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 ↗2006 Buick Rendezvous steering problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 10 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Buick Rendezvous, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 18 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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 technical bulletin provides a procedure to eliminate a power steering noise due to extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗This technical bulletin provides a revision for 12-02-32-002 to add the 2013-2014 model years, add noise as a possible condition and add a Note in the Instructions section.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report steering failures ranging from complete loss of control on highways to wheel-pulling issues during turns. Several cite sudden power loss that kills steering, brakes, and engine simultaneously—a "Reduce Engine Speed" light activates, the vehicle stalls, and the driver must force it to the shoulder. One owner replaced the throttle body at $400 only to have the stalling continue daily. Another lost all steering mid-drive on an interstate.
Power steering pump failures also appear. One owner reports the pump pressurizing excessively and blowing fluid across the engine bay, soaking belts and requiring frequent refills. Belt squealing and slippage follow.
Additional steering troubles include wheels pulling opposite to turn direction then skipping back, requiring repeated tire balancing attempts and suspected wheel-to-axle mounting issues. Steering column noise prompted dealer lubrication recommendations that were never completed. One owner replaced the steering column twice over the vehicle's life. Another reports the ignition interlock failing—keys were removed while the vehicle sat in Drive, allowing it to roll backward and strike another car.
Suspension noise (popping and creaking) recurs about one year after ball joints and tie rods are replaced. Dealers have been unable to resolve most issues, and no relevant recalls were identified for this model year.
Same Buick Rendezvous steering reports on nearby years: 2005
Failure modes owners describe
Power loss and stalling with steering failure
Engine loses all power including power steering and brakes when 'Reduce Engine Speed' light activates, forcing vehicle to stall on highway. Issue recurs frequently despite throttle body replacement.
When: At 59,000 miles; November onward; occurs daily
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering; Loss of brakes; Engine stalls; Cannot accelerate; Reduce Engine Speed warning light; Service Engine Soon light; Red battery light
Codes mentioned: Reduce Engine Speed, Service Engine Soon
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replaced at $400 cost in December; problem persists after repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls found for 2006 model; bulletin exists for GMC different models/years only
Power steering pump fluid leak
Pressure builds in power steering pump causing fluid to blow out over belts, alternator, and engine compartment. Belt squealing and dislodging occurs. Fluid loss continues requiring constant top-offs.
When: Twice since late November 2009; 3.5L engine
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid spraying; Belt squealing; Belts coming off; Fluid loss requiring frequent refilling
Repairs/costs cited: Owner reports continuous fluid addition needed; no repairs documented as successful
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Pontiac models with same issue had recall; no recall mentioned for Buick
Wheel pulling and skipping during turns
When turning, wheel pulls in opposite direction of intended turn then skips back to center, causing rough, unpredictable drivability. Suspected wheel-to-axle mounting error.
When: Early in ownership (2006 model, traded in 2006)
Symptoms owners cite: Wheel pulls opposite to turn direction; Wheel skips back to center; Rough drivability
Repairs/costs cited: Buick installed 10 new tires over 4 days without resolving issue; unable to balance tires
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership brochure mentioned wheel balancing and possible wheel-to-axle mounting error; no successful repair recorded
Steering column noise and lubrication issues
Loud noise when turning steering wheel. Dealer identified steering column needing lubrication but vehicle was not actually repaired.
When: At 65,000 miles (current 73,000)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise while turning wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer advised lubrication and overnight vehicle shutdown required; repair not completed
Steering column failure requiring replacement
Steering column replaced twice by owner. Also experienced loose left outer tie rod end and cross-firing turn signals (left activation causes right signal to blink).
When: Multiple replacements over vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Steering column failure; Loose tie rod end; Turn signal cross-firing
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replaced twice; left outer tie rod replaced by dealer; cross-firing not duplicated by dealer
Complete power steering loss while driving
Total loss of steering control while on highway. No warning and sudden occurrence.
When: Timing unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of steering; Loss of control
Steering column/ignition interlock failure
Safety feature preventing key removal when vehicle is in Drive fails. Keys were removed while car in Drive gear, allowing vehicle to roll backward and strike another vehicle.
When: During normal parking operation
Symptoms owners cite: Keys removable while in Drive; Vehicle rolled backward unattended
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer indicated keys cannot be removed in Drive (should prevent removal)
Suspension noise and creaking despite recent repairs
Loud popping and creaking when turning, driving over speed humps, or dips. Noise recurred approximately one year after ball joints, tie rods, and wheel bearings were replaced.
When: About one year after suspension component replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop sound; Creaking noises; Occurs during turns and rough surfaces
Repairs/costs cited: Ball joints, tie rod, wheel bearings replaced; noise returned after approximately one year
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
2006 Buick rendezvous steering column replacement. Consumer states that she has replaced the steering column twice. *kb the left outer tie rod end was loose which the dealer replaced. The consumer also stated when the left turn signal was activated the right turn signal would also blink. The dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. *jb
In 02-06 I traded a '03 Buick rendezvous for a '06 rendezvous. Taking a financial loss on the trade, because, with a serious heart condition, I was willing to take the loss in exchange for the security and safety of a "new" car under warranty, signing a low lease" agreement. Instantly I noticed a problem with the rough drivability of the car. A right or left turn would result in the wheel pulling…
Had steering trouble with your 2006 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 2006 Buick Rendezvous?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 53,681 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2006/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.