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
What owners actually said
158 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 17, 2008
Electrical System
WE HAVE A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. DURING THE COLDER TIMES, OUR SPEEDOMETER TIC, SO YOU DON'T KNOW HOW FAST OR SLOW YOU ARE GOING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. HAVING NO WAY TO TELL YOUR SPEED, WE COULD GET A TICKET, CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED ONLINE, NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. WE HAVE…
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WE HAVE A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. DURING THE COLDER TIMES, OUR SPEEDOMETER TIC, SO YOU DON'T KNOW HOW FAST OR SLOW YOU ARE GOING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. HAVING NO WAY TO TELL YOUR SPEED, WE COULD GET A TICKET, CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED ONLINE, NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. WE HAVE NOT HAD IT FIXED. IT WOULD $600 TO FIX, AND SHOULD NOT BE CHARGED TO US, BUT TO BUICK FOR A MALFUNCTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10238541
45,000 miles · Aug 15, 2008
Electrical System
SPEEDOMETER BEGAN GETTING STUCK AND NOW DOES NOT GIVE SPEED STAYS ON ZERO OR SLOWLY MOVES UP AND GETS STUCK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10238446
37,000 miles · Jul 7, 2008
Electrical System
INSTRUMENT CONTROL FOR SPEEDOMETER AND RADIO JUST QUIT WORKING. NOT ALWAYS SURE OF TRAVELING SPEED BECAUSE SPEEDOMETER QUITS WORKING. VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF NOT SURE OF TRAVELING SPEEDS AND AFRAID OF GETTING TICKET BECAUSE OF UNKOWN SPEED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10233329
35,000 miles · Jun 19, 2008
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER WILL DISPLAY SPEEDS BETWEEN 20-120 MPH. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON THE FREEWAY, THE SPEED WILL DECREASE ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT MUST LITERALLY STAND ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO MAINTAIN A STEADY SPEED. WHILE IDLING AT A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT, T…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER WILL DISPLAY SPEEDS BETWEEN 20-120 MPH. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS ON THE FREEWAY, THE SPEED WILL DECREASE ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT MUST LITERALLY STAND ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO MAINTAIN A STEADY SPEED. WHILE IDLING AT A STOP SIGN OR LIGHT, THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO REV. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DEALER FOR JUNE 23, 2008 TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURES. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
NHTSA ODI #10231608
41,000 miles · Jun 17, 2008
Electrical System
THE SPEEDOMETER READS ERRATICALLY AT REST PEGGED TO 120 WHEN DRIVING. THIS OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN DRIVING YOU DO NOT HAVE RELIABLE DISPLAY OF YOUR SPEED. GM SAYS THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, I DISAGREE. IT IS A FAILURE IN A FUNDAMENTALLY IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE FIXED. THIS BEGAN WITH ONSET OF COLD …
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THE SPEEDOMETER READS ERRATICALLY AT REST PEGGED TO 120 WHEN DRIVING. THIS OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN DRIVING YOU DO NOT HAVE RELIABLE DISPLAY OF YOUR SPEED. GM SAYS THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, I DISAGREE. IT IS A FAILURE IN A FUNDAMENTALLY IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF THE VEHICLE AND SHOULD BE FIXED. THIS BEGAN WITH ONSET OF COLD WEATHER AND CONTINUES TO THE PRESENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10231283
47,000 miles · May 26, 2008
Electrical System
INSTRUMENT GAUGE CLUSTER STARTED WORKING ONLY SPORADICALLY MARCH 08. SPEEDOMETER AND TACK HAVE ALSO FAILED TO WORK ABOUT 25% OF TIME IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS. ON ONE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 15 MPH THROUGH A NEIGHBORHOOD, THE GAS PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE ENGINE WOULD ONLY IDLE AT 1000 RPM. AFTER PULLING OVER AND REST…
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INSTRUMENT GAUGE CLUSTER STARTED WORKING ONLY SPORADICALLY MARCH 08. SPEEDOMETER AND TACK HAVE ALSO FAILED TO WORK ABOUT 25% OF TIME IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS. ON ONE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 15 MPH THROUGH A NEIGHBORHOOD, THE GAS PEDAL FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE ENGINE WOULD ONLY IDLE AT 1000 RPM. AFTER PULLING OVER AND RESTARTING, THE GAS PEDAL RETURNED TO NORMAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10228928
87,000 miles · May 17, 2008
Air BagsCrash
MY FIANCE WAS IN ACCIDENT WITH MY SUV AND THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY CAN I SUE THE COMPANY WHO SOLD ME THE VEHICLE? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10228093
48,000 miles · May 5, 2008
Electrical System
FAULTY SPEEDOMETER, READS BETWEEN 70 MPH TO 130 MPH AT ALL TIMES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10226660
88,435 miles · Apr 10, 2008
Electrical System
MY WIFE WAS STOPPED BY THE SC HIGHWAY OFFICER FOR SPEEDING. BASED ON HER SPEEDOMETER READING SHE WAS NOT SPEEDING. IN ADDITION TO SPEEDING TICKET SHE RECEIVED WARNING FOR OPERATING VEHICLE WITH BROKEN EQUIPMENT. IT TURNED OUT THAT THE SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING AND IS NOW ACTING UNPREDICTABLE. *TR
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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