Mechanic stated that intake manifold gasket had failed. This caused engine oil to flood coolant system and coolant to flood engine. Engine needed to be replaced, costing ~$3600. Mechanic stated this is a well-known-problem with this make/model/year. After researching and seeing no remediation by GM, this complaint was filed based on the volume of complaints reported for the same issue.

- Ballston Lake, NY, USA

I just found this link today. I have been having several problems out of my 03 Rendezvous. I had my brakes changed, and everything has went to hell. The brakes rattle, my AWD disabled, and my anti-lock system light is on. I had this problem previously looked at in August 2010. Once the rotors were turned it seemed to have solved the problems. Since the warm weather has returned, the problems has started back. In addition to the brake system problems, I am looking into possible intake manifold being replaced or repaired due to antifreeze leakage. Any help will be useful. Thanks!

- Ripley, MS, USA

October 21, 2010, williamstown, NJ- engine and engine cooling system at 51,000 miles had to constantly add coolant every week; never saw any leaks in the cooling system. SUV now has 87,000 miles, cooling system continues to get very hot, had the thermostat replaced Oct. 8, 2010, engines continues to get very hot in just a 8 mile drive. Also, motor oil continues to show up in the overflow/coolant adding container. Checked cooling fan operation and both fans are working.

- Williamstown, NJ, USA

At 38,000 miles, was told by my service man that I had small head gasket and intake manifold leaks resulting in coolant loss. Was told repair would be about $700, and if the leaks got worse it could jump the bill up to 3,200 dollars. Contacted the dealer about this problem, they kind of chuckled and were very aware of the problem but as of 4/19/09 there is no recall. From internet research this is a very common problem with this car. Looking at all the complaints on this site, it shows it is a very common problem. GM is neglecting their responsibilities by not doing a recall. Something needs to be done about this.

- Cherry Valley, IL, USA

We have a 2003 Buick Rendezvous with 60,000 miles. The car has been maintained according to the manual. We have twice experienced lower intake gasket failure which resulted in two expensive repair bills. Luckily the leaks were noticed before they could cause engine failure. During the last failure, we had lost most of the coolant, which was not indicated by the "low coolant" alarm. Luckily we had the vehicle in for window service at a GM dealer and they noticed the problem during routine inspection. We were told by the dealer that the previous repair, which was done at another dealer, did not correct the problem because they had failed to notice the head gasket seals which were leaking and led to the intake gasket failure. They did replace the head gaskets and seals at "GM goodwill" with no costs for the parts. We have now spent over $3000 in repairs to this engine on something that should not have happened. I have seen other complaints along this line on other forums and I feel this should be addressed.

- New Carlisle, OH, USA

Our vehicle broke down in North Carolina Friday November 21st without any warning. The battery light came on and we are shut down. After towing to a local garage we were told there was no oil in the vehicle at all. We knew that the oil change had been done very recently and was coming due at 3000 miles but the oil life was still 38% meaning we still had oil and it was in good condition until the life was 0%. so the oil leak was a mystery. They recommended we leave the vehicle and replace the engine. We chose to drive on to Virginia since we were able to get it started and new oil put in. Checked all the way-no overheating etc. Called GM customer service and they told us to take it to the dealer for assessment. They finally gave us the bad news on Tuesday. Engine needs replacement. We were stranded in DC for 6 days waiting on GM to tell us if they would assist with engine replacement and they will not. Had to leave our vehicle there and come home. Now they want us to pay $6000 for a new engine on a vehicle worth $8000, Buick Rendezvous 2003 with 55K miles. We have complete maintenance records showing we took very good care of the vehicle. We found out there was a class action suit that involves our vehicle and relates to engine failure. Action ended Oct 2008 so we have no chance of participating-plus there is a Canadian class action for the same issues-we knew nothing from GM about defects that would cause our engine to fail. Now I am stranded at home (luckily I work from home but many others would be unable to work with out a rental). Can someone help with exposing this issue before many others suffer from this terrible lack of knowledge and failure by GM to face the problem? according to all research this has been an issue since at least 2004 and there have been tbs issued to dealerships.

- Manning, SC, USA

Intake gaskets on 2001-2003 (maybe more) leaks premature. Buick has known about this problem for years and has not done anything about this problem. Class action suit in Canada about this now. This problem gasket will leak without any indication and cause engine to over heat. Have to put the Rendezvous in the shop to have fixed( approx. $600) Buick will not help in the cost. Rendezvous has approx. 52,000 miles.

