it was supposed. He also noticed that the rear end of the vehicle was making noise, a grumbling noise to be exact. He changed rear end fluid but could still hear noise. The noise would be heard when he turned right or left. He received recall notices for his vehicle (02v222000, 07v349000, 07e021000) but when he consulted the dealer and manufacturer, he was told very conflicting stories about whether the recalls on his vehicle existed and if they had been previously performed. At this time, the contact did not know if the recalls could affect his vehicle and how to get the issues remedied. The current mileage was 112,000 and failure mileage was 107,000. Updated 09/10/08. *lj updated 09/11/08
Multiple issues with regard to 2002 buick rendezvous: with less than 50,000 miles, I have had to replace the onboard computer ($900), left front hub assembly ($1100) and A/C condenser ($1300). Among other issues related to design defects, the odometer is located inside the onboard computer, so the vehicle was in the repair shop for 5 days while the part was shipped to california (from virginia) for repair. Recalls have not been issued for these parts, though there are numerous complaints on web forums (recommend initiating google search for "2002 buick rendezvous complaint").
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