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Engine coolingPart report

2002 Buick Rendezvous Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
115about this part
Share
24%of 486 total for the year
Median mileage
65,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 115 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Buick Rendezvous, 24% of the 486 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I have owned my 2002 Buick Rendezvous for less than 2 yrs and I have had to replace 2 wheel bearings and now I have blown a head gasket. Less than a month ago I had to replace the alternator and battery. The driver side window fell in less than a yr ago and I have electrical problems with it constantly. Including the alarm and security going off for no reason at all.”

NHTSA complaint #10260800, filed 2009-03, 130,000 miles

“Coolant leak found by vehicle inspection mechanic. A sealant was put in by dealership as a temporary fix, but due to estimate of $1800, work to permanently fix the problem has not been done yet. I did an internet search and found the problem is a common complaint in the 2002 Buick Rendezvous. I am driving the vehicle as little as possible until I decide on a course of action.”

NHTSA complaint #10264220, filed 2009-04, 50,500 miles

“I have a 2002 Buick Rendezvous with 130,000 miles. At 125,000 I had to replace the thermostat and now it is overheating again. I have done radiator flush, replaced temp sensor, checked relays and replaced fuses. Have now been informed the head gasket needs to be 2nd cooling fan is not coming on but will power up under direct power source. Also being informed it needs a power control module (PCM).”

NHTSA complaint #10354041, filed 2010-09, 130,000 miles

“My car has a gas leak from the fuel tank. The intake manifold gaskets are leaking. I have an musty odor in the car along with gas smell. The air condition failed last week due to what I find out now is a known issue. The gasket failure is a known issue the fuel tank is a known issue. How can you allow a manufacturer get away with this.”

NHTSA complaint #10203449, filed 2007-09, 80,000 miles

“We purchased this vehicle used in 2004, and over the past years we have had to replace the following: both front hub assemblies (with speed sensors), intake manifold gasket and the air conditioner condenser (one year ago). Just within the last 2 months we have had to replace the following: tie-rod, radiator, water pump, thermostat, head gasket, and the intake manifold gasket again. The vehicle only has 86,000 miles on it to date. …”

NHTSA complaint #10375759, filed 2011-01, 85,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200725%
200611%
20051410%
20042111%
20035319%
200211524%

Other parts of the 2002 Buick Rendezvous

Electrical system
103 complaintsFuel system
103 complaintsBrakes
57 complaintsSuspension
45 complaintsEquipment
40 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
40 complaintsAir bags
24 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
24 complaintsOther or unknown
20 complaintsBody and structure
20 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsEngine
14 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2002 Buick Rendezvous

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology