Did you recently take on (or consider) a loan of 84 months or longer on a car purchase?
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Thanks much, greatly appreciate your helps/suggestions. Gail
With those low miles, you may be able to trade the tires in on a new set at a tire dealer too.
Steve, Host
Don't freak out ... your Buick comes with a 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty, so each and every repair will be completely covered under warranty for quite some time!! While it does sound like there are some bad Rendezvous out there (just like there in every single model line), there are also LOTS of good ones out there. With approximately 200,000 Rendezvous on the road, I believe that there are many more "good ones" than "bad ones". I believe there is a good likelihood of having few problems. The 2004 Rendezvous is a Consumer Reports "recommended" vehicle. I have 40,000 miles on my CXL Rendezvous and I love it. If you want extra "peace of mind", in terms of repair costs, and if you are willing to pay for it, you can purchase an extended warranty to cover repairs beyond 36,000 miles and 3 years. I personally did not purchase such a warranty. Will I regret it? Maybe. Maybe not. But I'm willing to risk it. YMMV.
As for the ride, my Rendezvous has a much better ride than our former Honda Odyssey, Hondra CR-V and Isuzu Rodeo. I second the recommendation to check out your tire pressures -- that doesn't sound right. The tires that came on my Rendezvous were Uniroyal Tiger Paws Touring SR. Still on original tires here.
Btw, I am still on my original BCM and I have all original wheel bearings. No problems with those items whatsoever.
Also, ANY vehicle on the road will be affected by semi-trailers passing close-by. The Rendezvous weighs 4,300 pounds -- so it's not a "lightweight". I don't find my vehicle blown around any more than my previous vehicles (Odyssey, CR-X or Rodeo).
Relax ... check out the air pressures, and enjoy your new purchase!
Thank you for the suggestion. I will discuss w/dealer tomorrow and let you know. Gail
I thank you very much for all the information you have offered. I will keep them all in mind and appreciate the information about the vehicle and it's history, etc as stated above. I was suprised to hear you say you like it over the other vehicles you have, but am glad to know there are some very nice people out there on the forum, sincere in their responses. This is the first time ever attempting any type of forum and I am pleased with the outcome, and everyone's help. Again, thank you much for your response and the information within it. WIshing you and STeve and all of us, a great week. I"ll try to "Relax" a little!
editor_karl, "Karl's Daily Log Book" #510, 10 May 2005 7:23 pm
Steve, Host
Has anyone heard of this problem, how much would it cost to fix?
Also, I notice the initials BCM used alot in this forum can someone define.
Thanks Ahead of time
Roger in DC :confuse:
We leased a 2002 Rendevous when they first introduced it and loved the vehicle. Had only one problem with it in three years and that was covered by warranty.
We turned it in and picked up a 2005 in late December, 2004. It has been in the shop eight or ten times with minor, but annoying problems. My biggest concern was the noisy Goodyear Integrity tires. The vehicle handled differently and it seems to like stability in sharp curves even when I was driving the posted speed.
I keep complaining to Buick about the tires and they contended the tires were fine, but out of the blue I got a call from the local dealership that they had been authorized to replace the Goodyears with Michelins. It has made a noticeable difference in the noise and handling of the vehicle. However, the 2005, which is a CXL, does not have some of the features [such as memory seats] that the 2002 CX had on it. Overall, it has more wind noise, etc., and I doubt that I will choose another Rendezous when the current lease expires.
Sorry, if I have discouraged you.
body control module
There have been lots of failures. One post related this to location where water stayed around the BCM causing it to fail.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
1. New front wheel bearings
2. New BCM
3. New A/C condensor and drier
4. New EBTC (Electronic Brake and Traction Control) Module
Each of these exceeds $500, for a total of over $3,000 in out of pocket, non warranty repairs.
THIS IF MY FIRST AND LAST BUICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do not buy one of these things under any condition!!!!!!!!!!@!!!
1. Still on original wheel bearings
2. Still on original BCM
3. New A/C condensor; occurred out of warranty, Buick still paid 100% of repair
4. Still on original EBTC (Electronic Brake and Traction Control) Module
5. Head gasket replaced. Occurred during warranty. Buick paid 100% of repair
Total of ... $0.00 in out of pocket, non warranty repairs!!!
THIS IF MY FIRST AND DEFINITELY WON'T BE MY LAST BUICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I highly recommend purchasing a Rendezvous. Great vehicle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A Consumer Reports "Recommended" Vehicle
Recently the odometer stopped displaying the mileage and now it says Error before I start vehicle, 16 is displayed...is this the error code? Anyone know what it means?
