IllustrationI HAVE A 2004 BUICK RAINIER AND THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE OTHER GAUGES DON'T WORK I DON'T KNOW HOW FAST I AM GOING OR HOW MY CAR IS RUNNING ITS BEEN LIKE THAT A LITTLE AFTER I GOT IT AND IT WORKS SOME TIMES BUT SOMETIMES IT DON'T I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE A CAR LIKE MINE AND THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM TO. *TR
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Rainier years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
200–25K
3125–50K
2750–75K
2475–100K
20100–150K
11150K+
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
Electrical System complaints
83 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENTLY MECHANIC FOR ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENTLY MECHANIC FOR ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,300.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ALL OF THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON. THE LIGHTING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ALSO BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND UPON RESTART, THE LIGHTS BEGAN FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ALL OF THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON. THE LIGHTING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ALSO BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND UPON RESTART, THE LIGHTS BEGAN FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY 5 MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE HEADLIGHTS AND RUNNING LIGHTS. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE HAD TO PAY A FEE IN ORDER TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED EVOQ 10/04/10
2004 BUICK RAINIER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE WAS A PROBLEM THE CHEVY TRAIL BLAZER AND IT IS THE SAME ONE THAT IS IN THE BUICK RAINIER HOWEVER THEY WILL NOT FIX OR AT LEAST HELP WITH THE PROBLEM.IF THE SAME COMPONENTS WERE USED IN THE 2 DIFFERENT VEHICLES AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CHEVY'S WHY WAS THE BUICK RAINIER NOT ON TH…
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2004 BUICK RAINIER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE WAS A PROBLEM THE CHEVY TRAIL BLAZER AND IT IS THE SAME ONE THAT IS IN THE BUICK RAINIER HOWEVER THEY WILL NOT FIX OR AT LEAST HELP WITH THE PROBLEM.IF THE SAME COMPONENTS WERE USED IN THE 2 DIFFERENT VEHICLES AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CHEVY'S WHY WAS THE BUICK RAINIER NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. *TR
ODOMETER FREEZES. *TR
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) I OWN A 2004 BUICK RAINIER AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, SPECIFICALLY THE SPEEDOMETER, OIL AND GAS GAUGES HAVE FAILED. CALLED BUICK ABOUT THE ISSUE AND RECEIVED SERVICE REQUEST # [XXX] . CALLED A LOCAL DEALER, WAGNER BUICK/GMC IN BELLEVIL…
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INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) I OWN A 2004 BUICK RAINIER AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, SPECIFICALLY THE SPEEDOMETER, OIL AND GAS GAUGES HAVE FAILED. CALLED BUICK ABOUT THE ISSUE AND RECEIVED SERVICE REQUEST # [XXX] . CALLED A LOCAL DEALER, WAGNER BUICK/GMC IN BELLEVILLE, IL TO GET SERVICE AND THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THE SERVICE REQUEST WILL GET ME NOTHING SINCE I DIDN'T PURCHASE THE VEHICLE INITIALLY. LOOKING ON THE INTERNET TO FIND A FIX FOR THE ISSUE I HAVE NOTICED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT FAILED/FAILING INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS IN THESE VEHICLES. I'M SURE THERE ARE OTHER GM VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS OUTSIDE OF THE RAINIER. REQUEST THE NHTSA LOOK OVER THIS ISSUE. *TR
I OWN A 2004 BUICK RAINIER V-8 AND THE SPEEDOMETER HAS STOPPED WORKING. IT WILL BE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SUDDENLY IT WILL SHOW 120 MPH. SOMETIMES IT WILL WORK PROPERLY BUT THEN IT GOES TO 120 MPH AGAIN. I WOULDN'T NORMALLY FILE A REPORT FOR THIS BUT AFTER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I SEE WHERE THERE ARE DOZENS OF OWNERS…
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I OWN A 2004 BUICK RAINIER V-8 AND THE SPEEDOMETER HAS STOPPED WORKING. IT WILL BE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SUDDENLY IT WILL SHOW 120 MPH. SOMETIMES IT WILL WORK PROPERLY BUT THEN IT GOES TO 120 MPH AGAIN. I WOULDN'T NORMALLY FILE A REPORT FOR THIS BUT AFTER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I SEE WHERE THERE ARE DOZENS OF OWNERS REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME VEHICLE. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING IT FIXED. *TR
I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT BEFORE ABOUT OUR SPEEDOMETER BEING MESSED UP. NOW THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS MALFUNCTIONING. ALL THE GAUGES ARE "PEGGED". THERE IS NO REASON WHAT SO EVER BUICK CAN NOT PLACE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. NO FIRE AS OF YET, BUT WHAT IF THE CAR OVERHEATS? WE CAN'T TELL AS THE GAUGE IS NOT FUNCTIONING. NO D…
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I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT BEFORE ABOUT OUR SPEEDOMETER BEING MESSED UP. NOW THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS MALFUNCTIONING. ALL THE GAUGES ARE "PEGGED". THERE IS NO REASON WHAT SO EVER BUICK CAN NOT PLACE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. NO FIRE AS OF YET, BUT WHAT IF THE CAR OVERHEATS? WE CAN'T TELL AS THE GAUGE IS NOT FUNCTIONING. NO DAMAGE TO OTHER PROPERTY, BUT THIS IS MY VEHICLE AND THERE IS DAMAGE TO IT, SINCE SOMETHING IS BROKE. NO CRASH AS OF YET, BUT IT WILL HAPPEN. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I RUN OUT OF GAS CAUSE THE GAS GAUGE IS SHOWING BEYOND FULL? *TR
SPEEDOMETER FAILURE. AT A STANDSTILL THE SPEEDOMETER READS ANYWHERE FROM 10MPH TO 40MPH. ON A FEW OCCASIONS IT SEEMS TO READ CORRECTLY. *TR
SPEEDOMETER STICKS. DO NOT KNOW HOW FAST THE VEHICLE IS GOING. *TR
Official recalls
205V198000 · 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
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.
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.