2004 Buick Rendezvous

Introduction

The 2004 Buick Rendezvous is a mid-size crossover SUV that offers a comfortable interior, capable handling, and a variety of engine and transmission options. It comes standard with a 3.4L V6 engine that produces 185 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Other available engine options include a 3.6L V6 with 245 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, as well as an optional CVT transmission.

While the Rendezvous has received praise for its spacious cabin, quiet ride, and smooth handling, some owners have reported encountering various issues with their vehicles.

Engine

3.4L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant or oil leak, overheating, rough idling, decreased engine performance
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 07V097000

3.6L V6

• Timing Chain Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or ticking noise from engine, loss of power, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace timing chain and related components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Shudder:
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration during acceleration or deceleration
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Shifting Problems:
  • Description/Symptoms: Jerking or delayed shifting, slipping gears
  • Solution: Update transmission software, replace solenoids or valve body
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Bearing Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Noises while turning or going over bumps, decreased handling
  • Solution: Replace strut mount bearings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain:
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery drains quickly even when not in use
  • Solution: Identify and repair electrical component draining the battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Switch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights turn off or flicker while driving
  • Solution: Replace headlight switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 10V165000

Exterior

• Windshield Wiper Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Wipers not working or working intermittently
  • Solution: Replace windshield wiper motor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin through the sunroof
  • Solution: Replace or reseal sunroof components
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heater Core Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: No heat or cold air from HVAC system
  • Solution: Replace heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Switch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working or working intermittently
  • Solution: Replace power window switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Buick Rendezvous has received mixed feedback from owners, with some experiencing significant issues while others have reported a relatively trouble-free experience. The severity and cost of the issues vary depending on the specific problem encountered. While some issues, such as intake manifold gasket failure, can be relatively inexpensive to fix, others, such as timing chain failure or heater core replacement, can be more costly.