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2004 Buick Rainier

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Buick Rainier do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 91.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

133 reports with mileage · 25 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 15 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports4 fire reports5 injury reports

Power Train complaints

15 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2016
Power Train

I WAS MAKING ON U-TURN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THEN I CONTINUED TO PROCEED, MY BACK TIRES WAS STUCK. THEY STARTED SLIDING ON THE ROAD, THEY WOULD NOT TURN. DRIVING STRAIGHT FORWARD IS FINE. ONLY MAKING TURN AND PARKING ISVERY DIFFICULT. I HAD IT CHECKED BY A MECHANIC, HE SAID THAT MY TRUCK IS STUCK IN 4WD.…

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I WAS MAKING ON U-TURN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THEN I CONTINUED TO PROCEED, MY BACK TIRES WAS STUCK. THEY STARTED SLIDING ON THE ROAD, THEY WOULD NOT TURN. DRIVING STRAIGHT FORWARD IS FINE. ONLY MAKING TURN AND PARKING ISVERY DIFFICULT. I HAD IT CHECKED BY A MECHANIC, HE SAID THAT MY TRUCK IS STUCK IN 4WD. ALSO MY CV JOINT SEAL HAS A LEAK.

NHTSA ODI #10876110

39,000 miles · Aug 14, 2015
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE JERKED. IN ADDITION, AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENCODER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE JERKED. IN ADDITION, AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENCODER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.

NHTSA ODI #10748715

97,775 miles · Aug 5, 2014
Power Train

CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO PICK UP PASSENGER'S. PUT SHIFTER INTO "PARK" BUT INDICATOR SHOWED "DRIVE". TRIED TO EXIT CAR BUT CAR WOULD MOVE, DO TO CAR WAS IN DRIVE. SHIFTER WAS NOW LOCKED IN PARK AND WOULD NOT MOVE TO ANOTHER GEAR. RETURNED HOME, TURNED OFF IGNITION. RAINIER WOULDN'T RE START BECAUSE SHIFTER WAS STUCK IN "PARK" B…

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CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO PICK UP PASSENGER'S. PUT SHIFTER INTO "PARK" BUT INDICATOR SHOWED "DRIVE". TRIED TO EXIT CAR BUT CAR WOULD MOVE, DO TO CAR WAS IN DRIVE. SHIFTER WAS NOW LOCKED IN PARK AND WOULD NOT MOVE TO ANOTHER GEAR. RETURNED HOME, TURNED OFF IGNITION. RAINIER WOULDN'T RE START BECAUSE SHIFTER WAS STUCK IN "PARK" BUT THE INDICATOR WAS IN "DRIVE". VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. DEALER REPLACED TRANSMISSION SHIFTER CABLE ASSEMBLY. COSTING ME MORE THEN $500. CONSUMER REPORTS MAGAZINE (SEPTEMBER 2014, PAGE 12) HAS UNDER RECALLS, HAS SOME GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLES FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. BUT MY VEHICLE US NOT INDICATED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10618938

80,778 miles · Mar 22, 2013
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control

WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A RURAL ROAD DOING ABOUT 35 TO 40 MPH THE SPEED SUDDENLY FROZE AT 40 AND IT NO LONGER MOVES. I'M CURRENTLY A DRIVER FOR THE CITY AND THIS IS A COMPLETE HAZARD WHEN DRIVING AND CAN'T DETERMINE YOUR SPEED. I WAS VERY AFRAID DUE TO THE FACT I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HAPPEN TO ME WHICH OCCURRED IN THE P…

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WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A RURAL ROAD DOING ABOUT 35 TO 40 MPH THE SPEED SUDDENLY FROZE AT 40 AND IT NO LONGER MOVES. I'M CURRENTLY A DRIVER FOR THE CITY AND THIS IS A COMPLETE HAZARD WHEN DRIVING AND CAN'T DETERMINE YOUR SPEED. I WAS VERY AFRAID DUE TO THE FACT I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HAPPEN TO ME WHICH OCCURRED IN THE PROCESS OF ACCELERATION . WHEN I FINALLY LOOKED DOWN MY SPEED SAID 90 WHICH I KNEW FOR A FACT I WASN'T GOING THAT FAST AT ALL ONCE THE VEHICLE GOT STUCK ON 40 IT NEVER CAME BACK DOWN. SOMEONE REALLY NEEDS TO REVISE THIS SITUATION WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE THIS PROBLEM IS VERY COMMON WHERE'S THE RECALL ON THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504062

