2002 Buick Rendezvous CXL from North America - Comments

I also have a 2002 Buick Rendezvous, bought it used with an extended warranty, did not want to purchase another van, so this vehicle fit the family needs. My sister also has one that she purchased brand new.

While the vehicle was still under warranty, I had it in the shop numerous times. Hubs were replaced, still did not stop the AWD Disable light from coming on. Head gasket replaced also.

Just when my warranty was almost gone, the A/C went, had to fight to make them cover that- they finally did. Then my sister's A/C went in her car, she had to pay out of pocket. Asked the dealer if there were any defects with the A/C and was informed no, that a rock could easily crack the unit. 2 Cars with the same mileage around 50k and the A/C goes on both, strange.

Then had the same issue after my warranty expired with AWD Disable light and Anti-lock Brake light coming on. Was told I needed new brakes, got new brakes, lights still came on.

After numerous trips to a mechanic's place, I was told a sensor in the wheel hub had gone and then the same thing goes on my sister's car.

Then after a rainy day, I got into my car and noticed the floor by the emergency brake was wet, so now I have a leak. Then after my sister returned home from vacation, she asked me if it had rained while she was away as she has the same wet spot in her car!!

Now my car is making a loud noise when I drive; I think it is coming from the engine and I am afraid to take it in as I know it is going to cost me BIG!

I think GM needs to step up and do a major recall on this vehicle, before they get sued!

2002 Buick rendezvous CXL - really wanted to like this car but after a/c condensers, wheel bearings, 3 expensive brake jobs, intake manifold gasket, rear ball joints, overheat problem turning to 2,500$ head job and while they worked on that found no 4th gear, Repair for CXL $3,500-$4,200 dollars - problem well known as a common problem with this transmission until GM made an upgrade in later models. There is a clutch hub inside this trans for 4th gear and has a long hollow shaft with splines on one end, and lugs on the other end for 4th clutches to key into. The splines on the small end will turn razor sharp over time and eventually wear off. You can expect this to happen at around 100,000 miles. GM fixed this in later models by heat treating the splines.

Called GM - same old story - over warranty and considered normal wear and tear. No relief. If they told me that this would happen I would not have bought the car - producer responsibility - not likely. The math - car is currently worth 7k, I just spent 2,300 +3,700 for head and tranny. I sell for 7 net return 1,000 - bought 6 years ago for 42k - thanks GM- you will only do this to me once.

I also bought a 2002 Buick Rendezvous, at around 20k miles had to replace the AC as well as other items which cost me 1400. and recently, a week and half ago the car over heated on me & I had to have towed to the shop, where I was informed that the heat pump and both head gaskets needed replaced. I only have 83 k miles on this car and so far have had to spend almost 3000.00 out of pocket expenses. Not to mention the cost of a rental car, one that actually works. I think Buick should step up to the plate and recall the 2002 Rendezvous altogether. I know one other person that has one the same year, and has had to spend a lot of money on it too.

I am glad to have seen this site now. I guess it just sets me up for future problems that my Rendezvous will have. Right now I seem to be having issues with my electrical, the dashlights and radio go on an off while I'm driving down the road. It's very scary. I had some mechanics look at it and they are stumped. I guess I will have to take to the dealer, this sucks for me as a single mom on one income, the comments in here lead me to believe that I will pay over $1000 at least for repairs, not fun! My car has 105,000 miles on it and I have loved it until now. The a/c condensor was replaced last summer and of course 2mos later stopped working again, based on what I've read sounds like a bigger problem than the condensor. I agree if there is a suit count me in. Deebomb77@yahoo.com.

I was so excited to buy my first car, which was the 2002 Rendezvous. That was Friday. Today, Sunday 4-20-08. I am eagerly awaiting for the dealership to open to get rid of this P.O.S. I have been have weird electrical issues going on all weekend such as the seat adjusting itself while I was driving, the radio wacking out, and the ignition locking up. I had to call a tow after filling up the tank because the car would not start. I am not going to hesitate returning this car before I get stuck with it.

I own a 02 and have only had it for 6 months now. A few days ago my "service traction control" light came on. It does not stay on all the time but, I have noticed when I turn it feels like the brakes are gripping (like they would if I was on ice). Seems like a few people have mentioned this problem with theirs. Can anyone tell me what it is and how much I am looking at to get it fixed? I love the comfort and the room but, I am terrified of the problems I am going to face in the next few years! Please email me if you know what is causing this -thanks akessler@norwalkreflector.com.

I just purchased a 2002 CXL and already I am having problems. I wish I checked this website prior. My heating gage all of a sudden just went up the next day I bought the car. They replaced the water heater and the problem is still there. After reading these reviews I am so Unhappy with a purchase that I don't think I can get out of.

2003 Buick Rendezvous.

I purchased my Buick used with 14000 miles. My first problem started around 25000 miles when the drivers side wheel bearing and trans axle had to be replaced under warranty, thank God. Since then I have replaced the axle again, and now I am replacing the passenger side wheel bearing. I have replaced the passenger side axle just a month ago. Not under warranty. The drivers side door hinges are failing and the door is now mis-aligned adding to the already profuse amount of wind noise. The blower motor is going out and makes a terrible noise when started and when on low. But even though it works the heat is so inconsistent it doesn't really matter which eludes me as to why. I have done a flush and fill, there's no leaks, the engine reaches operating temp. and the thermostat opens at the correct temp. The rear wiper, no matter which brand I purchase doesn't hit the glass all the way. The drivers side door window motor cable snapped like a gun and even though the motor works you have to purchase the entire assembly. This is a GM product problem because I have had the same thing happen on my 2002 Impala and my sister's Pontiac and all drivers side. With all that, Why no recall on the bearings and axles?

