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2002 Buick Rendezvous Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2002 Buick Rendezvous has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel tank and filler neck fuel leak.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2002 Buick Rendezvous.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel tank and filler neck fuel leak

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

46 NHTSA complaints · 2008-08 → 2021-02

“AFTER REFUELING, FUEL SPRAYED OUT OF THE FILLER NECK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FILLER NECK WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10523313
“THE CONTACT NOTICED A VERY STRONG FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED FUEL WAS LEAKING VERY HEAVILY FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THEIR RESIDENCE, THEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11081271
“MY CAR HAS A GAS TANK LEAK FROM THE INTAKE TUBE. IN 2007 I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FOR THIS PROBLEM BUT IT WASN'T A PROBLEM UNTIL NOW. I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE CAR HAS ONLY 130,000 MILES ON IT. CAN I GET HELP WITH THIS REPAIR? MY LOCAL DEALER DOESN'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11394941

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Intake manifold or head gasket coolant leak, overheating

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

53 NHTSA complaints · 2008-10 → 2018-05

“THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILED AND RESULTED IN COOLANT LEAKING AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. BUICK REFUSED TO HONOR THE WARRANTY FOR THE REPAIR TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. AS A RESULT, I PAID $950 FOR THE REPAIR TO THE VEHICLE. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10386811
“THE VEHICLE WOULD OVERHEAT WHILE IN MOTION. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WAS FAILING. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS 140,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 140,030”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10442680
“THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 69000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10318603

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS and traction control warning or activation faults

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

13 NHTSA complaints · 2008-09 → 2016-09

“ABS INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON AND THIS SYSTEM IS SUPPOSE TO BE DISABLE BUT THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM KEEP ACTIVATE WHILE DRIVING ON A DRY ROAD. THIS CAUSE BRAKING STOP DISTANCE TO BE LONGER AND POSSIBLE CAUSING ACCIDENT. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10326105
“WHILE DRIVING AT 10 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES SUDDENLY ENGAGED ON DRY PAVEMENT. THE CONTACT RELEASED THE BRAKES AND REAPPLIED THE BRAKES TO ENGAGE THEM. THE FAILURE OCCURRED OFTEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10329343
“ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SENSOR FAILED WHICH CAUSED EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT IN THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN STOPPING. IN ADDITION, THIS SENSOR CAUSED THE TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM TO DISENGAGE AND CREATED DIFFICULTY IN STOPPING THE VEHICLE. IN SOME INSTANCES THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD DEPRESS ALL THE WAY TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10386816

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Corroded brake line loss of braking

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

9 NHTSA complaints · 2009-06 → 2016-09

“MAIN BRAKE LINE BETWEEN FRONT BRAKES RUSTED THROUGH AND ALL BRAKES WERE LOST INSTANTLY. ACCORDING TO BRAKE MECHANIC, THE LINE RUNS UNDER THE FIREWALL AND HAS INSULATION WRAPPED AROUND THE LINE. THE INSULATION RETAINS MOISTURE AND ALLOWS IT TO START THE RUST PROCESS. BRAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10324842
“AFTER GETTING THE CAR HOME, I FOUND A HOLE THAT HAD RUSTED THROUGH THE BRAKE LINE LEADING TO THE FRONT RIGHT BRAKE. I AM CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING THE CAR IN FOR REPAIRS. A BRAKE LINE SHOULD NOT RUST THROUGH ON A CAR THAT IS UNDER 10 YEARS OLD....ACTUALLY THEY SHOULD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10374623
“NO BRAKES, BRAKE LINE RUSTED AND BURST, DUE TO IT BEING UNDER FIRE WALL, ACCORDING TO THE MECHNAIC THE FIRE WALL GETS WET AND THIS CAUSES RUST TO SET IN. THE BRAKE LINE WAS NOT VISIBLE TO MECHANIC TO DO AN INSPECTION DURING REGULAR SAFETY CHECKS. SINCE THE LINE WAS NOT VISIBLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10421968

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag deployment without a collision

AIR BAGS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2009-07 → 2019-08

“THE DRIVER DOOR SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE DRIVER WAS INJURED AS A RESULT. AN ENGINEER WAS SENT BY THE MANUFACTURER TO FURTHER INSPECT THE FAILURE. THE ENGINEER ADVISED THAT WATER HAD PENETRATED THE DRIVER DOOR SIDE AIR BAG COMPUTER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10432790
“I SHUT MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR AND THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG IN THE DRIVERS SEAT DEPLOYED. I AM A ASE MASTER TECH WITH 8 YEARS EXPERIENCE AT A GM DEALER. I DON'T BELIEVE THIS SHOULD OF HAPPENED. MY WIFE AND 2 KIDS WERE IN THE CAR AT THE TIME OF DEPLOYMENT. THANKFULLY THERE WERE NO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10593918
“THE DRIVER SEAT SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED VIOLENTLY ON THE DRIVERS HEAD. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD AND FACE CAUSING UNCONSCIOUSNESS. IN ADDITION, LEFT ARM AND SHOULDER INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT WENT TO URGENT CARE WHERE SHE WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11243555

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)

Every 45,000 mi

FWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Conventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Small-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

93 crashes 1990–2024

How the 93 occupant deaths break down

73

driver deaths

20

passenger deaths

93

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2002 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

18

complaints mentioning a crash

8

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2002 Buick Rendezvous reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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