2005 Buick Rendezvous Problems
- Complaints
- 138filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 56,520miles, 118 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 19 mpgcombined, 3.4L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 Buick Rendezvous (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report stalling or sudden loss of power while driving, along with instrument panel problems such as a dead or wildly inaccurate speedometer. Many complaints come from older vehicles at higher mileage, though some stalling reports appeared on low-mileage examples, and several dealers were unable to reproduce the symptoms.
- Engine
Stalling or sudden loss of engine power while driving
- 17 complaints (12%)
- median 54,010 mi at 4.8 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2005–2023
Complaints describe the engine quitting without warning at various speeds, often at idle, when decelerating, or while turning from a stop, sometimes with the battery or electronic throttle warning lamp on. Owners say the engine usually restarts, but the problem returns; dealers reportedly could not duplicate it, and in some cases a computer reflash did not resolve it. Several owners also describe losing power and shuddering under acceleration. Reported from a few thousand miles up to about 175,000 miles, with many early reports below 30,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether any stalling episodes were diagnosed and what was replaced (ignition relay, throttle body, crank sensor). A road test at low speed and at idle, plus a scan for stored codes, is worthwhile.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When turning into my driveway the engine shuts off losing all steering. This has happened several times in the past (since 2009) usually when turning right from a stop sign or turning right into my driveway.”
NHTSA complaint #10577320, filed 2014-04, 60,000 miles“Intermittent loss of power, loss of ABS brakes and loss of awd. When you apply pressure to the gas pedal (accelerator) if you depress the pedal for what feels like over a 1/2 inch you lose power and the rpms go sky high and you can hear it trying to rev up. To get going you have to release the gas and press lightly. I loss power, esp. Going uphill since it needs more to go, but you can't give it more gas else it won't go. I and my fianc were almost hit in an intersection because of this loss of power. …”
NHTSA complaint #10704210, filed 2015-04, 126,000 miles - Electrical system
Speedometer and gauges fail or read wrong
- 20 complaints (14%)
- median 80,000 mi at 7.6 yrs old (16 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2005–2016
Owners report the speedometer sticking, dropping to zero, or showing speeds far off from actual, and sometimes the fuel, temperature, tachometer or odometer gauges stop working at the same time. Complaints describe dealers replacing the instrument cluster or trying a sensor with mixed results, and several owners link the behavior to the instrument cluster or body control module. Mostly reported between about 50,000 and 115,000 miles, often appearing intermittently before becoming constant.
What to check: Compare the speedometer against a GPS at several speeds during the test drive and confirm all gauges sweep normally. Ask whether the instrument cluster has been replaced or repaired.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Our 2005 Buick Rendezvous speedometer stopped working. The dealer changed a sensor for $125, that did not work. They greased the lines and checked it out on their equipment but that has not worked either. I saw online that many people had problems with this and their electronic problems. Is there a recall from Buick?”
NHTSA complaint #10254851, filed 2009-01, 51,000 miles“While traveling from utah to iowa on interstate 80 with the cruise control set at roadway speed. After some time the speedometer kept climbing while the speed of the vehicle decreased. After stopping at a rest area the speedometer never moved. It was just stuck at approximately 112 MPH. Luckily we were given a GPS with speedometer built in as a gift. Leaving the rest stop, we continued our journey, and by the time we made it to iowa the speedometer gauge was facing straight down whether we were stopped or driving road speeds. …”
NHTSA complaint #10599158, filed 2014-06, 80,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel smell or leak, often from a rusted fuel line
- 15 complaints (11%)
- median 134,000 mi at 8.5 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2023
Owners report a strong raw gasoline smell inside the cabin or outside the vehicle, both stationary and moving, sometimes traced to a rusted fuel line or a detached fuel hose. Complaints describe dealers unable to find a fault in some cases, and one complaint reports a rear fuel leak that led to a fire. Mostly reported over 100,000 miles, with several complaints above 175,000 miles.
