MYRModel Year Report

2004 Buick Rainier

○ Not enough data
2004 Buick Rainier
RENDERED 2026-11-01T11:36:05.880Z

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
158
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2004

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

53% of complaints

Complaints per year

2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 158 complaints 2004 158 2005: 103 complaints 2005 2006: 91 complaints 2006 2007: 38 complaints 2007
2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 158 complaints 2004 158 2005: 103 complaints 2005 2006: 91 complaints 2006 2007: 38 complaints 2007
2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 158 complaints 2004 158 2005: 103 complaints 2005 2006: 91 complaints 2006 2007: 38 complaints 2007

2004: 158 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20031
2004158
2005103
200691
200738

Known problem areas

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

Electrical system

53% · 84 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.

CRASHFIREINJURY
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, 2012-08-10

In September 2004 while driving the fuse box blew and caught on fire. On January 14, 2005 the dashboard completely failed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-01-31

Exterior lighting

13% · 21 reports

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, 2004-11-16

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Power train

9% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).

Vehicle speed control

8% · 12 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

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, 2018-05-31

Also filed under Air bags

Air bags

8% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing sensor/control module and inflator module.

CRASHINJURY
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, 2014-09-24

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2004-08-03Engineering analysisClosed 2004-11-04 Brake lamp failure
  2. R
    2004-11-22Exterior lighting04V527000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2005-08-04Exterior lighting05V198000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2007-07-10Engineering analysisClosed 2008-08-28 Fuel pump module leaks gasoline
  5. I
    2017-04-24Recall queryClosed 2021-03-29 Loss of Headlights

Buy-smart checklist

2004 Buick Rainier — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 84 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 21 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 15 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V527000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 05V198000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.