Leaking Intake Manifold Gasket

2002 Buick Rendezvous (Page 1 of 2)

8.9

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,440
Average Mileage:
94,750 miles
Total Complaints:
26 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. GM needs to own up to this common complaint (23 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
  3. replace intake manifold gaskets (1 reports)
2002 Buick Rendezvous engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Buick Rendezvous Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #26

Feb 062014

Rendezvous SUV 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 261,450 miles

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

Okay I really like the SUV. but have had big problems. Bought the truck 2.5 months ago. 2nd day the front right strut popped really loud. Mechanic said it was binding ( should not have passed the safety), and needed replacing. I fixed that and it was not too bad in price but still costly. 2 weeks later the wheels started grinding on one side. Hub was gone. Replaced the two hubs, costly again.

The gas gauge never worked since got it, was no big deal to me. Then one morning I was driving truck and it just stopped, died. There was 40 dollars of gas in it so I had no idea. Fought to start it, then I got driving about 4km and it died again. 4 times this happen before it would not start again. Took it to the shop and...... replace fuel filter 1st, didn't work, replaced the fuel pump...very expensive AGAIN. Started up and drove for 20 minutes then once it was turned off it died again. Replace intake manifold gasket....$1000.00. Now in 2.5 months, after $2300.00 and got the truck back but wow. I was a student at this time just finishing. This happen 4 days before I was to start internship. Long story short, lost that internship (out of town), almost lost my diploma cause of not doing internship, had to move in with friends due to all the shop bills. Single mom, lost a lot over this problem, and it has cost me over $6000.00 in less then 3 months and has left me homeless, in debit, and out of a job.

- rosehart, Strathroy, Ontario, canada

problem #25

Apr 202012

Rendezvous V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles

OK...I have 2002 CX with about 100,000 miles and it overheated! I had all the hoses replaced, flushed, etc, a $1,100 BILL ...then started overheating again..they told me because it overheated once (which as soon as the red light came on I pulled over). that it now needs a new head casket at $2,750! WTF? Really, I think I will just go buy a new car and it will NOT be a GM!! OH, they told me they are not sure if that would fix the problem either...what a con game...

- jeteye, Austin, TX, US

problem #24

Sep 222009

Rendezvous CXL V6 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 121,994 miles

overheating.....thermostat replaced for the 2nd time due to quick overheating......

- mcgntx, Pflugerville, TX, US

problem #23

May 292009

Rendezvous CX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,000 miles

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

Very unhappy with GM. Even the GM dealership stated that this had been and continues to be a constant problem with the 02 Rendezvous. GM is aware and have never stepped up to do the right thing. I will never buy another GM after talking to several repair shops and a GM service dept.

- Sandra V., Kentwood, MI, US

problem #22

Feb 052011

Rendezvous CX 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

i had my vehicle maintained and oil change per recommendation of the dealership. I left work to go to lunch and the security light system came on and locked everything up. I contacted the Buick dealership and was informed I had to bring it into there shop so they could run a dx on it, but it sounds like tike the key needs replaced. I paid 90.00 for the diagnostic and 12 point inspection. I sat for 2 hours for them to tell me nothing was wrong. 2 days later driving down the road and it shuts off while driving. no warning light nothing. I call the dealership, oh there is nothing we can do. I take it to a mechanic, who says the engine locked up and the dealership should have seen the issue. Now I have a 4000.00 bill in order to repair the vehicle

- cposeyohio, Columbus, OH, US

problem #21

Oct 112010

Rendezvous CXL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

Just noticed I have an antifreeze leak. Tried to troubleshoot the problem myself -but I can't get close enough to the area of the leak. It appears to be coming from the right-side (driver-side) and unless there is a loose hose (that i can't see) located very close to the engine I am afraid it might be a intake manifold issue.

This vehicle was been nothing but problematic, A/C condenser needs to be replaced, AWD disabled light is ON-I need to get that checked out again. This vehicle runs through antifreeze (even before the leak) and oil like crazy!! I don't know what the heck is going on. Can't wait to get rid of this piece of crap, it's to bad I still owe money on it.

- S J., South Euclid, OH, US

problem #20

May 172010

Rendezvous

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

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

Purchased the '02 Buick Rendezvous in May 2008. Everything seemed to be fine despite various warnings when I researched this vehicle. This vehicle is NOT good in colder climates and does not do well on hills/mountains. The vehicle started running hot, it ended up being due to a hole in the lower intake gasket which caused damage to the O2 Sensor and now also has to be replaced. A total of approximately $1200.00, and that's with a CHEAP mechanic. GM/Buick should have taken responsiblity years ago for this all too common problem and should have issued a recall. Ironic, they get bailed out by the Government, but where is the Consumers Bail out for a faulty product??

- Danielle C., Middle River, MD, US

problem #19

Mar 312010

Rendezvous CXL 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

This is the second time in 2 years.Dexron coolant screwed the pooch.THIS CAR SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Chris M., Jonesboro, AR, US

problem #18

Nov 122009

Rendezvous CXL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,000 miles

I went in for a normal oil change and was told that if I did not get the problem fixed, it could ruin the engine for good. They must think that I have a money tree. I will never buy another buick

- missick, Palatka, FL, US

problem #17

May 012009

Rendezvous CX V6 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

I noticed when I bought my car used that in ran a little hot all the time, but I never thought much of it maybe just the way the engine was made to run. After a while the engine started overheating and we realized there was very little coolant in the car. We added more and more and more, and now its to the point where we can't drive without keeping a gallon with us. We were a little confused as to what was wrong until I found this website, now we know and are getting rid of this car. My only advice never buy the first year a new model comes out. I have only heard this problem with the 2002 model, I think the later models don't have this problem, and of course and found out about the lawsuit too late to get anything, now I have to try and trade in a vehicle that I owe twice as much as its worth.

