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 ↗2005 Buick Rendezvous steering problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2crashes
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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 Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone calls. Technician will need to determine what type of call the customer is having that is unwanted. The vehicle may receive an incoming call just like any other phone. Typically the customer will hear the phone ringing in the vehicle. This scenario also includes incoming Bluetooth calls. One type of unwanted call can be made if the key pad is faulty the OnStar system will try to make a blue button call for shorted voltage in the circuits. The OnStar module could have an internal fault and produce a ″Phone Unavaila
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2005 Buick Rendezvous report several distinct steering failures. The most critical involve complete loss of steering control: one owner experienced total steering failure when mounting bolts and brackets for the steering rack failed, leaving the vehicle uncontrollable except for brakes. Another reported the engine shutting off during turns, causing power steering loss. A third had steering become hard to turn after purchase, resulting in a collision.
Noise complaints dominate the narratives. Owners consistently describe loud whining, squealing, or moaning sounds when turning—sometimes described as binding or clicking. One owner reports a steering wheel column that squeals, while another mentions a loud knocking sound with vibrations in the steering wheel itself. These noises have persisted through dealer attempts at repair, including steering column replacement.
Power steering system failures include pump failures requiring replacement at 40,000 miles, hose failures, and recurrent clicking that owners paid $400 to repair, only to have the failure return within months. Owners report needing to add power steering fluid frequently—one owner adds it twice a month.
Steering feel complaints include hardness and tightness when turning, intermittent binding during turns, and pulling to one side. One owner mentions the steering wheel turning but the car not responding. At least one owner paid out-of-warranty repairs for a steering rack replacement, then learned a recall was issued six months later.
Same Buick Rendezvous steering reports on nearby years: 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Steering Rack Mount Failure
Welded mounting bracket holding the steering rack broke loose, with bolts falling out, causing complete loss of steering control.
When: One documented case; no mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Total loss of steering control; Inability to turn wheels despite functioning power steering feel; Vehicle uncontrollable except by brakes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced steering rack multiple times, then replaced steering shaft with broken U-joint. Owner paid for rack replacement; dealer did not charge for steering column.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated no recall existed and had never seen such a failure. Out-of-warranty denial of responsibility.
Power Steering Pump Failure
Power steering pump fails, requiring replacement. Owner reports pump was 'shot' at 40,000 miles.
When: 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering becomes inoperative or weak
Repairs/costs cited: Pump replacement estimated at portion of $7,000 total repair bill. Owner had extended warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty covered repairs.
Steering Column Noise and Wear
Steering column exhibits loud squealing and develops wear that requires replacement. Issue persisted for 18+ months starting at 50,000 miles.
When: 50,000 miles; problem lasted 18+ months
Symptoms owners cite: Loud squealing when turning steering wheel; Wear in steering column components
Repairs/costs cited: Owner charged $1,250 for steering column repair; given 1-year warranty. Dealer initially claimed nothing was wrong, then claimed 'wear and tear.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer denied this was a recalled component despite owner identifying potential recall. GMC directed owner to specific dealer after contact.
Steering Whining and Binding Noise
Loud whining, squealing, or moaning sound when turning steering wheel, sometimes accompanied by binding sensation. Noise persists through repairs including steering column replacement.
When: Various mileages; one complaint from 50,000 miles; one ongoing for 1+ year
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whining noise during turns; Squealing sound when steering wheel turned; Moaning noise when turning; Binding sensation during turns; Clicking sound when steering wheel turned; Vibrations felt in steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $400 for repair ~8 months before recurrence. Mechanic advised parts would require replacement again. Dealer replaced driveshaft twice and lubricated steering mechanism in another case without resolving knocking sound.
Hard Steering and Loss of Control
Power steering becomes hard to turn, sometimes accompanied by brake failure. One case involved hard steering and brake failure on used vehicle purchased in 2016; another involves steering tightness and sticking during turns.
When: One case at time of purchase (2016); another ongoing since unclear date
Symptoms owners cite: Hard to turn steering wheel; Steering feels tight and sticks when turning; Brakes go all the way down or fail completely; Vehicle will not stop properly
Repairs/costs cited: One case: dealer estimated over $1,000 for power steering and brake repairs on used vehicle. Another case: owner experiencing ongoing tightness and sticking.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In 2016 case, dealer suggested purchasing new car rather than repairing. Owner notes previous defects suggest vehicle should not have been sold in that condition.
Engine Stall During Turning
Engine shuts off during right turns from stops, causing loss of power steering while turning. Recurrence over multiple years.
When: Recurring since 2009; specific mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls during right turns from stop sign or into driveway; Loss of power steering when engine off during turn
Steering Wheel Unresponsiveness
Steering wheel turns but vehicle does not respond. Owner heard loud sound, then steering failed.
When: No mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel rotates but car does not turn; Loud sound preceding failure; Vehicle smoking after failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed for inspection.
Power Steering Fluid Leak
Chronic power steering fluid loss requiring frequent top-ups, twice per month in one reported case.
When: No specific mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Constant loss of power steering fluid; Need to add fluid approximately every two weeks to monthly
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My kids and I were driving down the road all of a sudden I heard this loud sound and then my car wouldn't turn left or right the steering wheel turned but not the car thank God I wasn't goin very fast I was able to slowly pull to the side of the rd then it started smoking like it was on fire my kids and I had to hurry and jump out an the carlot I got it from is picking it up to be looked at.
Had steering 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 steering problem on the 2005 Buick Rendezvous?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 33,860 and 72,586 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 33,860; a quarter make it past 72,586. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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.