NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
158 reports83,868 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.
NHTSA ODI #10445575
Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2011
Power Train
I HAVE A 2004 BUICK RAINIER GM MODEL. THE CAR IS IN PARK YET THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SAYS IT IS IN DRIVE SO NOW THE CAR WILL NOT START. I READ AN ARTICLE DATED NOVEMBER 15, 2011 THAT SAID THAT NHTSA WAS TO INVESTIGATE GM MODELS FOR FAULTY GEAR SHIFTERS. THIS WAS IN THE WASHINGTON POST AND WAS BY A ERICK AYAPANA. I WOULD REALL…
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I HAVE A 2004 BUICK RAINIER GM MODEL. THE CAR IS IN PARK YET THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SAYS IT IS IN DRIVE SO NOW THE CAR WILL NOT START. I READ AN ARTICLE DATED NOVEMBER 15, 2011 THAT SAID THAT NHTSA WAS TO INVESTIGATE GM MODELS FOR FAULTY GEAR SHIFTERS. THIS WAS IN THE WASHINGTON POST AND WAS BY A ERICK AYAPANA. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO HAVE SOMEONE ADVISE ME ON WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND SOON. MY CAR WILL NOT SHIFT, TURN OVER OR ANYTHING. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO DO ASAP! THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER DIDN'T NEED MY KEY AND SAID THE CAR ROLLED LIKE IT WAS STILL IN GEAR. I JUST GOT THIS CAR THIS PAST MAY 2011 AND I AM VERY UPSET. I NEED TO KNOW WHO IN MY AREA I CAN SPEAK WITH THAT CAN HELP ME FIX THIS PROBLEM EVERYTHING ELSE ON THE CAR IS WORKING AND THIS APPEARS TO BE THE PROBLEM: FAULTY GEAR SHIFTER---GM. ## VIN FAILED ## 2004 BUICK RAINIER ##
NHTSA ODI #10436507
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
99,749 miles · Sep 13, 2011
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LATER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED A BROKEN AXLE ACTUATOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR REPAIR WAS ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND WAS DISCONTINU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LATER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED A BROKEN AXLE ACTUATOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR REPAIR WAS ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND WAS DISCONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED THE CONTACT A DISCOUNT TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A NEW VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RENDERED AS NON-DRIVABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,749.
NHTSA ODI #10425156
125,000 miles · Sep 12, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT SHOWING THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL. IT WILL GO FAR BEYOND FULL AND WAY BELOW EMPTY. OVER THE COURSE OF A MILE IT CAN GO FROM FULL TO EMPTY OR ALL BETWEEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10424709
69,000 miles · Jun 19, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
NOISES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD; RATTLE, JINGLE, CLUNK; CONSTANT. SOUNDS LIKE METAL IN A WASHING MACHINE, BUT FINE DRIVEABILITY AND COMFORTABLE SOUNDING HIGHWAY DRIVING. DRIVING IN PARKING GARAGE IS NOISY WHEN ACCELERATING, AND QUIET WHEN COASTING. NOISE IS QUIETER WHEN AC IS OFF. NOISE IS LOUDER WHEN ACCELERATING, OR AT …
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NOISES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD; RATTLE, JINGLE, CLUNK; CONSTANT. SOUNDS LIKE METAL IN A WASHING MACHINE, BUT FINE DRIVEABILITY AND COMFORTABLE SOUNDING HIGHWAY DRIVING. DRIVING IN PARKING GARAGE IS NOISY WHEN ACCELERATING, AND QUIET WHEN COASTING. NOISE IS QUIETER WHEN AC IS OFF. NOISE IS LOUDER WHEN ACCELERATING, OR AT IDLE. AFTER 30 MINUTE DRIVE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AUTO STORE GAVE CODES THAT SHOWED REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE COOLING FAN CLUTCH OR EV FAN MOTOR. LESS THAN 70K MILES.
NHTSA ODI #10408266
80,000 miles · May 10, 2011
Fuel System, Other
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTIONED AND DISPLAYED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS HALF FULL BUT AN INDICATOR FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD STATING THAT THE FUEL WAS LOW AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD FIVE MILES TO EMPTY. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTIONED AND DISPLAYED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS HALF FULL BUT AN INDICATOR FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD STATING THAT THE FUEL WAS LOW AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD FIVE MILES TO EMPTY. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FUEL GAUGE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION COULD HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF FUEL ON THE HIGHWAY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10399867
78,500 miles · May 6, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineUnknown Or Other
THE FIRST INCIDENT WE RAN OUT OF FUEL WITH THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWING WE STILL HAD FUEL IN THE TANK. NEXT INCIDENT, THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE INDICATED A VERY HIGH OIL PRESSURE READING, LEADING ME TO BELIEVE SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE. TOOK THE CAR HOME AND DROVE ANOTHER VEHICLE UNTIL I COULD DO SOME TESTING ON THE VEHICLE. OI…
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THE FIRST INCIDENT WE RAN OUT OF FUEL WITH THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWING WE STILL HAD FUEL IN THE TANK. NEXT INCIDENT, THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE INDICATED A VERY HIGH OIL PRESSURE READING, LEADING ME TO BELIEVE SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE. TOOK THE CAR HOME AND DROVE ANOTHER VEHICLE UNTIL I COULD DO SOME TESTING ON THE VEHICLE. OIL GAUGE RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. IN APRIL OF 2010 I WAS DRIVING EXITING AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY ONTO A FOUR LANE ROAD AND THE SPEEDOMETER READING BECAME INACCURATE. I WAS TRAVELING FASTER THAN THE INDICATED SPEED. AFTER STOPPING AT AN INTERSECTION THE SPEEDOMETER NEVER MOVED FROM ZERO WHEN I WAS MOVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS OCCURS AFTER A BRIEF PERIOD OF DRIVING. MECHANICS I HAVE SPOKEN TO INFORM ME THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE. GAUGES SUCH AS FUEL GAUGE, OIL PRESSURE, TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER ARE NOT TRUSTWORTHY AND GIVE INACCURATE READINGS. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE ITEM TO REPLACE AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE YOU CANNOT DETERMINE YOUR SPEED AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT.
NHTSA ODI #10400313
71,000 miles · Apr 7, 2011
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD BECOME STUCK AT 40 MPH AND SPORADICALLY, WOULD NOT RETURN TO ZERO WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE STEPPER MOTOR IN THE SPEEDOMETER HAD FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000 AND …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD BECOME STUCK AT 40 MPH AND SPORADICALLY, WOULD NOT RETURN TO ZERO WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE STEPPER MOTOR IN THE SPEEDOMETER HAD FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE 71,488.
NHTSA ODI #10395172
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.
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