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I honestly can't believe the attempts to induce panic on this site. As you can see in the other Rendezvous threads, there are lots of Rendezvous owners who aren't have the problems you've had. Bummer you had problems, but many of us love our Rendezvous -- and we're not going to "dump them."
Every single vehicle make and model has its share of problems. You seem to be forgetting that. Might you have an axe to grind with GM? Sure sounds like it.
Sorry to hear of your problems.Dont pay any attention to old jk27.He keeps wondering over here on the RDV Problems and Solutions forum chiding owners that have had problems with their RDV's,mostly 2002 models.He needs to stay on the regular RDV forum so he can lead the cheer leading over there on how great a vehicle the RDV is.
Lots of us paid our hard earned money for a Buick 2002 RDV expecting it to be a quality vehicle.Well it wasnt so yes lots of us have an axe to grind with GM.After being a loyal GM customer for nearly 30 years I will never darken their doors again because of our junky 2002 CXL AWD RDV.During those 30 years we bought 10 new GM vehicles so they will miss us.
Anyone that wants a Buick RDV had better buy a 2004 or newer model as they seem to be doing much better..Especially stay away from the 2002 models.
Jk,heres another happy 2002 RDV owner that posted on another automotive forum.
Thumbs down The Absolute Worst
I purchased a brand new 2002 Rendezvous in 2001 and have had nothing but problems. It has cost me literally thousands of dollars in various repairs; bearings, transmission, air conditioner, fuel pump, interior paint. Yet, I have only 62,000 miles of mostly highway driving on this vehicle.
Honestly, if there were some way I could file a class action suit against GM I certainly would not hesitate. If anyone is interested please let me know.
In the past, I would have never bought anything but an American made vehicle. But now, I never will be another American made vehicle ever again.
They are literally built like toys. Especially GM vehicles.
I owned a 2000 Transport and you could practically pull the headlight fixtures from and reinsert them like a jigsaw puzzle. Every time it rained my headlights were full of water! Needless to say, the bulbs burned out.
I loved the Rendezvous when I first bought it. However, it did not take me very long to come to hate it with a passion.
I feel like I have been personally "violated" by General Motors and would not hesitate in the least to have them pay me for my emotional and financial anguish.
In the 2002 Buick Rendezvous, General Motors has created the ultimate piece of garbage.
Please take my advice and do NOT buy one of these vehicle
Again, you have missed the point -- which is ... not all Rendezvous owners (2002 models included) are experiencing these problems. Of course, you've also missed the point (again) about EVERY SINGLE MAKE AND MODEL of auto having problems -- some very significant.
Telling someone to dump their Rendezvous no matter what is A LOT different than telling someone, if they got one of these "lemons", to dump it. Of course, uaw239gm, every owner must make that decision whether to keep a problem-ridden vehicle or not -- and there are times when "dumping" the vehicle makes sense. However, telling all RDV owners to up and "Dump" the vehicle isn't realistic or helpful, imho. Thankfully, I have not experienced that amount of problems or frustration. And, like I said, I'm sorry to hear you're having those problems.
And, thanks, regalluvr, I'll post in any forum I'd like. :P And what is the point of your continually posting other owner's anecdotes??? Maybe that's because, since you don't even own a Rendezvous, you can't post your own stories. Would you like me to post stories from owners who really like and have not had problems (and are keeping) their Rendezvous? Didn't think so :O
Oh, a clarification for you, regalluvr: I've certainly posted my fair share of very helpful posts in this forum. And, I don't "chide" people for having problems (I have been up front about having a couple of significant problems with MY RDV). Rather, I try to assist in any way I can (e.g., telling people how Buick paid for my AC condensor out of warranty, emailing TSB's to people, helping people with the Buick grievance process, detailed info on BCM's and what they control, real-life mileage stats, etc.). Maybe you should try posting some more helpful posts -- rather than criticizing me every post. :confuse: Remember, I'm a Buick Rendezvous owner -- you're not. What are you still doing in this forum -- besides badmouthing Buick? Hmmmm ... move on. Maybe you can try to post more helpful posts about the Rendezvous itself -- not about me.
Thanks!
My advice? Follow each step exactly and document everything.
If your concern has not been resolved to your satisfaction, the following steps should be taken:
STEP ONE -- Discuss your concern with a member of dealership management. Normally, concerns can be quickly resolved at that level. If the matter has already been reviewed with the sales, service or parts manager, contact the owner of the dealership or the general manager.
STEP TWO -- If after contacting a member of dealership management, it appears your concern cannot be resolved by the dealership without further help, contact the Buick Customer Assistance Center by calling 1-800-521-7300. In Canada, contact GM of Canada Customer Communication Centre in Oshawa by calling 1-800-263-3777 (English) or 1-800-263-7854 (French). We encourage you to call the toll-free number in order to give your inquiry prompt attention. Please have the following information available to give the Customer Assistance Representative:
 Vehicle Identification Number (This is available from the vehicle registration or title, or the plate at the top left of the instrument panel and visible through the windshield.)
