IT IS A KNOWN FACT BY BUICK/GM THAT THERE IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/ELECTRICAL MAKE UP OF THIS VEHICLE. HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLE, FIRST AND FOREMOST IS THE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. FROM WHAT WE HAVE DEDUCTED SO FAR, THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE STEMMIN…
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IT IS A KNOWN FACT BY BUICK/GM THAT THERE IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/ELECTRICAL MAKE UP OF THIS VEHICLE. HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THEIR VEHICLE, FIRST AND FOREMOST IS THE FAILURE OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. FROM WHAT WE HAVE DEDUCTED SO FAR, THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE STEMMING FROM A GROUND SHORT NEAR THE RADIO. WE JUST CAN'T PINPOINT IT YET. SOME DAYS THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WORKS, SOME NOT. USUALLY STARTS WORKING ON A WET DAY - INDICATING THE GROUND SHORT. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR NOT RECALLING THIS, OTHER THAN THEY REALIZE HOW MANY WOULD BE INVOLVED. I SPENT THOUSANDS ON THIS VEHICLE AND NOW GM WILL NOT BACK THEIR PRODUCT. THE PROBLEM DIDN'T START UNTIL AFTER THE WARRANTY WAS PAST, SURPRISE SURPRISE. I HAVE TO USE A GPS SYSTEM WITH A SPEEDOMETER TO AVOID SPEEDING/GETTING FINED. ALL THE DEALERSHIPS AGREE - THE HOURS OF LABOR TO RESOLVE THIS ARE BEYOND MY POCKETBOOK. STEP UP AND ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR FAULT IN THIS, GM. NOW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10483968
112,000 miles · Nov 9, 2012
Electrical System
AFTER DRIVING FOR A APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR AT 65-70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE THE SPEEDOMETER READING DROPS OFF FROM 70 EVENTUALLY DOWN TO 0 MPH. UPON STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE AT A REST STOP THE SPEEDOMETER RETURNS TO AN ACCURATE READING FOR A SHORT WHILE. I RELIED ON MY GARMIN GPS TO GIVE ME A SPEED APPROXIMATION WHEN T…
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AFTER DRIVING FOR A APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR AT 65-70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE THE SPEEDOMETER READING DROPS OFF FROM 70 EVENTUALLY DOWN TO 0 MPH. UPON STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE AT A REST STOP THE SPEEDOMETER RETURNS TO AN ACCURATE READING FOR A SHORT WHILE. I RELIED ON MY GARMIN GPS TO GIVE ME A SPEED APPROXIMATION WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER WENT OUT COMPLETELY. RELYING ON A ACCURATE SPEEDOMETER IS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. WITHOUT THE GPS GIVING ME A SPEED READING IT WOULD BE NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO JUDGE A SAFE SPEED IN THE DARKNESS ON A ROAD ILLUMINATED ONLY BY MY HEADLIGHTS. THIS DEFECT MUST BE SIMILAR TO OTHER MODELS IN THE GM FAMILY, TRAILBLAZER AND ENVOY. IF ONE PERSON WERE TO RELY ON THIS FAULTY SPEEDOMETER THEY MIGHT THINK THEY WERE DRIVING 40 WHEN IN ACTUALITY THEY COULD BE DRIVING IN EXCESS OF 70. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10483792
83,000 miles · Aug 10, 2012
Electrical SystemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SHE SMELLED AN ODOR OF BURNING WIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE EXAMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAIL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SHE SMELLED AN ODOR OF BURNING WIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE EXAMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. UPDATED 10/10/12 *CN
1) FUEL GAUGE - THE FUEL GAUGE HAS DONE A 180, THE NEEDLE IS NOW UPSIDE DOWN. AND DOESN'T WORK REALLY. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND OUT THE THERE IS A RECALL ON 2005- 2007 BUICK RAINIERS BUT NOT ON MY 2004. MAYBE WITH MY COMPLAINT, MAYBE IT WILL INCLUDE 2004 MODELS. 2) DRIVES DOOR LOCK - THE CAR KEY WILL NO LONGER OPEN…
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1) FUEL GAUGE - THE FUEL GAUGE HAS DONE A 180, THE NEEDLE IS NOW UPSIDE DOWN. AND DOESN'T WORK REALLY. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND OUT THE THERE IS A RECALL ON 2005- 2007 BUICK RAINIERS BUT NOT ON MY 2004. MAYBE WITH MY COMPLAINT, MAYBE IT WILL INCLUDE 2004 MODELS. 2) DRIVES DOOR LOCK - THE CAR KEY WILL NO LONGER OPEN THE CAR DOOR. I CAN ONLY OPEN THE DOOR WITH THE REMOTE BUTTON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10467527
72,153 miles · Jun 5, 2012
Electrical System
GOING DOWN THE ROAD SPEEDOMETER STUCK AT 120. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10460731
Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2012
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTIONED AND THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ABS SENSOR AND INSTRUMENT P…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTIONED AND THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ABS SENSOR AND INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10452686
90,000 miles · Mar 18, 2012
Electrical System
GAUGES DON'T FUNCTION RIGHT. SPEEDO READS TOO FAST, TOO SLOW OR NOT AT ALL, FUEL GAUGE READS TWICE AS FULL. NEEDLE PEGGED TO STOP AS IS THE OIL GAUGE NEEDLE. BUYING THIS WAS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER MADE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10452094
32,985 miles · Feb 10, 2012
Electrical System
DASHBORAD GAUGES DO NOT KEEP AN ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF RPM'S AS WELL AS SPEED. THE BATTERY GAUGE JUST STARTED BEING INACCURATE JANUARY 2012. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10447388
54,000 miles · Jan 28, 2012
Electrical System
2004 BUICK RAINIER- INSTRUMENT PANEL - SPEEDOMETER, TEMPERATURE, FUEL AND OIL PRESSURE GAUGES ALL STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY AND PROVIDING FALSE READINGS (120MPH AT DEAD STOP WITH ENGINE OFF, TEMP IN RED ZONE AT START UP). THIS APPEARS TO BE ALL TO COMMON OF AN ISSUE WITH GM TRUCKS/SUVS OF THIS ERA AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED …
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2004 BUICK RAINIER- INSTRUMENT PANEL - SPEEDOMETER, TEMPERATURE, FUEL AND OIL PRESSURE GAUGES ALL STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY AND PROVIDING FALSE READINGS (120MPH AT DEAD STOP WITH ENGINE OFF, TEMP IN RED ZONE AT START UP). THIS APPEARS TO BE ALL TO COMMON OF AN ISSUE WITH GM TRUCKS/SUVS OF THIS ERA AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED VIA RECALL. THE PROBLEM IS NOW GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10445665
83,868 miles · Jan 27, 2012
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS TURNED ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE AIR BAG, THE SEAT BELT, AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED THE INCORRECT READING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS TURNED ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE AIR BAG, THE SEAT BELT, AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED THE INCORRECT READING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,868.
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.
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.
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.
2004 Buick Rainier Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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