NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
103 reports40,143 miles · Jan 5, 2009
Structure
DESIGN FAULT - AIR PUMP IS MOUNTED LOW ON THE FRAME OF 2005 BUICK RAINIER. ON 10/30/07 IT FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. MILEAGE AT THAT TIME WAS 30,947. PUMP FAILED AGAIN BECAUSE OF WATER INTRUSION. SINCE IT IS MOUNTED LOW WITHOUT ANY SHIELD. I WOULD EXPECT RAIN WATER TO SPLASH UP AS YOU DRIVE. PUMP WAS REPLACED A SECOND TIME …
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DESIGN FAULT - AIR PUMP IS MOUNTED LOW ON THE FRAME OF 2005 BUICK RAINIER. ON 10/30/07 IT FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. MILEAGE AT THAT TIME WAS 30,947. PUMP FAILED AGAIN BECAUSE OF WATER INTRUSION. SINCE IT IS MOUNTED LOW WITHOUT ANY SHIELD. I WOULD EXPECT RAIN WATER TO SPLASH UP AS YOU DRIVE. PUMP WAS REPLACED A SECOND TIME ON 12/12/08, MILEAGE WAS 39,994. THE SECOND PUMP ONLY LASTED 9,000 MILES AND GM REFUSES TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT ( THE WARRANTY IS FOR 12,000 MILES OR 12 MONTHS, YOUR PART IS 13 MONTHS OLD). IT HAD TO BE REPLACED FOR A THIRD TIME ON 1/5/09, MILEAGE WAS 40,143. THUS, THIRD PUMP ONLY LASTED 149 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10253845
39,850 miles · Dec 15, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure
DESIGN FAULT - AIR PUMP IS MOUNTED LOW ON THE FRAME OF 2005 BUICK RAINIER. ON 10/30/07 IT FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. MILEAGE AT THAT TIME WAS 30,947. PUMP FAILED AGAIN BECAUSE OF WATER INTRUSION. SINCE IT IS MOUNTED LOW WITHOUT ANY SHIELD I WOULD EXPECT RAIN WATER TO SPLASH UP AS YOU DRIVE. PUMP WAS REPLACED A SECOND TIME ON…
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DESIGN FAULT - AIR PUMP IS MOUNTED LOW ON THE FRAME OF 2005 BUICK RAINIER. ON 10/30/07 IT FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. MILEAGE AT THAT TIME WAS 30,947. PUMP FAILED AGAIN BECAUSE OF WATER INTRUSION. SINCE IT IS MOUNTED LOW WITHOUT ANY SHIELD I WOULD EXPECT RAIN WATER TO SPLASH UP AS YOU DRIVE. PUMP WAS REPLACED A SECOND TIME ON 12/12/08, MILEAGE WAS 39,994. THE SECOND PUMP ONLY LASTED 9,000 MILES AND GM REFUSES TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT ( THE WARRANTY IS FOR 12,000 MILES OR 12 MONTHS, YOUR PART IS 13 MONTHS OLD). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10251795
68,000 miles · Dec 9, 2008
Electrical System
THE LOWER INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAY, THAT SHOWS THE ODOMETER, FUEL MILEAGE ETC, DOES NOT ALWAYS COME ON. I HAVE HAD THE DISPLAY SHOW UP PRIOR TO STARTING, WHILE IN "RUN" BUT NOT STARTED AND THEN NOT COME ON AFTER STARTING. MOST OF THE TIME IT WILL COME ON THE NEXT TIME I START THE VEHICLE AFTER LETTING IT SIT FOR A MINUTE OR …
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THE LOWER INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAY, THAT SHOWS THE ODOMETER, FUEL MILEAGE ETC, DOES NOT ALWAYS COME ON. I HAVE HAD THE DISPLAY SHOW UP PRIOR TO STARTING, WHILE IN "RUN" BUT NOT STARTED AND THEN NOT COME ON AFTER STARTING. MOST OF THE TIME IT WILL COME ON THE NEXT TIME I START THE VEHICLE AFTER LETTING IT SIT FOR A MINUTE OR TWO.. EVEN MORE RECENTLY THE FUEL GAUGE DID NOT GO UP TO FULL AFTER ADDING FUEL, THE NEEDLE BOUNCED ON FULL AND THEN WHEN I PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE IT WENT BACK TO EMPTY, THEN THIRTY SECONDS LATER IT WENT BACK TO FULL. FORTUNATELY AT THAT POINT THE DISPLAY WAS WORKING AND THE RANGE IMMEDIATELY WENT TO ZERO, LEAVING ME WITH NO INFORMATION ON THE FUEL. THE FUEL GAUGE HAS ALSO DROPPED TO EMPTY UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. THE PROBLEMS ARE IRRITATING AND INTERMITTENT AT THIS POINT, AND CHASING IT DOWN IS NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE. I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO NOTE THAT WHEN THE FUEL GAUGE DID ITS DANCE FROM E TO F TO E TO F THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. UNFORTUNATELY I AM NOT ABLE TO GET MY OBDII SCANNER TO WORK ON THE CAR YET, TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM, THAT MAY HAVE TO DO WITH I HAVE OLDER SOFTWARE. THE ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW OFF SO I MAY NEVER FIGURE OUT WHAT WENT WRONG. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10251169
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2008
Electrical System
SPEEDOMETER STARTED STICKING, AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. I AM HAVING A HARD TIME, BUT FROM WHAT I CAN TELL SO FAR IT IS EXPENSIVE TO FIX OR EVEN FIND A USED ONE. WHAT AN AGGRAVATING THING TO GO WRONG ON A NEWER VEHICLE THAT CLEARLY HAS TO BE AT THE FAULT OF MANUFACTURER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10220809
30,809 miles · Mar 3, 2008