Also, I have read some about folks having problems with the condenser --how did you know? Just wondering as I just recharged my A/C, but it corresponded with my error code (which is still there)
If it is base, there will be nothing there
Thanks for the info on the tires. I spoke to the dealer, he took the car out (repair customer service rep) and told me there was nothing wrong with them and that the affinity H/F's were the best tires for it. I'm trying to trade or sell the car at this point, as it's only 2 months old, but I don't feel comfortable in it at all. The numerous forums here and the repairs really worry me, but above that, I've had a very difficult time getting used to not being able to see around the car, around the corners, backing up and the drivers mirror is way to large for me, and a pillar from the roof to the dash blocks the dirvers view. I fear an accident and I just can't adjust to the vehicle. If anyone is interested, it's in Chelmsford Massachusetts, has only 2300 miles on it, is a late 04 model, and feel free to email me. I've come from the dodge caravan after 20 years of being in them and they've never failed me, never felt unsafe, always had excellent maintenance and honest was trouble free driving for me. This is the first time in over 20 years I ventured outside that line, and I'm sorry I made the attempt. I worked months on researching and driving various vehicles and thought for sure this was the one, but I just don't feel comfortable in. I am hoping the dealer will work with me as well and hope to hear back from him shortly. Thanks for you response, and enjoy the holiday weekend.
04 RDVZ, 2400 miles on it. 3 month old. Put A/c on for first time today, and about 20 mins with it on, heard a rumbling type of noise and felt a vibration which reminded me of a muffler many years agon on another car, rubbing the undercarriage. I got very nervous as I am a female (not that it matters, but I was alone, except for Onstar), and wondered if anyone has heard of this, or has any idea. It sounded like something was flapping under there, but when I pulled off the hwy to look, there was nothing. I shut it off and turned it on again, and didn't hear the noise, but I also go to where I was going, rather quickly out of fear. Does anyone know of any undercarriage issus or if this was something from within the engine rubbing when A/C is on? This is an AWD CX with plus package. Also, I notice this "module" on the boards that causes problems around the A/c? Do I need to worry about that or a condenser issue so new into the car? Maybe it's nothing, but I do worry. Thank you.
I would like to share with you my experiences with a 2002 RDV CX that I purchased in July 2001. I took a risk knowing it was a new model with no reviews whatsoever.
I have traded the RDV last night for something else and will miss some aspect of it.
Pros
-Nice gauges
-Nice Radio/Sound
-Visibility
-Oil Life indicator
-Low washer indicator
-Space
-Comfort
-Ride
-Price
Follows are problems experienced under warranty
-I had installed a remote car starter. Installer could not install has it keep blowing the remote start unit.
-Different installer, worked for a few months, then BAM, BCM failure. At the request of Dealer, remote starter was removed and BMC replaced.
-Asked the dealer if they had a recommended installer and asked the Service Guy if it’s safe for me to try the recommended installer. Followed his advice and a few months later, BAM, BMC failure.
-I have since then have it removed and gave up on the remote start..
Cons
-About once every six months, the Lock/Wrench indicator comes on. That means no power door/windows/radio. Shutting off the engine for a minute, it reset itself.
-Occasionally, shifting to park will not cause the door to auto unlock.
-Last week, shifting to park will not cause the door to auto unlock, the car radio indicated 12:00. The same day for no reason the car would not start. I always have a booster pack on hand and saved my but a few times. Since this episode, all is well.
Follows are items that I find unacceptable for the first three years in the life of a vehicle.
-Wind noise leak, front right door. I had it repair under warranty. Of course when the warranty expired I had to pay for body work because structurally the door hinge support had to be redone.
-Front well bearing replace about one a year? This is not a good thing. Under warranty
-Wiper controller, under warranty
-Water leak inside left real lens of brake light, it would fill up like a glass of water until the water reached the bulb and blow. I have silicone the thing and it appeared fixed.
-Last nigh, the car now has a fait whistle noise.
-Interior heat thermostat control. In order to ensure I have full heat, I must slowly turn the knob from Hot(right) slowly turn the knob towards the center until I hear a POP sound then I can put it back full right and get full heat.
-The first year, the heater/flan blower started to vibrate and I could feel it quite pronounced in the steering well. Under warranty.
-Had the replace my car battery after 3 years. This is not good.