I have had my 2002 rendezvous for 2 years now. Luckily I purchased the extended warranty, I have had almost all of the problems listed above and only had to pay the $100. deductable. I did have to replace the front window wiper motor assembly because GM wouldn't cover it because of some leaves and twigs that they found under my hood by the motor, so they said that's what caused the failure, I went used cause of course it was expensive through them and so far (bit my tongue cause I probably just jinxed myself) it still works good, although the part is from an Aztec, so maybe that's why, it only cost me $100. My warranty ran out in March. My rear bushing or bearing is the only thing that wasn't covered under my warranty, but I have to replace the whole hub assembly. I called GM they did squat for me. Now just a week ago I went to put down my front passenger window and all of a sudden it fell into the door, when I had a friend check it out for me the clips that hold the window in there are metal which grips to the window and plastic attached to it that attaches to the cable or bar inside the door and the plastic was broken inside. I ordered the clips which cost me $120, and if I end up needing the regulator, I will be looking at another $300. I still haven't fixed my rear end can't afford it although in the past year the cost for me to repair at the dealer has dropped considerably from $1400 to $800 but not enough I can afford it yet. I was looking in auto wreckers for used parts, but after seeing the problems hundreds of others are having, I think I will scratch that idea, because I don't think the problem would be fixed for very long and I would be at square one again. If theres a class action suit count me in. forest7@rogers.com.

Just another to the list 2002 CXL - 87000 miles condenser 910.00-- Thanks Buick for a fine product, and you wonder why your sales are down...

I bought a Rendezvous in 04. I love it but have a problem with the heating and cooling. When we stop some place and start again the s/c will not come on. The whole panel is black. Then all of a sudden it will start again. This has been going on ever since we bought the car. By the time I get to the GM dealer it starts again, except when we are on trips and then it can stay off for 30 minutes or longer. Driving in 95 degree temps is not a lot o fun. Does anyone else have this problem? I have taken it in many times and they tell me they can't fix it until they catch it doing it. Isn't there mechanics anymore. Can they only use machines to trace down problems. Couldn't they just trace to see if it is the electrical system to see if there is a short? If someone can give me any idea how to fix this please e-mail me at conrttnhs@bellsouth.net.

I have a 2003 XL. So far, the wheel bearings and axles have been replace under warranty. The intake manifold seals were replace by GM under a 50% customer courtesy. Now the head gasket needs to be replaced. Estimated cost $3,200. I have filed a customer complaint with GM. I was told that I will hear back from them in 2 business days. After reading the articles hear, I am more that concerned about future issues with the AC, electrical, and transmission. No wonder Consumer Reports calls the Buick Rendezvous one of the worst used car buys.

I purchased a 2002 Buick Rendezvous from a dealership about 6 months ago. I was so happy to see that it had a 3rd row, leather seats and only 57,000 miles. Along with this it had a Certificate "Bumper to Bumper Gold Check".

Immediately, I noticed that heater did not function on 1 and 2 level settings; luckily the Dealership fixed this for me with no problems.

Within 2-days we noticed it had no spare tire, after about 2-weeks we were able to get it back to the dealership to install one in for us.

It is now 5 months later and I have no AC; the first day the temperatures reached 86 degrees I turned it on, only to find that it did not blow cold air, we added some and still nothing. We called dealership and they told us we should have noticed this when we purchased it. Well, you really cannot tell when it is winter and temperatures are sitting at 20-30 degrees. They were no help to us. Imagine that, buy a vehicle from the dealership that you think you can trust and this is what we got.

Today, I am having my battery tested because it is acting funny, and it won't start unless I get a jump.

Having problems with the security light staying on. I was told my positive cable had melted and that I would have to have it towed because the work was going to be too difficult for them to fix. Not what I wanted to hear.

I thought this was going to be the car for me after driving a 1995 van for years. My van performed better, and to think I sold it just because of the mileage 263,000 miles. I see it in town, and it could not be enjoyed more by the people that bought it from me. Sad.

I am going to try the GMC Dealership and see if they can help me. From what I read, I don't know that I will have a chance. My sister and mother bought new ones in 2006 and 2005; I am going to make sure they know what I am going through before it is too late for them.

Norma Matamoros

Idaho.

'02 was the first year for the Rendezvous. Most of the bugs were worked out by '05-'06. It is never a good idea to buy a vehicle in it's first year of production, in many ways they are guinea pigs for the consumer.

I have 2002 Rendezvous that I purchased new. I, too, have had almost all of the problems listed previously but I purchased an extended warranty due to the fact that I have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle from day one.

I now have approx. 58,000 miles. But, here is a new one. Two days ago I was driving at 40 m.p.h. as I approached a traffic light I applied the brakes. My brakes went soft and I had to press the brake pedal to the floor to stop. I was less than a mile from my destination so I continued on cautiously. I stopped at my destination to see smoke pouring from my hood. I had the car towed to the dealership, for $75.00. I was told the metal ABS line, containing brake fluid, had corroded and was spraying brake fluid on the engine, hence the smoke and lack of brakes. I was told that GM no longer makes the line, like that is a surprise! I was told that the line traverses the engine compartment and that a mechanic would have to hand bend the line to fit and then install. We are talking at least 10 man hours at $85.00 per hour. That repair, along with a rental car at $30/day will cost me around $1500. I knew I should have traded this car in years ago...

If there is a class action lawsuit, count me in!!!