185,000 miles · Mar 1, 2013
Power Train

THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT I'VE RESEARCHED EXTENSIVELY ON LINE AND THROUGH PARTS REPLACEMENT . I BOUGHT THE SUV AT THE END OF 2012 AND IT STARTED DOING THIS A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER PURCHASED.WHEN SLOWING TO TURN WHILE BREAKING IT HAS A REAL BAD CLUNK AND IT WON'T TURN IT CAUSED ME TO ALMOST RUN INTO THE DITCH .I HAVE REPLACED THE CH…

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THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT I'VE RESEARCHED EXTENSIVELY ON LINE AND THROUGH PARTS REPLACEMENT . I BOUGHT THE SUV AT THE END OF 2012 AND IT STARTED DOING THIS A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER PURCHASED.WHEN SLOWING TO TURN WHILE BREAKING IT HAS A REAL BAD CLUNK AND IT WON'T TURN IT CAUSED ME TO ALMOST RUN INTO THE DITCH .I HAVE REPLACED THE CHAIN IN THE TRANSFER CASE AND ALSO BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS AND SPEED SENSORS AND REPLACED THE FLUID SEVERAL TIMES . FROM WHAT I READ ONLINE THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM , WHICH I THINK IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD VERY EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR DEATH IF SOMETHING ISN'T DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE ONLY HIGH MILEAGE VEHICLES THAT ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND IT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE MANUFACTURER GM. I CAN'T AFFORD TO KEEP PUMPING MONEY INTO THIS YARD ORNAMENT.! COME ON GM STEP UP AND TAKE CARE OF YOUR CUSTOMERS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT OR KILLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10500905

Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2011
Power Train

I HAVE A 2004 BUICK RAINIER GM MODEL. THE CAR IS IN PARK YET THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SAYS IT IS IN DRIVE SO NOW THE CAR WILL NOT START. I READ AN ARTICLE DATED NOVEMBER 15, 2011 THAT SAID THAT NHTSA WAS TO INVESTIGATE GM MODELS FOR FAULTY GEAR SHIFTERS. THIS WAS IN THE WASHINGTON POST AND WAS BY A ERICK AYAPANA. I WOULD REALL…

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I HAVE A 2004 BUICK RAINIER GM MODEL. THE CAR IS IN PARK YET THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SAYS IT IS IN DRIVE SO NOW THE CAR WILL NOT START. I READ AN ARTICLE DATED NOVEMBER 15, 2011 THAT SAID THAT NHTSA WAS TO INVESTIGATE GM MODELS FOR FAULTY GEAR SHIFTERS. THIS WAS IN THE WASHINGTON POST AND WAS BY A ERICK AYAPANA. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO HAVE SOMEONE ADVISE ME ON WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND SOON. MY CAR WILL NOT SHIFT, TURN OVER OR ANYTHING. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO DO ASAP! THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER DIDN'T NEED MY KEY AND SAID THE CAR ROLLED LIKE IT WAS STILL IN GEAR. I JUST GOT THIS CAR THIS PAST MAY 2011 AND I AM VERY UPSET. I NEED TO KNOW WHO IN MY AREA I CAN SPEAK WITH THAT CAN HELP ME FIX THIS PROBLEM EVERYTHING ELSE ON THE CAR IS WORKING AND THIS APPEARS TO BE THE PROBLEM: FAULTY GEAR SHIFTER---GM. ## VIN FAILED ## 2004 BUICK RAINIER ##

NHTSA ODI #10436507

64,000 miles · Dec 28, 2010
Power Train

WHEN DRIVING ON SLICK/SNOWY CONDITIONS THE FRONT WHEELS DO NOT GOT INTO 4WHEEL DRIVE. BECAUSE OF THIS OUR SUV DID A 180 ON A CURVE WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH. TOOK SUV IN FOR SERVICE AND HAD TRANSFER CASE AND REAR DIFF FLUIDS CHANGED OUT BUT TECH HEARD GRINDING NOISE IN FRONT DIFFS AND HAD TO TAKE TO DEALER TO FIND OUT CAMSHAFT AND …

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WHEN DRIVING ON SLICK/SNOWY CONDITIONS THE FRONT WHEELS DO NOT GOT INTO 4WHEEL DRIVE. BECAUSE OF THIS OUR SUV DID A 180 ON A CURVE WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH. TOOK SUV IN FOR SERVICE AND HAD TRANSFER CASE AND REAR DIFF FLUIDS CHANGED OUT BUT TECH HEARD GRINDING NOISE IN FRONT DIFFS AND HAD TO TAKE TO DEALER TO FIND OUT CAMSHAFT AND SLEEVE NEED REPLACED. SUV ONLY HAS 64,000 MILES AND WE'VE OWNED FOR 2-1/2 YRS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10372669

