NHTSA — Electrical System Problems

2002 Buick Rendezvous (Page 4 of 5)

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,238 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Buick Rendezvous electrical problems

electrical problem

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2002 Buick Rendezvous Owner Comments (Page 4 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #22

Sep 032006

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,578 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At approx 20,000 miles my air conditioner unit went bad. I believe it was the condenser. At approx 23,000 miles my radio will stay on after we exited the car and would drain our battery. Took it to the dealer and found no problems. They regrounded the electrical system. After a couple of hundred miles same issue returned and didn't bother taking it to the dealer. At approx 30,000 miles we were getting a check engine light but dealer didn't find anything. They thought it was air in the fuel tank. Had same issues for a couple of times but didn't bother taking it to the dealer. At approx 45,000 -50,00 the computer unit went bad. The speedometer, odometer, temperature gauge and fuel gauge was going haywire. The dealer replaced the computer unit and at the same time they found the intake manifold gasket was bad. They went ahead and replaced it. At approx 50,00 - 52,000 the key cylinder went bad. I couldn't put in the ignition key and had to tow the truck to the dealer. I never had those problems with previous vehicles. Now at approx 57,500 miles there is a noise in the engine compartment. There's no noise when the engine idles when the car is stopped. When the truck starts speeding up you hear a hum in the engine compartment. The faster you go the louder it gets. It also gets louder if you steer to the right. I have to take it to the dealer to find out what's wrong. The problem is that after you get the car fixed, there's always some other things going bad. Once after another. I have to be at the dealer once a month. There is a website that you can reference to these similar incidents that correspond to what I have been experiencing. It is www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_75095.html.

- Colton, CA, USA

problem #21

Aug 272006

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles
I own a 2002 Buick Rendezvous. This vehicle has been nothing but trouble for me since the get go (2004). I have numerous amount of problems that are going on with my vehicle as other owners. All of these problems started at or around 70000 miles. The exterior lights and interior lights go off with out warning and for no reason for sometimes up to a minute (and this has happened at nightime) "major saftey issue" no one can tell us why the vehicle does this. The noise that comes from the front of the vehicle when driven at 45 mph or more is outragious...it makes an awful humming sound so loud that the radio can't be heard. The vehicle also will not start at times as well...for no particular reason at all...nothing can be found wrong with it all!!! it will stall or will not start at all after several starts and turn offs. It has also done this on inclines or after filling at the gas station once as well. If you go back and try to start the vehicle in about a half hour it will start...I figured this out after calling a tow truck several times...and by the time they got to me..they tried to start the vehicle and it started. The vehicle burns a qurt of oil every 3000 miles or so. Now my brakes are to the floor which I have recently had it to the shop again and the mechanic has told me that my brakes are fine that I need my ABS pump (master cylinder) replaced it is leaking $800 +++ just for the part alone hmmmmm"?" just another issue reported like all the above from other Buick Rendezvous 2002 owners. Oh and also my driver side window regulator has broke and that will be costing me $450. Passenger side door does not shut correctly now at all the hinges are messed up on these models. The door gets stuck all the time. All of these problems are problems that other Buick Rendezvous owners of the 2002 models are having and something needs to be done about it asap.

- Brooklyn Park, MD, USA

problem #20

Jul 062006

Rendezvous

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The electrical system reboots or becomes inoperable while driving. Replaced body control module twice and problem still exists. Service dealer cannot seem to duplicate problem and they don't get any readings off the system. This has been an ongoing problem for about 1 1/2 years and they cannot resolve it.

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #19

Aug 052006

Rendezvous

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have been having so many problems with our 2002 Buick Rendezvous. Took it to the shop so many times but they can not find nor fix the problem. Had electrical problems just couple of months after purchasing. Right now of 8/8/06 its currently in the shop for: 1. all external and internal lights including headlights and back lights turn off even while car is in drive. Turns off for about 6 seconds. Drove couple of nights when this occurred 1 incident on major highway while merging, almost an accident. Left in pure darkness. Happens anytime of the day. Safety issue that GM service has not yet fixed. 2. car goes on like a security mode. Service engine light soon indicator stays on, radio not work, ac not work, windows and doors lock, clock stops. Everything electrical locks up. Took this to the shop many times and still not fixed. BCM changed in 2004 to try to fix the electrical problems but did not work. 3. 1st time only SUV completely won't start. Last driven was July 31st 06 and it worked fine, it sat in the garage after. Next day of wanting to use it was Aug. 5th 06 would not start and tried to jump charge it but did not work. Had to get it towed out of our garage. My vehicle is currently being diagnosed for the electrical problems that it has been having. So far, no luck on what's the cause of it again. The internal and external light issue should really be addressed for this is something to be concerned about. Could possibly lead to an accident therefore it may be too late.