-Interior Radio Clock loses time
-Horn location, visibility on steering well, makes it difficult, press hard.
-Front suspension single audible knock when vehicle starts moving. Out of warranty.
-Key ring Plastic Remote break. Used glue to re attached.
-Driver, lumbar knob keeps falling off.
Over all I am displeased with GM. My last three vehicles when GM and now moving to the other side. The fact that they are in financial difficulty does not inspire confidence either.
Has been in the dealer's shop 8 or 9 times. Has 5k miles. Go figure. I should have got the Honda!
Keep trying to prop up the image of the RDV jk27 but faced with reality it is a losing battle.
While I don't blame you for moving away from GM, the fact that even people who are happy with their GMs are going to Japanese campanies just makes it all worse. Japanese cars aren't perfect either.
Strange that you had so many issues, the Rendezvous is rated well by Consumer Reports.
Thank Goodness I have cold air again!
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/
I was glancing through and found the issue with the wet floor. They do not tell you what the fixes are for these problems, but at least show some of the issues.
I was looking at a 2002 CXL w/ 30K on it, but after reading the stuff on here, I have reconsidered the purchase. The vehicle has been relatively trouble free (2 repairs -- one very minor, the other a bad sending unit for the fuel guage) and still has warranty from the factory for a couple months, but I don't need a troubled child if they are that bad. If I haven't ticked the dealer off yet, I might be able to get a hold of the Service Bulletins for the Air Conditioning that they have. I really do like the vehicle......but is it worth the gamble?...the price is right too.....
I would suggest you take your car to a glass shop and ask them to super glue the mirror on for you. I have been an auto. claims adjuster for over 30 years. I am not happy with my new 04 Rendez and am working to trade it very soon. There are far, far, too many issues with these cars, my tires are so rocking hard, it's unbearable and giving me spine problems. They are affinity tires. Dealer won't work with me on them. I don't know if anyone can help. As for your mirror issue, bag the appointment with the dealer if you can, and go to a reputable glass shop for auto glass. Just walk in, tell them it came off, and ask them if they would be kind enough to super glue it for you. Most of the time, you'll find them very happy to do so, because they'll expect you'll be back when you need a windshield replaced. Gail
Mine is a late 04, purchased in April of this year. Put the Ac on last week, went up on a highway, and the whole car shook. You will see my note somewhere on the bulletins about this. I never heard it again, and I have yet to "feel" that horrible vibration. I am trying to convince myself that I didn't have the control knob properly in the right spot between 1,2,3,4, & 5 on the control knob, and maybe cause it to roar. I hope I'm right. My noise was very loud, as well as a big vibration. It was enough to make me think something seriously was wrong with the car and then after I shut the a/c off, it went away. Dealer unable to duplicate alot of what we talk about here..I appreciate your saying how you enjoy the CXL and that it took some time to get used to it from a van. I gave up a dodge caravan which I have been in for 20 years (3 of them, all from being new), and never had any issues with them. I miss the comfort and find the rendez is not a comfortable vehicle, for my spine which is not very strong. The caravan, I could easily ride in for 3-4 hours with no pain. I can't go 1 hour on the road, without such pain. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Gail
It's Gail with the 04 Rondy. I have just 3000 on it and at 1500 I mentioned it and they told me it's "normal" because the breaks weren't "used" and once they get broken in, that would go away...... :O( What I really dislike is the tire situation..they are very hard, and the car bounces terribly like it's out of control. I don't know what to do about that. They tell me the tires are fine, just "aggresive." I don't want the hard knocking ride..it just vibrates everywhere, even on brand new hwys! Any thoughts? The only other issue relative to what you mentioned about the rust in rear wheels, is that my front wheel hubs are totally black with what looks like charcoal. I am always wiping them off with a cloth. Dealer tells me "just normal front wheel brakes" ..never had ABS so I don't know who's kidding who here.
As I have pointed out before, Consumer Reports notes that each and every model year of the Rendezvous has improved in regards to repairs and reliability. The 2004 Rendezvous was the first Consumer Reports "recommended" model year for this vehicle. The 2004 was an above-average overall predicted reliability rating. The 2002 had a below-average overall predicted reliability rating.
I have never seen an RDV sitting along the side of the road with car trouble. I have seen Hondas, Toys, Fords, Chev. I noticed on spring break on I75 through Kentucky that there were 5 or 6 Hondas along the interstate. Seemed to be a higher ratio than the population ratio.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,