Common Buick Rendezvous Faults: Problems And Reliability!

Although there are no official reliability scores for the Buick Rendezvous, some websites gave the model a 3.8 out of 5.0 consumer rating, while Cars.com gave it an average score of 4.1 out of 5.0.

Total annual repairs for the Rendezvous cost approximately $430 US. This is much lower compared to the average cost of mid-size SUVs, which is estimated at $580 per year.

Common Buick Rendezvous Faults

Even vehicles as reliable as the Buick Rendezvous may need to be repaired due to damaged or worn parts that could affect your drivability. Here are the common failures of the Buick Rendezvous through different model years:

1- Power steering hose leak

There have been several cases of power steering hose leaks on many 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous. Owners of affected models have reported loss of power steering on one side.

Others have also needed to top up their power steering fluid more often than usual. There have also been cases where fluid seeped into the steering rack and belt.

Power steering hoses tend to leak due to engine vibrations that can cause the hose to rub against other parts. Connections between the hose and other steering components can also cause power steering fluid to leak if they are loose or have damaged seals. A new power steering hose can cost anywhere from $20 to $40, plus labor costs.

2- Fuel Pump Failure

Some 2002-2005, and 2007 Rendezvous have had reported cases of fuel pump failure. Owners have complained about how their SUVs won’t start or suddenly dies in the middle of the freeway.

Fuel pumps can fail due to contamination, clogged filters and strainers, plus electrical issues like loose or rusty connectors. This part can cost approximately $70 to $250 to replace plus labor costs.

3- Worn brake rotors

Some 2002-2007 Rendezvous owners have reported that they can feel brake pedal pulsations when the brakes are applied, as well as hear a loud grinding noise due to worn brake rotors.

Sudden stops, using your brakes, and using worn brake pads are all common practices that could lead to a worn brake rotor . Once it wears out, you may notice that your vehicle is showing signs of increased stopping distances and decreased braking performance.

4- Refrigerant leaks

Some owners of the 2002 and 2006 Rendezvous redesigns have had problems with refrigerant leaking from the condenser. This problem is typically caused by collision damage or excessive vibration. Although it won’t affect your vehicle’s drivability, a damaged condenser can cause your air conditioning unit to produce loud noises and reduce your cooling capacity.

5- Erratic changes

Owners of some 2002 to 2007 automatic transmission Rendezvous have complained of their vehicles shifting erratically or slamming into gear due to a faulty transmission pressure control solenoid.

Drivers have also reported that they sometimes feel the transmission stick between gears and that their vehicles jerk, jump and make loud noises . Experts may recommend a partial teardown of the transmission to replace the failed pressure control solenoid.

6- Leaks in the intake manifold gasket

Gasket leaks have been a common problem on many 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous. Owners of affected vehicles have complained that the engine overheats and the temperature warning light comes on despite having sufficient coolant in the reservoir. There have also been cases where some engines misfired and lost power due to a leaking intake manifold gasket.

If left unchecked, the coolant could mix with the engine oil and cause serious engine damage. The cost to replace an intake manifold gasket can range from $25 to $100 plus labor costs.

7- Loose or worn gas cap

Some 2002-2007 Rendezvous restylings have had instances of an illuminated check engine light due to a loose or worn gas cap. This can result in idling problems due to insufficient fuel system pressure.

A loose or worn gas cap can also contaminate the fuel, altering injection pressure and clogging the engine’s fuel delivery system.

Fortunately, this problem just requires a quick and easy fix. A replacement gas cap can cost anywhere from $25 to $50 for parts alone.

8- Water leaks

In-vehicle water leaks have caused many 2002-2007 Rendezvous to display an illuminated check engine light, as well as exhibit a no start condition. Leaks have been reported to have damaged fuel tank harness wiring, leading to some drivers losing engine power in the middle of the road .

9- Driving problems

Poor handling has been a common problem reported by many 2002-2007 Rendezvous owners. Many have complained that their SUVs bounce excessively at certain speeds, and that they hear clicking noises in the front end due to worn struts at an average of 75,000 miles.

10- Problems with the fuel gauge and warning light

Many 2006 Buick Rendezvous owners have had to deal with different types of interior problems. Drivers have reported how their fuel gauge showed inaccurate fuel level readings. In some cases, the change oil light also did not go off. Some have also reported a tailgate latch that randomly unlocks regardless of whether or not the key is in the ignition.

11- Excessive oil consumption

Some 2002 Buick Rendezvous owners have reported needing to top up their engine oil every two weeks despite not noticing any visible leaks in their vehicles.

In summary

Keep in mind that vehicles are bound to develop problems as they accumulate mileage. But by familiarizing yourself with the most common problems in your daily driving and staying on top of its repair and maintenance, you can keep it running for a long time and avoid costly repairs in the future.