Owners have filed 690 complaints
about the 2002 Buick Rendezvous with NHTSA between 2001 and 2021.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Buick Rendezvous. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 41
8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 25
15% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2002 compares with every other Buick Rendezvous
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
142.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
152.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
285.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
8816.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
14827.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
9617.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
11120.5%
150,000+ miles
427.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2001peak 15Feb 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 Buick Rendezvous
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
GM IS RECALLING (NHTSA RECALL NO. 07V-349) CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002-2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS, CHEVROLET VENTURE (REGULAR WHEELBASE) AND 2001-2004 PONTIAC AZTEK AND MONTANA (REGULAR WHEELBASE) VEHICLES TO REPLACE FUEL TANKS AND CORRECT A DEFECT THAT MAY ALLOW FUEL LEAKAGE.THE VEHICLE RECALL POPULATION IS RENDEZVOUS AND AZTEK VEHICLES BUILT IN MAY 2003, VENTURE AND MONTANA VEHICLE BUILT IN JUNE THROUGH AUGUST 2002 AND CERTAIN SAME MODEL VEHICLES REGISTERED IN NEVADA, ARIZONA, VIRGIN ISLANDS, PUERTO RICO AND HAWAII THAT WERE BUILT THROUGH NOV/DEC 2003 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEH...
RQ06009Opened 14 Dec 2006Closed 18 Apr 2007FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
CERTAIN SUBJECT VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT LEAKAGE OF ODOR AND/OR FUELFROM THE LOWER PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK INLET FILLER PIPE (INLET CHECK VALVE).THE INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) AND THE FUEL TANK ARE JOINED TOGETHER USING A HOT PLATE WELDING PROCESS FOR PLASTIC PARTS.GM REPORTS THAT ITS ANALYSIS OF FIELD RETURNED PARTS SHOW EVIDENCE OF PROCESS VARIATIONS FOR DIFFERENT MANUFACTURING PERIODS.THESE VARIATIONS PRODUCED SOME ICV TO FUEL TANK JOINTS WITH POOR MELT FLOW LINES.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF GM'S WARRANTY CLAIM DATA FINDS MORE FREQUENT FUEL TANK REPLACEMENTS IN THE HOTTER CLIMATE STATES.THIS INVESTIGATION...
Recalls on the 2002 Buick Rendezvous
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
07V349000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).
Risk: A FRACTURE MAY ALLOW FUEL VAPORS TO PASS THROUGH AND ALLOW DROPLETS OF FUEL TO ACCUMULATE ON THE SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
02V222000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
Risk: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200619949,116 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain Aztek (AWD), Montana (AWD), Relay (AWD), RendezVous (AWD), RendezVous (FWD), Silhouette (AWD), Terraza (AWD), Terraza (FWD), Uplander (AWD) and Venture (AWD) vehicles equipped with independent rear suspension, when operated in extreme cold temperature and on rough roads, water and salt can intrude past the ball joint seal. The combination of theses conditions may then lead to premature wear of the ball joint. If the ball joint wear progresses to the point of separation from the lower control arm, a loss of vehicle control may occur. Correction: Dealers will replace both ball joints with new ball joints which have a revised boot and ball stud to improve the seal to the ball stud shaft.
Recall 200314726,047 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, a structural support at the latch attachment in the rear liftgate may be inadequate to retain the latch to the liftgate in certain severe vehicle crash events. If the liftgate were to open in a vehicle crash, an occupant could be ejected from the vehicle resulting in increased risk of personal injury. Correction: Dealer will add structural reinforcements to the liftgate in the area adjoining the latch assembly..
Recall 200215114,654 units in Canada
Airbag
Certain vehicles may have a driver's side airbag inflator that could fracture at a weld during a deployment. Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the airbag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capacity of the bag to protect the driver. Correction: Dealers are to inspect and if necessary replace the driver side airbag module assembly.
Recall 200127211,337 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles have an improperly programmed vehicle theft deterrent system. Correction: dealers will reprogram the system.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 104,776 milesMonument, CO1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND CLOSING THE DOOR, THE DRIVER SEAT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED VIOLENTLY ON THE DRIVERS HEAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND FACE CAUSING UNCONSCIOUSNESS. IN ADDITION, LEFT ARM AND SHOULDER INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT WENT TO URGENT CARE WHERE SHE WAS REJECTED DUE TO LIABILITY CONCERNS. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT BUT NOT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AS OF YET. THE VEHICLE WAS STORED IN THE CONTACT GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V222000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104.776.
NHTSA complaint #11243555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesIndio, CAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
NO NOTICE FROM GM ON RECALL DATED 08/08/2007 FUEL TANK DEFECT. FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL TANK AT THIS SPECIFIC LOCATION. DEALERS WILL NOT REPAIR THIS DEFECT. I AM THE ORIG. OWNER.
NHTSA complaint #11101450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesOmaha, NEFire
ENGINE
THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FOR 45 MINUTES ON TWO-LANE PAVED COUNTRY ROADS. I DROVE THE FIRST 15 MINUTES, WITH ONE OF MY SONS DRIVING THE OTHER 30 MINUTES WHILE I WAS A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. WE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND SWITCHED DRIVERS SO ANOTHER SON COULD BEGIN A DRIVING LESSON WITH ME. WHEN HE BEGAN TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE HE SAID THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL RIGHT AND NOTICED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I TOLD HIM TO PULL BACK INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND RELEASE THE HOOD SO I COULD CHECK FOR AN OVERHEATING ENGINE, EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS IN THE CENTER OF THE VISIBLE RANGE. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD I SAW A SIX-INCH WIDE AREA OF FLAMES TO THE RIGHT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I TOLD MY SONS TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND ASKED ONE OF THEM TO CALL 911 ON HIS CELLPHONE AND THE OTHER TO GO TO THE NEAREST BUILDING, ABOUT 75 YARDS AWAY, AND LOOK FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. IN THE MEANTIME, I OPENED THE REAR VEHICLE HATCH TO LOOK FOR SOMETHING I COULD USE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. FINDING NOTHING USEFUL, I RAN TO THE BUILDING MY FIRST SON HAD APPROACHED FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND FOUND HIM INSIDE THE OUTER DOOR OF A LOCKED LOBBY AREA. WE BOTH RAN TO THE NEXT BUILDING ABOUT 100 YARDS AWAY WHERE WE LOCATED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE. I ESTIMATE THIS TOOK LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES. WHEN WE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE THE FLAMES WERE ABOUT TWELVE INCHES WIDE, STILL ONLY TO THE RIGHT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY PUT OUT THE FIRE, BUT HAD TO AIM MUCH DEEPER INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAN THE VISIBLE FLAME AREA TO STOP ALL FLAMES. WHEN THE DEALER LATER CHECKED THE VEHICLE I WAS TOLD IT APPEARED THAT A RUPTURED BRAKE LINE HAD SPRAYED BRAKE FLUID ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STARTED THE FIRE. THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR LEAKS OR BRAKE ISSUES OBSERVED.
