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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

Exterior Lighting complaints

15 reports
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60,000 miles · Dec 3, 2014
Exterior Lighting

WE OWN A 2005 BUICK RAINIER AND THE HEADLITES AND DASH BOARD LITES CUT OFF ON THERE OWN JUST LIKE THE 2006 VEHICLES ARE DOING AND THERES A RECALL ON THE 06 THRU 09 RAINIERS G.M. NEEDS TO EXPAND ITS RECALL TO INCLUDE 05 MODELS. I FILED A COMPLANT WITH G.M. MY COMPLAINT CASE NUMBER IS [XXX] I WOULD LIKE YOU TO LOOK INTO THIS BECAU…

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WE OWN A 2005 BUICK RAINIER AND THE HEADLITES AND DASH BOARD LITES CUT OFF ON THERE OWN JUST LIKE THE 2006 VEHICLES ARE DOING AND THERES A RECALL ON THE 06 THRU 09 RAINIERS G.M. NEEDS TO EXPAND ITS RECALL TO INCLUDE 05 MODELS. I FILED A COMPLANT WITH G.M. MY COMPLAINT CASE NUMBER IS [XXX] I WOULD LIKE YOU TO LOOK INTO THIS BECAUSE ITS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND SOMEONE COULD BE HURT OR KILLED . *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #10661991

45,000 miles · Nov 30, 2012
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REACTIVATE THE LIGHTS BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT HAD TO HOLD THE SIGNAL IN ORDER TO HAVE THE HIGH BEAMS LIGHTS REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTIO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REACTIVATE THE LIGHTS BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE CONTACT HAD TO HOLD THE SIGNAL IN ORDER TO HAVE THE HIGH BEAMS LIGHTS REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ADVISED THAT THE RELAY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT THE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS AVAILABLE IN ORDER TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL MONTHS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA ODI #10486581

28,426 miles · May 3, 2011
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline

GAS GAUGE IS ERRATIC, GOES FROM EMPTY TO FULL AND FULL TO EMPTY LEAVING YOU WITH NO IDEA HOW MUCH FUEL YOU HAVE. WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR TURNING, VEHICLE LUNGES OR STALLS. ALSO, LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OFF WITH NO WARNING AND TAKES TIME TO RE-LIGHT. LOW BEAMS ALSO TEND TO FLICKER TO DIM.

NHTSA ODI #10399035

30,809 miles · Mar 3, 2008
Exterior Lighting

HEADLIGHTS DIM WITH HEATED SEATS ON AND WITH HEATER ON. IN COLD WEATHER. NOTICE LIGHTS DIM AT NIGHT AND VOLT GAUGE GOES DOWN AND THEN BACK TO NORMAL. DO NOT WANT TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND PAY FOR DIAG WHEN THERE IS A TECH BULLETIN OUT. AND I KNOW I WILL BE TOLD THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE IT. I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR MUCH ONLY AT NIGH…

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HEADLIGHTS DIM WITH HEATED SEATS ON AND WITH HEATER ON. IN COLD WEATHER. NOTICE LIGHTS DIM AT NIGHT AND VOLT GAUGE GOES DOWN AND THEN BACK TO NORMAL. DO NOT WANT TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALER AND PAY FOR DIAG WHEN THERE IS A TECH BULLETIN OUT. AND I KNOW I WILL BE TOLD THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE IT. I DON'T DRIVE THE CAR MUCH ONLY AT NIGHT, HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. I HOPE THERE WILL BE SOME KIND OF RECALL THAT COMES OUT. BUT GM DOESN'T CARE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10219975

9,000 miles · Nov 8, 2006
Exterior LightingPower Train

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEAD LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY WENT OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. ALSO, IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY JERKED. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10172912

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.