3rd Mar 2010, 18:21
I agree that Toyotas and Hondas are not indestructible as many seem to believe. I have owned 2 Buicks and plan to buy a third when I trade the one I currently own. I am sure that Toyota and Honda make very reliable cars, but I hope these recent recalls will help bring some perspective.
18th Mar 2010, 10:09
Bought a used 02 Rendezvous with 60,000 miles on it. Within the first week, had the BCM and Air condensor replaced for FREE! Pretty sad that my vehicle was in the shop for the first week I owned it though. Since then -
Back-up alarm stopped working
Passenger side window won't go down
Gas gauge always shows empty.
Just last month at 95,000 miles, I had to get a new transmission. 5 yr/100,000 warranty.
So my question is... with already having replaced the BCM, air condensor and transmission, do I just keep on chugging with it or sell it before something else happens? I still owe $4000 on it and just put almost $3000 for the transmission.
26th Apr 2010, 21:11
I purchased 2002 Buick Rendezvous around November/December of 2008. It only had 89,000 miles on it, which is what made this car sell. It had the space I needed, since I was soon to be a mother, I needed something reliable. Boy was I wrong!
I could never get my key pad to work correctly, and the hatch was quite difficult and popped open randomly. I just sent it to my second electrical shop to diagnose this electrical problem. The lights flickering on and off, alarm going off randomly, battery running dead, windows not working. Basically anything and everything electrical.
Another shop just told me the wheel bearing needs to be replaced. Since I've got this car it has been in the shop at least 10 times. I am burnt out, I can't afford this car. I am thinking I have to just eat it and move on. My mother just suggested a class action suit as I was telling her about this website I just found... wishing I had found it sooner.
I wish I knew what was causing this electrical malfunction, because not one shop has figured it out yet. I can't keep paying this money. It's in there now and here goes another 150 for a couple hours of diagnosing... and that's if they even figure it out.
23rd May 2010, 18:49
I too have an 02 Rendezvous.
Gas tank had a leak when first purchased.
Air went out at 80,000 miles.
Front end when turns groans.
Engine light keeps coming on and it has to do with the gas. I put cleaner in it and it finally stopped.
Since so many people have troubles with the same stuff, it should be recalled, especially the air.
26th May 2010, 15:45
I was wondering if your car has a record of being in a flood. My mom's Lincoln was, and it has had numerous electrical issues every since due to water corroding various circuit connectors. Water can also cause such issues as wheel bearing failure by causing contamination of the lubricant. I wish you the best. Your experience is not typical of Buick. Our last Buick was sold at 270,000+ miles and had never had ANY problems. Buick is currently rated the 3rd most reliable car in the world (after No. 1 Cadillac and No. 2 Porsche).
17th Jun 2010, 17:49
I own a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. It's garbage. I've replaced the intake manifold gasket, because of the Dex Cool. Also the plastic window clips on 3 windows. Every time I go to get the plastic pieces, the Buick dealer already knows what I'm talking about. Both these things should have been a recall!
7th Jul 2010, 19:04
Wow this is funny. This car is just bad, I mean bad. I "own" a 2002. I wish I didn't, but I do. I have all the same problems as everyone else. GM messes up, declares bankrupt and we all suffer.
Dave
Philly.
13th Sep 2010, 20:14
Wow, thought it was just me... same things over and over.. new transmission at 80,000. It went downhill from there, in the last six months I have replaced.
Thermostat 2 times.
All over brake rotors.
Rear shocks.
Coil springs broke in 3 different places on separate sides.
Over heating.
Fans quit working.
All over plug wires, coil packs and spark plugs.
02 sensors.
Lights go on and off in the dash and headlights.
ABS system stops working; then you have to mess with the wires in the right front.
Temp control inside/outside temp doesn't work.
Air doesn't do anything.
Heat blows all the time.
CD player/radio power won't work.
Paint's bubbling on hood...
Now, fuel gauge quit like 3 months ago, and I finally found out why when it left me sitting before a 2 year old's birthday party; it needs a fuel pump.. Which has to be replaced by a fuel sending unit; $350.00 at the cheap places, and it's in the tank... needs wheel bearings, it's a hub assembly.
I love all the guys at Autozone, they know my name, number and address!!!
Owe 2000.00 yet, and I am taking a win by buying a new car... NOTHING LOST HERE, JUST LOVE FOR GMC - Garage Mans Companion.
Lawsuit agreed.
23rd Sep 2010, 11:14
Well, I am the proud owner of a 2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL at 169,000 miles and I have never been happier with a car in my life! I bought it used at 32,500 miles 6 years ago and I love everything about it.
It is not a perfect vehicle, but what car is after 100,000 miles? I am sorry that everyone else seems to dislike the car and will not buy GM again, but not only will I only buy GM I go crazy for a Buick. Can't wait to get me an Enclave, but my Rendezvous runs so well that I can't justify the purchase at this time.
23rd Sep 2010, 15:30
I also hope to own an Enclave some time in the future. What a beautiful vehicle. I currently have a 2005 Park Avenue, and really hate to change from a full-size sedan, but alas Detroit has all but quit making them.
24th Oct 2010, 16:00
My 83 year old father-in law recently moved in with my wife and I; unfortunately he brought his 2002 Buick Rendevous with him. Having bought the car new and having only 36,000 miles on the vehicle, I thought it would be easy for my wife to drive her father to his numerous Dr appointments in his car, and be able to park in disabled parking spots with his DV plates.
In the year he has lived with us, I have replaced the AC condenser, rotors, and now am dealing with a leaking head gasket and a short in the air ride compressor, which drains the battery. I have dealt with cars which have factory defects; however, never have I seen 1 with so many defects which are so common to other owners.
I only buy Ford; however, was recently looking at a GM SUV for my 150 mile daily commute. Quickly changed my mind.
3rd Mar 2010, 01:32
I have an 2003 Buick Rendezvous CX with 188,000 miles. I purchased it with 40,000 miles as a used "fleet" or rental car. Its service record is unknown to me.
I can sympathize with all the complaints I read on this board, but at the same time not all Rendezvous are in such poor condition. My SUV has never had transmission issues, oil leaks, header gasket problems etc., since I've had it. So, I am very pleased with it. The engine does not burn oil and seems very strong.
I hope that you might consider, that if you switch to a foreign car maker the profit goes back into their economy. Toyota for one, with 8.5 million and counting recalls, has not been the elite and perfect car maker as many wrongly supposed.