2006 Buick Rainier

Routine

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

Not among the Buick Rainier years to avoid. Which Buick Rainier years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,000 milesMedian miles at failure

72 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 50,000–60,000 miles.

Most common 2006 Buick Rainier problems

30 of the 91 complaints (33%) are about the fuel system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system24
000
Electrical System12
020
Exterior Lighting · headlights10
010
Visibility/Wiper · wipers5
000
Fuel System, Other · fuel system4
000
Suspension3
000
Structure › Body › Door · body and frame3
000
Power Train · transmission3
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system3
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control3
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.

All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.

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

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 4, 2016IL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V519000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/17/16*LJ UPDATED 06/09/16.*JB

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 28, 2015124,500 milesVT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING DIMMED AS IF THEY WERE NOT ON AND STARTED FLICKERING. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS, WHICH ALSO DIMMED AND FLICKERED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V755000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,500. ...UPDATED 02/04/16 *BF *CN

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 22, 2015116,000 milesFL

REGARDING EXTERIOR LIGHTING- WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT -THE HEADLIGHTS WILL SUDDENLY GO OFF & STAY OFF FOR A PERIOD OF TIME.SOMETIMES THEY WILL COME BACK ON & STAY & OTHER TIMES JUST STAY OFF. IT WAS NOT HAPPENING EVERY TIME,BUT NOW SEEMS TO DO IT MORE FREQUENTLY. I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AT NIGHT.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 15, 201553,000 milesCO

AFTER FILLING UP THE VEHICLE WITH FUEL, THE GAS GAGE GOES TO ZERO AND THE TANK EMPTY WARNING LIGHT COMES ON, AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 2 TO 3 MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. AFTER DRIVING ANOTHER 10-15 MILES THE GAS GAGE RETURNS TO SHOWING ACTUAL LEVEL AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES OUT. HOWEVER, AT ABOUT A TANK LEVEL OF ABOUT 1/4 THE TANK IS NEAR EMPTY. THIS ERRATIC MALFUNCTION OF THE GAS GAGE IS DANGEROUS.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 9, 2015100,000 milesIN

WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A DRIVE THE HEADLIGHTS AND DRL FAILED. THE NEXT DAY THEY WORKED. THIS IS SIMILAR TO NHTSA ID# 10724629. CALLED BUICK AT (800) 521-7300 AND SHE SAID MY COMPLAINT WAS RECORDED AS SERVICE REQUEST 8-1699743903. SHE ALSO INFORMED ME THAT EVEN THOUGH SOME 2006 BUICK RAINERS WERE RECALLED THAT MY VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I AM EXPERIENCING THE EXACT PROBLEM OF OTHER RAINERS AND SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I INFORMED BUICK OF THIS. PLEASE CONTACT BUCIK TO DEMAND THE SAME.

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under DashFire
Filed Sep 17, 201596,482 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THERE WERE SMOKE AND FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE QUICKLY BEFORE IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,482.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 26, 2015101,000 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. LEAVING ONLY THE BRIGHTS OR FOG LIGHTS OPERATABLE. THEY SOME TIMES WILL COME BACK ON, BUT OTHER TIMES NOT AT ALL. THIS IS SPORATIC, WITH NO RYTHME OR REASON. DRIVING AT NIGHT FOR OVER A HALF HOUR WITH ONLY YOUR BRIGHTS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. OTHER MOTORISTS FLASH THEIR LIGHTS AT YOU IF YOU HAVE YOUR BRIGHTS ON, OR IF ONLY THE FOG LIGHTS ARE ON, OTHER MOTORISTS WILL FLASH THEIR LIGHTS ALSO. DRIVING WITH ONLY THE FOG LIGHTS IN RURAL AREAS, THEN BEING BLINDED BY ON COMING VEHICLES IS A NIGHTMARE. I DRIVE TO WORK AT 5:30 AM, ALWAYS IN THE DARK, ON RURAL ROADS WITH NO STREETLIGHTS. WHEN THE HEAD LIGHTS GO OUT, WHILE I AM ON A CURVE, AND I HAVE A SEMI BARRELING AT ME AT 60MPH, ALL I CAN SAY, IS I'M THANKFUL I CAN TELL THE STORY. I CAN ONLY HOPE, THE NEXT TIME I HAVE MY BRIGHTS ON, BECAUSE NOTHING ELSE IS WORKING, THE MOTORIST COMING TOWARDS ME HAS HAD A GOOD DAY, AND DOESN'T COME AFTER ME WITH A ROAD RAGE MENTALITY.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 10, 2015108,000 milesAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF AND FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V755000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE ABOUT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 29, 2015FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V404000 (VISIBILITY) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 27, 2015100,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEAD LAMPS FAILED TO FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V75500 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 22, 2015106,000 milesFL

THE AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING CONTROLS HAD NOT BEEN WORKING AND /OR WORKING ERRATICALLY. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THEY CLAIMED THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANY PROBLEM. WE ALSO ASKED THEM TO FIX THE RECALL ITEM, DOOR SWITCH, AND WERE TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ON OUR VEHICLE EVENTHOUGH WE HAD RECEIVED NOTICE FROM GM BY MAIL. ON MARCH 14, 2015 I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER SUDDENLY STARTED WORKING FULL FORCE. WITHIN 10 MINUTES I SMELLED AN ELECTRIC FIRE AND WHITE SMOKE STARTED COMING INTO THE CAB FROM ABOVE AND BELOW THE DASH. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND TRIED TO OPEN THE HOOD. AS THE SMOKE INCREASED I WENT TO THE PASSENGER SIDE TO REMOVE BELONGINGS FROM THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. BLACK SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE DASH AND BURNING EMBERS FALLING INTO THE CAB. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVE, THE VEHICLE WAS FULLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. MY FAMILY AND I WERE NOT HURT, BUT ARE NOW WITHOUT A VEHICLE AND STILL OWE THE FINANCE COMPANY SINCE WE HAD ONLY PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 9 MONTHS AGO. SUBSEQUENT RESEARCH REVEALED THE HEADLIGHTS WE HAD REPLACED TWICE ALSO HAD ELECTRICAL ISSUES, AND THE SUSPENSION NOISE FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE HAD MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS. *TR

Exterior LightingFire
Filed Feb 26, 2015100,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BULB; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE HEADLIGHT SOCKET MELTED. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON THE DRIVER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V755000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Suspension
Filed Feb 21, 201569,000 milesOH

MY RAINER STARTED TO LOOSE AIR IN THE REAR SUSPENSION, AIR RIDE SYSTEM. AT THIS TIME THE COMPRESSOR WORKS AND DOES FILL THE AIR RIDE SUSPENSION BUT YOU CAN'T BE IN A HURRY TO GO ANYWHERE. YOU MUST LET THE CAR SIT WHILE RUNNING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE YOU CAN LEAVE. IF YOU DON'T, YOU BOUNCE DOWN THE ROAD AND THAT COULD BE A DANGER TO YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE ON THE ROAD, I HAVE SPOKEN TO MY LOCAL DEALER ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THEY WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO CHARGE ME THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO FIX THE ISSUE. I THINK THIS IS SOMETHING THAT GM SHOULD TAKE CARE OF UNDER A SAFETY RECALL SINCE IT SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. MY CAR ONLY HAS 70,500 MILES ON IT. *TR

Suspension
Filed Feb 9, 201546,000 milesVA

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY THE AIR SUSPENSION FAILED CAUSING THE REAR OF VEHICLE TO DROP TO AND UNSAFE LEVEL. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE THE COMPRESSOR REFILLED THE SUSPENSION BAGS BUT WHEN PARKED AND NOT DRIVEN FOR ANY PERIOD OF TIME THE AIR BAGS LEAK DOWN CAUSING THE REAR SUSPENSION TO DROP DOWN AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR SEVERAL MONTHS NOW AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS NOT AND UNCOMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS ONLY 50,000 ACTUAL MILES AND HAS NEVER BEEN USED FOR TOWING. *TR

Electronic Stability Control (esc)Crash
Filed Oct 3, 2014122,499 milesNV

I HAD INVOLVED CAR ACCIDENT WHICH FROM THEY CALLED THROTTLEBODY DUE TO (TPS...SHIFT BY WIRE) YOU CAN FIND IN ASK.COM ENCYCLOPEDIA *(SEE BOTTOM) THAT I EXPERIENCED WHICH I HAD. IT WAS RUNNING IN REVERSE AND HIT STEEL POST THAT PROTECT GAS METER WHILE I TRIED BRAKE BUT ENGINE AND TRANNY WAS IN FULL IDLE AND I TRIED CHANGE TO INTO DRIVE WHILE IT STILL IN FULL IDLE AND MY BRAKE CANT STOP UNTIL I HIT EMERGENCY BRAKE AND TURN ENGINE OFF BY KEY SWITCH. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND I'M NOT ALONE AND MY INSURANCE (NATIONAL GENERAL WHICH USED BE GMAC) PUSHED MY CAR INTO TOTALED THAT THEY USED BY NEVADA LAW AND BODY SHOP TRYING TO SEND THIS CAR TO DEALER FOR TESTING BUT NEVER HAPPEN CUZ OF TOTALED PROCESSING. WHICH LEAVE ME PUZZLED AND FOUND OUT THAT MY CAR SOLD TO BODY SHOP AND REPAIRED AND SOLD OTHER PEOPLE. MY WORRY IS IF THEY NOT TESTING THROTTLE AND OTHER PEOPLE WHO BOUGHT THIS CAR MAY FACE RISK WHICH I HAD. *DISADVANTAGES THE COST OF DBW SYSTEMS IS OFTEN GREATER THAN CONVENTIONAL SYSTEMS.THAT FALL UNDER THE CATEGORY OF SAFETY CRITICAL SYSTEMSWHICH ARE RECOMMENDED TO BE DEVELOPED UNDER STANDARDS LIKE ISO 26262 WHICH REQUIRE EXTENSIVE CHANGES IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS GENERALLY TAKEN FOR DEVELOPING OTHER TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS.. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 28, 2014100,000 milesGA

