2004 Buick Rainier
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 158 |
| 2005 | 103 |
| 2006 | 91 |
| 2007 | 38 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
33% of complaints: electrical system — 52 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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
17% of complaints: electrical system — 27 distinct reports on file.
9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 14 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20180531
6% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20180531
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
BRAKE LAMP FAILURE
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
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
FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE
Loss of Headlights
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Buick Rainier — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (52 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (14 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 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Buick Rainier have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.