Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Buick Rendezvous owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased my 2002 Buick Rendezvous cxl in early 2003. By 2004 I had to have the A/C condenser replaced, the shocks & struts replaced and numerous problems with the A/C. Then in summer of 2006 the car engine started misfiring and the car stalled out with smoke coming out of the hood, etc. Had it towed to Buick, they said the engine had a leak somewhere and water leaked into the oil...huh? Anyway, of course even though I had the extended warranty, I was just out of warranty and they refused to fix it. The option was to replace the engine for $6,000. This vehicle was already paid off and worth about $14K prior to the engine blowing up. I ended up selling it for $3K. Is this normal? I think not. I submitted my case to several "lawyer" claiming to specialize in this type of rip off activity by car manufacturers but they said it wasn't worth it to them to pursue it. …
Brought a new 2002 Buick Rendezvous cx from a dealer. At about 10,000 miles the car started having numerous problems that were beyond normal wear and tear. Starting with the engine light and other problems. They were repaired under the warranty. But about 24,000 and without warranty, the car got overheated for a 15 minutes traffic jam. Turned out the front wheel bearing needed to be replaced, and the ac sensor wasn't working. Replaced the front wheel bearing sensor. About 6 months later, the other wheel bearing needed to be replaced. Just about 1 month ago and 35,000 miles later, the overheated problem happened again, compounded with the A/C linkage, and the ABS sensor wasn't working. I paid $1,200 for fixing the overheat problem and replacing the ABS sensor. I didn't fix the ac linkage because it would cost me another $900!! …
When driving 55 MPH rear right tire blewout. This caused the consumer to pull of the road and change the tire. Consumer stated that the tire looked like it just melted ,and there were no objects and the road. This was a Firestone tire. The consumer noticed that the passenger side front floor mat was wet. The technician determined that the A/C evaporator drain was clogged due to leaves coming from the windshield cowling. The dealer cleaned the drain and removed the leaves. The left front hub and bearing had excessive play and were noisy. The check engine light illuminated. The trouble codes indicated that the gas cap May have been loose. The vehicle body control module (BCM) failed and had to be replaced. It caused the security lights to remain on, the A/C not to work and at night the horn would sound when the vehicle was off. …
A/C condenser failure in 2002 Buick Rendezvous. In late July 2005, I noticed that the air conditioner was not blowing cold air. In August, the car dealer service department looked at the problem, and determined that the A/C condenser failed, and would need to be replaced, at an estimated cost of $1,000. I refused service. This car is only 3 years old, and is garaged and driven in pennsylvania. The A/C is used for approximately 6 months out of the year. Why would this part fail after 18 months of use? When looking at the NHTSA web site listing of reported problems, I found many instances of this condenser failure in the 2002 Rendezvous, Pontiac aztek, and the Chevy venture van. All of these car models have the same condenser part installed. Is there any technical service bulletins issued for this problem?
The consumer stated the horn would blow and the radio would come on for no reason. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection; however the mechanic could not duplicate the problem. The consumer had taken the vehicle to another dealer and they fixed the module the same day. There has been no other problem. Currently the vehicle is in security mode. The consumer was unable to open the windows and the rear doors. The consumer noticed the floor mats were discolored , it was determined that the air condition system had malfunctioned. There was a screeching noise in the steering column, but no problem was found. The left front hub and bearing was replaced the brakes were replaced.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Buick Rendezvous. When the brakes were applied at 5 MPH, the vehicle slid and felt as if it were driving over gravel. The vehicle took approximately 5-10 seconds to completely stop. The road conditions were not a factor. The dealer replaced the left and right wheel bearing as well as the control module. The current mileage was 71,000 and failure mileage was 68,000. The consumer stated has always had off and on problems with brakes the problem being if brakes are applied under 30 MPH they will not respond the car feels as if you are sliding. The consumer stated that the anti lock light comes on. The dealer stated ac not working properly. Updated 08/28/07
The air conditioning stopped blowing cold air on our 2002 Rendezvous. When we took it to the dealer we were told that the condenser needed to be replaced at a cost of over $800.00 and that the intake gasket also needed to be replaced. We ended up having both replaced at a cost of over $1500.00 to us. When having repaired we were told that both of these problems are very common on GM vehicles. We were past warranty so the dealer was of no help with the cost. After reviewing other complaints on the NHTSA web site, it appears that both of these parts are failing and GM needs to take responsibility for the repairs.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Buick Rendezvous. While at the dealer for regularly scheduled maintenance, the contact was informed that the vehicle needed new brakes, rotors, and a body control module. All of the parts were replaced. Most recently, the air conditioner began blowing hot air and the dealer replaced the core assembly shroud valve, in addition to the hose that connects to the shroud valve. The air conditioning failed again and the vehicle is currently back at the dealer. The current mileage was 64,352 and failure mileage was 58,468.
Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 2002 Buick Rendezvous with 200 failure mileage at 55 MPH the vehicle had no heat. The dealer accessed the vehicle and determined that there was a factory defect in the vehicle that caused no heat when the climate reached a certain temperature. The current mileage was 40,409. The consumer has included a letter to the better business bureau regarding the defect and would like to be reimbursed for the repair. Update 05/04/07
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Buick Rendezvous. When the engine was started the contact could hear the engine rods and lifters knocking. The noise would stop after 3 mins. The contact has kept up with regular maintenance on the vehicle. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer for this problem. The contact also stated that the fuel level sensor failed and the air conditioner recharge unit failed and he has had them repaired. The current mileage was 56000 miles.
AC & Heater complaints in other Rendezvous years
Frequently asked questions
How common are ac & heater problems on the 2002 Buick Rendezvous?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the a/c & heater of the 2002 Buick Rendezvous, 7% of the model year's 486 complaints. The component named most often is appliance › air conditioner (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Buick Rendezvous ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for the 2002 Buick Rendezvous, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Buick Rendezvous ac & heater problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.