BUICK RAINIER 2006, [XXX], I HAVE HAD TROUBLE WITH MY SUV TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING MANY TIMES. ALSO, IT WILL NOT START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS UNTIL IT JUST WANTS TO. NOW, IT HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED STARTING AND IS SITTING IN A PARKING LOT AFTER TRYING TO START OVER 5 HOURS, I AM SO UPSET AND STRANDED. MY VIN DOES NOT APPEAR ON RECALL LIST FOR SWITCH, BUT THAT IS THE TROUBLE I AM HAVING. WHAT DO I DO NOW? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 22, 2014112,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. ALSO, THE CONTACT HAD STATED THAT THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH, VARIOUS WIRES, AND THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V406000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 13, 201484,500 milesCO

THE FUEL SENSOR FOR MY 2006 BUICK RAINIER STARTED TO MALFUNCTION APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS AGO. I HAD IT DIAGNOSED BY GM DEALER, KING CHEVROLET BUICK GMC OF LONGMONT, COLORADO AND THEY INFORMED ME THE CAR NEEDED A NEW FUEL SENSOR. THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THE TANK IS EMPTY, WHEN ACTUALLY FULL. WE DECIDED NOT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, DUE TO THE COST. THE BUICK RAN OUT OF GAS NUMEROUS TIMES THROUGHOUT THE LAST 2 YEARS. THREE DAYS AGO THE CAR STALLED ON INTERSTATE 25 WITH PASSENGERS ON BOARD. WE TOWED IT BACK TO KING CHEVROLET BUICK GMC, LONGMONT, CO. AND NOW DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY FUEL PUMP WITH AN ESTIMATED COST OF $1400 TO CORRECT THE FUEL PUMP/SENSOR PROBLEM. EACH TIME THE CAR WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE GM DEALER, NOT A WORD WAS MENTIONED BY STAFF/TECHNICIANS ABOUT THE KNOWN FUEL COMPONENT FAILURE. I DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET, YESTERDAY. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IS NOT PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEDGED BY GM CORP AND ITS DEALERS AND A RECALL FOR THESE VEHICLES HAS NOT OCCURRED. SEEMS GM CORP AND KING CHEVROLET BUICK GMC HAVE NO CONCERN FOR CONSUMER SAFETY. *JS

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jun 4, 201415,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXTERIOR DRIVER LATCH BECAME LOOSE AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCH WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE STATED THE DOOR LATCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AND REPAINTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES. WHENEVER THE FAILURE OCCURRED THE DEALER REPAIRED THE DOOR LATCH HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE IDENTICAL FAILURE OCCURRED WITH THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE EXTERIOR LATCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. UPDATED 9/*CN/ UPDATED 09/10/2014*JS

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Apr 13, 2014OH

DRIVING BACK TO FINDLAY OHIO FROM LIMA OHIO ON INTERSTATE 75 AND THE CAR JUST STOPPED, NOTHING WORKED - NO LIGHTS, NOTHING. IGNITION REPLACED AT A COST OF $300.00. WANTING TO KNOW IF THIS MODEL SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE GM RECALL? *JS

Electrical System
Filed Dec 30, 201372,364 milesMN

THE ENGINE QUITS UNANNOUNCED AND THE SAFETY LOCK DASH LIGHT ILLUMINATES. THIS CAN OCCUR ANYTIME REGARDLESS OF SPEED. IF AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE CAR WILL RESTART ON ITSELF. AT LOW SPEED, I HAVE TO PUT THE TRANNY IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART THE ENGINE. THE DEALER CANNOT FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM BUT SUSPECTS THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE PROBLEM IS WHAT IS CAUSING THIS ISSUE? *TR

