Buick Rendezvous transmission failure problems

Filed Jan 12, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · TX

One day I was on my way to drop of the kids at daycare when the care suddenly turns off, I was going at least 60 MPH;I was on the highway. Thank god nothing happened , I was able to pull over safely I waited for a while then maybe 15 min later it turns back on.I started to notice that the car started smelling, like gas, I took it to the mechanic,several times but they never could figure out what it was. After that incident it went down hill it started to heat up on me, wasted more gas, would turn off on me a lot and air/heat stopped working. I replaced the transmission because it started to slip, thinking that it will fix the problem and boy was I wrong. It was still doing the same, the smell was getting worse, I took it back to my mechanic. He told me that the head gasket needed to be replaced, I didn't have more money. He did't let me drive home, he was very worried because the smell of gas was so bad, he said that I should risk my kids and myself, the care can catch on fire. He had the truck towed to my house didn't charge me for it and I haven't moved it since then..ive put so much money in that truck, I kept up with the maintenance like clock work. I was just lucky that we never crashed we got close and we didn't blow up. I don't know weather I should take it in to a gm dealer to have them evaluate the truck to see if it is part of the recall.

Filed Jun 18, 2012 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 buick rendezvous. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked while driving 10 MPH and the vehicle would not go up hills. The vehicle would go in the reverse direction. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the vehicle was equipped with too much transmission fluid. The contact was advised to replace the transmission. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they stated that there was nothing they could do because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was 82,000 and the current mileage was 87,000. Updated 08/01/12*ln updated 08/02/12

Filed Jul 20, 2011 · Transmission · 73,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 buick rendezvous. In march 2009, while driving 10 MPH, the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning and he was unable to shift into drive. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was inspected and diagnosed with a faulty transmission. The dealer replaced the transmission. In july 2011, the contact stated the vehicle was unable to shift beyond second or third gear. The contact was awaiting diagnosis from the dealer. The manufacturer was aware of the failure. The current mileage was 101,000. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.

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 May 27, 2008 · Transmission · 50,100 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 buick rendezvous. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off without warning. The dealer stated that the transfer case caused the failure. The dealer replaced the transmission and the transfer case. Approximately one week later, while traveling 65 MPH the transmission failed. The dealer stated that the transfer case or the transmission could have caused the failure. As of may 27, 2008, the dealer had not repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was 50,100 and current mileage was 50,150. The VIN was unavailable.

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 Jul 2, 2007 · Transmission · 87,834 miles · TX

My husband and I purchased a vehicle from little apple toyota in manhattan, ks on june 2, 2006. The vehicle we purchased was a 2003 buick rendezvous and this was done through toyota motor credit corporation. We explained to the gentlemen named tim that we would be making a few trips back and forth from kansas to texas. Also, my husband wanted peace of mind with him deploying to iraq that we would be safe. We were informed by him that this vehicle would be accepted even under the miles progam and that our vehicle would meet and exceed those. We took it for a test drive and heard some grinding and he said that they would put on new brakes that this was probably the cause. So anyway we have it a year to date and I am making a trip to kansas when it goes haywire. I take it to little apple who will not help me and they send it to stagg hill transmission who tells me it's going to be $4,000 for a new transmission and that all my wheel bearings needed replaced, but they won't be able to fix that. I guess bottom line is that no one wants to make good on a vehicle that we have only had for 1 year. The transmission shouldn't just go out at 24,000 miles. I went to a site and found others complaining of similar problems with their buick rendezvous. I think they need to be looked into more carefully. I wouldn't recommend anyone buy one. Now I am stranded, car less, and my husband is deployed and can't help take care of the issues. I would like the buick rendezvous 2003 investigated.

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.