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS DIM WITH HEATED SEATS ON AND WITH HEATER ON. IN COLD WEATHER. NOTICE LIGHTS DIM AT NIGHT AND VOLT GAUGE GOES DOWN AND THEN BACK TO NORMAL. DO NOT WANT TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND PAY FOR DIAG WHEN THERE IS A TECH BULLETIN OUT. AND I KNOW I WILL BE TOLD THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE IT. I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR MUCH ONLY AT NIGH…
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HEADLIGHTS DIM WITH HEATED SEATS ON AND WITH HEATER ON. IN COLD WEATHER. NOTICE LIGHTS DIM AT NIGHT AND VOLT GAUGE GOES DOWN AND THEN BACK TO NORMAL. DO NOT WANT TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND PAY FOR DIAG WHEN THERE IS A TECH BULLETIN OUT. AND I KNOW I WILL BE TOLD THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE IT. I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR MUCH ONLY AT NIGHT, HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. I HOPE THERE WILL BE SOME KIND OF RECALL THAT COMES OUT. BUT GM DOESN'T CARE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10219975
19,237 miles · Sep 21, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STOPPED NORMALLY. HE IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO A MECHANIC, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT ALL 4 BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE PITTED AND CAUSED THE BRAKE PADS TO F…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STOPPED NORMALLY. HE IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO A MECHANIC, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT ALL 4 BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE PITTED AND CAUSED THE BRAKE PADS TO FAIL. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE ON TWO OCCASIONS AND THEY STATED THAT THE PITTING WAS DUE TO THE BRAKES OVERHEATING. THE REAR BRAKES AND PADS WERE REPLACED IN JULY OF 2007. THE FRONT BRAKES AND PADS WILL BE REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT, BUT OFFERED TO PAY FOR THE REAR ROTOR REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT FILED COMPLAINT NUMBER 71-538033018 WITH BUICK. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,150 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,237.
NHTSA ODI #10203656
Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BRAKES FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE BRAKE ROTORS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10200177
9,000 miles · Nov 8, 2006
Exterior LightingPower Train
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEAD LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY WENT OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY JERKED. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10172912
Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2005
Interior Lighting
INSTRUMENT PANEL HARD TO READ WHEN SUNLIGHT CREATES SHADOWS OR AT TWILIGHT. IT TAKES LONGER THAN IT SHOULD TO READ THE DISPLAY, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO TAKE HIS/HER EYES OFF THE ROAD FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10139152
149 miles · Oct 5, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
DT: THE CONSUMER BOUGHT A NEW BUICK RAINIER IN 2005 AND SHE WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE VEHICLE EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH WAS VERY SMALL. THE CONSUMER MISSED HITTING THE BRAKE PEDAL A FEW TIMES, AND THIS SCARED HER. THE CONSUMER TALKED TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THAT THEY KNEW OF A PLACE WHERE THEY COULD MAKE ADJUSTME…
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DT: THE CONSUMER BOUGHT A NEW BUICK RAINIER IN 2005 AND SHE WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE VEHICLE EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH WAS VERY SMALL. THE CONSUMER MISSED HITTING THE BRAKE PEDAL A FEW TIMES, AND THIS SCARED HER. THE CONSUMER TALKED TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THAT THEY KNEW OF A PLACE WHERE THEY COULD MAKE ADJUSTMENTS FOR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT HANDICAPPED AND THOUGHT IT WAS UNFAIR THAT SHE WAS GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR AN ADJUSTMENT. *AK (11/17/05) *SC
NHTSA ODI #10138673
NHTSA investigations
3RQ17002 · 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.
PE11014 · Fuel Level Gauge System Failure
Opened Apr 25, 2011 · Closed Sep 23, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Other; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Other
The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.
Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.
DP10001 · Fuel Level Gauge System Failure
Opened Jan 7, 2010 · Closed May 23, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Other; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Other
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
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