What to check: Smell for fuel around the filler area and under the driver-side floor, and have the fuel lines inspected for rust on a lift, especially on vehicles kept in salt-belt states.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a gas leak coming from the bottom of my car is the fuel line and every year I have to change my power steering punk and I get regular oil changes and my transmission still goes slow and my car smells like fart I'm a truck driver so I left a year-and-a-half ago so my car been sitting I just got back home about 2 weeks ago and these are the problems that I'm facing now .why”
NHTSA complaint #11093485, filed 2018-05, 191,623 miles“Upon starting the vehicle, raw gas fumes enter the cab in such quantities that make it impossible to drive comfortably or seemingly safely. The fume can be so bad that all windows must be opened and heads held outside of the car to breathe fresh air. My husband driving behind me on the freeway can sometimes also smell the raw gasoline odor. I have taken this vehicle to the dealer twice and they are unable to find anything wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #10442002, filed 2012-01, 100,772 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission harsh shifting, slipping or refusing gears
- 5 complaints (4%)
- median 88,500 mi at 7.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2011–2016
Complaints describe clunking, jerking or shifting at the wrong speeds, failure to move beyond second or third gear, and in some cases the vehicle not going into park or reverse. Owners report dealers advising transmission replacement or diagnosing excessive fluid, converter and internal switch problems. Typically reported between about 80,000 and 100,000 miles, though a few appear earlier.
What to check: Test drive through all gears including reverse and check for clunks on light throttle; ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced and whether any transmission work was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission clunks, jumps and shifts at the wrong times and at the wrong speeds. This can be felt and heard as a loud bank and whole vehicle jerk by all passengers. Unnerving as well as concern for safety. Two trips to the dealer without any solution.”
NHTSA complaint #10442006, filed 2012-01, 100,772 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Buick Rendezvous. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked while driving 10 MPH and the vehicle would not go up hills. The vehicle would go in the reverse direction. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the vehicle was equipped with too much transmission fluid. The contact was advised to replace the transmission. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they stated that there was nothing they could do because the vehicle was out of warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10462172, filed 2012-06, 82,000 miles - Engine cooling
Coolant loss and overheating (head gasket)
- 10 complaints (7%)
- median 89,000 mi at 9.5 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- filed 2010–2023
Owners report the engine overheating, coolant turning thick or sludgy in the reservoir, and heat failing in the cabin. Complaints describe dealers and mechanics diagnosing head gasket failure, with radiator, water pump and thermostat work that did not resolve the overheating. Reported from about 70,000 miles upward, with several complaints past 160,000 miles.
What to check: Inspect the coolant reservoir for sludge or low level, check for white exhaust smoke, and ask whether a head gasket or cooling system repair has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We found out that we had a problem with my wife's vehicle. Initially, the vehicle was stationary. I took it to get an oil change and was asked to come into the shop to be shown that the antifreeze was like yogurt in the reservoir. We were told that we needed a coolant flush. This LED to being told that we needed a new radiator; bypass hose; and last but not least, head gasket job amounting to approximately 1600.00. …”
NHTSA complaint #10806588, filed 2015-11, 174,925 miles“Vehicle overheated to the maximum, then it stalled. I waited a bit and was able to restart it. The temp. Returned to normal. While continuing to drive home at 35 mi per hr. It stalled again, and I was able to restart it, and make it home. I phoned my mechanic, and had it towed there. He informed me there was water in the exhaust which indicated expensive head gasket problems. He suggested I sell this vehicle asap. I had only owned it 2 months! When this problem occurred I was in motion at 35 mi per hr. On a city street. Very dangerous!”
