2005 BUICK RENDEZVOUS

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, especially on cold start, Milky oil on dipstick or under oil cap, Overheating with no external coolant leaks, Rough idle and misfires as coolant enters cylinders, Rapid coolant loss with no visible puddles

Fix: Lower intake manifold gasket replacement is the band-aid (6-8 hrs labor), but if coolant mixed with oil for any length of time, expect bearing damage, requiring full engine rebuild or replacement. Many shops won't touch a rebuild on these—short block swap is common. Total job 18-24 hrs labor for engine R&R.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Pink milkshake appearance in coolant overflow tank, Transmission slipping or harsh shifts suddenly, Coolant level dropping, transmission fluid level rising, Engine overheating after transmission starts slipping

Fix: Internal leak in radiator allows ATF and coolant to mix. Requires radiator replacement, complete transmission fluid flush (multiple cycles), new cooler lines, and often transmission rebuild because coolant destroys clutch packs and valve body. If caught early (within days), flush may save it—6 hrs. If driven after mixing, add 12-16 hrs for trans rebuild.

Estimated cost: $1,200-4,800

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Coolant seeping from front or rear of engine valley, Sweet smell from engine bay when warm, Gradual coolant loss requiring top-offs every few weeks, No overheating yet, but slow drip under vehicle after parking

Fix: Early-stage version of the catastrophic failure above. Replace lower intake gaskets, flush Dexcool, inspect for oil contamination. If oil is still clean, this is a 6-8 hr job that prevents engine destruction. Use updated Fel-Pro gaskets, not OEM.

Estimated cost: $800-1,400

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Violent clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle that smooths out when shifted to Neutral, Excessive engine movement visible from under hood during acceleration, Steering wheel shakes at idle with A/C on

Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount fails, allowing powertrain to rock excessively. Mount replacement is 1.5-2 hrs labor, straightforward. Often accompanied by worn engine torque strut mount—replace both at same time for 3 hrs total.

Estimated cost: $250-500

Typical onset: 100,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Crank no-start with no fuel pressure, Intermittent stalling when fuel tank below 1/4 full, Whining noise from rear of vehicle before failure, Dies after running fine, won't restart for 20-30 minutes

Fix: Fuel pump assembly replacement requires dropping tank. 3-4 hrs labor. Use AC Delco or Delphi pump—aftermarket failures within 12 months are common. Replace fuel filter at same time if accessible (some are in-tank).

Estimated cost: $600-1,000

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: ABS light on with codes for wheel speed sensors, ABS activates on dry pavement at low speeds (pulsing brake pedal), Traction control light illuminated, Sometimes clears temporarily after sitting overnight

Fix: Rear wheel speed sensors corrode at connector or sensor itself. Sensor replacement is 1 hr per side. If ABS module has internal corrosion, replacement or rebuild required—module is 2 hrs labor, $400-800 for reman unit. Always check connectors before replacing module.

Estimated cost: $200-1,200