Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Buick Rendezvous. While driving approximately 25 to 30 MPH, the vehicle filled with smoke from the front interior vents. The contact immediately turned the ignition off and vacated the vehicle. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic shop where it was diagnosed that the windshield wiper motor caught fire. The wire harness from the fuse box to the firewall was replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that there was a recall, but the VIN was excluded. The details of the recall were not provided. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Was informed by a friend of an ntmvsa-related recall (number 07273) on their 2003 Pontiac vibe for a problem that has been happening on both of our 2002 and 2003 Buick Rendezvous. Window hardware deteriorates, resulting in the snapping of window support hardware. In most cases window glass drops totally inside the door and is irretrievable unless taken to the dealer, who charges for a repair. This has happened twice about a week apart in our 2002 Rendezvous. Also, the characteristic "popping or clicking sound" listed in the recall is happening on the driver's side window in both our 2002 and 2003 model Rendezvous, signaling that the window hardware is failing again. This results in a hazard situation in either extremely hot or extremely cold weather, regardless of glass breakage (which didn't happen in our case). …
2002 Buick Rendezvous otherwise known as the money pit. Seems that as usual our latest expense (101,000) is not covered under the recalls, due to the manufacturing date of the vehicle. Smelled gas for a week, then noticed gas gauge fluctuating, never showing empty even though trip odometer showed it had almost an empty tank. Mechanic stated crack in the fuel tank, but car was manufactured before the recall date, so Buick did not cover the cost of repairs. Have recently also experienced loss of all power to cigarette lighters, drivers side window fell down and entire regulator unit was replaced. Back hatch handle fell off, again. Rearview mirror also fell off. Ac fan will no longer blow at highest setting. These are all minor compared to the faulty ABS sensor, loss of traction control, ac condenser, tie rods, 2 replaced batteries, front wheel bearings, rotors. …
Bought used in 2004 with 45K miles. In 2006 I had to have the window control replaced. In 2009 at 70K miles I had to have main gasket on engine replaced (was told Buick knew of problem but refused recall) and 2 heads replaced as kept losing coolant & overheating. The very next year the body control module went out & had to be replaced. The ABS light has been on for years & no body, not even the dealer who replaced the control module, can get it to go out. Last year the fuel gauge quit working. This year the left front hub has gone bad at 170K so I can't say it wasn't due, but the overheating gauge keeps going into the red & the overheat light comes. Had it check and the thermostat is working fine, I am not losing coolant and the coolant is good, & there is no water in my oil. I can't drive more than 2 miles without the overheating light coming on & the gauge going into the red.
I am having electrical problems with my 2002 Buick Rendezvous. First, the power door locks, windows, air conditioner, radio and remote keys entry would lock. Then yesterday the vehicle lost all power while I was driving in traffic. Somehow I managed to turn a corner (without power steering) and park the vehicle. After waiting a while and removing and replacing the connection from the battery to the fuse box under the hood, I was able to get it restarted and return to work. When I tried to leave work, it died in the driveway. Again I was able to reset everything after several tries and park the vehicle. I am afraid to drive it. I also have problems with squeaky brakes, which have been bad since I purchased the vehicle but the dealer and an independent garage cannot find a cause. I also am starting to have problems with the coolant level going down with no visible leak.
2002 Buick Rendezvous, - sold by GM s "GM certified".. Only must have been a joke. From the onset, solenoid difficulties created dangerous situation on highway, called them and spoke rather bluntly... That was after many, many calls. Wipers didn't work in the rain... Would stick.. Very dangerous while driving. Intake manifold gasket - cost one thousand dollars.. Fuel gauge does not work. Car does not run.. Get stuck for the past two months, at least three times per week. Paid four hundred dollars to replace "things".. Still gets stuck.. Now car won't start. Sometimes, windows don't work, car won't lock or unlock, car won't start. At this point, car is dead. BCM? Who knows. Disaster car. It's a gift from god that we're not dead.
Dt*: the contact stated upon purchasing the vehicle, the instrument panel gauges were inoperable. Also, the front driver side window would not operate up or down, and the exterior brake light located above the rear window did not illuminate. The service dealer or manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The consumer also stated the brakes were defective. Once the vehicle is driven for a while, the brakes began to make noise. Updated 12/01/06.
The outside rearveiw mirrors are too big causing a blind spot in several areas. Shorter people as myself a 5'4" can't see over them also they are to wide causing a 2' blind spot for vision. They also have too large of mirror making the images in the rear appear like they are in front of you. Several missed accidents with bicycles and other cars due to blind spot. Contacted Buick and they said nothing could be done. Need to replace with smaller mirror.
My 2002 Buick Rendezvous cxl has a recurring problem with the windshield wipers. When I am driving in the rain and turn on the wipers, they do come on, but unless I turn my vehicle off and remove the key, the wipers will not turn off; nor will they change speeds. I will be taking the vehicle into the dealer for repair this week.
Dt: the contact stated the driver's side window would not roll up. She took the vehicle to a dealer, and they repaired the window. The same problem happened on the rear passenger window. There have been no repairs done on the rear window due to the expense. Updated 12/07/05.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Rendezvous years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2002 Buick Rendezvous?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2002 Buick Rendezvous, 5% of the model year's 486 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Buick Rendezvous window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.