- Hanford, CA, USA

problem #18

Jun 292005

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,887 miles
: the contact stated after the vehicle was parked for a short time, it failed to immediately restart and when the engine restarted several electrical items failed to operate. The on-star, power windows, air conditioner, and power locks would not operate at all. The security system alert light illuminated after the vehicle started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced a modulator in the electrical system.

- Coloma, MI, USA

problem #17

Apr 062006

Rendezvous

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have a 2002 Buick Rendezvous that had been having some electrical problems. Lights would shut off going down the road, security locking things up, doors locking and unlocking on its own. On April 6th, it caught on fire, causing a total loss. The insurance company has been dragging their feet and now tell me that there has been 232 reports of electrical problems causing fires in the same make and model as mine. Therefore they now are calling in a pyro team? I just wonder if Buick should not be responsible for something is there has been so many problems.

- Carmi, IL, USA

problem #16

Mar 312006

Rendezvous 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

We purchased a 2002 Buick Rendezvous and been having electrical problems. All external and internal lights completely shuts off for 6-8 seconds and turns back on. We went to the dealer to have the problem fix but they can not find the problem because it is an intermittent issue. Been in the shop over 5 times and problem started couple of months after purchase and continues till this day. We purchased in Oct. 2001. Dealer changed BCM and problem still occurred. This is a great issue that needs attention! couple of nights driving on highway lights all shut off and highway not lit, extremely terrifying!! happens anytime of the day & any weather condition.

- Hanford, CA, USA

problem #15

Mar 012005

Rendezvous

  • miles
Transmission was kicking in and out and found out from transmission dealer that the electrical carriage was burnt and repaired/replaced. Now the gas gauge does not work, air conditioner quit and sensor for reversing quit as well. We are wondering if this carriage issue would control these other issues? there are a number of issues that continues to be a problem, that appears to be sensor/electrical related. We have also had several instances lately where the car would stall. We thought it was the battery, but the battery was fine.

- Savoy, IL, USA

problem #14

Aug 072005

Rendezvous

  • miles
2002 Buick Rendezvous consumer returned from a trip and found battery dead. Next morning consumer gauges were not working. The dealer installed a module to correct the gauge problem. The warning lights came on and the dealer installed another module to correct the problem. The next problem was the air condition blowing hot air, it was soon discovered that the incorrect module was installed. The dealer then notified the consumer that the radio kept the air condition from working and a new radio was needed. The consumer stated after the vehicle was jump started due to a dead battery, he began to experience all types of problems.

- Chapin, SC, USA

problem #13

Aug 262005

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,500 miles
While driving all electrics shut off- engine seems to keep running. This is especially troubling at night. There is a ding-ding battery display turns on briefly then all interior lights, dashboard, and exterior lights shut down for 2 to 3 seconds. This has happened to my wife 3 or 4 times and to me on a very dark road. We purchased the car used and had it 3 weeks -the dealer replaced battery which tested bad -the dealer took care of labor but we had to pay for the battery. 3 days later same issue occurred.

- Owatonna, MN, USA

problem #12

Jul 012005

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Restarting and delayed start on 2002 Buick Rendezvous. Only 7/1/05 stopped to fill gas tank. After refill, the car started and may have moved no more than 2 feet. Shut off and wouldn't re-crank for at least 15 minutes. On 7/5/05 took the car to master Pontiac in augusta, ga for diagnostics and they could not find anything that could have caused the problem. On 7/17/05, husband was driving the car. Took some friends home, shut the car off for 5 minutes. Tried to restart and car could not start. They tried for several hours before they had the car towed to master Pontiac augusta Georgia. On 7/18/05 the car was started immediately at the dealership. They could not find anything wrong with it. On 7/22/05 again at a gas station the car would not start after refilling. Had to push it out of the way and wait 30 minutes before it would start again. On 7/23/05 (Saturday) called master Pontiac and told service manager about the night before incident. He stated that the next time it happens to call them immediately. Though I truly appreciate the offer, I personally don't see how this will help, since they immediately will try and start the car and sometimes all you have to do is wait 15-30 minutes before it will restart. Master Pontiac has been very helpful, but unfortunately nothing can be found. I supplied the service manager with a listing of other complaints from edmunds forum to show them I'm not making up this problem. This is very frustrating especially when you do not know when the problem is going to happen. This is unsafe for mothers with small children. It's unsafe for anyone. There are numerous complaints regarding this on edmunds forum and something must be done. In addition to the above not starting problem, the car will 80% of the time have a slow start when cranking. Something is definitely wrong. The question is what.

