2006 Buick Rainier

Routine

Owners filed 91 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel system, gasoline. It has been recalled 7 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

72 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 50,00060,000 miles; the median is 75,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel System, Gasoline24
000
Electrical System12
020
Exterior Lighting10
010
Visibility/Wiper5
000
Fuel System, Other4
000
Suspension3
000
Structure › Body › Door3
000
Power Train3
000
Fuel/Propulsion System3
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)3
100

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls15V599000
Filed Sep 24, 20159,932 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy vehicles, and 2006 GMC Envoy XL and Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT vehicles. Fluid may enter into the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board, causing window switches to become inoperative. Previously, the affected vehicles may have had their master power window switch module treated with a protective coating, instead of having it replaced.

Risk. The protective coating may not eliminate the risk that the circuit board could short and result in a fire, even while the vehicle is unattended.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new driver's door switch module, free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15700.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights15V519000
Filed Aug 14, 2015429,170 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.

Risk. Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls14V404000
Filed Jul 2, 2014184,611 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

Risk. A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in August 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-955-9007 (SAAB), and 1-800-255-6727 (Isuzu). GM's number for this recall is 14309. NOTE: This recall provides a new remedy for all vehicles covered by recall 13V-248. Vehicles whose modules were modified but not replaced as part of the previous recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls13V248000
Filed Jun 13, 2013193,652 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

Risk. A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.

Remedy. Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners, Isuzu and Saab will contact their respective owners. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463, Isuzu owners at 1-800-255-6727, and Saab owners at 1-800-955-9007. GM's campaign number is 12180. This recall is an expansion of recall 12V-406.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls12V406000
Filed Aug 16, 2012278,174 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

Risk. A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.

Remedy. Parts for this recall are expected to available in March 2013. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners when parts are available. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. Isuzu owners will be notified by Isuzu Motors when parts are available. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727. SAAB owners will be notified by SAAB Cars North America when parts are available and for inquiries, owners may call SAAB customer service at 1-800-955-9007.

Equipment › Other › Labels05V552000
Filed Dec 7, 200532,068 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.

Risk. A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections05V455000
Filed Oct 5, 2005123,592 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.

Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD BE LOST AND INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRO-BOOST POWER BRAKES, IT COULD ALSO RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. IF THE POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAY WERE TO SPRAY ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING HOSE(S) FOR TWO SUSPECT DATE CODES AND REPLACE THEM IF REQUIRED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Dec 9, 2025VA

The contact owns a 2006 Buick Rainer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel jerked independently without warning, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brake pedal while depressing the brake pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to two independent mechanics, where the wheel bearings and ball joints were replaced; however, the failure persisted. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 12, 2023168,000 milesMA

The contact owns a 2006 Buick Rainier. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in his driveway, the contact attempted to use the remote starter key fob to unlock the doors, but the doors failed to unlock. The contact stated that he manually unlocked the doors. The contact stated that he manually attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The anti-theft warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being lifted onto the tow truck, he was informed by the tow truck driver that the driver’s side wiring harness had melted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness had melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jul 26, 2022CA

During periods of time with ignition switch on, the wipers will loose the ability to both regulate speed and shut off. The wiper cover AC Delco/GM part number 19120931 will fail and loose control of the wipers (fail to shut off while driving). Because you cannot shut off the wipers, the driver's vision is obscured, and the noise from the wipers on the dry glass is very distracting. This will cause drivers attention to shift from focus on driving to manipulating the wiper switch. GM has not ordered a stock or replacement wiper covers from AC Delco, so trying to locate a fix for this problem is very hard. This is a GM design problem and is very expensive to fix. As a minimum GM needs to stock this part. All of these wiper covers will fail eventually, and accidents from this problem will occur.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 20, 2022TN

Low beam lights go off intermittently while driving and eventually come back on. This does not affect high beams or any other lights on the vehicle. But causes a serious danger to my needing to drive at night due to my job.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 26, 2022CO

In driving cross country, filled up the fuel tank and resumed travel when the fuel gauge immediately went to empty (I didn’t even have time to drive up the highway ramp back onto the highway). The alerts started ringing and blinking and dash board told me there was no fuel. I went to a gravel area and inspected the engine compartment, under the car and the interior to be sure I was not missing anything, then restarted the SUV. Could not find any issues anywhere, including leaking fuel. I took off the fuel cap and reattached it to be sure there was no problem there. I had no choice but to get on the highway and continue my journey. The problem continued for the following 1000 ish miles. When I got home I contacted my dealer and set up an appointment to look at vehicle. They found the vehicle needing a sensor kit which was a recall back a few years ago. I had the issue repaired which took 3 days. They may have the removed items. Attached please find the invoice from the repair that shows the message numbers, etc from the inspection prior to and during repair. Since this issue was a recall, but I understand not for my vehicle but for many similar SUV’s and Pickups of the same area of manufacture; I feel the same components were used in my vehicle and should be paid for and included in this recall. Attached please find the invoice if I can figure out how to get it attached to this type of format.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 17, 2021IA

When I fill my gas up my gas gauge goes to empty, the low fuel light comes on, and my check engine light comes on. I can run out of gas and another can hit me. This is very unsafe, not just for me but others. Buick needs to fix this before someone gets seriously hurt or killed. This is a law suit waiting to happen.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 15, 202049,000 milesKY