NHTSA complaint #10903410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesOmaha, NEFire
SERVICE BRAKES
THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FOR 45 MINUTES ON TWO-LANE PAVED COUNTRY ROADS. I DROVE THE FIRST 15 MINUTES, WITH ONE OF MY SONS DRIVING THE OTHER 30 MINUTES WHILE I WAS A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. WE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND SWITCHED DRIVERS SO ANOTHER SON COULD BEGIN A DRIVING LESSON WITH ME. WHEN HE BEGAN TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE HE SAID THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL RIGHT AND NOTICED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I TOLD HIM TO PULL BACK INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND RELEASE THE HOOD SO I COULD CHECK FOR AN OVERHEATING ENGINE, EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS IN THE CENTER OF THE VISIBLE RANGE. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD I SAW A SIX-INCH WIDE AREA OF FLAMES TO THE RIGHT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I TOLD MY SONS TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND ASKED ONE OF THEM TO CALL 911 ON HIS CELLPHONE AND THE OTHER TO GO TO THE NEAREST BUILDING, ABOUT 75 YARDS AWAY, AND LOOK FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. IN THE MEANTIME, I OPENED THE REAR VEHICLE HATCH TO LOOK FOR SOMETHING I COULD USE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. FINDING NOTHING USEFUL, I RAN TO THE BUILDING MY FIRST SON HAD APPROACHED FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND FOUND HIM INSIDE THE OUTER DOOR OF A LOCKED LOBBY AREA. WE BOTH RAN TO THE NEXT BUILDING ABOUT 100 YARDS AWAY WHERE WE LOCATED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE. I ESTIMATE THIS TOOK LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES. WHEN WE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE THE FLAMES WERE ABOUT TWELVE INCHES WIDE, STILL ONLY TO THE RIGHT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY PUT OUT THE FIRE, BUT HAD TO AIM MUCH DEEPER INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAN THE VISIBLE FLAME AREA TO STOP ALL FLAMES. WHEN THE DEALER LATER CHECKED THE VEHICLE I WAS TOLD IT APPEARED THAT A RUPTURED BRAKE LINE HAD SPRAYED BRAKE FLUID ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STARTED THE FIRE. THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR LEAKS OR BRAKE ISSUES OBSERVED.
NHTSA complaint #10903410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,500 milesBozrah, CTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN DRIVING THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS 2002 HOME THE BRAKES BEGAN TO NOT RESPOND. AFTER ARRIVING HOME AND DRIVING DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY, THE SUV HAD SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS WAS TURNED OFF BUT CONTINUED TO EXPELLED LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE UNDER THE ENGINE AREA. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE ENGINE AREA CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE BOZRAH FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED WITHIN 15 MINUTES OR SO THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10891970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,500 milesBozrah, CTFire
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN DRIVING THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS 2002 HOME THE BRAKES BEGAN TO NOT RESPOND. AFTER ARRIVING HOME AND DRIVING DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY, THE SUV HAD SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS WAS TURNED OFF BUT CONTINUED TO EXPELLED LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE UNDER THE ENGINE AREA. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE ENGINE AREA CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE BOZRAH FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED WITHIN 15 MINUTES OR SO THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10891970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 130,000 milesRochester, MN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY CAR HAS A GAS TANK LEAK FROM THE INTAKE TUBE. IN 2007 I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT IT WASN'T A PROBLEM UNTIL NOW. I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE CAR HAS ONLY 130,000 MILES ON IT. CAN I GET HELP WITH THIS REPAIR? MY LOCAL DEALER DOESN'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT.