- Martinez, GA, USA

problem #11

Jul 272005

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,850 miles
After operating my 2002 Buick Rendezvous for about an hour on a hot day, I turned off the engine for a few minutes (5) while I completed some errands. When I attempted to start the engine it would turn over but would not fire. I assumed the engine had overheated so I let it cool for 15 minutes and tried it again. No luck. This went on for the next hour. I finally let the vehicle sit for 45 minutes and it started right up. This has occurred 2 previous times and seems to be a recurring problem with this make and model. Buick refuses to admit to a problem.

- Sanford, ME, USA

problem #10

Jul 012004

Rendezvous

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
After running for a while if you shut the vehicle down and try to restart it within minutes it doesn't always want to start. The first time it happened I had the vehicle towed to the dealership. It was afterhours, so it sat overnight. The next morning when the service dept. Checked the vehicle it started right up. They put it on the computer and found no problem. The problem has happened 3 more times since then. I just let have to let the car sit for upto 30 minutes and it will start up again. I spoke with GM and they said there is really nothing they can do. The dealership can't duplicate the problem and therefore can't find a solution.

- Cooperstown, PA, USA

problem #9

May 092005

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles
Bought 2002 Buick Rendezvous cxl from carmax with 29K miles. Seemed to run ok for first couple months...at around 36K miles, the condenser went out at the same time as the odometer started to display "error". unacceptable for condenser to fail with just 3 years of light use. Also, had to replace instrument panel to get rid of error - took a week to ship the error panel to factory so they could read mileage and set on a new panel to ship back to the dealer. Luckily I purchased extended warranty, but I still have a 75 deductable for every repair and rental vehicle is not covered.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #8

Jun 142005

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving the body control module cut off the tachometer, speedometer, air compressor, headlights, and locked the windows to the car so that one could not row down the window. The body control module could go out at anytime while driving.

- Benbrook, TX, USA

problem #7

Jun 182004

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,600 miles
Various electrical problems. Horn only works some of the time. Sometimes engine will not crank only the warning lights come on but no engine crank. Various chimes for delayed door locking etc. Do not work. Special programmed features do not work such as removing the key from ignition should open locked doors. BCM has been replaced but problems persist. Dealer states they cannot recreate problems while in service. No events lead up to failures, just started to occur.

- Irwin, PA, USA

problem #6

Jun 152004

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • 62,000 miles
When driving 55 mph rear right tire blewout. This caused the consumer to pull of the road and change the tire. Consumer stated that the tire looked like it just melted, and there were no objects and the road. This was a Firestone tire. The consumer noticed that the passenger side front floor mat was wet. The technician determined that the A/C evaporator drain was clogged due to leaves coming from the windshield cowling. The dealer cleaned the drain and removed the leaves. The left front hub and bearing had excessive play and were noisy. The check engine light illuminated. The trouble codes indicated that the gas cap may have been loose. The vehicle body control module (BCM) failed and had to be replaced. It caused the security lights to remain on, the A/C not to work and at night the horn would sound when the vehicle was off. After the consumer locked the door the vehicle radio would come on. This caused the battery to drain and as a result the vehicle had to be jump started.

- Newport, RI, USA

problem #5

Jun 152004

Rendezvous

  • 62,500 miles
The consumer stated the horn would blow and the radio would come on for no reason. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection; however the mechanic could not duplicate the problem. The consumer had taken the vehicle to another dealer and they fixed the module the same day. There has been no other problem. Currently the vehicle is in security mode. The consumer was unable to open the windows and the rear doors. The consumer noticed the floor mats were discolored, it was determined that the air condition system had malfunctioned. There was a screeching noise in the steering column, but no problem was found. The left front hub and bearing was replaced the brakes were replaced.

- Newport, RI, USA

problem #4

May 222004

Rendezvous

  • miles
Car stalls while driving, or car will not start when left parked for minutes. Car was towed to local dealership 3 times during May 2004. It has happened on other occasions prior to May 2004, but only sporadically. Dealership can not duplicate or locate problem and keeps returning the car to me. Buick customer service will do nothing to help me. This car does not qualify for the lemon law because they can not find anything wrong with it.

- Juneau, AK, USA

problem #3

Nov 302003

Rendezvous

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
After about 1/2 hour of driving my 2002 Buick Rendezvous, all of the check bulb lights came on and the gauges went to zero. This lasted for about 1 second, and the engine did not shut down. It began to happen every few minutes and with greater frequency until it was occurring continuously. I pulled off to the side of the road, and after 20 minutes it appeared to go back to normal. After 20 more minutes of driving the same thing happened again. I took the car to the dealer and they said "the black box failed" and they replaced it.

- Lower Gwynedd, PA, USA

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