 Dealership name and location
 Vehicle delivery date and present mileage
When contacting Buick, please remember that your concern will likely be resolved at a dealer’s facility. That is why we suggest you follow Step One first if you have a concern.
STEP THREE -- Both General Motors and your dealer are committed to making sure you are completely satisfied with your new vehicle. However, if you continue to remain unsatisfied after following the procedure outlined in Steps One and Two, you should file with the GM/BBB Auto Line Program to enforce any additional rights you may have. Canadian owners refer to your Warranty and Owner Assistance Information booklet for information on the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP). The BBB Auto Line Program is an out of court program administered by the Council of Better Business Bureaus to settle automotive disputes regarding vehicle repairs or the interpretation of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Although you may be required to resort to this informal dispute resolution program prior to filing a court action, use of the program is free of charge and your case will generally be heard within 40 days. If you do not agree with the decision given in your case, you may reject it and proceed with any other venue for relief available to you.
You may contact the BBB using the toll-free telephone
number or write them at the following address:
BBB Auto Line
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
4200 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203-1804
Telephone: 1-800-955-5100
This program is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eligibility is limited by vehicle, age, mileage and other factors. General Motors reserves the right to change eligibility limitations and/or discontinue its participation in this program.
Well,I'd almost made up my mind not to post on here anymore but then I read your reply to uaw239gm and I had to defend him.You were a little tough on him.So guess I'll be staying around every now and then.Some of my friends at work read these posts and think you work for GM but I told them you didnt.
I dont think current ownership of a RDV is required to post on here.Being the former owner of a 2002 CXL RDV should be good enough.I guess I just never have gotten over the $6,000 loss we took on our lemon 2002 RDV when we had to trade it off.$6,000 may not be much money to you but right now with my school teacher wife disabled and unable to work its a ton of money for us.High fuel and input prices coupled with low grain prices have just about ruined our farming operation.
Again anyone that is considering buying a used 2002-03 RDV had better check out its past history or they very easily could be getting someone elses problem.One Sat morning early last Spring we circled by (3) car dealers within 60 miles of us and saw the following.I guarantee you these were all problem RDV's.
Low mile 2002 CX at a Ford dealer
Low mile 2002 CXL AWD at a Honda dealer
Low mile 2002 CXL AWD at a Toyota dealer.
We tried to trade our 2002 CXL to the Toyota and Honda dealers and were offered next to nothing.Someone must have been pretty desperate to get rid of their RDV as the trade offers had to be very poor.
Our local Buick dealer hasnt sold a new RDV in 2 years and doesnt keep any in stock.
That's very unfortunate for your local Buick dealer. The dealer by us is selling them like hotcakes! Seriously, I've noticed LOTS more RDV's on the road lately. Here are some statistics for you (you seem to imply that Rendezvous are NOT selling well -- which is simply not the case):
In 2002, 2003 and 2004, Buick produced 198,826 Rendezvous!! This figure does not include 2005! I'm guessing about 250,000 RDV are on the road right now -- pretty impressive for Buick's first "truck" since 1923!! GM had hoped for 30,000 to 40,000 units per year and Buick handily exceeded those numbers.
Yep, the first model year for the Rendezvous (2002) seemed to have the most problems, with problems decreasing every year since then. Can't wait to see the newly redesigned RDV!
Feel free to email me at the address in my descripton (read the whole thing to find it) with the name and location of your dealer. I'd really like to talk to them. I find that hard to believe.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
If you knew the dealer it isnt hard to believe at all.We are a rural town of under 10,000 pop with not alot of good paying jobs.Owner of the full line GM franchise is in his 70's and has been a car dealer all his life.Hes quite wealthy and very hard to deal with.All deals go thru him.No salesman can make a deal.Most people cant trade there so go to other towns.Some wealthier loyal local customers keep him going.
He probably sold 4-5 new 2002 RDV's and 2-3 new 2003 RDV's.Several caused alot of problems which quickly soured the dealer on them.In Dec 2002 he had (2) new 2003 CX RDV's.We test drove one and had them figure a deal on our 1998 Regal GS..He never sold these new 2003 RDV's until after the 2004's were out.We kept waiting for him to get in a new 2004 RDV and to the best of our knowledge he never did.
A year ago he did get in a new 2005 CX RDV.To the best of my knowledge he dealer traded it.By the way we circle this dealers lot every Sunday after church. plus a friend works there so we pretty much know what goes on.Its nothing for him to have new 1-2 year old vehicles.He once had a new 2 year old 2000 Regal LS.
This dealer never liked Buick Regals and the last 2 years they were built he never had a new one on the lot.He loved Le Sabres and Centurys and has sold quite a few of them.As far as we know hes only sold 1 new Ranier since they came out.He got in 3 new 2005 La Crosses and has only sold 1.Hes had a new Terazza for a year now.If he gets in a new 2006 RDV I will let you know.
