GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Buick Rendezvous powertrain problems
moderate 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report transmission problems starting around 60,000 miles. The failures range from shuddering and rough shifts at low speeds to complete inability to shift into higher gears or go uphill, with loud clunking sounds and jerking felt throughout the cabin. One owner's vehicle suddenly stalled at 10 mph and would not shift into Drive; the dealer replaced the transmission, but it failed again a week later. Several owners describe the transmission jumping in and out of gears at highway speeds or refusing to shift beyond second or third gear. One dealer found excessive transmission fluid was the culprit; another blamed the transfer case. At least one owner had the transmission replaced at 73,000 miles and later reported it would not shift beyond third gear at 101,000 miles.
Front wheel bearings fail early as well. Owners report loud noise while driving at 50,000 miles and hub bearings requiring replacement at 65,000 and 75,000 miles on the same vehicle.
One owner's vehicle shut off without warning at 50,100 miles; the dealer replaced both transmission and transfer case, but the transmission failed again a week later at 65 mph. Another owner reports PCM issues—lost speedometer, intermittent fuel gauge, and the engine cutting out while driving—with mechanics unable to identify the root cause. One owner mentions a similar recall on 2004 models but found none for 2005.
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission slipping, jerking, and hard shifts
Multiple owners report transmission shuddering while shifting, jerking while driving at low speeds, inability to shift into higher gears or uphill, and rough clunking shifts at wrong speeds. One owner reports the vehicle would not go uphill despite going in reverse; a dealer diagnosed excessive transmission fluid. Another experienced sudden stalling and inability to shift into Drive at 10 mph. A third reported loss of power and shuddering while shifting at 35-40 mph with Service Engine Now light on.
When: Between 50,000 and 175,000 miles; several failures reported around 60,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering while shifting gears; Jerking while driving at low speeds (10 mph); Hard or difficult shift into Drive after stop; Vehicle will not go up hills; Clunking and loud banking sounds during shifts; Shifts at wrong times or wrong speeds; Vehicle jumping in and out of higher gears at 60 mph; Loss of motive power; Sudden stalling without warning; Inability to shift beyond second or third gear
Codes mentioned: Service Engine Now light (owner report #6)
Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement in several cases; one owner advised excessive transmission fluid required replacement; dealer cited transfer case involvement in at least one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Advised out-of-warranty vehicle owner that nothing could be done; advised owner to take vehicle to certified dealer; manufacturer was aware of at least one failure but offered no recalls for this vehicle
Front wheel bearing failure
Two owners reported front wheel bearing failures requiring replacement. One owner at 50,000 miles heard loud noise while driving at various speeds with no warning lights; independent mechanic diagnosed and repaired both front wheel bearings. Another owner required left hub bearing replacement at 65,000 miles and right hub bearing replacement at 75,000 miles.
When: 50,000 to 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise while driving at various speeds; No warning lights accompanying failure
Repairs/costs cited: Front wheel bearing replacement; hub bearing replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed vehicle not included in any recalls
Engine stalling and powertrain electrical issues
One owner reports vehicle shut off without warning at 50,100 miles; dealer diagnosed transfer case as cause and replaced both transmission and transfer case. One week later transmission failed again at 65 mph. Another owner reports PCM-related issues including loss of speedometer, intermittent fuel gauge problems, and vehicle cutting out while driving; mechanic ruled out plugs, wires, coils, and ignition control.
When: 50,100 miles and higher; one owner notes similar recall exists for 2004 model
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off without warning; Loss of speedometer; Intermittent fuel gauge problems; Vehicle cuts out while driving; Transmission failure following initial repair
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission and transfer case replacement; ongoing diagnostic testing required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner notes similar recall exists on 2004 models but was not found for 2005; no manufacturer response documented
Front-end vibration under load or on impact
One owner reports front end shakes when taking off and hitting small holes in the road. Dealer advised this was characteristic of that vehicle type but a mount was available at extra cost ($600). Owner questions whether this should have been a manufacturing standard rather than a dealer-charged upgrade.
When: Immediately upon purchase of used vehicle; issue inherent to vehicle type per dealer
Symptoms owners cite: Front end shakes when accelerating; Front end shakes when hitting road imperfections
Repairs/costs cited: Mount available for $600; not repaired by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed this was characteristic of vehicle type but mount required separate purchase
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2005 Buick Rendezvous?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2005 Buick Rendezvous?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 11 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 65,000 and 100,772 miles, with the median around 78,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 65,000; a quarter make it past 100,772. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Buick/Rendezvous.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.