NHTSA complaint #11394941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jeffersonville, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
OVER HEATING FOR NO REASON. SOMETIMES THE FUEL LINE SEEMS CLOGGED OR FULL BUT WILL ACT AS IF IT OUT OF GAS. HAVE CHANGED THE ALTERNATOR AND DISTRIBUTOR AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURING. WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A RADIATOR BUT THERE SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. SOME DAYS IT WILL START TO RUN HOT AND IF YOU KEEP YOYR FOOT ON THE GAS THE HOT TEMP WILL GO DOWN. LEAKING OUT GAS FROM LEFT SIDE AS WELL AS BLOWING OUT WHITE SMOKE AS IF THE ENGINE IS BLOWN BUT I KNOW ITS A GOOD ENGINE. SOME DAYS THE CAR WILL RUN FINE BUT IT SEEMS TO.ME LIKE THE COLD WEATHER CAUSES MATBE SENSOR ISSUES WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. ALSO THE GAS LIGHT WILL COME ON SPIRATICALLY LIKE WHEN YOU HIT A POT HOLE LIKE THERE IS AN SHORT
NHTSA complaint #11280652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jeffersonville, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
OVER HEATING FOR NO REASON. SOMETIMES THE FUEL LINE SEEMS CLOGGED OR FULL BUT WILL ACT AS IF IT OUT OF GAS. HAVE CHANGED THE ALTERNATOR AND DISTRIBUTOR AND THE PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURING. WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A RADIATOR BUT THERE SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. SOME DAYS IT WILL START TO RUN HOT AND IF YOU KEEP YOYR FOOT ON THE GAS THE HOT TEMP WILL GO DOWN. LEAKING OUT GAS FROM LEFT SIDE AS WELL AS BLOWING OUT WHITE SMOKE AS IF THE ENGINE IS BLOWN BUT I KNOW ITS A GOOD ENGINE. SOME DAYS THE CAR WILL RUN FINE BUT IT SEEMS TO.ME LIKE THE COLD WEATHER CAUSES MATBE SENSOR ISSUES WITH THE FUEL SYSTEM. ALSO THE GAS LIGHT WILL COME ON SPIRATICALLY LIKE WHEN YOU HIT A POT HOLE LIKE THERE IS AN SHORT
NHTSA complaint #11280652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,776 milesMonument, CO1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ENTERING THE VEHICLE AND CLOSING THE DOOR, THE DRIVER SEAT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED VIOLENTLY ON THE DRIVERS HEAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND FACE CAUSING UNCONSCIOUSNESS. IN ADDITION, LEFT ARM AND SHOULDER INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT WENT TO URGENT CARE WHERE SHE WAS REJECTED DUE TO LIABILITY CONCERNS. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT BUT NOT RECEIVED MEDICAL ATTENTION AS OF YET. THE VEHICLE WAS STORED IN THE CONTACT GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 02V222000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104.776.
NHTSA complaint #11243555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesFort Collins, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I FIND THE 2002 RENDEZVOUS HAS A DEFECTIVE GAS TANK. WHEN THEY MAKE THE TANK THEY USE TWO DIFFERENT PLASTIC MATERIALS FOR THE TANK AND THE FILLER TUBE THAT RESULT ON THE WELD NOT HOLDING ON. AND DUE TO THE UNUSUAL POSITION OF THAT FILLER TUBE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GAS TANK A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR EXPLOSION AND FIRE. THERE IS PLENTY OF REPORTS ON THE INTERNET PERTAINS ONLY TO THE 2002 MODEL. ACCORDING TO BUICK ITS NOT THEIR PROBLEM BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11103929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesIndio, CAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
NO NOTICE FROM GM ON RECALL DATED 08/08/2007 FUEL TANK DEFECT. FUEL LEAKING FROM FUEL TANK AT THIS SPECIFIC LOCATION. DEALERS WILL NOT REPAIR THIS DEFECT. I AM THE ORIG. OWNER.
NHTSA complaint #11101450 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 169,000 milesHarper Woods, MI
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE STARTED TO FLASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS WERE DAMAGED AND IT WOULD BE BEST TO REBUILD THE ENGINE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.
