NHTSA — Power Train: Driveline: Differential Unit Problems

4.0

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
30,333 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Buick Rendezvous drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2002 Buick Rendezvous Owner Comments

problem #3

Oct 062006

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Three safety related issues with my 2002 Buick Rendezvous cxl. The ABS sensors failed which was a difficult problem to diagnose as the problem was actually caused by water in the insulation to the sensor wiring harnesses. I'm now being notified of a front wheel bearing problem that has not yet reached a formal recall. Second issue involves the AWD rear axle assembly (differential). Moaning noises start in the rear end, in low speed turns such as parking lot maneuvers. Occurrence increases in severity and frequency fairly quickly. The rear axle is to be replaced by the dealer under my extended warranty. But I notice that this is not a random or unusual problem with this year/model Buick. I would think that both of these issues due to their rate of occurrence would trigger a formal recall. Why does the rear drive axle continue to fail" if it should fail catastrophically, will it pose a safety issue, especially if highway speeds are involved and the vehicle becomes unstable"

- Pembroke, MA, USA

problem #2

Apr 082006

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles
Two safety related issues with my 2002 Buick Rendezvous cxl. The front hub ABS sensors failed at 51,000 miles (left side) and 58,500 miles (right side). Difficult to diagnose the problem until actual failure and error code. Meanwhile, the brakes are very erratic at low speeds. Often long stopping distance while the pedal pulsates severely. Vehicle pulls severely to one side. Dealer replaced a wheel hub the first time it happened. They rewired the ABS sensor on the other front wheel the second time. It was corrected when finally diagnosed but, particularly with the first incident, we had to drive the car with unsafe brakes until the error code would register and the dealer would perform the repairs. Second issue involves the AWD rear axle assembly. Moaning noises start in the rear end, especially in low speed turns such as parking lot maneuvers. Occurrence increases in severity and frequency fairly quickly. The rear axle assembly has been replaced twice by the dealer. Once at 27,000 miles and once at 55,000 miles. This is a $3,000+ repair and is no longer covered by warranty. Why does the rear drive axle continue to fail? if it should fail catastrophically, it will pose a safety issue, especially if highway speeds are involved and the vehicle becomes unstable. Not only is safety involved but the very high cost of replacement is unacceptable if it happens again.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #1

May 152004

Rendezvous 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles
Vehicle has 24,200 miles. Dealer says rear (AWD) differential is ruined and needs replacement. Dealer won't tell me if condition is dangerous. Odd noises noted five months ago. Second time to dealer. First time - no problems noted. Now tell me differential ruined by bad tires (manufacturers choice) - this not noted by dealer in June. If tires are not proper size, etc. "AWD disabled" light is supposed to illuminate. Have never seen this light on this vehicle.

- Elma, NY, USA

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