The 2006 Buick Rendezvous is a FWD/AWD crossover sharing GM's 3400/3500/3600 V6 platform with known intake manifold gasket failures, transmission cooler line issues, and catastrophic lower intake gasket coolant intrusion that destroys engines. The 3.4L and 3.5L are particularly problematic.
Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Failure with Coolant-to-Oil Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: White milky oil on dipstick or oil cap, Overheating with no external coolant leaks, Rough idle and misfires as coolant floods cylinders, Coolant loss with sweet exhaust smell, Catastrophic bearing damage if driven after contamination begins
Fix: Replace lower intake manifold gaskets (Fel-Pro or updated Dorman composite gaskets). If caught early: 6-8 hours labor. If oil contaminated, requires full engine flush, possibly new bearings or short block. Many engines junked because owners drove too long after contamination started.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400 if caught early; $3,500-6,500 for engine rebuild or short block replacement
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Corrosion and Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid dripping near radiator or frame rails, Pink or red fluid pooling under front of vehicle, Low transmission fluid warnings, Slipping or delayed engagement if fluid level drops significantly
Fix: Replace corroded steel cooler lines from transmission to radiator. Salt-belt vehicles especially affected. Dorman or OEM replacement lines, 2-3 hours labor. Often combined with radiator replacement if internal cooler is contaminated.
Estimated cost: $350-650
3.5L and 3.6L Timing Chain Tensioner and Guide Wear
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle for 2-5 seconds that goes away when warm, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0008, P0016), Rough running or misfires at idle, Catastrophic failure results in bent valves if chain skips
Fix: Timing chain, tensioner, and guides replacement requires front cover removal. 8-10 hours labor on 3.5L, 10-12 hours on 3.6L with variable valve timing components. Not serviceable without major disassembly—preventive replacement recommended after 120k miles on 3.5L.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Transmission Mount Failure (Rear Mount)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration through cabin at idle in gear, Excessive driveline movement felt during acceleration, Visible cracking or separation of rubber mount
Fix: Replace rear transmission mount. Access from underneath, 1-2 hours labor depending on AWD or FWD. Use OEM-equivalent or polyurethane aftermarket for longevity.
Estimated cost: $200-400
Fuel Pump and Fuel Filter Housing Assembly Failures
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition with cranking but no fuel pressure, Intermittent stalling especially when fuel tank below 1/4, Whining noise from fuel tank area, Check engine light with lean codes or fuel trim issues
Fix: Replace fuel pump module assembly. Drop fuel tank, 2.5-3.5 hours labor. Ethanol-blended fuel degrades plastic components over time. Replace fuel filter (inside tank on this platform) simultaneously—it's non-serviceable separately.
Estimated cost: $600-950
Power Window Regulator Failures (All Four Doors)
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Window drops into door or won't raise, Grinding or clicking noise when operating window, Window moves slowly or binds halfway up, Driver's and right-rear doors most affected
Fix: Replace window regulator and motor assembly. Remove door panel, disconnect cables, 1.5-2 hours per door. Aftermarket Dorman regulators common replacement—use rivets or bolts depending on kit. Driver's door often fails first due to use.
Estimated cost: $250-450 per door
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Deterioration
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front suspension, Steering wander or vague on-center feel, Uneven or feathered inner tire wear, Visual cracking or separation of front control arm bushings
Fix: Replace front lower control arms with bushings (pressed bushings alone difficult—most shops replace entire arm). Both sides, alignment required, 3-4 hours labor total.
Estimated cost: $500-850 including alignment
Owner tips
Check oil AND coolant condition every oil change—milky oil means immediate shutdown to prevent bearing damage
Use Dex-Cool compatible coolant only and flush every 5 years—extended-life coolant breaks down and becomes acidic, accelerating gasket failures
Monitor transmission cooler lines for rust annually if in salt belt—preventive replacement at 100k saves transmissions
If buying used, compression test and leak-down test are mandatory on 3.4L/3.5L engines—intake gasket leaks often pre-damage cylinders before visible symptoms
Avoid unless you find a meticulously-maintained example with documented intake gasket replacement and clean oil history—these are nickel-and-dime trucks with grenade-pin gasket issues that total engines if ignored.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Side post terminals standard on GM vehicles; battery located under hood
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2002-2007 Buick Rendezvous — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM)1.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine compartment, driver side inner fender area, mounted to ABS hydraulic unit
🔧 GM Tech 2
⚠️ Brake bleeding and automated bleed procedure required after replacement; no VIN programming needed
Body Control Module (BCM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.0 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center console, below radio/HVAC assembly, accessible from passenger side
🔧 GM Tech 2 with TIS2000/SPS
⚠️ VIN programming required; controls PassLock II theft deterrent; must perform 10-minute relearn after programming
📍 Under driver seat, mounted to seat frame (when equipped)
🔧 Manual reprogramming
⚠️ Optional on CXL models; memory positions must be manually reset by driver after replacement
Transmission Control Module (TCM)no coding
📍 Integrated within PCM (4T65-E transmission)
⚠️ TCM function integrated into PCM; no separate module
Theft Deterrent Module (TDM)no coding
📍 Function integrated within BCM
⚠️ PassLock II system integrated into BCM; no separate module
Electronic Power Steering Control Module (PSMC)no coding
📍 Not equipped - hydraulic power steering only
⚠️ Rendezvous uses conventional hydraulic power steering; no electronic module
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
Consequence: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.
Remedy: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.
Wiper blades
Crossover SUV with rear wiper. Both front wipers are the same length.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2006 Buick Rendezvous 3.4L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years.