2004 Buick Rainier

○ Not enough data

2004 Buick Rainier
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:08:13.791Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2004: 158 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	1
2004	158
2005	103
2006	91
2007	38

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 53%

53% of complaints: electrical system — 84 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SHE SMELLED AN ODOR OF BURNING WIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20120810

IN SEPTEMBER 2004 WHILE DRIVING THE FUSE BOX BLEW AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. ON JANUARY 14, 2005 THE DASHBOARD COMPLETELY FAILED.*AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20050131

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 13%

13% of complaints: exterior lighting — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and brake lights.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20041116

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 8%

8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A WALL.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180531

Also filed under AIR BAGS

AIR BAGS 8%

8% of complaints: air bags — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensor/control module and inflator module.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

A PERSON RAN TWO STOP SIGNS AND ENTERED VEHICLE PATH. THE TWO VEHICLES HIT HEAD ON AND THIS VEHICLE MADE IMPACT AT 40 MPH AFTER IT DECELERATED FROM 43 MPH.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140924

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20040803 — EA (closed 20041104)

BRAKE LAMP FAILURE

R 20041122 — exterior lighting

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.

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 1-8

Campaign 04V527000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20050804 — exterior lighting

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 FL

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 AUGUS

Campaign 05V198000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20070710 — EA (closed 20080828)

FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE

I 20170424 — RQ (closed 20210329)

Loss of Headlights

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 Buick Rainier — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (84 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (21 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (15 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 04V527000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Verify recall 05V198000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.

FAQ

Is the 2004 Buick Rainier reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Buick Rainier?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 53% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Buick Rainier have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.