Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Vehicle gave no kind of notice just started jumping out of gear going down the main road. It will jump in and out of gear and just stops shifting. Have to turn engine off then back on for it to go back into gear and sometimes that still does not work. Almost got hit from the rear because it jumped out of gear.
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. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Buick Rendezvous. While driving 45 MPH, the interior lights dimmed for approximately three seconds. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure; however, they replaced the electronic brake and traction control module along with the body control module. The failure continued. The dealer stated that the HVAC control head and the battery caused the failure. The contact stated that her husband replaced both parts and there had been no further occurrences. While driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a clinking noise coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle then shut off without warning. The mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The contact took the vehicle to a different mechanic and he stated that the transmission failed. As of November 8, 2007, the mechanic had not repaired the vehicle. …
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? …
Vehicle's rpms kept racing when gas was pressed. Eventually felt a slipping in gear when car was in drive. Soon it started happening in reverse. Took in to dealership for diagnostics and a test drive and was told no error codes came up and nothing was wrong. This continued to happen and about a week and a half later - gear shifting got much rougher and the vehicle would not move when initially put into drive, then would jump into gear - but would jump out of gear while driving! Brought it to another service company and was told it was major transmission problems. Vehicle only has 54,000 miles on it and is used mostly for local driving. I have heard about 4 others who have Rendezvous state that they are having transmission problems within the past month. Vehicle is currently undergoing extensive transmission work - shouldn't happen on such low mileage. Buick should be made to look into.
2004 Buick rendevous 64K miles - complete ato transmission failure - including transfer assembly. Occured 40mph with no previous signs or symptoms - almost caused rear end collision. Lost all gears, 1,2 and reverse - only 3rd barely operable. 5 miles from dealer - had to be towed. Superior Buick (kansas city) pulled pan - said lot of ground up metal. Initial cost $5K! Investigating other cases - finding GM knows of this problem - in some cases dealers buying back '02 rdv's. Finding this exact same occurance with other owners is not just a random - but many failures. Just 30 days ago also had to replace entire ac condenser unit $1,500 - now finding this too is a GM defect with lot of other rdv oweners. Will try to pursue vehicle back by from GM - seeing a lot of 'lemon' cases out there.
At 54,000 miles and only 2 weeks after the purchase of this vehicle the head gasket had to be replaced. After only 80,000 miles the transmission was replaced. The blower for the heat or air conditioner only works on three or above, the air conditioning no longer works, both rear coil springs must be replaced, an outer tierod is bad, two rear bushings need to be replaced, the front right control arm is broken, the drivers side window goes down but not up, it is leaking antifreeze and the tires keep going bad because they are wearing incorrectly. This car is a total piece of garbage. Every time I turn around it needs another repair. The cost of the repairs is almost as much as I have paid on the vehicle so far.
While driving 65 MPH vehicle suddenly lost power, was not able to shift any gears. Managed to pull over to side of road. Vehicle was towed to dealership, and the mechanic said that problem was had to with the transmission. The transmission began to slip and make noise while driving. The vehicle was towed and repaired. One week later the transmission suddenly failed while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they overhauled the transmission. The consumer has not faith in the transmission. The front left and right bearing separated occasionally.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Buick Rendezvous. The contact stated that after replacing the vehicles transmission cooling line to the radiator, the engine warning light illuminated. She also mentioned that the fuel gauge was malfunctioning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 145, 000.
Transmission complaints in other Rendezvous years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Buick Rendezvous?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Buick Rendezvous, 8% of the model year's 486 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Buick Rendezvous transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.