NHTSA complaint #11093865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesCoudersport, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
VEHICLE SHOWED CHECK ENGINE CODE FOR EMISSIONS FOR SOME TIME. NOW SMELLING FUEL FROM CAR. MECHANIC DIAGNOSED AS CRACKED TANK, SAME AS RECALL NUMBER 06230A. VIN DOES NOT MATCH RECALL. DEALERSHIP AND BUICK WERE NOT HELPFUL AT PROVIDING ALTERNATIVES TO GETTING ISSUE FIXED. UPON MORE RESEARCH THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE OF THIS SAME ISSUE. CRACKED TANK AND VIN IS NOT LISTED IN RECALL. THIS PROVIDES VERY DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. CAR SMELLS LIKE FUEL INSIDE AND OUT. NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR HAD ANY ISSUES THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11093941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesBakersfield, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A VERY STRONG FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED FUEL WAS LEAKING VERY HEAVILY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THEIR RESIDENCE, THEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED OR MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
NHTSA complaint #11081271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesJamestown, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MY VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE HEAT. I WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS BLOWING COLD AIR OR NOT BLOWING AT ALL. BEFORE I HAD A CHANCE TO ADDRESS THE HEATING ISSUE, THE VEHICLE RAN HOT AND CONTINUED TO RUN HOT UNTIL A MECHANIC REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT AND THE COOLANT AND CU AT 2/3 SLIT IN THE RUBBER UNDER THE HOOD. IT CAME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THE VEHICLE HAD OVERHEATING PROBLEMS BEFORE IT WAS SOLD TO ME. I HAVE SINCE TRIED TO SELL IT AND FOUND TH ST IT WAS NOT ACCEPTED BY TWO CAR BUYING/SELLING WEBSITES DUE TO PREVIOUS SALVAGE. I PURCHASED FROM A BUY-HERE PAY- HERE. IT STILL HAS OVER HEATING ISSUES AND IT STILL HAS NOT HEAT BLOWING INSIDE. I WANT TO KNOW IF REPAIRS WILL HELP SINCE IT'S REGARDED AS A SALVAGE. IS IT LAWFUL TO SELL A SALVAGED VEHICLE KNOWING THE PURCHASER WAS PUTTING THE CAR ON THE ROAD? I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OHIO AND I LIVE IN NEW YORK.
NHTSA complaint #11080955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesJamestown, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE HEAT. I WAS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE IF IT WAS BLOWING COLD AIR OR NOT BLOWING AT ALL. BEFORE I HAD A CHANCE TO ADDRESS THE HEATING ISSUE, THE VEHICLE RAN HOT AND CONTINUED TO RUN HOT UNTIL A MECHANIC REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT AND THE COOLANT AND CU AT 2/3 SLIT IN THE RUBBER UNDER THE HOOD. IT CAME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THE VEHICLE HAD OVERHEATING PROBLEMS BEFORE IT WAS SOLD TO ME. I HAVE SINCE TRIED TO SELL IT AND FOUND TH ST IT WAS NOT ACCEPTED BY TWO CAR BUYING/SELLING WEBSITES DUE TO PREVIOUS SALVAGE. I PURCHASED FROM A BUY-HERE PAY- HERE. IT STILL HAS OVER HEATING ISSUES AND IT STILL HAS NOT HEAT BLOWING INSIDE. I WANT TO KNOW IF REPAIRS WILL HELP SINCE IT'S REGARDED AS A SALVAGE. IS IT LAWFUL TO SELL A SALVAGED VEHICLE KNOWING THE PURCHASER WAS PUTTING THE CAR ON THE ROAD? I BOUGHT THE CAR IN OHIO AND I LIVE IN NEW YORK.
NHTSA complaint #11080955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesVilla Park, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
NOTICED SMELL OF GAS BY THE 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. MECHANIC VERIFIED THERE WAS A LEAK NEAR FILLING POINT OF CAR. SAID WOULD BE EXPENSIVE TO FIX THIS, THOUGHT HE SAW SOMETHING ABOUT GM RECALLING GAS TANKS ON SOME VEHICLES. LOOKED IT UP AND SAW MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THERE WAS A RECALL. THIS WAS MY PARENTS CAR, NOW BEING USED BY MY TEENAGE SON, SO I LOOKED IN THEIR FILE AND FOUND A LETTER SENT FROM GM THAT A CRACK COULD OCCUR IN THE TANK DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT AND IF IT HAPPENED TO THE VEHICLE THEY WOULD REPLACE IT. WRONG. APPARENTLY A DANGEROUS FIRE HAZARD DOESN'T MATTER AFTER 10 YEARS. GM SAID THIS REPLACEMENT OFFER HAS EXPIRED. GM TOLD ME TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT AT A BUICK DEALER TO HAVE THEM VERIFY THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER I BROUGHT IT TO TOLD ME NOT TO WASTE MY MONEY HAVING IT DIAGNOSED BY THEM, SINCE MY MECHANIC HAD ALREADY VERIFIED IT WAS LEAKING IN THE DEFECTIVE SPOT, BECAUSE GM NEVER COVERS THIS PREVIOUSLY OFFERED REPAIR ANYMORE. THE 2002 RENDEZVOUS HAS ONLY APPROXIMATELY 45,000 MILES ON IT!! OWNED BY MY PARENTS WHO TOOK METICULOUS CARE OF IT. WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A GREAT CAR FOR MY 16 YEAR OLD SON IS NOW A FIRE HAZARD, AND ESSENTIALLY UNSELLABLE IF I HAVE ANY CONSCIENCE!! I CANNOT BELIEVE GM REFUSES TO UPHOLD THEIR PROMISE TO REPAIR THIS COMPLETELY, DANGEROUSLY UNSAFE DEFECT, THAT THEY ALLOTTED REPLACEMENT PARTS AND MONEY FOR, BECAUSE THEY KNEW IT WAS THEIR DEFECTIVE PART THEY PUT INTO THESE RENDEZVOUS. I GUESS THEY ARE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO ACTUALLY BLOW UP TO PUT THIS REPAIR BACK INTO PLACE.
