2002 Buick Rendezvous

The 2002 Buick Rendezvous was a mid-size crossover SUV offering a blend of car-like handling and SUV versatility. It was available with two engine options: a 3.4L LA1 V6 producing 185 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6L LY7 V6 added later in its production run. Both engines were paired with a 4T65E 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often liked the Rendezvous for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and available all-wheel drive. Common complaints included issues with the electrical system, specifically the instrument panel, and drivetrain issues relating to the transmission and the all-wheel drive system.

Engine

3.4L LA1 V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, loss of power. Can lead to engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Lower Engine Cradle Mounts
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive noise/clunking, engine mounts breaking down and causing damage.
  • Solution: Install aftermarket lower engine cradle mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65E 4-Speed Automatic

• Hard Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, slipping between gears, especially between 2nd and 3rd gear. Can be caused by worn valve body, or a failing torque converter.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement/rebuild or complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $2,800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, air compressor not engaging, “Service Ride Control” message displayed.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mounts Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive Noise/clunking, steering issues, general instability.
  • Solution: Replace both strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Panel Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge) malfunctioning or not working at all. Often caused by solder joint failures on the circuit board.
  • Solution: Replacement of the instrument cluster or repair of the existing cluster (resoldering).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down or operating very slowly.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking properly, or not responding to the key fob or power lock switch.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Power Liftgate Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Liftgate not opening or closing properly, or not responding to the button. Struts failing.
  • Solution: Replace the liftgate struts or the motor for the power liftgate.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof leaking, getting stuck, or not opening/closing properly.
  • Solution: Clean the sunroof drains, repair the sunroof motor or mechanism, or replace the sunroof seal.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Buick Rendezvous, while appreciated for its comfort and space, is prone to several common issues. The most prevalent relate to the engine (intake manifold gasket), transmission (hard shifting/slipping), and electrical system (instrument panel and power windows). The severity of these issues can range from minor annoyances to major mechanical failures, with repair costs varying accordingly. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision. It is recommended that buyers get a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic.