Page 2 of 4 · complaints 51–100 of 158

2004 Buick Rainier complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2004 record →

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Nov 9, 2012112,000 milesVA

AFTER DRIVING FOR A APPROXIMATELY ONE HOUR AT 65-70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE THE SPEEDOMETER READING DROPS OFF FROM 70 EVENTUALLY DOWN TO 0 MPH. UPON STOPPING AND RESTARTING THE ENGINE AT A REST STOP THE SPEEDOMETER RETURNS TO AN ACCURATE READING FOR A SHORT WHILE. I RELIED ON MY GARMIN GPS TO GIVE ME A SPEED APPROXIMATION WHEN THE SPEEDOMETER WENT OUT COMPLETELY. RELYING ON A ACCURATE SPEEDOMETER IS A CRITICAL SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. WITHOUT THE GPS GIVING ME A SPEED READING IT WOULD BE NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE TO JUDGE A SAFE SPEED IN THE DARKNESS ON A ROAD ILLUMINATED ONLY BY MY HEADLIGHTS. THIS DEFECT MUST BE SIMILAR TO OTHER MODELS IN THE GM FAMILY, TRAILBLAZER AND ENVOY. IF ONE PERSON WERE TO RELY ON THIS FAULTY SPEEDOMETER THEY MIGHT THINK THEY WERE DRIVING 40 WHEN IN ACTUALITY THEY COULD BE DRIVING IN EXCESS OF 70. *TR

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/MotorFire
Filed Sep 25, 2012105,000 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND REMOVING THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE BLOWER CONTINUED RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WIRES FOR THE HEATER BLOWER WERE BURNED OUT. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO CATCH ON FIRE. THE CONTACT THEN SPOKE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 105,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 10, 201283,000 milesMI

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. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE EXAMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000. UPDATED 10/10/12 *CN

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Jul 24, 201279,000 milesVA

1) FUEL GAUGE - THE FUEL GAUGE HAS DONE A 180, THE NEEDLE IS NOW UPSIDE DOWN. AND DOESN'T WORK REALLY. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND OUT THE THERE IS A RECALL ON 2005- 2007 BUICK RAINIERS BUT NOT ON MY 2004. MAYBE WITH MY COMPLAINT, MAYBE IT WILL INCLUDE 2004 MODELS. 2) DRIVES DOOR LOCK - THE CAR KEY WILL NO LONGER OPEN THE CAR DOOR. I CAN ONLY OPEN THE DOOR WITH THE REMOTE BUTTON. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jun 5, 201272,153 milesOH

GOING DOWN THE ROAD SPEEDOMETER STUCK AT 120. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Apr 17, 2012130,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN A PASSENGER BECAME STUCK IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT. THE SEAT BELT SEIZED AND WOULD NOT RELEASE THE PASSENGER. THE CONTACT HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT TO RELEASE THE PASSENGER. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND A NEW SEAT BELT WAS ORDERED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 22, 2012GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTIONED AND THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ABS SENSOR AND INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 18, 201290,000 milesIA

GAUGES DON'T FUNCTION RIGHT. SPEEDO READS TOO FAST, TOO SLOW OR NOT AT ALL, FUEL GAUGE READS TWICE AS FULL. NEEDLE PEGGED TO STOP AS IS THE OIL GAUGE NEEDLE. BUYING THIS WAS THE BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER MADE. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Feb 10, 201232,985 milesNC

DASHBORAD GAUGES DO NOT KEEP AN ACCURATE ACCOUNT OF RPM'S AS WELL AS SPEED. THE BATTERY GAUGE JUST STARTED BEING INACCURATE JANUARY 2012. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 201254,000 milesCO

2004 BUICK RAINIER- INSTRUMENT PANEL - SPEEDOMETER, TEMPERATURE, FUEL AND OIL PRESSURE GAUGES ALL STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY AND PROVIDING FALSE READINGS (120MPH AT DEAD STOP WITH ENGINE OFF, TEMP IN RED ZONE AT START UP). THIS APPEARS TO BE ALL TO COMMON OF AN ISSUE WITH GM TRUCKS/SUVS OF THIS ERA AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED VIA RECALL. THE PROBLEM IS NOW GETTING PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 27, 201283,868 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HEADLIGHTS TURNED ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY. THE AIR BAG, THE SEAT BELT, AND THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED THE INCORRECT READING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,868.

Power Train
Filed Nov 20, 2011FL

I HAVE A 2004 BUICK RAINIER GM MODEL. THE CAR IS IN PARK YET THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR SAYS IT IS IN DRIVE SO NOW THE CAR WILL NOT START. I READ AN ARTICLE DATED NOVEMBER 15, 2011 THAT SAID THAT NHTSA WAS TO INVESTIGATE GM MODELS FOR FAULTY GEAR SHIFTERS. THIS WAS IN THE WASHINGTON POST AND WAS BY A ERICK AYAPANA. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO HAVE SOMEONE ADVISE ME ON WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND SOON. MY CAR WILL NOT SHIFT, TURN OVER OR ANYTHING. I NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO DO ASAP! THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER DIDN'T NEED MY KEY AND SAID THE CAR ROLLED LIKE IT WAS STILL IN GEAR. I JUST GOT THIS CAR THIS PAST MAY 2011 AND I AM VERY UPSET. I NEED TO KNOW WHO IN MY AREA I CAN SPEAK WITH THAT CAN HELP ME FIX THIS PROBLEM EVERYTHING ELSE ON THE CAR IS WORKING AND THIS APPEARS TO BE THE PROBLEM: FAULTY GEAR SHIFTER---GM. ## VIN FAILED ## 2004 BUICK RAINIER ##

Electrical System
Filed Nov 9, 201194,000 milesWV

I HAVE A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. SPEEDOMETER IS SAYING 120MPH WHEN ONLY GOING 25. IT WOULD ADJUST ITSELF FOR A DAY BUT THEN IT WAS ALL OVER THE PLACE AND NOW STAYING AT 120 MORE OFTEN. THIS STARTED AT THE END OF MAY. FOR A FEW YEARS NOW THE HATCH WINDOW LOCK IS A PROBLEM. CAN'T OPEN IT BECAUSE I HAVE AN ISSUE WITH GETTING IT LOCKED AGAIN WITHOUT SLAMMING IT. HAVE ALSO HAD CONDENSATION IN MY HEAD AND REAR LIGHTS SINCE I'VE GOTTEN IT. WHY THEY HAVE YET TO RECALL ABOUT THE SPEEDOMETER IS CRAZY. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY WHEN CHILDREN OR THE ELDERLY ARE INVOLVED! THE COST TO FIX THE CLUSTER ALONE IS 455.80$ (CHEAPEST). THIS SHOULD NOT BE MY RESPONSIBILITY WHEN MOST, IF NOT ALL, OF THE RAINIERS ARE ALL MALFUNCTIONING IN THE SAME WAY. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 14, 201175,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND ABOVE, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD FAIL ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED HER THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Suspension
Filed Sep 13, 201199,749 milesCO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT LATER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED A BROKEN AXLE ACTUATOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR REPAIR WAS ON A NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND WAS DISCONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED THE CONTACT A DISCOUNT TOWARD THE PURCHASE OF A NEW VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RENDERED AS NON-DRIVABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,749.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 12, 2011125,000 milesCA

THE FUEL GAUGE IS NOT SHOWING THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL. IT WILL GO FAR BEYOND FULL AND WAY BELOW EMPTY. OVER THE COURSE OF A MILE IT CAN GO FROM FULL TO EMPTY OR ALL BETWEEN. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 19, 201169,000 milesGA

NOISES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD; RATTLE, JINGLE, CLUNK; CONSTANT. SOUNDS LIKE METAL IN A WASHING MACHINE, BUT FINE DRIVEABILITY AND COMFORTABLE SOUNDING HIGHWAY DRIVING. DRIVING IN PARKING GARAGE IS NOISY WHEN ACCELERATING, AND QUIET WHEN COASTING. NOISE IS QUIETER WHEN AC IS OFF. NOISE IS LOUDER WHEN ACCELERATING, OR AT IDLE. AFTER 30 MINUTE DRIVE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. AUTO STORE GAVE CODES THAT SHOWED REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE COOLING FAN CLUTCH OR EV FAN MOTOR. LESS THAN 70K MILES.

Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System
Filed May 10, 201180,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 65 MPH WHEN THE FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTIONED AND DISPLAYED THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS HALF FULL BUT AN INDICATOR FLASHED ON THE DASHBOARD STATING THAT THE FUEL WAS LOW AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD FIVE MILES TO EMPTY. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE FUEL GAUGE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTION COULD HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF FUEL ON THE HIGHWAY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 6, 201178,500 milesMO

THE FIRST INCIDENT WE RAN OUT OF FUEL WITH THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWING WE STILL HAD FUEL IN THE TANK. NEXT INCIDENT, THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE INDICATED A VERY HIGH OIL PRESSURE READING, LEADING ME TO BELIEVE SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE. TOOK THE CAR HOME AND DROVE ANOTHER VEHICLE UNTIL I COULD DO SOME TESTING ON THE VEHICLE. OIL GAUGE RETURNED TO NORMAL OPERATION. IN APRIL OF 2010 I WAS DRIVING EXITING AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY ONTO A FOUR LANE ROAD AND THE SPEEDOMETER READING BECAME INACCURATE. I WAS TRAVELING FASTER THAN THE INDICATED SPEED. AFTER STOPPING AT AN INTERSECTION THE SPEEDOMETER NEVER MOVED FROM ZERO WHEN I WAS MOVING DOWN THE ROAD. THIS OCCURS AFTER A BRIEF PERIOD OF DRIVING. MECHANICS I HAVE SPOKEN TO INFORM ME THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE. GAUGES SUCH AS FUEL GAUGE, OIL PRESSURE, TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER ARE NOT TRUSTWORTHY AND GIVE INACCURATE READINGS. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE ITEM TO REPLACE AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE YOU CANNOT DETERMINE YOUR SPEED AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 7, 201171,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD BECOME STUCK AT 40 MPH AND SPORADICALLY, WOULD NOT RETURN TO ZERO WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE STEPPER MOTOR IN THE SPEEDOMETER HAD FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE 71,488.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 13, 201132,000 milesIL

FAILURE OF SPEEDOMETER. QUIT WORKING AT ABOUT 32,000 MILES. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Mar 13, 201124,000 milesIL

FAILURE OF FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 9, 2011136,840 milesPA

I BOUGHT THIS CAR MONDAY AND THE DEALER STATED IT HAD ALL SCHEDULED SERVICE, INCLUDING THE 130K MILE SERVICE ON FEBRUARY 26, 2011. WE DROVE AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND THE CAR SEEMED TO DRIVE BEAUTIFULLY, AND APPEARED TO BE IMMACULATELY MAINTAINED. UNTIL I DROVE TO WORK THIS MORNING, AND THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED GOING HIGHER AND HIGHER, REACHING 80 MPH, EVEN THOUGH I HAD SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED OVER. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED IT. IT APPEARED NORMAL FOR THE FIRST 30 MPH, THEN STUCK AT 40, EVEN THOUGH I WAS FOLLOWING TRAFFIC IN A 70 MPH ZONE. IT STAYED AT 40 MPH, EVEN AFTER THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM IN GM CARS, AND WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN CORRECTED AS THE RESULT OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT. THERE ARE SEVERAL TSBS RELATED TO THE SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGES, OR OTHER INSTRUMENTS IN THIS CLUSTER. I FIND IT UNFORGIVABLE THAT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION HAS ALLOWED AN UNSAFE CONDITION EXIST IN VIRTUALLY AN ENTIRE BRAND OF CARS FOR OVER 7 YEARS AND HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES. THIS ALLOWED THE DEALER TO SELL THE CAR, KNOWING ABOUT THE PROBLEM, BUT NOT REQUIRED BY LAW, TO DISCLOSE IT. AND SHOULD I BE ON THE HIGHWAY, DRIVING ALONG AT 90 MPH, WHEN MY SPEEDOMETER SAYS 60, NOBODY IS SAFE. NOT ME, NOT THE OTHER CARS ON THE ROAD, CERTAINLY NOT PEDESTRIANS, SINCE THE BRAKING DISTANCE IS OBVIOUSLY FAR LONGER THAN MY SPEEDOMETER LEADS ME TO BELIEVE IT IS.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 201170,132 milesKY

ERRATIC WINDSHIELD WIPER OPERATION. WHEN YOU TURN THE WIPERS ON FOR USE THEY IMMEDIATELY GO TO "NORMAL" MODE OF OPERATION AND CAN BE SWITCHED TO "HIGH SPEED" AND BACK TO NORMAL BUT WILL NOT GO TO "DELAY" OR TURN OFF. THEN THEY MAY STAY ON FOR DAYS BEFORE THEY WILL STOP ON THEIR OWN. THEY DO NOT TRUN OFF WITH THE SWITCH. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS BUT IS GETTING WORSE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 201161,231 milesKY

I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IN MY BUICK RAINIER. IT STARTED WITH THE SPEEDOMETER WHICH WAS EITHER TO FAST OR SHOWING BELOW ZERO AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT STARTED ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO BUT AT THAT TIME IT HAPPENED OCCASIONALLY. THE PROBLEM HAS CONTINUED TO MIGRATE TO OTHER GAUGES IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL-- THE OIL PRESSURE READS ANYWHERE FROM 50 TO THE 80 OR PEG, THE TACK WILL READ BELOW ZERO AT HIGHWAY OPERATING SPEEDS AND THE VOLT METER READS 14+. THESE PROBLEMS HAPPEN INDIVIDUALLY OR SEVERAL AT ONCE. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND THEY DO NOT ACKNOWLEDGE IT AS A PROBLEM AND OFFER NO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH A REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR. THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FOR $370 FOR PARTS AND LABOR AT $92/HOUR - APPROXIMATELY $600. I CONTACTED GM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS IN CERTAIN VEHICLES DURING THAT PERIOD OF TIME BUT MY VEHICLE IS NO INVOLVED. IF YOU RESEARCH THIS ON THE INTERNET YOU WILL FIND SEVERAL SITES WITH DISCUSSIONS AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE, INCLUDING THIS SITE. I THINK THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE CORRECTED WITH A MANDATED GOVERNMENT RECALL. I HAD AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM WITH A 2003 CADILLAC ESCALADE XT AND THERE WAS A RECALL AND FREE REPLACE FOR THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *TR

Power Train › Driveline
Filed Dec 28, 201064,000 milesWI

WHEN DRIVING ON SLICK/SNOWY CONDITIONS THE FRONT WHEELS DO NOT GOT INTO 4WHEEL DRIVE. BECAUSE OF THIS OUR SUV DID A 180 ON A CURVE WHILE TRAVELING 20 MPH. TOOK SUV IN FOR SERVICE AND HAD TRANSFER CASE AND REAR DIFF FLUIDS CHANGED OUT BUT TECH HEARD GRINDING NOISE IN FRONT DIFFS AND HAD TO TAKE TO DEALER TO FIND OUT CAMSHAFT AND SLEEVE NEED REPLACED. SUV ONLY HAS 64,000 MILES AND WE'VE OWNED FOR 2-1/2 YRS. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Dec 27, 201065,000 milesMI

THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2004 BUICK RAINIER STOPS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. THERE IS NO PATTERN AS TO WHEN THIS OCCURS, IT HAS HAPPENED IN ALL TYPES OF WEATHER AND ALL TEMPERATURES. SOMETIMES IT SAYS I'M GOING FASTER THAN I AM, SOMETIMES IT SAYS I'M GOING SLOWER. SOMETIMES IT STOPS WORKING ALL TOGETHER. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH RAINIERS. I'M WONDERING WHY THIS HASN'T BEEN RECALLED? THE VEHICLE HAS ABOUT 100,000 MILES ON IT NOW, BUT THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPING HAS BEEN AN ISSUE FOR A FEW YEARS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 3, 201073,000 milesAL

NO PARTICULAR EVENT JUST DRIVING AND SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING A FEW WEEKS LATER GAS GAUGE STOPPED ONCE IN AWHILE THE SPEEDOMETER STARTS BUT IS INACCURATE ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS GOING . MANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ONLINE FOR SAME PROBLEM . TRIED TO HAVE THE DEALER CO OPERATE AND FIX THE DEFECT BUT GOT NOWHERE NEED HELP AS THIS IS A EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE FIX ON A FAULTY PART THAT SHOULD HAVE A RECALL AS IT IS A UNSAFE SITUATION. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 8, 201049,000 milesMO

SPEEDOMETER FAILING AND/OR WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Sep 30, 2010TX

I HAVE A 2004 BUICK RAINIER AND THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE OTHER GAUGES DON'T WORK I DON'T KNOW HOW FAST I AM GOING OR HOW MY CAR IS RUNNING ITS BEEN LIKE THAT A LITTLE AFTER I GOT IT AND IT WORKS SOME TIMES BUT SOMETIMES IT DON'T I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE A CAR LIKE MINE AND THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM TO. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Jul 26, 201038,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENTLY MECHANIC FOR ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITHIN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,300.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 19, 201065,000 miles00

MY 2004 BUICK RAINIER HAS A GAS LEAK. I'M TOLD THAT THE PLASTIC TANK IS THE SAME ONE USED WITH THE GMC ENVOY, THE GMC TRAILBLAZER, OLD BRAVADIER AND PERHAPS OTHERS. THE FILLER PIPE WELDING BREAKS NEAR THE PLASTIC TANK AND GAS ESCAPES. THIS IS KNOWN PROBLEM AND HAS BEEN REPORTED BY MANY OTHER GMC OWNERS. THIS COULD BE A THE CAUSE OF FATAL FIRES BUT GMC WOULD RATHER IGNORE THIS SAFETY PROBLEM. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jul 9, 201063,000 milesAZ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ALL OF THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS CAME ON. THE LIGHTING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ALSO BECAME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND UPON RESTART, THE LIGHTS BEGAN FUNCTIONING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY 5 MONTHS LATER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE HEADLIGHTS AND RUNNING LIGHTS. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT HE HAD TO PAY A FEE IN ORDER TO PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED EVOQ 10/04/10

Electrical System
Filed Jun 16, 201054,000 milesAL

2004 BUICK RAINIER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE WAS A PROBLEM THE CHEVY TRAIL BLAZER AND IT IS THE SAME ONE THAT IS IN THE BUICK RAINIER HOWEVER THEY WILL NOT FIX OR AT LEAST HELP WITH THE PROBLEM.IF THE SAME COMPONENTS WERE USED IN THE 2 DIFFERENT VEHICLES AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CHEVY'S WHY WAS THE BUICK RAINIER NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed May 20, 2010CA

ODOMETER FREEZES. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed May 12, 2010117,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. HE STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, HE NOTICED A FUEL LEAK. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT HAVE AN EXPLANATION FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000. UPDATED 9/1/10 *CN RECEIVED PICTURED. UPDATED 09/21/10. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Mar 9, 201061,000 milesIL

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) I OWN A 2004 BUICK RAINIER AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, SPECIFICALLY THE SPEEDOMETER, OIL AND GAS GAUGES HAVE FAILED. CALLED BUICK ABOUT THE ISSUE AND RECEIVED SERVICE REQUEST # [XXX] . CALLED A LOCAL DEALER, WAGNER BUICK/GMC IN BELLEVILLE, IL TO GET SERVICE AND THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THE SERVICE REQUEST WILL GET ME NOTHING SINCE I DIDN'T PURCHASE THE VEHICLE INITIALLY. LOOKING ON THE INTERNET TO FIND A FIX FOR THE ISSUE I HAVE NOTICED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT FAILED/FAILING INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS IN THESE VEHICLES. I'M SURE THERE ARE OTHER GM VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS OUTSIDE OF THE RAINIER. REQUEST THE NHTSA LOOK OVER THIS ISSUE. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Feb 22, 201058,000 milesCA

I OWN A 2004 BUICK RAINIER V-8 AND THE SPEEDOMETER HAS STOPPED WORKING. IT WILL BE FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AND THEN SUDDENLY IT WILL SHOW 120 MPH. SOMETIMES IT WILL WORK PROPERLY BUT THEN IT GOES TO 120 MPH AGAIN. I WOULDN'T NORMALLY FILE A REPORT FOR THIS BUT AFTER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET I SEE WHERE THERE ARE DOZENS OF OWNERS REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE SAME VEHICLE. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING IT FIXED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 21, 2010PA

I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT BEFORE ABOUT OUR SPEEDOMETER BEING MESSED UP. NOW THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS MALFUNCTIONING. ALL THE GAUGES ARE "PEGGED". THERE IS NO REASON WHAT SO EVER BUICK CAN NOT PLACE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. NO FIRE AS OF YET, BUT WHAT IF THE CAR OVERHEATS? WE CAN'T TELL AS THE GAUGE IS NOT FUNCTIONING. NO DAMAGE TO OTHER PROPERTY, BUT THIS IS MY VEHICLE AND THERE IS DAMAGE TO IT, SINCE SOMETHING IS BROKE. NO CRASH AS OF YET, BUT IT WILL HAPPEN. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I RUN OUT OF GAS CAUSE THE GAS GAUGE IS SHOWING BEYOND FULL? *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Feb 14, 201065,430 milesAZ

SPEEDOMETER FAILURE. AT A STANDSTILL THE SPEEDOMETER READS ANYWHERE FROM 10MPH TO 40MPH. ON A FEW OCCASIONS IT SEEMS TO READ CORRECTLY. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 1, 201042,000 milesWI

SPEEDOMETER STICKS. DO NOT KNOW HOW FAST THE VEHICLE IS GOING. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 31, 201085,000 milesAL

FUEL TANK IS LEAKING AT THE FILLER INLET. THIS SAME PROBLEM WAS COVERED UNDER A RECALL ON CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT'S WHICH SHARE MANY OF THE SAME COMPONENTS. THERE IS A SMELL OF FUEL IN MY GARAGE AND IT IS CLEARLY VISIBLE ON MY GARAGE FLOOR. WHY WOULDN'T GM COVER ALL VEHICLES OF THE SAME BUILD AND NOT JUST THE TRAILBLAZER? I AM AFRAID MY CAR WILL CATCH FIRE OVERNIGHT OR WHILE MY WIFE AND TODDLER ARE INSIDE IT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 30, 201049,550 milesMI

WE HAVE A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. DURING THE COLDER TIMES, OUR SPEEDOMETER TICK, AND IT STOPS WORKING COMPLETELY, SO YOU DON'T KNOW HOW FAST OR SLOW YOU ARE GOING. AS OF THIS DAY ITS NOT WORKING AT ALL, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. HAVING NO WAY TO TELL YOUR SPEED, WE COULD GET A TICKET, CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED ONLINE, NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. WE HAVE NOT HAD IT FIXED. IT WOULD $600 TO FIX, AND SHOULD NOT BE CHARGED TO US, BUT TO BUICK FOR A MALFUNCTION. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 27, 201097,400 milesAZ

2004 BUICK RAINIER WITH 97,000 MILES AND NO HISTORY OF ACCIDENT, DAMAGE OR SERVICE ISSUES PASSED STATE OF ARIZONA EMISSIONS TEST IN DECEMBER 2009, INCLUDING EVAPORATION TESTING. WITHIN A COUPLE OF WEEKS A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND WAS DIAGNOSED BY CODE AS AN EVAPORATION ISSUE. ON THE WAY TO THE DEALER SERVICE CENTER THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCEPT GAS, INSTEAD THE GAS PUDDLED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE PUMP TO AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE GAS TANK IN THE AREA OF THE GAS FILLER NECK. THE DEALER ALSO CONFIRMED THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE AREA. DEALER INDICATES THAT THE GAS TANK AND FILLER NECK NEED TO BE REPLACED. NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN YET. *CN

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap
Filed Dec 16, 2009144,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE WELDING FROM THE FILLER NECK HAD BECOME LOOSE AND CAUSED A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND REPAIRED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE THE PROBLEM. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 144,000.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 13, 200952,135 milesOH

2004 BUICK RAINIER SPEEDOMETER WORKS SPORADICALLY. SOMETIMES IT WORKS THEN OTHER TIMES IT REGISTERS TO HIGH OR TO LOW. FROM WHAT I'VE READ THIS IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE ON THE BUICK RAINIER. *TR

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Oct 27, 200958,200 milesTX

MY SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2004 BUICK RAINIER IS ERRATIC. IT SAYS I AM GOING 100 WHEN DOING 70 AND SOMETIMES SAYS I AM GOING 0 WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 16, 200929,000 milesWA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE "ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THERE WAS ALSO A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL PRESENT OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 11, 200930,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE SPEED ODOMETER DISPLAYED INACCURATE READINGS. WHEN THE DRIVER IS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE CORRECT SPEED OF THE VEHICLE, EXCESSIVE SPEED MAY BE EXHIBITED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AND THE CONTACT WAS BILLED $500.00 FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 30,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 5, 200958,000 milesMN

MALFUNCTIONING SPEEDOMETER- THE SPEEDOMETER STOPS WORKING AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE DRIVING. IT IS DANGEROUS TO ALL TRAVELERS WHETHER IN CAR OR THOSE TRAVELING ALONGSIDE US. THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL WHEN IT GOES OUT. THE SPEEDOMETER WILL JUST STICK AT A CERTAIN SPEED-IT WILL THEN CONTINUE FROM THAT SPEED AND AT TIMES SHOWS THAT YOU ARE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS WELL ABOVE THE LIMIT. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED WHERE IT DROPS 5 MILES EVERYTIME ITS TURNED OFF BUT IT ALSO HAS RESET ITSELF AT TIMES. I DO BELIEVE THAT WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS I'VE SEEN SUPPORTING THE SAME FACTS THAT THIS SHOULD BE A MANDATORY RECALL AND FIX. I TOOK THE CAR TO 2 DIFFERENT SHOPS FOR HELP - SHOP 1 COULDN'T EASILY SEE HOW TO FIX & SUGGESTED IT WOULD BE EXPENSIVE, SHOP 2 (*BUICK DEALER) STATED NO IDEA ON PROBLEM BUT WOULD NEED COMPLETE PANEL REPLACEMENT MINIMUM PRICE $700. IN VIEW OF OUR ECONOMY AND DEALERS WANTING SUPPORT I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AS A MAJOR PROBLEM DUE TO ALL THE COMPLAINTS BEING VERY SIMILAR. HARD TO PIN DOWN TO A SPECIFIC DATE AND ONCE STARTED NOW OCCURS MONTHLY. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEMS WITH THE LIGHTS DIMMING AND THE HARD TO READ MILEAGE DISPLAY. *TR

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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