Buick Rendezvous engine failure problems

Filed Jan 16, 2015 · Airbags, Steering · 111,000 miles · MO · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 buick rendezvous. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the contact crashed into an embankment. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The front passenger sustained injuries to the shoulders and the chest due to the seat belt but did not require medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000. Updated 03/17/15*lj updated 9/18/2017

Filed May 4, 2012 · Engine · 67,500 miles · CA

Crank seals, oil pan seal, head gasket corrosion and potential failure. Mechanic found these leaks which will lead to engine failure. Reported to buick, examined by dealership. Buick said essentially, "too bad, you're on your own." the car is well-maintained, low miles, male senior driver. This should not occur on a vehicle in this condition. Gm should take care of significant problems such as these.

Filed Apr 11, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · 200 miles · FL

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.

Filed Mar 23, 2011 · Engine · 135,000 miles · NJ

For the second time, the bolt that holds down the dohc rod backed out, and resulted in severe engine failure. Apparently this is a known problem that results from heat over time. Buick has failed to ever issue a recall for this very expensive preventive repair issue. How can a manufacturer not issue a recall for this widely known issue with this vehicle. ??

Filed Sep 1, 2010 · Engine · 70,311 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 buick rendezvous. The contact stated that they have had three of the four cylinder's replaced on the vehicle. The carmax dealership were the vehicle was purchased honored the extended warranty on the first two cylinders, but the vehicle was no longer covered by the warranty. The contact took the vehicle to a buick dealer who stated that the cylinder failure was a known issue and that the contact would need to replace the engine. The contact stated that the all wheel drive and anti-lock brake lights have been going on/off since the vehicle was purchased. The failure mileage was 70311 and the current mileage was 105000.

Filed Mar 29, 2009 · Electrical · 83,504 miles · CA

While traveling home for spring break. My 2002 buick rendezvous experienced electrical problems and stalled on the highway. I purchased this vehicle in december 2008 and it is still under warranty. I had the vehicle towed from stockton ca to tracy ca where it remains awaiting a service authorization to be fixed from my contract holder. The mechanic at the tracy dealership stated the battery was dead, the oil was very low and that the engine had internal problems that would require him to dismantle or replace the engine. This particular vehicle is listed in many complaints in the data base here and has serious mechanical / electrical issues. To date march 29, 2009 I am awaiting service and a resolution. Nothing has been done to correct the issue to date.

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Engine · 55,000 miles · OK

Bought the car aprox. 3 years ago,a 2003 buick rendezvous with 30,000 miles on it,it now has aprox.60,000 miles on it. Within the last year [ 2008 ] it has started loosing coolant,not externally,having to refill overflow tank every 1,500 to 2,000 miles,we have the vehicle serviced every 3,000 miles,using pure synthetic,with the amount of upper engine gasket failures ,apparently caused by antifreeze deterating head and intake manifold gaskets,ending in catastrophic gasket failure,and most of the coolant in oil,and the only repair is replacing defective gasket,where as the proper repair would be for the whole engine to be replaced,has there been a recall or class action taken here in the u.s. I know canada has, I am concerned because my engine now has a bottom end rattle,ie the crankshaft and or connecting rod bearings worn, I have done auto mechanic work for 30 years and I know this is a sign of premature ware,then engine failure,and I feel g.m. Should be 100% responsible for engine replacement,please advise.

Filed Jan 17, 2009 · Engine · 90,730 miles · MS

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.

Filed Jan 15, 2009 · Engine · 68,399 miles · OH

We have a 2003 buick rendezvous with 60,000 miles. The car has been maintained according to the manual. We have twice experienced lower intake gasket failure which resulted in two expensive repair bills. Luckily the leaks were noticed before they could cause engine failure. During the last failure, we had lost most of the coolant, which was not indicated by the "low coolant" alarm. Luckily we had the vehicle in for window service at a gm dealer and they noticed the problem during routine inspection. We were told by the dealer that the previous repair, which was done at another dealer, did not correct the problem because they had failed to notice the head gasket seals which were leaking and LED to the intake gasket failure. They did replace the head gaskets and seals at "gm goodwill" with no costs for the parts. We have now spent over $3000 in repairs to this engine on something that should not have happened. I have seen other complaints along this line on other forums and I feel this should be addressed .

Filed Dec 1, 2008 · Engine · 55,000 miles · SC

Our vehicle broke down in north carolina friday november 21st without any warning. The battery light came on and we are shut down. After towing to a local garage we were told there was no oil in the vehicle at all. We knew that the oil change had been done very recently and was coming due at 3000 miles but the oil life was still 38% meaning we still had oil and it was in good condition until the life was 0%. So the oil leak was a mystery. They recommended we leave the vehicle and replace the engine. We chose to drive on to virginia since we were able to get it started and new oil put in. Checked all the way-no overheating etc. Called gm customer service and they told us to take it to the dealer for assessment. They finally gave us the bad news on tuesday. Engine needs replacement. We were stranded in dc for 6 days waiting on gm to tell us if they would assist with engine replacement and they will not. Had to leave our vehicle there and come home. Now they want us to pay $6000 for a new engine on a vehicle worth $8000, buick rendezvous 2003 with 55k miles. We have complete maintenance records showing we took very good care of the vehicle. We found out there was a class action suit that involves our vehicle and relates to engine failure. Action ended oct 2008 so we have no chance of participating-plus there is a canadian class action for the same issues-we knew nothing from gm about defects that would cause our engine to fail. Now I am stranded at home (luckily I work from home but many others would be unable to work with out a rental). Can someone help with exposing this issue before many others suffer from this terrible lack of knowledge and failure by gm to face the problem? According to all research this has been an issue since at least 2004 and there have been tbs issued to dealerships.