NHTSA complaint #10895512, filed 2016-08, 162,000 miles
Buying note. Look for documented service history on the instrument cluster, transmission and cooling system, and test drive at low speed to check for stalling and harsh shifting. A pre-purchase inspection that covers fuel lines, coolant condition and stored fault codes is worth the cost on this model year.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 138 consumer complaints for the 2005 Buick Rendezvous. 118 of the complaints include a mileage, and 40% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 56,520 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 10 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 525 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system38 28%
- Fuel system19 14%
- Engine18 13%
- Steering18 13%
- Engine cooling14 10%
- Vehicle speed control13 9.4%
- Brakes12 8.7%
- Suspension11 8.0%
- Air bags5 3.6%
Also reported: Other or unknown (5), Electronic stability control (4), Body and structure (4), Exterior lighting (3), Wheels (3), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Seats (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “It feels like the transmission is going out but only sometimes. On occasion it will be driving fine then I go to pull off from a stop and it just wont really go like maybe skips 1st gear or at least part of it. It's crazy and dangerous. I do not believe it to be the transmission. Only happens from complete stop, sometimes. Buick Rendezvous 05”
NHTSA complaint #11103995, filed 2018-06, 144,000 milesFuel system: “Pcm has been causing problems. I first lost my speedometer with no idea how to fix it. Intermittent gas gage problems, and now vehicle cuts out while driving. Mechanic has ruled out plugs and wires, coils, ignition control and more. Now, I must go to the dealership with it. This recall is listed on 2004”
NHTSA complaint #10984588, filed 2017-05, 200,000 milesEngine: “My 2005 Buick Rendezvous ---heads were leveled and complete valve job done with new water pump, thermostat, relay belt,bypass hose, upper radiator hose, and complete coolant flush. My car keeps running hot. Please help!”
NHTSA complaint #11255363, filed 2019-09, 1 milesSteering: “This SUV was purchased at the end of august 2016 and once in the car and driving down the road we realized the vehicle power steering was hard to turn and the brakes were going all the way down. We also had a car accident, because it was very hard to turn and once in the parking space the brakes went completely out and when trying to stop the SUV would not stop and we hit a parked car with the lady in the car on 9/11/2016. Went on line and noticed recalls for power steering and cloth seats on some models for air bags. …”
NHTSA complaint #10906986, filed 2016-09, 15 milesMileage when problems were reported
40% of the 118 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 26,120 and 98,647 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Buick Rendezvous. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rendezvous · sedan | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2005 Buick Rendezvous version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rendezvous AWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Rendezvous AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Rendezvous FWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Rendezvous FWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 06V417000Oct 31, 2006Air bags › FrontalCovers: Buick Rendezvous 2005–2006, Lacrosse 2005–2006, GMC Envoy 2005–2006 +9 more
Certain vehicles originally built with cloth seats that were equipped with an automatic air bag passenger sensing system and later reupholstered with aftermarket leather seat cover kits are involved. Testing has indicated that the aftermarket leather seat…
Recall details for the 2005 Buick Rendezvous → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 525 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11008956Sep 9, 2024Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
Other model years of the Buick Rendezvous
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 43 | 84,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 89 | 82,500 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2005 | 138 | 56,520 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 200 | 67,500 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 281 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 486 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Buick Rendezvous model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Buick Rendezvous?
Owners of this model year most often report stalling or sudden loss of power while driving, along with instrument panel problems such as a dead or wildly inaccurate speedometer. The issues reported most often: Stalling or sudden loss of engine power while driving; Speedometer and gauges fail or read wrong; Fuel smell or leak, often from a rusted fuel line.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 Buick Rendezvous have?
NHTSA recorded 138 consumer complaints for the 2005 Buick Rendezvous as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 Buick Rendezvous is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 38 complaints (28% of the total), followed by fuel system with 19.
Has the 2005 Buick Rendezvous been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Buick Rendezvous get?
The EPA rates the 2005 Buick Rendezvous (Rendezvous FWD, 3.4L 6-cyl) at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,550 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2005 Buick Rendezvous reported?
Among the 118 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 56,520 miles and the middle half falls between 26,120 and 98,647 miles; 40% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.