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2004 Buick Rendezvous Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2004 Buick Rendezvous has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Fuel tank leak or gasoline odor.” 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 2004 Buick Rendezvous.

Reported to NHTSA

Fuel tank leak or gasoline odor

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

26 NHTSA complaints · 2004-03 → 2021-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE REFUELING, GASOLINE LEAKED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE GAS TANK WAS FRACTURED WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11365623
“FUEL TANK LEAK CAMPAIGN #07V349000 I WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT RECALL TANK IS NOW LINKING FUMES AND DEALER AND GM SERVICE CLAIMS PAST THE 10 YEAR REPLACEMENT PERIOD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10860976
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE DEBRIS HIT THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER STOPPED TO FUEL THE VEHICLE, AND GASOLINE LEAKED UNDER THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER FOUND THAT THE DEBRIS HIT THE FUEL TANK NECK AND CAUSED THE NECK TO BREAK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10063433

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Speedometer and fuel gauge inaccurate readings

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

21 NHTSA complaints · 2005-03 → 2014-12

“THE SPEEDOMETER STOPS WORKING CORRECTLY. WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE SPEEDOMETER WILL READ ANYWHERE BETWEEN BELOW 0 MPH AND 30 MPH. IT HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10668755
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED AN INCORRECT SPEED; IT WOULD INDICATE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING FASTER THAN IT ACTUALLY WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10367192
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAUGE DISPLAY INACCURATE READINGS. THE GAUGES SHOW THE INCORRECT SPEED AND FUEL AMOUNT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10259155

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rack and pinion failure and steering pull

STEERING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2004-09 → 2017-12

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PREMATURE FAILURE WITH THE RACK AND PINION, AND THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE CONCERNING THE STEERING COLUMN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11052295
“I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON JULY 30,2004. THE PROBLEM SHOWED UP ON MY WAY HOME FROM THE SELLING DEALER, TEAM CHEV, BUICK, CADILLAC INC. WHEN I MADE A SHARP LEFT TURN FROM ONE ROAD TO ANOTHER. AFTER I MADE THE TURN THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RETURN TO CENTER POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10091144
“2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS TILT STEERING BECAME SEMI LOCKED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10124715

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hydraulic brake line and brake hose failure

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

4 NHTSA complaints · 2004-10 → 2015-02

“DIY BRAKE CHANGE AND NOTICED BOTH FRONT BRAKE LINES HAD BULGING AREAS IN THE RUBBER HOSES RUNNING TO THE CALIPER. PUSHED ON ONE OF THE BULGES AND FLUID STARTED SEEPING UNDER PRESSURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10680450
“LOST ALL BRAKING DUE TO BRAKE FADE WHILE DESCENDING A 12% GRADE FOR 3 MILES WITH NO EXTRA LOAD IN THE CAR, WITH AMBIENT AIR TEMPERATURE OF 50 F”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10093581
“CHANGING FRONT BRAKES AND NOTICED BRAKE HOSES BUBBLING AND STARTING TO WEEP BRAKE FLUID. ALSO ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, UNDER MINIMUM THICKNESS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10214426

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling or shutting off without warning

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

44 NHTSA complaints · 2004-08 → 2019-07

“MULTIPLE TIMES THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED RANDOMLY WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SO MANY TIMES I'VE LOST COUNT (AT LEAST 20). THIS HAPPENS AT VARIOUS SPEEDS (FROM 0 MPH TO 70 MPH). THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLS CAUSING THE STEERING AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10692296
“2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE WAS DRIVING AROUND 65 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. CUSTOMER STATES HE IS PAYING FOR BUICK'S MISTAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10203725
“I HAVE A 2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. BOUGHT IN DEC 04. THE FIRST STALL WAS SUMMER OF 05. THANK GOD EACH TIME IT STALLED, I WAS GOING 20 MPH OR LESS. I AM TRULY CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY FACTOR. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER EACH TIME - THE DID THE RECALL ON THE IGNITION SWITCH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10146264

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Frontal air bags failing to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2004-05 → 2015-01

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE DRIVER DROVE AT APPROXIMATELY 90 MPH, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER SEVERAL TIMES AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10616364
“WHILE DRIVING ON A SLIPPERY HIGHWAY, MY RENDEZVOUS WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHICH CONSISTED OF A LEFT FRONT/SIDE COLLISION WITH A CONCRETE GUARDRAIL AND A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A METAL GUARDRAIL ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE HIGHWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10218260
“WHILE TRAVELING AT 30 MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT WAS TRAVELING AT 45 AND HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. UPON IMPACT, NONE OF THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10072064

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wheel bearing and ball joint failure

SUSPENSION

6 NHTSA complaints · 2008-01 → 2016-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINT SEPARATED FROM THE AXLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A SIGN. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10839761
“BOTH FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS FAILED ON MY WIFE'S 2004 BUICK RENDEZVOUS. A SPECIAL 'EXTENDED WARRANTY' WAS ISSUED FOR THE 2002 (NHTSA ITEM #10020658)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10219690
“MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN THE WHEEL BROKE OFF OF THE CONTROL ARM, BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY. THIS MADE MY WHEEL LOOK BENT INWARD AND UNDRIVEABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10215526

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)

109 crashes 1990–2024

How the 109 occupant deaths break down

82

driver deaths

26

passenger deaths

1

not recorded by seat

109

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2003 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.

14

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 2004 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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