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thank you
qtman
Anyone with similar problem/solution? Were you able to get it covered under warranty?
I have a 2002 Rendezvous CXL (22000 miles) and am having some bizarre problems that maybe someone else has encountered.
The AM radio has significant static ... until the engine shuts off and then it is fine!
Here is a sampling of other things that have gone wrong but are now fixed.
1) Front right wheel bearing was shot at 16000 miles
2) Rear speakers would occasionally stop working
3) Rear wiper stopped working
Bad luck - broken windshield.
Anyway, if anybody has the AM radio problem, can you give me and my dealer some suggestions. They want to replace the fuel pump to correct the static problem.
About the Firestone's, just forget about them, they are lemmons!!
Suggestion, try to buy BFGoodrich, Long Trail 225x70-R16 or a Dunlop...forgot the model.
I previously posted about my door. Still have not received reimbursement for the hinges being bent from the wind. I'm concerned because all of my doors open with so little effort. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before the hinges bend again.
Aside from the noise and the doors (which are big problems) I still really like the car.
As you know, my wife noticed the A/C wasn't working a few weeks back so I took it in for a new compressor...all is well with the A/C now.
However, since I'm running out of warranty soon, I decided to have the dealership go down my little list of bugs.
Wandering compass - It's never been really accurate, but didn't feel like dealing with it on its own. Dealer replaced the BCM (Body Control Module) to no avail, and ultimately replaced the Instrument Cluster! Seems to be working now.
Wandering memory mirrors - This has been my hobgoblin since day one. They replaced the memory module first, then the mirror motor. Seems to be working now.
Whistling steering wheel - I noticed this a few weeks back and thought I should have it looked at before the end of warranty. Dealer replaced the SIR Coil (something to do with the airbag) but that didn't work. Dealer then replaced the steering rack. No more whistling.
However, with all the recent significant repairs, I now have concerns about keeping my RDV after the warranty period ends. What will fail next, and how much will it cost?
The service manager at my dealership suggested I call Buick to see if they would extend my warranty, as other customers have successfully done this in the past. I called Buick Customer Care last week, and in light of the number of major repairs my RDV has recently undergone, they promptly blew me off.
My wife really wants to keep the RDV, and I do too...it's been a good car for us overall. We'll see how the next few months go before coming to a decision.
Sorry for the rant. For those of you who have been around with me for a while, I'm sure you can understand how let down I feel.
If that is the major problems with your RDV lately I'd say keep it. To me major electrical, drivetrain, or engine problems are major issues when deciding to get rid of a car or not. But a wandering compass and mirrors with poor memory wouldn't concern me in the long term. I doubt you get lost often due to your compass wandering.
My Blazer I ditched as it came out of warranty had repeated bearing changes, loud piston slap, horrific electrical problems and poor engine reliability in cold damp weather. The truck would sometimes not even start or it would chug down the road for the first 5 minutes in damp cold weather.
When I say bad electrical problems here's a few items that repeatedly occurred without them being able to repair them. They changed many modules and harnesses and the problems kept creeping back
- security system would lock me out without warning with the keys in the ignition
- check engine light would come on and car would not start (not an engine issue though it was an electric problem)
- Windshield wipers would stop working then start a few hours later
- ABS would stop functioning due to electrical malfunction then start again
So, it's always a personal decision when looking at trading in after the warranty is up. I personally like a vehicle under warranty, but if my RDV treats me well I am gonna keep her. Really it depends on how much you still owe and whether it is worth paying off in your situation.
You and your wife already want to keep it, so it doesn't seem like either of you have any major concerns to this point. Its just that you are bringing up all little issues that have been nagging since it is almost out of warranty, which you should.
Also, you are one of the regular posters in this forum, and since there aren't that many regulars you shouldn't go
Keep us posted.
I am in the same boat you - I am afraid of the cost to maintain this car. Here is my list of fixed problems (18 months old):
- 3 BCM
- 1 Instrument cluster
- 1 Alternator
- 2 Ball bearings
- 2 treatment for fuel gauge misreading
- 1 Air conditioner condenser
I've been to the dealer every 4 to 6 weeks, every time they do a fix I would ask them how much it would cost me if it was not under warranties. For all those repairs - it would have cost me over $3000 (Canadian). Unless I can get extended warranties or from now to the end of my lease I do not encounter any problem - I'll then keep the car. Otherwise, I am getting something other than GM.
I called Buick again and they will have a regional rep meet with the dealership later this week.
We'll see if he does the right thing or not.
jdks - Maybe we could form a support group...LOL
Has anyone else experienced this? I was thinking of having the steering checked out when I get the recall notice for the tailgate.
Thanks
I have been dealing with a nightmare 2002 RDV CXL AWD since last Spring. The short story (the long one is really long!) is that GM has finally decided to do a "trade/repurchase" and I have to decide right away what car I want. The big question is whether it makes sense to get another Rendezvous. I like the car very much in terms of comfort handling and convenience. I think the simplest way to get most of our value out of this deal is to get the same thing, but of course I want no more headaches. My service agent said he's only seen minor problems with the 2003s. Has anyone out there had any serious issues with a 2003? Any advice?