NHTSA complaint #11071666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40 milesClewiston, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
FUEL TANK IS DEFECTIVE, WITH THE CAR IN MOTION AND STATIONARY, WHEN I PUT MORE THAN A HALF TANK, GASOLINE WILL FIND A WAY OUT THE TANK, I ALREADY REPLACED THE FUEL TANK FOR ANOTHER ORIGINAL ONE AND IT WAS GOOD FOR ONLY 3 MONTHS. THE TRACTION SYSTEM WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY IS ALWAYS GIVING AN ERROR ON THE COMPUTER AND MAKING FUNNY NOISES AND SOMETIMES BRAKES MAKE A NOISE LIKE TA TA TA BECAUSE OF THE TRACTION SYSTEM. BATTERY SYSTEM IS A JOKE I HAD TO REPLACE AND PUT THE BATTERY TERMINALS ON THE TOP BECAUSE CABLES GET DISCONNECTED FROM THE ORIGINAL WAY. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE RECALLS ON THIS CAR, SO MANY PROBLEMS AND MY CAR HAVE A LITTLE OVER 80,000 MILES
NHTSA complaint #11014955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40 milesClewiston, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL TANK IS DEFECTIVE, WITH THE CAR IN MOTION AND STATIONARY, WHEN I PUT MORE THAN A HALF TANK, GASOLINE WILL FIND A WAY OUT THE TANK, I ALREADY REPLACED THE FUEL TANK FOR ANOTHER ORIGINAL ONE AND IT WAS GOOD FOR ONLY 3 MONTHS. THE TRACTION SYSTEM WHEN THE CAR IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY IS ALWAYS GIVING AN ERROR ON THE COMPUTER AND MAKING FUNNY NOISES AND SOMETIMES BRAKES MAKE A NOISE LIKE TA TA TA BECAUSE OF THE TRACTION SYSTEM. BATTERY SYSTEM IS A JOKE I HAD TO REPLACE AND PUT THE BATTERY TERMINALS ON THE TOP BECAUSE CABLES GET DISCONNECTED FROM THE ORIGINAL WAY. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE RECALLS ON THIS CAR, SO MANY PROBLEMS AND MY CAR HAVE A LITTLE OVER 80,000 MILES
NHTSA complaint #11014955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesFOX Lake, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A FUEL ODOR ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK AROUND THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM) AND 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10955283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesRuleville, MS
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANK; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000(FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10920171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesDenver, CO
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT OBSERVED FUEL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE ONTO THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL AND THAT THE FUEL TANK HOUSING FRACTURED. THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000.
