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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.

About this comparison →

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

Exterior Lighting complaints

21 reports
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112,000 miles · Jun 5, 2013
Exterior Lighting

I OWN TWO 2004 BUICK RAINIER'S AND HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE WITH BOTH, ALSO HAVE TALKED TO MANY FRIENDS THAT HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THE ISSUE IS THAT THE HEADLAMP BULB CONNECTORS ARE MELTING WHERE THEY PLUG INTO THE BULB, CAUSING INTERMITTENT OR NO FUNCTION AT ALL OF THE HEADLAMP. WHEN TRYING TO FIND A NEW CONNECTOR FOR THE BULB I WAS T…

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I OWN TWO 2004 BUICK RAINIER'S AND HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE WITH BOTH, ALSO HAVE TALKED TO MANY FRIENDS THAT HAD THE SAME ISSUE. THE ISSUE IS THAT THE HEADLAMP BULB CONNECTORS ARE MELTING WHERE THEY PLUG INTO THE BULB, CAUSING INTERMITTENT OR NO FUNCTION AT ALL OF THE HEADLAMP. WHEN TRYING TO FIND A NEW CONNECTOR FOR THE BULB I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO BUY THE ENTIRE HEADLAMP HOUSING ASSEMBLY, WHICH IS QUITE EXPENSIVE. I KNOW THERE ARE MORE CASES OUT THERE WITH THIS AS AN ISSUE, AS GM USES THESE TYPE OF CONNECTORS ON THE CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER, GMC ENVOY, OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA, AND THE BUICK RAINIER. I THINK THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BECAUSE IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE MATERIALS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10515283

94,000 miles · Nov 9, 2011
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I HAVE A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. SPEEDOMETER IS SAYING 120MPH WHEN ONLY GOING 25. IT WOULD ADJUST ITSELF FOR A DAY BUT THEN IT WAS ALL OVER THE PLACE AND NOW STAYING AT 120 MORE OFTEN. THIS STARTED AT THE END OF MAY. FOR A FEW YEARS NOW THE HATCH WINDOW LOCK IS A PROBLEM. CAN'T OPEN IT BECAUSE I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH GETTING IT LO…

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I HAVE A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. SPEEDOMETER IS SAYING 120MPH WHEN ONLY GOING 25. IT WOULD ADJUST ITSELF FOR A DAY BUT THEN IT WAS ALL OVER THE PLACE AND NOW STAYING AT 120 MORE OFTEN. THIS STARTED AT THE END OF MAY. FOR A FEW YEARS NOW THE HATCH WINDOW LOCK IS A PROBLEM. CAN'T OPEN IT BECAUSE I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH GETTING IT LOCKED AGAIN WITHOUT SLAMMING IT. HAVE ALSO HAD CONDENSATION IN MY HEAD AND REAR LIGHTS SINCE I'VE GOTTEN IT. WHY THEY HAVE YET TO RECALL ABOUT THE SPEEDOMETER IS CRAZY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY WHEN CHILDREN OR THE ELDERLY ARE INVOLVED! THE COST TO FIX THE CLUSTER ALONE IS 455.80$ (CHEAPEST). THIS SHOULD NOT BE MY RESPONSIBILITY WHEN MOST, IF NOT ALL, OF THE RAINIERS ARE ALL MALFUNCTIONING IN THE SAME WAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10435093

75,000 miles · Sep 14, 2011
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND ABOVE, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD FAIL ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND ABOVE, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD FAIL ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10425383

50,950 miles · Feb 10, 2009
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMING WHILE DRIVING SINCE THE BEGINNING, THE DEALERSHIP HAS SEVERAL TIMES WORKED ON THE PROBLEM, WHICH I THINK HAS CLEARED UP..SO FAR. NOW MY SPEEDOMETER HAS STARTED MESSING UP, IT SAYS I AM GOING 50 WHILE PARKED AND 120 WHILE DRIVING. I ONLY DRIVE SHORT DISTANCES AND MOSTLY INTO AND BA…

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I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMING WHILE DRIVING SINCE THE BEGINNING, THE DEALERSHIP HAS SEVERAL TIMES WORKED ON THE PROBLEM, WHICH I THINK HAS CLEARED UP..SO FAR. NOW MY SPEEDOMETER HAS STARTED MESSING UP, IT SAYS I AM GOING 50 WHILE PARKED AND 120 WHILE DRIVING. I ONLY DRIVE SHORT DISTANCES AND MOSTLY INTO AND BACK FROM TOWN 6 MILE ONE WAY. I HAVE 50,969 MILES ON MY 2004 VEHICLE, I KEEP ITS CHECKUPS AND OIL CHANGES REGULARLY: DEALERSHIP HAS RECORDS. I FEEL THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD ELECTRICAL ISSUES FROM DAY ONE, I SEE TURN SIGNAL AND BRAKELIGHT ISSUES IN RECALL SO I DON'T BELIEVE I AM WRONG ABOUT THIS. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME OVER $400 TO CHANGE THE "CLUSTER" AS THE ECONOMY GOES, I TOO CANNOT AFFORD THIS KIND OF CHARGES ON AN ITEM THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE ISSUES. ESPECIALLY WHEN I TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT AND REALLY HAS LOW MILEAGE AND WEAR AND TEAR (PERFECT CONDITION). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10258193

Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2006
Exterior Lighting

AT NIGHT, HEADLIGHTS FLICKER BETWEEN DIM TO BRIGHT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEMS SINCE APRIL 2004. BUICK SERVICE MANAGER ADMITS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BUT THEY HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO FIX IT.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10149838

23,437 miles · Jun 20, 2005
Exterior Lighting

DT: HEADLIGHTS FLICKER ON/OFF, AND GM DOESN'T HAVE A SOLUTION FOR THIS PROBLEM. HAVE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, AND THEY CANNOT FIX IT. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY. *AK *NM

NHTSA ODI #10120053

Mileage unknown · May 16, 2005
Exterior LightingPower Train

AWD DOES NOT ENGAGE. VERY DANGEROUS ON A SLICK ROAD. HAD SUV TO DEALER 3-4 TIMES. THEY NEVER FIX THE PROBLEM. FRONT WHEELS OF SUV MAKE GRINDING NOISE AFTER A FEW HOURS OF DRIVING. HEADLIGHTS GO DIM/AND EVEN TURN OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. TOOK TO DEALER, OF COURSE NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND. SOMEONE'S GOING TO BE KI…

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AWD DOES NOT ENGAGE. VERY DANGEROUS ON A SLICK ROAD. HAD SUV TO DEALER 3-4 TIMES. THEY NEVER FIX THE PROBLEM. FRONT WHEELS OF SUV MAKE GRINDING NOISE AFTER A FEW HOURS OF DRIVING. HEADLIGHTS GO DIM/AND EVEN TURN OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. TOOK TO DEALER, OF COURSE NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND. SOMEONE'S GOING TO BE KILLED BECAUSE OF BOTH THESE PROBLEMS WITH THE BUICK RAINIER.

NHTSA ODI #10121120

17,150 miles · Apr 7, 2005
Exterior Lighting

HEADLIGHTS DIM WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE HEADLIGHTS SOME TIMES FLICKER BRIGHT TO DIM THEN BACK TO BRIGHT AND THE VOLTAGE GAUGE FLUCTATES. THIS HAS ESCALATED TO WHERE FOR NO REASON THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO DIM FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 10 SECONDS THEN RETURN TO NORMAL, AT THIS TIME THEY GO DIM ENOUGH THAT YOU CAN'T SEE WHEN DRIVING …

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HEADLIGHTS DIM WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE HEADLIGHTS SOME TIMES FLICKER BRIGHT TO DIM THEN BACK TO BRIGHT AND THE VOLTAGE GAUGE FLUCTATES. THIS HAS ESCALATED TO WHERE FOR NO REASON THE HEADLIGHTS WILL GO DIM FOR APPROXIMATELY 5 TO 10 SECONDS THEN RETURN TO NORMAL, AT THIS TIME THEY GO DIM ENOUGH THAT YOU CAN'T SEE WHEN DRIVING AND HAVE TO PULL OVER. THE SERVICE MANAGER HAS SPOKE TO GM AND BUICK REPRESENTITIVES FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF DAYS AND WAS BASICALLY TOLD: THERE IS A PROBLEM - WE'RE AWARE OF IT - WE DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10116569

Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE HAS BEEN SPUTTERING, MISSING AND SURGING SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. *NM THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE BATTERY FAILED. WATER LEAKED THROUGH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR. WATER ALSO LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE BY THE HOOD RELEASE LEVER WHE…

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THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE HAS BEEN SPUTTERING, MISSING AND SURGING SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED. *NM THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE BATTERY FAILED. WATER LEAKED THROUGH THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR. WATER ALSO LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE BY THE HOOD RELEASE LEVER WHEN RAINING. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FENDER RATTLED. HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY SEEMED LOOSE. RACK AND PINION LEAKED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10111149

Mileage unknown · Nov 16, 2004
Exterior LightingService Brakes, HydraulicCrash

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, BUT STOPPED. VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE REAR. THE OTHER DRIVER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT HE DID NOT SEE THE BRAKE LIGHTS FROM BEHIND. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE HOME. WILL CALL THE DEALERSHIP FOR AN APPOINTMENT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10101081

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.