Fuel system
Free remedy
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, VARIATIONS IN THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OR EXPOSURE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES MAY LEAD TO FRACTURE OF THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV).
Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2004 Buick RendezvousRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 200 owner complaints for the 2004 Buick Rendezvous. Most complaints involve electrical system (76) and fuel system, gasoline (23). The EPA rates it 18–20 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
18–20mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Aug 2007
Owner complaints
200
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Fuel system
Free remedy
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Electrical system: ignition
Free remedy
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, CONTAMINATION ON IGNITION RELAY CONTACTS CAN CAUSE HIGH RESISTANCE. THIS CAN AFFECT SIGNALS TO THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE AND, COULD CAUSE INTERMITTENT VEHICLE STALLS AT ANY TIME.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
200 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2004 – Jun 2025
- Electrical system76
- Fuel system, gasoline23
- Engine and engine cooling21
- Fuel/propulsion system20
- Steering16
- Air bags14
- Power train12
- Service brakes11
- Engine10
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
76 reports2 crashes1 fire
“Upon arriving at my destination and after i put my in park i was UNABLE to turn my engine off because the ignition was stuck in that position. I ultimately had no choice but to unhook the battery cables along with disconnecting the alternator to get my engine to turn off. Prior to this incident occasionally upon starting my car the ignition would not disengage immediately upon the engine turning over which ultimately resulted in having to replace the starter on this vehicle. I am a single parent and only have one vehicle so this is a major issue for my family. Furthermore the fan speed control knob doesnt work properly because when it is put in position 3 it shuts the fan motor off completely. So there CLEAR to me that there seems to be a MAJOR electrical issue. The suspension on this vehicle is horrendous. I cannot go above 45mph without by car wanting to go into on-coming traffic or off of the road or trying to flip over on its side because the shocks/struts on the passenger side are not working properly. I have not used this vehicle for any other purpose then to transport myself and children to and from work/school/appointments. Everyone i spoke to about…”
Fuel system, gasoline
23 reports
“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. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED AND DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V349000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 109,694.”
Engine and engine cooling
21 reports1 fire
“SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT MY USED BUICK RENDEZVOUS, IT STARTED STALLING. IT WAS A MONTHLY OCCURRENCE UNTIL RECENTLY WHEN IT IS HAPPENING WEEKLY. ALTHOUGH THIS CAR WAS WITHIN THE VIN BREAKPOINTS OF A SAFETY RECALL IN 2005, BUICK TOLD ME THAT MY PARTICULAR VIN IN ITS ENTIRETY WASN'T AFFECTED AND EVEN IF IT WAS THAT THEY WOULDN'T COVER REPAIRS BECAUSE IT WAS TOO OLD. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 3.4L 6-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rendezvous FWD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,100 | 444 |
| Rendezvous AWD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | $3,300 | 468 |
| Rendezvous AWD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.4 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
- 20mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 18mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Buick Rendezvous as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 1044
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2004 Rendezvous questions
How many recalls does the 2004 Buick Rendezvous have?
5 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2004 Buick Rendezvous problems?
Owners filed 200 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (76), fuel system, gasoline (23), engine and engine cooling (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2004 Buick Rendezvous get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Buick Rendezvous at 18–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026