NHTSA complaint #10917360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,000 milesKalamazoo, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ONE DAY LAST WEEK, I NOTICED THAT THE LIGHTING BEHIND MY GAUGES WAS OUT AND THE LIGHT ON THE RADIO IS DIM. THEN THE NEXT DAY NONE OF MY WINDOWS WORK, THEY ARE STUCK DOWN ABOUT 2 INCHES. AND THEN I GET ON THE HIGHWAY AND AT 60MPH THE FRONT END FEELS LIKE ITS GOING TO FALL OFF. AND WHEN IN THE DRIVE THROUGH THE ENGINE TEMP WAS HEADING FOR THE RED ZONE, I HAD TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. AFTER COMING TO A STOP AND THEN ACCELERATING TO GO, THE FRONT WHEELS ACT LIKE THEY GRAB THE CAR JERKS THEN THE TIRES SQUEAL AND CAR MOVES. I HAVE A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON NOW, THAT IS SOME DEALER CODE :AUTOZONE DID A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK., BUT THE DEALER WOULDN'T TELL ME WHAT IT WAS WHEN I CALLED. I HAVE A LIGHT THAT CAME ON FOR THE BRAKES, AS WELL AS A LIGHT FOR SERVICING THE TRACTION SYSTEM?? ALL THIS HAPPENED WITH IN A COUPLE DAYS TIME. ITS VERY FRUSTRATING. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO START FIRST, OR IF IT JUST NEEDS TO GO TO THE JUNK YARD. VERY DISAPPOINTED. I'M ON DISABILITY, THOUGHT I WAS BUYING A RELIABLE GM PRODUCT. ALSO A PIECE OF REAR WINDOW TRIM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE JUST FELL OFF.. AND $132 IS RIDICULOUS TO REPLACE A PIECE OF TRIM. AND I NOTICED ON OTHER VEHICLES LIKE MINE MANY ARE MISSING THIS PIECE OF TRIM ON THE SAME SIDE. WHATS UP WITH THAT?
NHTSA complaint #10908723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesOmaha, NEFire
ENGINE
THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FOR 45 MINUTES ON TWO-LANE PAVED COUNTRY ROADS. I DROVE THE FIRST 15 MINUTES, WITH ONE OF MY SONS DRIVING THE OTHER 30 MINUTES WHILE I WAS A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. WE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND SWITCHED DRIVERS SO ANOTHER SON COULD BEGIN A DRIVING LESSON WITH ME. WHEN HE BEGAN TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE HE SAID THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL RIGHT AND NOTICED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I TOLD HIM TO PULL BACK INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND RELEASE THE HOOD SO I COULD CHECK FOR AN OVERHEATING ENGINE, EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS IN THE CENTER OF THE VISIBLE RANGE. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD I SAW A SIX-INCH WIDE AREA OF FLAMES TO THE RIGHT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I TOLD MY SONS TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND ASKED ONE OF THEM TO CALL 911 ON HIS CELLPHONE AND THE OTHER TO GO TO THE NEAREST BUILDING, ABOUT 75 YARDS AWAY, AND LOOK FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. IN THE MEANTIME, I OPENED THE REAR VEHICLE HATCH TO LOOK FOR SOMETHING I COULD USE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. FINDING NOTHING USEFUL, I RAN TO THE BUILDING MY FIRST SON HAD APPROACHED FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND FOUND HIM INSIDE THE OUTER DOOR OF A LOCKED LOBBY AREA. WE BOTH RAN TO THE NEXT BUILDING ABOUT 100 YARDS AWAY WHERE WE LOCATED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE. I ESTIMATE THIS TOOK LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES. WHEN WE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE THE FLAMES WERE ABOUT TWELVE INCHES WIDE, STILL ONLY TO THE RIGHT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY PUT OUT THE FIRE, BUT HAD TO AIM MUCH DEEPER INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAN THE VISIBLE FLAME AREA TO STOP ALL FLAMES. WHEN THE DEALER LATER CHECKED THE VEHICLE I WAS TOLD IT APPEARED THAT A RUPTURED BRAKE LINE HAD SPRAYED BRAKE FLUID ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STARTED THE FIRE. THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR LEAKS OR BRAKE ISSUES OBSERVED.