If you want a new RDV in this area you go 30 miles west or 50 miles south or north.A dealer 25 miles south and one 30 miles north rarely ever has a new RDV in stock.
There were too many problem 2002 RDV's in this area so its hurt the sale of the newer ones.We have yet to see a new Ultra RDV.We do see lots of RDV's going down a major hiway by us but most were sold in bigger towns.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
So sorry to hear of your 03 RDV's engine problem. Leaking intake and head gaskets are very-very common on 1995-2003 3400 GM V-6 engines.How GM has gotten away for so long without a recall is beyond me.As long as they leak on the outside you are OK but an internal leak will soon ruin your engine.Oil and anti-freeze dont mix well.
There are several websites devoted to this problem with many stories of ruined engines especially in Chevy Venture-Pontiac Montanas,etc.A friend works at a garage and says they are continually replacing 3400 V-6 intake gaskets.
I'm sure your dealer told you tough luck.I commend you for fixing it and not selling it to someone else.Good Luck.
We have a 2004 Buick Rainier AWD and have an irritating engine/transmission problem at low speeds and at idle. It feels like the transmission is settling into gear, but sometimes it's forceful enough to think we were tapped from behind on the bumper.
Took it to dealer several times but they of course couldn't find anything (despite experiencing the issue). Told us it was "typical of the drivetrain".
Any suggestions? :confuse:
I'll take any thoughts here thought
I got some relief! They (GM) will install a new engine in my RDV! The problem was that a bolt broke, or came loose on the intake gasket. The engine is free, but I will have to pay half the cost of installation. I was told it will be about $650. I will then have a new engine with a three year 100,000 mile warranty. Let's hope that this one will make me happy! Thanks! :P :P
I am experiencing the same problem with our Rendezvous. Can you provide me with the website addresses you are stating that are devoted to this problem.?
Thank you
burberry
I havent been on here in awhile.I'm sure glad to hear GM is replacing your RDV's engine and that you will only be out $650 instead of around $6,000.
I hope this is the end of your problems.Good Luck.
Burberry,
Here is a link to one website about 3100-3400 GM V-6 intake gasket issues.You can read all day in this one.Do a Google or Ask Jeeves web search for leaking Buick-Chev-Olds-Pontiac 3100-3400 intake gaskets.You will be amazed at what a tremendous problem it is.It still amazes me that GM has gotten away without a recall.
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?GMcnsmrs&1
The best site was the GM-V6-Lemons one but it says its currently down for construction.
I intend to take it in but finding the time is a problem. Just wondered if other have had a problem.
Also. notice others gas mileage. Mine is a 3.6 and I am not impressed with the performance or the mileage. In August we drove about 3,000 miles and the best fillup bumped 24, the others were 23mpg. The window sticker claims 27 and I don't think I will ever see that.
Just wondering if anyone has had this experience or know what i should do about this problem... I have a 2003 Rendezvous CXL that has a air compressor built into the rear of the car for inflating tires, air mattresses etc. and when we bought the car, it did not work. We just brought it to the garage and the couldnt find the leak so the replaced the entire line from the front to the rear. Now, it does work, however, it stays on almost all the time!! Whenever you start the car, you hear the compressor running and then it makes a "whoomp" sound every 2-3 seconds or so like the air is stuck. This will stay on for a good 25 min before it shuts off. It is very noisey, even from the outside of the car. Any thoughts? Much appreciated, Kirsten
Mine was that the roof racks was not completely sealed thus resulting in water travelling down the interior of the door and pooling under the floor board. They ended up repairing everything eventhough it was a water leak and water leaks are not covered under the extended warranty.
have not been able to get it fixed. I have the 3400 V-6 and I know the rendezvous
has had its share of problems. It will stall when I have the A/C off ( I have the
auto A/C) and I come down a long hill or lately go up a little hill. I can make
it stall in any gear by upping the idle to 900 rpm and letting off the gas - 1 time
out of 10 it will just drop and quit. I can do this while going down the raod as
well. My dealer tried a scan tool and looked everything over and basically has
said that they don't know what it is - they think it may be the pcm. They looked
at all the tsb's and checked the software version on the comuter and it is the
same. They said I have to wait until it quits completely or it shows a check
engine light (it never has). Is this true or is there something else that can be
done ?? I have 2.5 ++ years on a lease and I am NOT going to live with a
stalling vehicle for that long. I took it off the lot with 5 miles on it. It is a 2005
CXL front wheel drive with basically everything. Please either post a response
here or e-mail: amseidl@operamail.com . Please help if anyone can ......
Black02
:lemon:
Replace one and you have to replace the whole thing. If they do not properly install the sensor wiring and clip it up out of the way it can become damaged and disable your abs (abs disable light on instrument panel). I suggest that you have another mechanic look at it and see if this is the case since too many dealers fail to admit their own errors. This has already happened to me.