Power Train
Filed Nov 14, 2013102,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED TO OPERATE. ADDITIONALLY, THE TRANSMISSION EMITTED A LOUD WHINING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTER WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Oct 7, 201380,000 milesNE

I BOUGHT MY 2006 BUICK RAINIER IN MARCH OF 2011 AND ABOUT 3 MONTHS LATER THE RIGHT REAR PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE BECAUSE IT IS PLASTIC AND CAN'T BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. THEN A WEEK LATER THE CHILD LOCK DECIDED TO LOCK ITSELF ON THE SAME DOOR AND NOW THE DOOR CAN'T BE OPENED FROM EITHER THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. THEN ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR HANDLE BROKE AND NOW IT WON'T OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE AND I HAVE TO REACH CLEAR ACROSS THE TRUCK TO OPEN THE DOOR FOR ANY PASSENGERS TO GET IN ON THAT SIDE. THIS LAST WEEKEND THE LEFT BACK PASSENGER DOOR IS NOW BROKE AND CAN'T BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE AND IS SELF LOCKING THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK NOW ON THIS DOOR AS IT DID ON THE OTHER BACK PASSENGER DOOR. LUCKILY I GOT THE DOOR OPENED JUST ONCE TO UNLOCK THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK ON THIS DOOR AND SO IT IS STILL ABLE TO OPEN FOR NOW FROM THE INSIDE UNTIL IT LOCKS ITS SELF AGAIN. ONCE IT LOCKS IT'S SELF AGAIN I WON'T BE ABLE TO GET THE DOOR OPEN AGAIN TO UNLOCK THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK CAUSE THE DOOR NO LONGER OPENS FROM THE OUTSIDE. AT THIS POINT I HAVE ONE DOOR LEFT THAT FUNCTIONS PROPERLY AND THAT IS THE DRIVERS DOOR IF THAT HANDLE BREAKS I WON'T BE ABLE TO OPEN ANY OF MY DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE AND WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO OPEN THE TWO FRONT DOORS FROM THE INSIDE. WHO MAKES PLASTIC DOOR HANDLES ANYWAY WHAT A STUPID DESIGN FOR A CAR PART THAT IS USED MANY TIMES THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF ONE DAY LET ALONE FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT MY DAU

Power Train
Filed Sep 23, 201356,482 milesGA

I WOULD LIKE TO START BY SAYING I LOVE MY 2006 BUICK RAINIER AND DO NOT WANT THIS EXPERIENCE TO BREAK MY COMMITMENT TO GM PRODUCTS. MY PROBLEMS BEGAN WHEN MY RAINIER STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS AND BACKING UP. MY 2006 RAINIER ONLY HAS A LITTLE OVER 56,000 MILES, SO AS YOU CAN SEE MY SUV HAS VERY LITTLE WEAR AND HAS HAD ALL THE REGULAR SCHEDULE MAINTENANCES. I DID EXPERIENCE THE BUMPING NOISE PERIODICALLY WHICH I UNDERSTAND NOW IS A PRECURSOR TO THE TRANSFER CASE GOING OUT. I HAVE WRITTEN TO GM ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSFER CASE TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY WAY THEY COULD PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WITH THIS PROBLEM AS IT HAS CAUSED A FINANCIAL HARDSHIP WITH THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TRANSFER CASE COSTING A LITTLE OVER $2400. GM RESPONDED THAT THERE WASN'T ANYTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT THE MATTER. THE SERVICE DEALER HAS BEEN VERY GRACIOUS WITH ME AND WORKING WITH ME TO ARRANGE PAYMENTS EACH MONTH, HOWEVER, AS WITH ANY BUSINESS THEY ARE A BUSINESS AND MUST CONTINUE ON. I HAVE SEEN ON THE EDMONDS CAR BLOG THAT THERE ARE ALMOST 300 ENTRIES OF THIS VERY SAME PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSFER CASE GOING OUT IN THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. I AM PLEADING WITH YOU TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AS IT ISN'T ONLY ABOUT THE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP IT HAS CAUSED ME BUT MAINLY THE SAFETY ISSUE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED WHEN I COULDN'T TURN OR BACK UP APPROPRIATELY WHICH I COULD NOT WHEN THE TRANSFER CASE WENT OUT. I PURCHASED MY RAINIER ORIGINALLY BECAUSE I HAD A TRAILBLAZER LTZ AND SAW HOW THE RAINIER WAS A