NHTSA complaint #10903410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesOmaha, NEFire
SERVICE BRAKES
THE VEHICLE WAS RUNNING FOR 45 MINUTES ON TWO-LANE PAVED COUNTRY ROADS. I DROVE THE FIRST 15 MINUTES, WITH ONE OF MY SONS DRIVING THE OTHER 30 MINUTES WHILE I WAS A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER. WE PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT AND SWITCHED DRIVERS SO ANOTHER SON COULD BEGIN A DRIVING LESSON WITH ME. WHEN HE BEGAN TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE HE SAID THAT THE BRAKES DID NOT FEEL RIGHT AND NOTICED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS STEAM COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I TOLD HIM TO PULL BACK INTO THE PARKING SPACE AND RELEASE THE HOOD SO I COULD CHECK FOR AN OVERHEATING ENGINE, EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS IN THE CENTER OF THE VISIBLE RANGE. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD I SAW A SIX-INCH WIDE AREA OF FLAMES TO THE RIGHT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I TOLD MY SONS TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND ASKED ONE OF THEM TO CALL 911 ON HIS CELLPHONE AND THE OTHER TO GO TO THE NEAREST BUILDING, ABOUT 75 YARDS AWAY, AND LOOK FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. IN THE MEANTIME, I OPENED THE REAR VEHICLE HATCH TO LOOK FOR SOMETHING I COULD USE TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. FINDING NOTHING USEFUL, I RAN TO THE BUILDING MY FIRST SON HAD APPROACHED FOR A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND FOUND HIM INSIDE THE OUTER DOOR OF A LOCKED LOBBY AREA. WE BOTH RAN TO THE NEXT BUILDING ABOUT 100 YARDS AWAY WHERE WE LOCATED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE. I ESTIMATE THIS TOOK LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES. WHEN WE RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE THE FLAMES WERE ABOUT TWELVE INCHES WIDE, STILL ONLY TO THE RIGHT OF THE ALTERNATOR. I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY PUT OUT THE FIRE, BUT HAD TO AIM MUCH DEEPER INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT THAN THE VISIBLE FLAME AREA TO STOP ALL FLAMES. WHEN THE DEALER LATER CHECKED THE VEHICLE I WAS TOLD IT APPEARED THAT A RUPTURED BRAKE LINE HAD SPRAYED BRAKE FLUID ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND STARTED THE FIRE. THERE HAD BEEN NO PRIOR LEAKS OR BRAKE ISSUES OBSERVED.
NHTSA complaint #10903410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hammond, IN
WHEELS
OIL AND ANTI FREEZE LEAKING VALVE COVER GASKET NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AND ALSO THE WHEEL HUB AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY RUNNING HOT
NHTSA complaint #10897363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hammond, IN
ENGINE
OIL AND ANTI FREEZE LEAKING VALVE COVER GASKET NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AND ALSO THE WHEEL HUB AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY RUNNING HOT
NHTSA complaint #10897363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hammond, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
OIL AND ANTI FREEZE LEAKING VALVE COVER GASKET NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AND ALSO THE WHEEL HUB AND THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY RUNNING HOT
NHTSA complaint #10897363 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,500 milesBozrah, CTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN DRIVING THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS 2002 HOME THE BRAKES BEGAN TO NOT RESPOND. AFTER ARRIVING HOME AND DRIVING DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY, THE SUV HAD SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS WAS TURNED OFF BUT CONTINUED TO EXPELLED LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE UNDER THE ENGINE AREA. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE ENGINE AREA CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE BOZRAH FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED WITHIN 15 MINUTES OR SO THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10891970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,500 milesBozrah, CTFire
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN DRIVING THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS 2002 HOME THE BRAKES BEGAN TO NOT RESPOND. AFTER ARRIVING HOME AND DRIVING DOWN OUR DRIVEWAY, THE SUV HAD SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE. THE BUICK RENDEZVOUS WAS TURNED OFF BUT CONTINUED TO EXPELLED LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE UNDER THE ENGINE AREA. WITHIN 5 MINUTES THE ENGINE AREA CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE BOZRAH FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED WITHIN 15 MINUTES OR SO THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10891970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.