2002 Buick Rendezvous problems & reliability
486 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Buick Rendezvous, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
15 complaints report injuries (21 injured, 1 deaths reported).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2002 Buick Rendezvous vehicles were involved in 6 fatal crashes with 6 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 115 | 24% |
| Electrical System | 103 | 21% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 65 | 13% |
| Suspension | 45 | 9% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 41 | 8% |
| Equipment | 40 | 8% |
| Power Train | 40 | 8% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 33 | 7% |
| Air Bags | 24 | 5% |
| Visibility | 23 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 70,250 miles (middle 50% between 47,039 and 105,000 miles), based on 368 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“My car has a gas tank leak from the intake tube. In 2007 I received a recall letter for this problem but it wasn't a problem until now. I'm the original owner and the car has only 130,000 miles on it. Can I get help with this repair? My local dealer doesn't want to talk about it.”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Feb 6, 2021
“Over heating for no reason. Sometimes the fuel line seems clogged or full but will act as if it out of gas. Have changed the alternator and distributor and the problem is still occuring. Was told that it was a radiator but there seems to be a defect with the fuel system. Some days it will start to run hot and if you…”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Nov 17, 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 buick rendezvous. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle and closing the door, the driver seat side air bag deployed without impact. The air bag deployed violently on the drivers head. The contact sustained head and face causing unconsciousness. In addition, left arm and…”
Air Bags · filed Aug 13, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
Engineering Analysis EA07006 · opened Apr 18, 2007 · closed Sep 13, 2007 · led to recall 07V349000
- FUEL TANK LEAKAGE
Recall Query RQ06009 · opened Dec 14, 2006 · closed Apr 18, 2007
Technical service bulletins
391 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Buick Rendezvous. The 10 most recent:
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 18, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or…
PIP5358D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 20, 2025
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8…
PIP4723J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 25, 2024
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician…
PIT5099H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 12, 2024
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician…
PIT5099H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 12, 2024
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to…
General Communication · Service Campaign · issued Aug 26, 2024
GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This…
24-NA-141 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 24, 2024
This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how…
16-NA-383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 28, 2024
This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
18-NA-099 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 17, 2024
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and…
24-NA-098 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 6, 2024
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2002 Buick Rendezvous has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2002 Buick Rendezvous?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 70,250 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.