Thanks, Deb
My only major comment is that I would like more power, but wife is happy as is.
Some wind noise. Been thru a couple of torrential down pours in Mississippi. No leaks in sun roof or any place else. Mirrors don't wander, compass is more accurate than what I had previously, Lincoln, Cadilac, Expedition and Bravada. Ammazed at the accuracy.
Can only give it the highest ratings but think they are ugly, enjoy it as muc or more than any of the above I have listed as well as a Blazer and Jimmy.
I will add, though, that the inflation compressor is high pressure, but low volume. It pumps up balls, bike tires and car tires fine to whatever pressure is needed, but for high volume jobs like large inflatable swimming pools and big life rafts it takes forever and isn't recommended.
The main problem is a very annoying droning noise at about 2100 rpms, which seems to come from the rear of the SUV. After several visits, they added insulation under the 3rd seat. This was no help. Their research led them to believe it was a faulty muffler system. Today, I took it in so they could replace the muffler system. They said that there have been a lot of problems with the muffler and replacing it might fix the problem. The muffler was on back order until today so tomorrow I am hoping that the problem will be solved. I will be pleasantly surprised if it does. I think that it is a transmission problem because it clunks when I am in stop and go traffic.
If anyone has experienced a similar noise that only occurs at 2100 rpms, please post a message.
In spite of the problems I really like my RDV even though my wife hates it. The service department has been really good about trying to solve these problems.
What did you have to do in order to get Buick to pay for it? The top door hinge on the drivers door is bent slightly, but the door closes without problem.
Thanks in advance for any info!
We were told Buick would cover our repairs, but we have not yet received a check. We checked several times with the dealer, and they don't know why we haven't gotten reimbursement yet.We have a call into GM but they haven't returned our calls yet. I'm trying to be patient.
Our hinge repair was quite extensive. The door would not close at all. We had to tie the front to the back door with rope. Was your hinge problem caused by wind or did the door simply open too easily? I notice if we are on a slight incline, the door will forcefully swing open without applying any effort at all.
I don't know what the problem is. Jimy2 said that his dealer wanted to replace his fuel pump to fix it. Anyone know why that would work? Does anyone have a fix to the problem? Thanks.
It seems most people have had at least several items changed on their RDV's; thank goodness for the warranty. However w/ the frequency of items needing replacement, the car would be much better suited w/ a 5 yr/50k warranty...I'm sure GM won't do that.
We've had terrible luck w/ our local Buick Dealer for "service". About 4 months ago we've changed to another dealer, and the service has been much better. If you're in the SF Bay Area, I can tell you which dealer to avoid...
John B.
I'm looking at the Rendezvous as a replacement for my Ford Aerostar. I plan to to a boat with it. Have any of you had much experience towing trailers? I'm concerned about long term effects on the vehicle of towing and I'm a little reluctant to get into a vehicle that is basically a front wheel drive vehicle.
Thanks!
If you're unlucky, these repairs will pop-up after your warranty. Something many owners have considered is an "Extended Warranty Plan. Probably not a bad idea...
olsen: Lots of people have had weird quirks w/ electrical items w/ the RDV. It very well could be the body control module which I mentioned above. Oftentimes people have had their electrical problems temporarily corrected by stopping and re-starting the engine as you described.
Hopefully you don't experience too many more problems w/ your RDV, but as I mentioned above, there are numerous repairs that seem to affect lots of RDV owners. Good luck w/ yours.
John B.
Another problem may be the dealer. In our Toyota everything worked fine until I took it for a 60K mile tuneup. Immediately the engine started to smoke, to lose oil, and it lasted only another 30K miles at which time the pushrod went through the block causing engine replacement. Some dealers might purposely alter the vehicle to make customers come back for other repairs.
In ours (made Jan 2002) the clock doesn't lose time, the AC works, and the service performed included oil changes and tire rotation. Plus, the Buick dealer washes the car at no extra cost during service.
Regards,
Taras
So I don't think your premise of "being an early bird results in poor production" is totally valid. The RDV has had and is continuing to have various problems. Admittedly some of the problems are minor, but others are major. I still think it's wise for RDV owners to consider the extended warranties. 3 yrs. and 36k miles may not be enough.
And I must say, when it's not in the shop the RDV is great. Btw, I just spoke w/ the Buick service dept. about 3 items that were ordered about 10 days ago and are still not in. Plus an item that Buick has tried to fix twice before (a common problem amongst posters here)is still not fixed. Plus I'm experiencing another unique problem that I've never had before.
Hopefully your A/C continues to function well, although a number of us have had to change our condensers. If yours goes out, hopefully it's while you still have it under warranty. Good luck.
John B.