2006 Buick Rendezvous

The 2006 Buick Rendezvous was a mid-size SUV offering a blend of comfort and practicality. Engine options included a 3.4L LA1 V6 producing 185 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6L LY7 V6 producing 211 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4T65E 4-speed automatic transmission. People generally liked the Rendezvous for its spacious interior and smooth ride, but some disliked its fuel economy and perceived reliability issues.

Engine

3.4L LA1 V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, rough idle, and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant elbows
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, musty odor, and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace the coolant elbows.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L LY7 V6

• Timing Chain Wear/Stretching
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise on startup, check engine light with codes related to timing, rough running engine.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chains, guides, and tensioners.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Long crank, hard start, no start, check engine light, lack of performance
  • Solution: Replace the High Pressure Fuel Pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65E 4-Speed Automatic

• Shift Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, transmission stuck in a particular gear.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty shift solenoids.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or shaking at certain speeds, stalling, poor acceleration, transmission overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Rear Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, compressor not running, error message on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front end, excessive play in the steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as malfunctioning power windows, door locks, or lights, difficulty starting, or false alarms.
  • Solution: Replacement or reprogramming of the BCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle stalls unexpectedly, difficulty starting, loss of electrical power.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Liftgate Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Liftgate will not stay open on its own.
  • Solution: Replace the liftgate struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: One temperature on one side of the vehicle, another temperature on the opposite side.
  • Solution: Replace the climate control actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Buick Rendezvous faces several common issues, ranging from engine and transmission problems to suspension and electrical faults. While some issues like intake manifold gasket leaks are relatively inexpensive to fix, others like timing chain wear or BCM failure can be significantly more costly. The severity of these issues varies, but potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and have the vehicle inspected thoroughly before purchase.