27th Jun 2006, 20:59

Purchased a CXL new in June 2002 for approx. $34000.

During the 4 years I owned the vehicle, we had to replace both front wheel bearings, computer control module, air conditioner condenser, brakes (twice) and tires.

Also had to replace sensors on the wheels - they were sticking open and causing the ABS warning lights to come on.

Power steering was starting to make groaning sound when making turns and there was a small coolant leak near manifold, which the dealer wanted $750 to repair.

I will say Buick made some of the repairs at their cost, even though the car was out of warranty, after I called Buick customer service and talked to a rep.

Just seemed that every time I took the car in for a service, something else was wrong. Finally bit the bullet and got rid of the car in April 2006. Not sure if I will ever go back to a GM vehicle after this.

28th Jun 2006, 20:55

I purchased my 2002 Rendezvous from a dealer last fall. I had to take it in today, because it started acting like it was running in 4wd all the time or dragging, and a whining noise was coming from the rear end. I found out that the left rear wheel bearing is shot, and that the right is starting to go bad. The dealer's estimated cost of repair is over $1,000. The dealer wants over $300 for each wheel bearing hub assembly (max price that I could find at any auto parts store is $134) and the rest, almost $400 in labor. The book time is 1.4 hours, he said he could have them done in an hour each, which equals $400 for 2 hours labor. The dealer also said that the front wheel bearings will probably have to be replaced every 30-40,000 miles.

When I asked him about the intake manifold problems that I heard about, he said that he felt that it was due to the type of coolant that was being used. He said that it was very acidic, and was causing the gaskets to corrode.

Since this seems to be a common problem, along with others. I was somewhat astonished when I went to the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration) website at www.nhtsa.gov and found that there was only one complaint on file for a drive train problem (rear end) and only two complaints on engine problems, both of them were starting problems. Not a single complaint on the intake manifold or coolant leaks. If more people would file complaints with the NHTSA, we might get GM to recall these vehicles and correct these problems.

17th Jul 2006, 03:55

I own a 2003 Buick Rendezvous. It has been a good vehicle over all. Had to change driver side wheel bearing under warranty in 2006 and now the passenger front is going out. Also had a battery terminal corrode and fall off which was also replaced under warranty. The tab on the compartment for HVAC filter in the glove box broke within the first year and the center top console for sunglasses, etc is flimsy and missing something.. The plastic knob on the driver side power seat to adjust lumbar broke as well and falls out every now and then. The plastic cover on middle row LH passenger seat/back hinge fell off as well. Plastic components seem to be flimsy.

Got stuck two times (once in snow and once in gravel) and the AWD showed disabled after a few seconds of trying to pull out of the ditches. Made me very mad. Why would I spend 35K for AWD when it will not work when I need it the most? Buick said that it was done to protect the viscous coupling from burning out. Whatever! I like the vehicle, but it has its short comings!

22nd Jul 2006, 00:31

I bought my 2002 Rendezvous new. Exceptional value (I thought). Having made several trips to the dealer regarding engine coolant leaking because the intake manifold gasket being shot at 50k miles, a/c evaporator breaking down at 45k miles, traction active light going on and engaging at low speeds (even while idling) on dry pavement, anti lock brakes engaging while pulling into a parking space at 3 mph and now the fuel gauge is all over the place. I have been a loyal GM buyer. They don't seem to get it. ON Star won't keep me as a customer. A reliable product will.

27th Jul 2006, 17:33

I have a 2002 Buick RENDEZVOUS CXL with 90 thousand miles on it. With the exception of the Rear end fluid being changed for a moaning sound, I have had no problems. That is until now. My wife just got done taking the car down to Orlando when the A/C went out. I have not taken it in to the shop yet, thought I would look around the web and low and behold I find this site. Man where were yall when I got bamboozled in to buying this vehicle. I have seen many A/C issues in here, but am unsure what to do to make a case about it. my e-mail address is ThreeFranks2Go@aol.com. Would love to here any suggestions on what can be done, even though it seems many of you have resolved your problems. I am hoping for the best, but expecting the worst when I take it in tomorrow morning. Wish me luck. Edward Franks.

28th Jul 2006, 22:25

Oh my, reading your comments has just confirmed my belief in the 2002 Rendezvous. Everything that I have read has helped me understand that this car was simply not built well.

Funny I am reading that some people have extended warranties. I have had to scrape to pay for all of the same problems that you have all experienced. I brought new and I asked all the right questions, but as soon as I drove it off the lot, it was one problem after another.

I have done it all brakes, barrings, A/C, leaks, the instruments on the dash were not working and the whole dash with instruments were sent away (it was not recording mileage).

The other problem that I have avoided addressing that someone else mentioned was the traction control coming on at low speeds while turning.

Someone mentioned the front door hinges. I have complained several times, but the dealership quotes me too much to repair. I am embarrassed to say I was taken in by this vehicle.

I do think that we should submit this web site to the G.M. head office or file a class action, because this is unfair. I thought it was just me till I read this site.

I am short, and one of the first things to break, was the handle of the back door hatch. It was replaced once, I am going to ask if it's their responsibility to replace again.