- Matoaca, VA, USA

Cooling system continues to get very hot after thermostat was replaced. If ac is on temperature gauge stays 3/4 quarters of the way. GM tested cooling fan operation and both fans are running. Pressure tested system for leak. Found rear head gasket leaking fluid. Per GM head gaskets would need to be replaced. Heads would need to be sent out and milled. Parts and labor would be around $1849.22.

- Easton, PA, USA

I have had to replace the front and back brakes and rotors in my 2003 Buick Rendezvous twice now - one at 36,000 miles and again just recently at 73,000 miles. I had to have $1200 worth of work on the transmission at 62,000 miles because a gasket was leaking and causing transmission fluid to leak into the anti-freeze. Buick knew of this problem and had changed the design in 2003, but after I had purchased my vehicle. Now, I have been told the transmission cooling lines are leaking. Didn't they notice that when I had the transmission work done or did they cause it? mechanic says it has been leaking a long time.

- Highland, IN, USA

03' Buick rederzvous (with 65000 miles) being told leaking of lower intake manifold while being serviced at dealership for brakes. Given estimates of $1200 for the repair job. To its credit Buick is helping with the tab (ended up of paying 400 out of pocket). While dealer was doing the intake job, he came back to say the water pump is also leaking which costs about additional 350 for the fix.

- Belle Mead, NJ, USA

I am writing to complain about the premature failure of the intake gaskets on the General Motors 3.4 liter engine. The failure most common with 2002 and 2003 Buick Rendezvous. My Rendezvous had 40,000 miles on it when the gaskets failed and was out of the 36,00 mile warranty. The first indication of the failure was that my heater was not blowing hot air. I took it into a local shop and the mechanic suspected gasket failure before even looking at the car stating that "this is a common problem with this engine and we repair 2 or 3 a month in our shop. The problem is you think you are just loosing (dexcool) antifreeze from evaporation during the summer but in the winter when you try to use your heater it does not heat properly. The engine does not leak antifreeze on the ground, it goes into your engine oil and can cause catastrophic engine failure if not caught quickly enough." I called my local Buick dealer to see if GM could help me out since my car was only 4.000 miles out of warranty. They said bring it in and they will look at it. They called me back and said it was the intake gaskets that failed and it would cost me $900 to repair. I called GM customer service and after a week of negotiations, I finally got my car repaired at a reduced price($360). Now I am worried about the damage that has been done to my engine after having engine coolant contaminating my engine oil. I was told by the Buick service tech. That "no coolant got into the oil. It goes outside the engine." That is very strange, because part of the repair is to change the engine oil. I want to make it clear that at no time was there ever any indication of any type of fluid leaking from the engine. If you google "GM engine coolant leak" more than 100,000 items come up on this.

- Belleville, IL, USA

I have an 03 Buick Rendezvous and the intake manifold gasket ($875) was identify by the dealership as the source of the problem at the same time my front hub bearings were fixed at just over $400 by the Buick dealership in New Jersey. The dealership took my money gladly and later that day I find out in this forum my vehicle should have been repaired at no cost to me. I find it hard to believe the service manager/dealership were not aware of this problem and the notice posted by GM. I feel used and abuse at this point and my vehicle is still have problems with leaking coolant/overheating even after getting the problem fixed. All I want from GM is justice for all us who work hard each day and have continue to support their company and products. I would like to be added to class action lawsuit, can anyone give me information on getting on that train. I found other consumers across the country and in Canada on this website with the same problems www.topix.net/forum/autos/Buick-Rendezvous/T1tik6gq01P6ghp7D/P3.

- Lumberton, NJ, USA

: the contact stated the engine intake gasket was consistently leaking. During the time of the leakage, the engine did not stall. When the engine coolant became low the engine would get hot. The vehicle was only at 50000 miles and the contact expressed that the vehicle should not be having these problems at this point. The vehicle was repaired at an independent repair shop. The manufacturer was alerted and determined there would be no reimbursements for the repairs because the repairs were performed by an independent repair shops; repairs would be eligible for reimbursement if performed by the manufacturer's dealer. Updated 7/7//2006 -

- Gold Canyon, AZ, USA