2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL from North America - Comments

2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL.

For 2 years we kept hearing a clicking noise and had the automatic level pump checked. Finally it went out at 50,00 miles, but the dealer replaced under warranty because we had it worked on twice before. When it came back from this service the AC was not working. Returning to the dealer with in 2 weeks, (hoping that they had accidentally disconnected something and this would be a minor problem) we were told the condenser was cracked and needed to be replaced at a cost of $650. I have owned quite a few cars over the last 30 years and never had a condenser crack. This was a $34000 vehicle and a condenser cracks in under 3 years. There is something wrong and perhaps consumers should be asking for a recall.

I too have a cracked condenser and just paid 984.00 for the repair. Someone indicated that there is a design flaw causing the problem. If that could be verified we might have some recourse with GM.

I purchased a 2003 Rendezvous. I have been very loyal with the recommended service, and started having severe problems at around 60,000. First I got water in the wiring harness which corroded all my wires. I was charged over $300.My research shows this is a common problem. I still have electrical issues, but cannot get Buick to fix my car. I have replaced the wheel bearings twice and the tie rods need to be replaced, but I don't have the money. Now my transmission is slipping. My research shows that Buick is aware of all these very common problems, but until enough people complain nothing will get done. Now they want me to go into another Buick as a way to solve my issues! I don't want another lemon. I am looking to file a civil complaint and would appreciate any data anyone can offer about their experience with this product.

I also have an 2002 cx model. Computer had been replaced 2x, dashboard lights malfuntioned, bearing, and front pads had also been replaced (all done under 45,000 kilometers. Fortunately, all done fixed under warranty. Now my air conditioner isn't working at all, not blowing cold air, and noticed compressor not turning at all. Most of you said your condenser had gone out, so this could be the culprit. Why are all these parts going bad under 50,000 kilometers? Now my warranty is over, first service done December 2001. WHat else can we do?

Cheers,

Winnipeg, Canada.

To all who have or own a 2002 buick Rendevouz or newer, I use to own a 2002 model, but with having to replace my wheel bearings 3 times and having to replace the tires due to un-even wear and tear caused by the bearings going out, not to mention the Air conditioner condensor had to be replaced twice, CD player replaced Too many problems to list on here, I am sure that Buick knows as a majority of these were lemons!m Do what I did, trade it in before it becomes a money pit, Hmmmm on the newer Rendevouz they have bigger tires, maybe this was the cause of the wheel bearings going bad. OK, just trade in your Buick for a better vehicle like I did.

I bought a 2002 Buick CXL with 16000 KM. I have it for less than a Year and had to replace my transmission. Luckily my extended warranty covered the replacment but the warranty which was to 180 000 Km allowed the use of used parts for replacement. This resulted in 3 used transmission and finally a fourth brand new transmission which if you can believe it was defective from the factory. So Transmission #5. I have recently got my Air Conditioning fixed and I am unsure at this time if if hold out since it was done at the end of the summer. Hopefully all will be well.

I am an owner of a CXL model, so far the AC Condensor and at the same time the head gasket went. Luckily it was covered under extended warranty I picked up.

The windshield cracked 24hrs off the lot, getting it replaced was a nightmare. Had to get it professionally done at the dealer. Thankfully covered under insurance, the windshield was popped in and out so many times it shattered. Nobody besides the dealer knew how to properly seal it.

Getting parts for this car was and still is a pain, they are coming from Mexico, and take a few days.

Oh the fun part, Buick designed the Rendevous to the point that if you need a tune up, you need to take your manifold off! They put three of the plugs in back of the engine, and a simple $200.00 tune-up turned into a $600.00 tune-up because half the engine had to be taken apart to get to three of the six plugs!... VERY VERY Poor Design Buick! Correction.. To do the 3 rear plugs remove the coil pack. To remove the alternator the power distribution box and wiper transmission and motor need to be removed. Not much fun on a HOT day.. Ripped gloves and sweaty hands.

Well now at 107,860 miles the transmission went bad...

Of course 8,000 over the extended warranty.

The dealer does want to touch it due to they cannot guarantee something else might break while opening the transmission, so they strongly recommend purchasing a new one ($3k).