28,000 miles · Oct 1, 2008
Power Train

I HAVE A 2004 BUICK RAINIER THAT HAD THE TRANSMISSION REBUILT WITH 28,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT 64,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10244167

37,200 miles · Mar 6, 2008
Electrical SystemPower Train

THERE SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE WITH SPEEDOMETER CONTROL MODULE. THE DEALERS KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE, TRANSMISSION AND SPEEDOMETER REPAIR SHOPS KNPW ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AS YOU ARE DRIVING AND THE SPEED REGISTERS DIFFERENT & SOMETIMES NOT AT ALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10220296

46,403 miles · Jun 22, 2007
Power Train

AT 46,403 MILES I NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WOULD REV UP MORE THAN NORMAL WHEN SHIFTING GEARS. TOOK INTO THE BUICK DEALER AND UPON INSPECTION THE TECH FOUND THAT THERE WAS SCORING IN THE VALVE BODY OF THE TRANSMISSION. EXTENDED WARRANTY TOOK CARE OF THE ISSUE HOWEVER I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS RARE FOR RANIERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10193964

Official recalls

2

05V198000 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

May 5, 2005

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CLEARLY SIGNAL THEIR INTENTIONS TO TURN, CHANGE TRAVEL LANES, OR POTENTIALLY WARN OTHERS OF AN IMPAIRED VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT FLASHER MODULES WITH A NEW FLASHER MODULE DESIGNED WITH SEALED RELAYS AND MORE DURABLE CONTACT MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE RELAYS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2005. ISUZU BEGAN MAILING OWNER LETTERS ON AUGUST 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, AND OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

04V527000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

Nov 1, 2004

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VIBRATION AND HEAT MAY CAUSE THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP BULB TO LOOSEN IN ITS SOCKET. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BULB MAY FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION OF STOPPING TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES, AND AN INOPERATIVE REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION TO TURN TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES. BOTH OF THESE FAILURES CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

RQ17002 · Loss Of Headlights

Opened Apr 24, 2017 · Closed Mar 29, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.

EA07009 · Fuel Pump Module Leaks Gasoline

Opened Jul 10, 2007 · Closed Aug 28, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

DURING THE COURSE OF THIS EA INVESTIGATION, ODI OBSERVED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE COMPLAINTS (88%) AND WARRANTY CLAIMS (94%) WERE REPORTED FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE REGISTERED FOR USE IN THE SALT BELT REGION OF THE US.THIS AREA INCLUDES 20 STATES IN THE NORTHEAST, MID ATLANTIC AND THE MIDWEST REGIONS AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.CONSUMERS IN THE SALT BELT REGION REPORTED TO ODI THAT THEY COULD SMELL FUEL VAPORS IN THEIR VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING.UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION OF THEIR VEHICLES, THEY DISCOVERED THAT FUEL VAPORS WERE COMING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS CONDITION IS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE RETURN AND SENDER LINES OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.WATER AND ROAD SALT COLLECT ON TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP LEADING TO SMALL PINHOLES APPEARING ON THE FUEL LINES.FUEL MAY LEAK AND COLLECT ON TOP OF THE MODULE AND/OR SPILL ONTO THE GROUND.THE DATA EVALUATED UNDER THIS INVESTIGATION REFLECT A RELATIVELY LOW FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE THAT LARGELY ARISES IN SALT BELT STATES.GM HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE SUBJECT COMPONENT TO TEN YEARS OR 120,000 MILES.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED AT THIS TIME; ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH.

EA04021 · Brake Lamp Failure

Opened Aug 3, 2004 · Closed Nov 4, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

GM STATES THAT SOME BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULBS CAN PREMATURELY BECOME INOPERATIVE DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE/TAIL LAMP SOCKETS.ON MARCH 2, 2004, GM INITIATED A 6-YEAR/72,000 MILE SPECIAL POLICY FOR 989,487 SUBJECT VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB SOCKET ASSEMBLIES.ON APRIL 4, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-032) BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING BRAKE LIGHTS NOT OPERATING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.ON AUGUST 3, 2004 ODI UPGRADED PE04-032 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-021).BY LETTER DATED OCTOBER 27, 2004 GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 04V527) COVERING SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT ALREADY REPAIRED UNDER GM'S SPECIAL POLICY.MY 2004 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT AFTER AUGUST 8, 2003 CONTAIN IMPROVED BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLIES AND ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.GM DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE IMPROVED BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLY ON SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT ON AUGUST 8, 2003 AND EARLIER.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.