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2005 Buick Rainier

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Buick Rainier do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 91.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

82 reports with mileage · 21 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 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. 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.

6 crash reports3 fire reports3 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

38 reports
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103,000 miles · Jul 15, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineLatches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE DOOR LOCKS STARTED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER THE LIGHT CHANGED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE DOOR LOCKS STARTED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK RAPIDLY WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER THE LIGHT CHANGED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.MA 09/25 UPDATED 11/27/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10734345

108,800 miles · Jun 2, 2015
Electrical System

WHILE DRIVING THE LOCKS START UNLOCKING AND LOCKING MULTIPLE TIMES, WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR ON THE DASH GOES FROM DRIVE TO PARK. THIS ALSO HAPPENED ON MAY 30,2015 AND JUNE 1,2015. I NOTICED THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE 2006-2007 MODEL IT WOULD SEEM THAT A PROBLEM LIKE THIS WOULD BE LOOKED AT IN ALL MO…

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WHILE DRIVING THE LOCKS START UNLOCKING AND LOCKING MULTIPLE TIMES, WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR ON THE DASH GOES FROM DRIVE TO PARK. THIS ALSO HAPPENED ON MAY 30,2015 AND JUNE 1,2015. I NOTICED THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE 2006-2007 MODEL IT WOULD SEEM THAT A PROBLEM LIKE THIS WOULD BE LOOKED AT IN ALL MODELS.

NHTSA ODI #10722891

111,000 miles · May 12, 2015
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherFire

PASSENGER DOOR PANEL CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN THE CARE WASN'T USED FOR OVER 15 HOURS. THE WINDOW AND DOOR LOCKS WEREN'T WORKING ON THAT SIDE AND THE WINDOW WAS UP PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE FIRE CAUSED THE WINDOW TO DROP DOWN AND A PASSING TOW TRUCK THANKFULLY SAW THE FLAMES.

NHTSA ODI #10715969

109,000 miles · Mar 27, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW PANEL FAILED TO OPERATE. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFAC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW PANEL FAILED TO OPERATE. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

NHTSA ODI #10702181

Mileage unknown · May 21, 2014
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER DID NOT REGISTER CORRECT SPEED, AT TIMES WOULD READ GOING OVER 100MPH WHEN GOING 40MPH. WHEN CAR STOPPED WOULD REGISTER STILL A SPEED SUCH AS 30MPH. WOULD BE OUT FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN START WORKING AGAIN. CONTINUED TO KEEP THIS PATTERN FOR FEW YEARS. DEALER WANTED TO REPLACE WITH REBUILT INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR AP…

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SPEEDOMETER DID NOT REGISTER CORRECT SPEED, AT TIMES WOULD READ GOING OVER 100MPH WHEN GOING 40MPH. WHEN CAR STOPPED WOULD REGISTER STILL A SPEED SUCH AS 30MPH. WOULD BE OUT FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN START WORKING AGAIN. CONTINUED TO KEEP THIS PATTERN FOR FEW YEARS. DEALER WANTED TO REPLACE WITH REBUILT INSTRUMENT PANEL FOR APPROXIMATELY $500. NO LONGER HAVE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10593188

Mileage unknown · May 21, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

FUEL GAUGE/SENSOR NOT WORKING. WHEN FIRST STARTED TO GO OUT WOULD READ A QUARTER OF A TANK AFTER FILLING UP TANK. AFTER ABOUT 6 MONTHS IT NO LONGER REGISTERED ANY FUEL, AFTER FILLING TANK IT WOULD REMAIN AT EMPTY AND SENSOR WOULD TRIGGER BEEPING WARNING EVERYTIME CAR WAS TURNED ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10593183

75,000 miles · Apr 10, 2014
Electrical System

VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER PERFORMS ERRATICALLY OR NOT AT ALL. SOMETIMES SHOWS 80 MPH WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND OFF, SOMETIMES SHOWS NOTHING WHEN VEHICLE IS MOVING. COMMON, LONG-STANDING AND WELL-KNOW PROBLEM AMONG THESE VEHICLES. REPORTED TO GM, WHO HAS DECLINED TO TAKE ANY ACTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10578816

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOT OF A MEDICAL CENTER OFF OF RT. # 486 IN LECANTO, FLORIDA...ONTO A SIDE STREET. CAR TOTALLY DIED. I COULD NOT MOVE IT. I COULD NOT STEER. I COULD NOT START THE CAR BACK UP. I HAD TO CALL FOR TOWING. REPAIR FACILITY SAID IT WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE SAME THING HAPPENED A FEW MONTHS EARLIER IN L…