So now the nice grinding sounds of the transmission occur when going up inclines and around corners.

Trying to find a good transmission place that will not rake us over the coals and repair the transmission (if possible) rather then state get a new one for $3k.

I have a 2002 CXL Rendezvous. I purchased it from a Buick dealership in 2003 with 20000 miles on it. The person that traded it in is now looking like one of the smartest people around. I have replaced the compressor for the air conditioning at 55000 miles at a cost of 650.00.

I have replaced tie rod at 58000 miles for 550.00.

This Buick Rendezvous now has 70000 miles and power steering sounds like an old person moaning in pain and now has an additional squeal in the steering loud enough to scare pedestrians out of the area for sure. I'm afraid to check how much this problem is going to cost.

Brakes squeal like crazy. Have been "fixed" twice and still squeal just as bad.

This is by far the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned and I have had many vehicles. Tremendous money pit!

I have Rendevouz 2003.On 58000 km I have just replaced front tires bearings and steering wheel bearing. Now I have problems with the front doors hinges. After reading all these bad reviews I will certainly return this car after the lease period is over.

Andrei

Ontario, Canada.

We own a 2002 Buick Rendezvous and are getting ready to shell out $900 to have a new A/C condenser put in. It seems to be a problem for many owners. Just thought I'd let you all know!

Albany, Ohio.

I just purchased a 2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL AWD on March 13, 2006. My vehicle's air conditioner went out April 2, 2006 and it's been overheating. I took it to a mechanic and come to find out that my condenser is cracked. I was informed it's going to be a $1500.00 repair. What a piece of junk I just purchased.

Houston, Texas.

Our 2002 Started with a puddle on the garage floor. It was from coolant - a bad head gasket at 41,000 miles. Four months later another puddle - the AC condenser had "the crack" at 44,000 miles. This repair was a 950$ out of pocket expense. Now we are looking at a brake job with 47,000 miles. If we weren't so poor I would think about replacing the car. I was never realy impressed with it. Minor stuff like the rubber moulding around the windshield was pulling off, and the back window wiper bearly makes contact. We own the CX model with the bells and whistles that made it affordable. With the family getting smaller it is a good size for the wife and I. We took it on vacation and it averaged 25 miles to the gallon at 70 - 80 mph. Sill, this is what she wanted and this is what she got.

I have sold vehicles for 12 years and bought a 2002 rendezvous CXL for my wife.. Where do I start. Intake Manifold Gasket replaced, Wheel bearing both twice, ABS sensor, New Exhaust @ 80k miles, New Brakes and they still squeal, new axle, new struts and strut mounts, new ball joint and now I need to get rid of a popping noise up front left, This is the poorest excuse for a vehicle I have ever encountered, I no longer sell these vehicles or buy them to re sell.

Hi- I wish I had done my research before we bought a 2002 Buick Rendezvous. We fell in love with the room & all the bells & whistles. The ride is wonderful. Of course the dealer told us that "he'd look after us". Ha---he meant until we took it off the lot. We bought it in Jan/06 & did put extended warranty on it. Thank goodness- I think we will need it. Within days the latch on the console broke. No big deal- we ordered another from GM- cost about $20. Then we started having problems getting it restarted after filling the gas tank, or parking on an incline, or after a few starts & stops. It's been getting progressively worse & of course the dealer is no help. Now, the warm weather is finally here- no A/C. This car is unreal & the dealer more so. It looks like it's going to cost a fortune if we can even figure out the problem with the starting. GM claims to know nothing about this problem yet I've seem several chat rooms where thousands of owners have the same problem. Is there anyone out there in autoland that has successfully fixed the problem? Could you please share your expertise? Thanks so much- Lorrie.

I too purchased a 2002 CXL model. Since purchasing in October the car has had several "not starting" episodes. We have had to call tow trucks several times to take it to the garages, but when the tow truck gets there the car starts... Is there anyone who knows what might be going on here?

I own a 2002 Rendezvous and have been happy until... Vehicle has been well maintained by dealer and now at 60,000, awd unit replaced, condenser cracked, periodic problems of "no Start" after parking, being unable to turn off radio, lights etc.. Finally learned to disconnect battery to reset bcm.