BUICK RAINIER 2006: WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND FLUID COME ON BY THEMSELVES. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE ON / OFF FUNCTION DOES NOT WORK. THEY CANNOT BE SHUT OFF BY CONTROLS. THEY MERELY START AND STOP AT RANDOM. IT HAPPENS BOTH ON VEHICLE START UP WHEN VEHICLE IS IN PARK AND WHILE DRIVING. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE TO DRIVE.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed May 10, 2020WI

WE BOUGHT A BUICK RAINIER 2006 AND IT HAS HAD NOTHING BUT ELECTRICAL, DOOR PROBLEMS AND DOOR HANDLE PROBLEMS. IT HAS A FAULTY BACK WINDOW WIPER. SUSPENSION ISSUES AND A VOTING UNDER BODY CARRIAGE. I BOUGHT IT FROM A DEALER AND NONE OF THESE RECALL ISSUES WHERE TAKEN CARE OF, AND THESE RECALLS DATE BACK TO 2015 I BOUGHT THE RAINER IN MARCH 2018. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 31, 2019120,000 milesPA

DOOR LOCKS SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING. LATCHES WOULD NOT OPEN, COULD NOT CLOSE DOORS.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 11, 2018167,000 milesIN

MY WIPERS COME ON STEADY AND STARTS MY WINDSHEILD WASHER FLUID TO COME OUT. I PUT THEM IN A DELAYED SETTING AND THEY STILL COME ON FULL FORCE. I CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM ANYWHERE AND HAVE SMELT LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 25, 2018141,000 milesMS

THE DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS WANT WORK AT ALL ..

Electrical System
Filed Feb 21, 2018TX

TAKATA RECALL WIPER BLADES AND WASHER FLUID COME ON BY THEMSELVES. HAPPEN TO MY WIFE TODAY ON HER WAY TO SCHOOL AND SHE WAS TERRIFIED BECAUSE IT WAS HARD FOR HER TO SEE PLUS IT WAS RAINING. ALSO I READ THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BACK IN 2004 FOR THE TRAILBLAZERS.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 6, 2017178,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT CALLED LUTHER BROOKDALE (6701 BROOKLYN BLVD, BROOKLYN CENTER, MN 55429, PHONE NUMBER: (763) 515-2412) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN SIX TO EIGHT WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V519000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AND 14V404000 (VISIBILITY); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 20, 2017109,760 milesPA

TAKATA RECALL. MY SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT IS COMING AND ON AND GOING OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON. REASON UNKNOWN. THIS IS HAPPENING WHILE THE SUV IS IN MOTION, IN DRIVE, ON HIGHWAYS AND SIDE ROADS TRAVELING ANYWHERE FROM 25MPH TO 65MPH. I AM GRAVELY CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS. I CANNOT RISK ANYTHING HAPPENING, THERE ARE CHILDREN INVOLVED. I WENT TO THE GM RECALL WEBSITE AND ENTERED MY VIN# AND MY PARTICULAR MAKE/MODEL/YEAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST AND I AM REQUESTING THAT IT BE ADDED FOR THOSE OF US WHO OWN THEM. PLEASE RESPOND, I AM VERY CONCERNED.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 20, 20176 milesPA

TAKATA RECALL. "SERVICE AIRBAGS" MESSAGE KEEPS POPPING UP. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND PASSENGERS. THIS IS HAPPENING WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE IN MOTION, IN DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY AND BACK ROADS. THE MESSAGE COMES ON AND GOES OFF SPORADICALLY FOR NO APPARENT REASON. I CHECKED MY VIN# ON THE GM WEBSITE/RECALL LIST BUT MY PARTICULAR MAKE/MODEL/YEAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. I HAVE CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND PASSENGERS. THE CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. THE SERVICE AIRBAG MESSAGE HAS BEEN COMING ON FOR THE LAST 2 DAYS.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed May 12, 201778,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED. THE CONTACT HAD TO ENTER THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE PASSENGER DOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE HANDLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 24, 2017105,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE POWER WINDOWS WERE JAMMED AND WOULD NOT WIND UP OR DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ALSO LEAKED FUEL ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Suspension
Filed May 30, 201694,000 milesMI

REAR OF CAR DROPS TO JUST ABOVE TIRES WHEN CAR SITS FOR A FEW HOURS. AIR SUSPENSION PUMPS IT BACK UP AFTER CAR IS STARTED. AIR SUSPENSION IS LEAKING....UNSAFE TO DRIVE.CAR HAS 94000 MILES

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Apr 9, 2016131,000 milesCA

JUST PURCHASED CAR 3 WEEKS AGO, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AT 3 AM AFTER BEING PARKED FOR 6 HOURS.FIRE DEPARTMENT SAYS IT STARTED AT THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT WIRING OR SWITCH AREA. COMPLETELY DESTROYED MY ENGINE BEFORE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 28, 2016139,607 milesAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED IN ORDER TO VIEW THE ROAD. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CONTACT POINTS FOR THE HEADLIGHT MODULE MELTED INTO THE FUSE BOX AND ALSO DAMAGED SOME OF THE FUSES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V519000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,607. ....UPDATED 0711/16 *BF *TR

20 of 91 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2004
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200738520Routine
2006 — this page91750Routine
2005103130Routine
2004158240Routine
20031000Routine

Compare every Rainier year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Sep 24, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.