Problems with 2002 Buick Rendezvous ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick rendezvous. the contact stated that the all wheel drive light illuminated and displayed disabled on the instrument panel. he was informed that there was water intrusions flowing from under the carpet to the drain and fuel pump harness. he stated that the abs harness was affected by the condensation from the air conditioner, which is causing the failure. the repair would cost $1,500. the contact also stated that the fuel gauge does not show the proper amount of fuel. the speed was unknown. the current and failure mileages were 58,425. updated 08/30/07. *jb

My 2002 rendezvous was purchased mid-year 2005. at first there were only small flickers in the headlights, like blinking quickly. the auto electrician said our battery was overcharging and replaced it. about 6 months ago,my car wouldn't start, no sound at all like the battery was dead. bought another battery and two days later it wouldn't start again. again electrician looked it over, could find nothing. soon my door locks began to lock and unlock by themselves even when the car was off and no one was in it. coming home one night on a very dark road, all of my lights went out, inside and out. there was no where to pull over and no outside lights. it scared me bad. the weather sensor would say there was ice on the road when it was 95 degrees outside. when it was really hot one day some kind of lock was put on my air conditioner ,power door locks and windows and i thought i'd suffocate before i got to work. the car did the sensor lock by itself. i have paid another 145 dollars to the auto electrician to try and trace what we thought was a ground fault. he ordered the electrical schematics and traced all grounds and could find nothing. the only way we could reset the computer was to unhook the battery, then hook it back up. i haven't driven this car in 6 weeks because it is so unreliable and dangerous to drive. i can't afford to keep paying people to fix something that we're not sure is the problem. from reading complaints on the internet, i'm not the only one dealing with this. someone needs to do something before there is a bad accident stemming from this. *tr

I have a 2002 buick rendezvous and i believe it should be recalled. we have had many problems with this car! on top of our 400 dollar a month car payment we can not afford to replace all of these problems. our ac condenser and blower do not work properly. in fact only the two highest settings of the heater work on our car. so it's great driving hours to christmas knowing that our three young daughters will either be freezing or sweating. next the wheel bearings went. that was going to be a very costly repair. we purchased a wheel bearing at sturdevants to help us save money. then when that didn't fix the problem we brought it into the buick dealership again. only then did they tell us that they were recalled and replaced them for free. the 150 we spent personally to buy the wheel bearing? too bad gm said. the electrical unit does not work properly. the car will lose power or not start at all sometimes like the battery is dead, but then it will work fine 20 minutes later. my kids love sitting in a cold car when it's 20 below zero here in south dakota for 20 minutes until our car decides to start. this is great for the 8 month old baby. a small gust of wind hit our car door when we were getting out and now the whole darn thing is off it's track and ruining the front panel of our car. we can barely get the door open at all. another repair we can not afford. every spare dollar that we have gets put into this [xxx] car. we pay 400 dollars a month in car payments and the rest of our money fixing it. too bad for my daughters that we can't afford to put money in their college fund until we get a reliable car. only 3 more years left on our loan. wonder if the whole [xxx] thing will blow up before we get it paid off. we've only owned it 7 months!!!!!!*jb information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

None of the three buttons on my on-star system work; my plan is paid to dec. 2007. at the same time i discovered that the back turn signals and back hazard lights do not work (totally off while front ones blink too fast). *jb

The odometer reads "error" this problems prevents correct reporting of mileage to nys inspections, resale, warranty, calculation of tire and oil maintenance. *nm

Car's electrical system turns on and off while driving. car will not start. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated upon purchasing the vehicle, the instrument panel gauges were inoperable. also, the front driver side window would not operate up or down, and the exterior brake light located above the rear window did not illuminate. the service dealer or manufacturer were not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the consumer also stated the brakes were defective. once the vehicle is driven for a while, the brakes began to make noise. updated 12/01/06. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while driving at night, the headlights and the dashboard electronics failed to illuminate intermittently. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the bcm module; however the problem was not corrected. upon further inspection the dealer could find no problem.

Dt*: the contact stated after starting the vehicle, there was an error message on the dashboard, the power controls were inoperable and the lights did not work intermittently. the dealership determined the body control module needed to be replaced.