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 6, 201347,829 milesFL

WE OWN A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V406000 (VISIBILITY: POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIRS NEEDED TO BE DONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SINCE THE DRIVER DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCKED ELECTRONICALLY OR MANUALLY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,829 WITH IN 9DAYS OF REPAIR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN.. CALLED GM AND DEALER BUT IT SEEMS NO ONE THINKS IT HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH REPAIR. WORK\ED FINE UNTIL REPAIR AN AUTO HAS LITTLE MILEAGE. THEY BLAMED IT ON LIVING NEAR THE BEACH, I DON'T. OWNER OF DEALERSHIP CALL STATED HE WOULD TAKE CARE OF PAYING US BACK BUT IT HAS BEEN WELL WITHIN A TIME TO MAIL A CHECK. GM KEEPS CALLING TO SEE IF DEALER PAID. IT IS FUNNY A DOOR WORKS GREAT PRIOR THEN CAN NOT OPEN 9 DAYS AFTER RETURN. HAD SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH TIRES, AUTO SERVICED EVERY 3,000 MILES BY DEALER WE PURCHASED AUTO AND TIRES WORN DOWN WITHIN LESS THEN 28,000 AND THEY STATED TIRES ARE NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. YOU PROTECTS THE DISABLED AND SENIORS? NOBODY BECAUSE THEY THINK WE CAN AFFORD THESES COST. WE CAN'T. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 8, 201365,000 milesOR

THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT ABOUT 65K MILES IN FEBRUARY 2009. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FUEL SENSOR INSIDE THE GAS TANK HAD FAILED AND THAT THE REPAIR WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE 60K MILES HAD BEEN EXCEEDED. NOT BEING ABLE TO AFFORD THIS COSTLY REPAIR HAS FORCED ME TO CONTINUE TO USE THE TRIP METER ON THE ODOMETER AS A WAY TO ESTIMATE MY FUEL LEVEL. IT IS NOW 4 YEARS LATER AND I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE OF RECALL OR SERVICE NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER OR DEALER. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS OVER 125K MILES AND APPARENTLY NO LONGER QUALIFIES FOR THE OFFER FROM GM OF SPLITTING THE REPAIR COST WITH THE CUSTOMER. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM GM OR MY DEALER OF ANY OFFER OF ASSISTANCE WITH THIS ISSUE. GM OBVIOUSLY INSTALLED FAULTY EQUIPMENT AND THE FACT THAT THEY EXPECT THEIR SO CALLED VALUED CUSTOMER TO PAY AT ALL FOR CORRECTING THIS TYPE OF ISSUE IS NOT GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE. I GUESS THAT I'M NOT THAT VALUED A CUSTOMER AS I BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO THEIR ATTENTION IN 2009, REPAIR WAS DENIED UNDER WARRANTY AND I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY SERVICE NOTICE REGARDING THIS ISSUE. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Mar 21, 201370,000 milesNV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE AIRB AGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE ONSTAR SYSTEM CONCLUDED THAT THE SYSTEM HAD DETECTED THAT THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Nov 26, 201263,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICED FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V406000 (VISIBILITY: POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REPAIRS NEEDED TO BE DONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SINCE THE DRIVER DOOR FAILED TO UNLOCKED ELECTRONICALLY OR MANUALLY. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000. ...UPDATED 01/30/13 *BF UPDATED 2/5/2013 *JS

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Aug 21, 2012100,000 milesMI

DRIVER'S DOOR MODULE, POWER DOOR LOCK AND POWER WINDOW SWITCHES FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY AND BECAME INOPERATIVE. I TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP AND THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. $422 TO FIXED. WAITING ON PART, AS IT WAS ORDERED TODAY. 8-21-12 NOTHING ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WORKS, THE WHOLE DOOR IS DEAD. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jul 19, 201238,000 milesMI

THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF PROBLEMS I BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SEVERAL TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE BUT MECHANICS STILL CANNOT FIND WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEMS. FIRST, MY VEHICLE STUTTERS WHEN I BACK UP AND TURN SLOWLY OR TURN FORWARD SLOWLY. IT DOES NOT DO IT EVERY TIME, JUST OCCASIONALLY SO THE MECHANICS DO NOT EXPERIENCE IT. SECOND, WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT FOR A FEW SECONDS, MY CAR FEELS LIKE IT HAS BEEN HIT IN THE BACK BUT WHEN I LOOK BACK TO SEE IF I'VE BEEN BUMPED, THERE IS NO VEHICLE BEHIND ME. IT FEELS LIKE THE POWERTRAIN OR ENGINE WANTS TO JERK FORWARD. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND THEY SAY THEY HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT IT CONTINUES. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 91, newest first, 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.