2002 Buick Rendezvous: complete transmission failure

Filed Mar 22, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 92,000 miles · OH

2002 buick rendevous, electrical and head gasket purchased this car over a year ago so far had to replace transmission and repair transmission x2, needs head gaskets due to my car overheating gradually, have to bleed the system for air pretty much every other day to get heat in the car. My computer has been replaced 6 months after purchasing it after being unable to clear itself of the codes. This last incident the battery died and since now the computer is running the car causing my car to run in park at 3 RPM's, in neutral it shoots up to 4500, it drives about 2-2.5 rpms. The computer was cleared and reset last night RPM's dropped to about 760 still elevated but ok, then started it this morning to take my daughter to school and it drove itself, stalling as I watched the computer run through as it was possessed, I have since called the car "christine". I can see the computer running the car, as the rpms elevate and then decrease, shutting the car down etc, I can not believe that there is no recalls as this is so dangerous. There are no codes relating to this issue, no transmission, engine issues, this is completely computer related. I had someone with a complex system delete all codes and have the computer relearn itself. It worked. Started it this morning and started all over. Between the computer and heating and cooling system, this car is a constant headache not to mention I have had this car in the repair shop more than I have been able to drive it especially since I'm still paying on it.

Filed Aug 3, 2009 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick rendezvous. While driving 40 MPH, the transmission failed. The contact feels that this is a safety issue because the failure prevented the vehicle from accelerating, which could have LED to a crash. The current and failure mileages were 130,000.

Filed Feb 6, 2009 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · PA

At 54,000 miles and only 2 weeks after the purchase of this vehicle the head gasket had to be replaced. After only 80,000 miles the transmission was replaced. The blower for the heat or air conditioner only works on three or above, the air conditioning no longer works, both rear coil springs must be replaced, an outer tierod is bad, two rear bushings need to be replaced, the front right control arm is broken, the drivers side window goes down but not up, it is leaking antifreeze and the tires keep going bad because they are wearing incorrectly. This car is a total piece of garbage. Every time I turn around it needs another repair. The cost of the repairs is almost as much as I have paid on the vehicle so far.

Filed Nov 8, 2007 · Electrical, Locks · 45,000 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick rendezvous. While driving 45 MPH, the interior lights dimmed for approximately three seconds. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure; however, they replaced the electronic brake and traction control module along with the body control module. The failure continued. The dealer stated that the HVAC control head and the battery caused the failure. The contact stated that her husband replaced both parts and there had been no further occurrences. While driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a clinking noise coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle then shut off without warning. The mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The contact took the vehicle to a different mechanic and he stated that the transmission failed. As of november 8, 2007, the mechanic had not repaired the vehicle. The contact stated that the front passenger side electronic door locks would not operate. As of november 8, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The failure mileage was 45,000 and current mileage was 65,000.

Filed Oct 30, 2006 · Fuel system · SC

Fuel gauge for 2002 buick rendezvous cxl was reading incorrectly. The operator of the vehicle ran out of gas while gauge indicated full tank. Dealership indicated that the vehicle needed a new fuel kit. Dealership (certified buick dealership) installed new fuel kit. Next day, there was a puddle of fuel on driveway. Vehicle was leaking gasoline from fuel tank. Dealership was notified and able to correct. During same time period, transmission was not properly shifting gears. The vehicle would never shift into overdrive and would sometimes shift abruptly or very hard (jerks). Dealership indicated that the vehicle needed new transmission. Dealer corrected. Several months ago, vehicle turning became increasingly difficult and power steering failed intermittently. Dealership indicated needed an entire new rack and pinion. Dealer corrected. Current defect involves coolant leaking into engine due to a leaking lower intake manifold gasket. Several service bulletins out for same component in this and other gm vehicles. Dealer indicated that this will cause extensive damage to engine if not corrected. Currently scheduled to have vehicle serviced in 2 weeks. Total repairs for 4 year old vehicle are now over $8000. All repairs have been paid by owner and none have been covered by dealership.

Filed Dec 30, 2005 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · WI

Dt: the contact stated transmission failed. While stopping at a red light she depressed the accelerator pedal and the vehicle would not go forward or in reverse. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. The vehicle was examined and the transmission was replaced.

Filed Jun 29, 2005 · Transmission · 63,000 miles · KS

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.

Filed Mar 24, 2005 · Electrical · 54,237 miles · TX

The service engine soon light came on. My manual suggested this has to do with the emmissions system and my person that does my oil changes had told me that they should change the fuel filter and clean emissions system. I took and had the previously mentioned done. Light still on. I took the vehicle to dealer who said that the computer indicated a transmission solonoid but they would replace the transmission fluid and filter and hope that would unstick solonoid. To drive for a few days and see if it cleared. Light stayed on. I took to an independent mechanic and he took transmission apart, checked all parts (including the solonoid) all parts were fine. However, he did put in a new solonoid. Light was still on. He consulted gm (buick) database to learn that this is a wiring problem that gm is aware of. That there is a short somewhere in the wiring and can cause transmission to burn up.

Filed Jan 20, 2004 · Transmission · 56,699 miles · CO

Automatic transmission failure with absolutely no warning.

Filed Dec 2, 2003 · Body, Electrical · 15,000 miles · VT

While driving transmission jerked and won't shift properly from second to third gear. Dealer replaced the transmission. Also, in the last past five months, the liftgate hinges/tie rod, and ignition switch had been replaced. *ak gears and tires were replaced, but problem still exists.