I was driving in the dark and the lights shut off almost causing a crash, luckily, i was able to pull over in time, but this issue affects all the lights so no one can see me stopping. *jb

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 http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_75095.html. *jb

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 800.00 +++ 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 450.00. 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. *jb

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. *nm

Main computer failed and has been displaying "error" for yrs. the exact mileage is unknown. leaking gaskets and intake valve. the most current issue is the leaking gas tank. the gauge is also wrong. the smell of gas is nauseating. there is a recall for this issue, but not my vin. gm couldn't possibly care less and it infuriates me that the government bailed them out. i will never buy gm again!! fortunately for them, i live in a state where there is tort reform and can't get in on the class action lawsuit. i have also spent lots of $ on this lemon and can't afford to fix it or replace it. hopefully i won't catch fire or blow up! it's no wonder why most people buy foreign cars, they are made better!!! i will be contacting an atty. to pursue a suit against them as an individual. they can also expect complaints on every avenue i can find. i also call them relentlessly and make sure they record all my complaints and concerns. best of luck to all....so unfortunate. *tr

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. *jb

Rear wiper in 2002 rendezvous turning on when the button was not depressed. followed by, all lights flashing on and off while driving causing the vehicle to go into security/locked mode. security mode keeps all cabin lights on, but all the other lights still flicker. resolution not found as of yet. *jb

Buick rendezvous 2002. awd disable light ongoing problem. dealer can't diagnose the problem after 3 times in the repair shop. *nm

Car just shuts off will not start for 15 min. then runs ruff after 30 min will start and run fine up to a week or a month no will not run at all. it is the wiring from bcm to fuel tank and now bcm is bad reading some foreign language also smell gas after fill up. *tr

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.*jb

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. *jb

Bearings and sensor on anti lock went out. car stopping, locking up, not re-starting. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 buick rendezvous. while driving 45 mph, the interior lights dimmed for approximately three seconds. the dealer was unable to diagnose the failure; however, they replaced the electronic brake and traction control module along with the body control module. the failure continued. the dealer stated that the hvac control head and the battery caused the failure. the contact stated that her husband replaced both parts and there had been no further occurrences. while driving 35 mph, the contact heard a clinking noise coming from underneath the vehicle. the vehicle then shut off without warning. the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. the contact took the vehicle to a different mechanic and he stated that the transmission failed. as of november 8, 2007, the mechanic had not repaired the vehicle. the contact stated that the front passenger side electronic door locks would not operate. as of november 8, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. the failure mileage was 45,000 and current mileage was 65,000.

2002 buick rendezvous all the lights turn off and turn back on- there is not a loss of engine power. this has happened over 50-60 times in the last year. lost count on the previous years before that. we've been to the dealer twice and they state they can not get the problem to happen (while in the shop), and without it happening at the precise time, they can not fix the issue. it's only a matter of time until something really bad happens. we want to sell this vehicle, but i can't sell it myself knowing this will happen to the buyer. dealer will not give us even close to a trade in value (pricing obtained from three separate sources) stating the vehicle is plagued with electrical problems. *tr

Dash instruments and remote access clicker failed. we had no speedometer or any other engine indicators and could only gain access with key in door lock. after one week delay waiting for a new cluster it was replaced. two weeks later, same problem and dealer again replaced the instrument cluster. upon picking car up from the dealer it was driven home and parked in front of garage. next day same problem again but, when door was unlocked with the key, smoke was observed inside. as soon as 911 call was made, car burst into flames and blew out windows, and sunroof 10 feet into the air. by the time the fire department arrived (located only 1/4 mile away) car was fully engulfed in flames and subsequently totally destroyed. if it had not burned, we'd have returned it to the dealer for the third instrument cluster.*ak

Dt: the contact stated while driving there was flickering and clicking coming from the dashboard. all of the lights went out and the vehicle began to idle. although the vehicle went into gear, it would not move when the contact took foot off the brakes. the vehicle was towed to a mechanic , who replaced the electronic control module (ecm). the vehicle was then towed to the dealership to have the computer reprogrammed. prior to this incident, there were other components replaced on the vehicle which the dealership stated were related to the aforementioned failure. also, the dealership stated that there may be other problems with the vehicle. however, the ecm needed to be replaced before they could be diagnosed. *ak