- Jennifer N., Mentor, OH, US

problem #16

May 052009

Rendezvous 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,659 miles

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

We have had the car for 6 months and the warranty just expired. We found out the antifreeze leaks into the engine and now the car is not running at all, the check engine light is on and it is sputtering and wanting to die out. It is going to cost $1600 to fix the stupid thing and we feel that GM should put a recall out on the manifold seal and fix them for people. We can't afford to pay for this and now it is sitting in our garage and we can't drive it and we still have to pay for something we can't use. We cannot afford another car and now we are without one due to this problem.

- tdillon, Avon Lake, OH, US

problem #15

Mar 012009

Rendezvous CX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,000 miles

I am truly saddened by the cost to repair the head on this car. After reading one of the other posts, I realized my car is doing the exact same thing. I took it to the dealership and was told that it would cost $2,200 alone in labor to take head out. Once they take the head out to send it to the repair shop, it will be an additional $500 and there is no guarantee that it will fix the problem. If the head can't be repaired, it would cost so much more and possibly need a new engine at the tune of over $5,000. I don't have that kind of money!

- Donna Marie J., Mission Hills, CA, US

problem #14

Mar 102009

Rendezvous 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

For anyone that has had this same problem call NHTSA @ 1-888-327-4236 & file a complaint!!!! If they get enough complaints they will investigate the problem which could lead to a RECALL!!!! If it ends up being a recall you could be reimbursed for your out of pocket costs!!!! NHTSA says that it will be over a period of time but who cares if I can get my money back anytime in the future it is worth the phone call!!!!

- rayann, Pittsburgh, PA, US

problem #13

Feb 132009

Rendezvous CX 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,100 miles

We noticed that the car was leaking anti freeze on the garage floor. Thinking we had a hose problem or perhaps a leak in our radiator, we took it into the shop to be fixed. I just got the call that it was going to cost $800 to replace the intake manifold gasket. I have used this garage for many years and know and trust the guys there. They told me they have had a lot of these problems (not just with Rendezvous, but with other GM engines also). Some cars have come in more than once to have this fixed. He told me there is a new gasket that they would be using that has proved to be more effective. I wonder how many pennies GM saved using the cheaper gasket?

- Tom C., Grand Rapids, MI, US

problem #12

Dec 102008

Rendezvous CX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

GM needs to really own up to this car and it's failure in almost every major aspect of mechanical reliability. I can't believe they got Tiger Woods to endorse this pile. As far as I'm concerned, I will never by a big three car again! They would have to show me a car that would last for 500K miles with no problems, and guarantee it, before I buy another heap of scrap metal from them!

- Ryan C., Rancho Cucamonga, CA, US

problem #11

Nov 172008

Rendezvous CXL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

This is the 2nd time I have had problems with the coolant leaking. What a pain on a vehicle with only 58,000 miles. Unfortunately I purchased used and still owe or I would just cut my losses and get rid of the vehicle. I still may if someone would take the vehicle. I will never own another GM vehicle. Maybe that is why they are looking for a bail out!!

- 2002lemon, Charlotte, NC, US

problem #10

Oct 312008

Rendezvous CS 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,000 miles

Well, according to the other complaints of $1500 dollar repairs, I guess my Buick dealership quote of $700 is a steal. He said it was a 7hr job. Seems the parts are not very expensive. He mentioned the Dex problem. After I checked here and found out about the class action lawsuit, I went to that sight and found out I have missed that deadline by a couple of days, and it only amounted to 50 bucks anyway.

- dobie1983, Franklin, OH, US

problem #9

Jul 012005

Rendezvous CL 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

I had the car 3 days and it ran hot! Not the best way to enjoy a car that you just bought! This was just the beginning of it's problems... 2 months later transmission had to be replaced. Then electrical system went bad and main computer had to be replaced( after I had a rental car for 5 weeks they gave me my car back) then last year the drivers side window mechanism broke and my window fell into the door frame and would not roll up! Then this past week it ran hot again and this time there is no warranty and I am having to pay out of pocket to get a $1600 repair to replace the intake gasket and the 2 oxygen censors that it took out when the coolant hit them........ The crazy thing is that I have loved this car when it wasn't giving problems>>> go figure?????

- wandaatkins, Gainesville, GA, US

problem #8

Jul 132008

(reported on)

Rendezvous CXL 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,849 miles

intake manifold gasket set was minor to the two transmissions I had to replace. To you who don't know there is a class action suit to recover some of the cost of the intake leaks. Go to DexCoolSettlement.com or call 1 866 245-4291

- John C., Springfield, MO, US

problem #7

Jun 302008

Rendezvous CX 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

damn.....i ran out of money to fix.....just tired of spending money on this lemon......i just replaced head gasket back in august 2006. i know i have high mileage on my car but can't believe it doesn't last even year and half....when i heard it will cost me $1095 plus tax to fix head gasket which i fixed it year and half ago....my eyes were just filled with water....just can't able to cry.......i have spend around $5000 in car that has nothing to do with wear and tear. I can understand i have to spend money on brakes, tires, oil changes etc time to time. I recommend everyone never buy a vehicle from GM especially when they introduce any new models.....wait and watch and see what other people have to say about that car.....Go for Toyota or Honda....

- alexpatel, Burlington, NJ, US

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