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PULLING OUT OF PARKING LOT OF A MEDICAL CENTER OFF OF RT. # 486 IN LECANTO, FLORIDA...ONTO A SIDE STREET. CAR TOTALLY DIED. I COULD NOT MOVE IT. I COULD NOT STEER. I COULD NOT START THE CAR BACK UP. I HAD TO CALL FOR TOWING. REPAIR FACILITY SAID IT WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE SAME THING HAPPENED A FEW MONTHS EARLIER IN LECANTO, FLORIDA IN A CARWASH...COULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. CALLED FOR A TOW. THE REPAIR FACILITY SAID IT WAS A LINK ASSEMBLY. I AM VERY AFRAID THIS CAR WILL STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY ROAD AND HAVE A VEHICLE CRASH INTO THE BACK OF ME. I CAN NOT FIND IT ON A RECALL LIST, BUT I SEE GM HAS RECALLED VEHICLES FOR FAULTY IGNITION SWITCHES WHICH HAVE CAUSED FATALITIES. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10577221

69,000 miles · Mar 17, 2014
Electrical System

THE SPEEDOMETER IS FAULTY AND IS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. IT WILL READ I AM GOING 120 MPH WHEN GOING APPROX. 65 MPH OR IF STOPPED 40 MPH. TOOK IT TO GM MECHANIC AND THEY SAID THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR REBUILT, FOR $500. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10572717

76,000 miles · Sep 16, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolinePower TrainCrashFire

I HAVE VARIOUS TYPES OF PROBLEMS WITH MY 2005 BUICK RAINIER. I HAVE OWNED IT FOR ABOUT 6 YEARS NOW AND IT CURRENTLY HAS A LITTLE OVER 93,000 MILES ON IT. I AM REPORTED THE PROBLEMS TO YOU SO THAT YOU CAN DOCUMENT THE PROBLEMS TO YOUR LIST AND I AM ALSO HOPING THAT YOU CAN LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR THESE ISSUES? 1. …

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I HAVE VARIOUS TYPES OF PROBLEMS WITH MY 2005 BUICK RAINIER. I HAVE OWNED IT FOR ABOUT 6 YEARS NOW AND IT CURRENTLY HAS A LITTLE OVER 93,000 MILES ON IT. I AM REPORTED THE PROBLEMS TO YOU SO THAT YOU CAN DOCUMENT THE PROBLEMS TO YOUR LIST AND I AM ALSO HOPING THAT YOU CAN LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL FOR THESE ISSUES? 1. AWD IS NOT WORKING. WHEN THERE WAS SNOW ON THE GROUND. IT CAUSED ME TO DITCH MY CAR WHEN I WAS TURNING A CORNER AT A VERY LOW SPEED. THERE WAS A CAR COMING TOWARDS ME, BUT MISSED MY CAR. THANK GOODNESS IT DID NOT INJURE SOMEONE, MYSELF OR MY CAR. THE REAR ALSO SLIDES WHEN IT IS WET/RAINING OUTSIDE. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT WHEN IT IS WET OUTSIDE...ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE IS SNOW ON THE GROUND. 2. MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. I JUST SEEN THAT MY DOOR COULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY A RECALL, BUT I DIDN'T KNOW THAT THEN. I PAID FOR ANOTHER DOOR AND INSTALLATION. 3. WHEN I AM TURNING MY STEERING WHEEL TO BACK-UP. THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE. 4. MY SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK. I DRIVE WITH OTHER CARS WHEN I CAN, BUT I ALSO DRIVE SEVERAL COUNTRY ROADS. I HAVE RECEIVED 2 SPEEDING TICKETS DUE TO THIS. 5. MY GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. I KEEP TRACK OF MY GAS BY MY CURRENT MILEAGE AND PER GALLONS OF GAS, BUT I HAVE STILL RAN OUT OF GAS AT LEAST 8 TIMES AND...NEARLY GOT HIT IN THE REAR SEVERAL TIMES. 6. I BELIEVE THERE IS A WINDSHIELD RECALL. IS IT STILL ACTIVE? I DO KNOW THAT ALL OF MY CAR PROBLEMS ARE VERY COMMON WITH BUICK RAINIER'S AND I AM HOPING THAT THERE IS ACTIVE RECALLS ON ALL OF THESE SERIOUS ISSUES AND THAT BUICK/GM WILL GLADLY REPAIR THEM. THESE ARE ALL SAFETY ISSUES THAT COULD RESULT IN FATAL INJURIES. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP, RESEARCH AND RESPONSE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543941

Official recalls

1

05V035000 · Visibility:windshield

Feb 3, 2005

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING.' THE WINDSHIELD URETHANE BEAD MAY NOT HAVE ADHERED TO THE BODY IN CERTAIN AREAS DURING THE CURE PROCESS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF A CRASH OCCURS, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE RETAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, 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.

PE11014 · Fuel Level Gauge System Failure

Opened Apr 25, 2011 · Closed Sep 23, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Other; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System

The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Fuel System, Other

The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.

Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System

The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.

DP10001 · Fuel Level Gauge System Failure

Opened Jan 7, 2010 · Closed May 23, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Other; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System

The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Fuel System, Other

The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.

Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System

The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.