Our 2002 buick rendezvous began acting up shortly after purchase. once when it happened, we called the buick hotline number on the window sticker & the onstar people. buick guy said sorry not under warranty & a certified center would have to look at the problem as it was happening. onstar couldn't offer any advice. when the vehicle was taken to buick for a recall/latch repair, we asked about this problem & were told unless they saw the problem right then they couldn't help. obviously, i was driving the car & it was starting and running like it should. the problem: pulled into a non-buick garage to get vehicle inspected. when mechanic was done he pulled the car out of the bay & parked it turning off engine. i got in to leave & engine cranked but wouldn't start. this happened before in our driveway but we thought it was a fluke. the mechanics couldn't figure it out so we left it there for them to work on. when staff went to start the car an hour later it ran just fine. another time, my finger slipped while turning the ignition key so i went to turn it a second time. the car would not start, or if it did it would stop, as if choking out & not getting gas to the engine. i tried several times then gave it 30 minutes to sit & it then started. another time we pulled up to a gas pump, got gas, got back in, & the same problem...had to let vehicle sit where it was for 20 minutes without cranking the ignition then it started fine. again: on a weekend while shopping, pulled into a parking space & cut off the engine; realized needed to go to the bank first & when attempted to restart the car, it kept shutting off. now, finally, i am very lucky if this car will start at all. took it to my friendly garage, thinking it needed a new starter, & they cannot find the problem. am now on my way to a local buick service center, which will no doubt cost me an arm & a leg for something it seems like has been problematic with this ...

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. *jb

2002 buick rendezvous consumer returned from a trip and found battery dead. next morning consumer gauges were not working. *ts 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. *jb

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. *nm

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. *nm

Dt*: 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.

Dt: 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.*ak

The vehicle experienced total electrical failure and would not start. the car radio, door locks, and instrument panel would repeatedly light up and turn off even with the key out of the ignition. the body control module had to be replaced. buick refused to honor the warranty on this part. as a result, i paid $575 for the repair. *tr

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.

The service engine soon light came on. my manual suggested this has to do with the emmissions system and my person that does my oil changes had told me that they should change the fuel filter and clean emissions system. i took and had the previously mentioned done. light still on. i took the vehicle to dealer who said that the computer indicated a transmission solonoid but they would replace the transmission fluid and filter and hope that would unstick solonoid. to drive for a few days and see if it cleared. light stayed on. i took to an independent mechanic and he took transmission apart, checked all parts (including the solonoid) all parts were fine. however, he did put in a new solonoid. light was still on. he consulted gm (buick) database to learn that this is a wiring problem that gm is aware of. that there is a short somewhere in the wiring and can cause transmission to burn up.

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. *jb

2002 buick rendezvous 3.4 engine would not start after travelling approximately 200 miles and ignition was turned off. check engine light did not illuminate at any time during travel. engine water temp. was normal. gasoline consumption was 1/2 tank. engine would turn over but would not start during 45 minute try. vehicle towed for 50 miles to gm dealer. after being towed, vehicle let down from tow truck and started with no problem. engine continued to operate normally for remander of trip, approx. 50 miles. vehicle continues to start normally. did not have dealer diagnose problem. *ak

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.

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. *la

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. *ak 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. *sc 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.*jb

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. *ak 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. *nm

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. *mr

While driving at any speed and when the air conditioner is used interior will not cool in the vehicle. consumer contacted the dealer, and dealer found that air conditioner condencer malfunctioned. also, dashboard lights flashed and went out. then vehicle stalled at any speed. *ak

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. *nlm

The headlights on my 2002 buick, rendezvous kept going out for no apparent reason. i took the car to the shop (vanatta buick in vestal ny) and they said it could be the body control module. they scanned the data output and found several codes that indicated a malfunction of this unit. i had them replace the unit. they covered the cost of the unit and i payed the labor.. the problem has not occured sense the unit was replaced. it is my opinion that this malfunciton is a very serious problem. in my situation the several times that the lights went out, ii was not in a dangerous place (ie on a super highway going 65 mph) if i had been in that situation, the second or two the headlights and dash lights were out could have had fatal consequences-- such as a deer crossing the road or worse yet, a person on the side of the road. *ak

While driving transmission jerked and won't shift properly from second to third gear. dealer replaced the transmission. also, in the last past five months, the liftgate hinges/tie rod, and ignition switch had been replaced. *ak gears and tires were replaced, but problem still exists. *ph

Corrosion of waterproof connectors in electricial systems and water and corrosion in tail lights

Vin [xxx] on way to lemon law arbitration continued malfunction of computer components, security system, electrical system(s) independent diagnostic by certified technician requests vehicle to be garaged not driven due to danger. dt information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

The electrical system locked up. *jb

while driving instruction panel lights go out, and vehicle loses all electric power.,etc head lights, power windows, etc.*ak