2004 Buick Rainier recalls and problems

The 2004 Buick Rainier has 2 safety recalls and 158 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Buick dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

158

Crashes / fires

9 / 4

Injuries / deaths

10 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Buick Rainier vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Buick Rainier recalls

Recall 05V-198: Exterior Lighting

Reported May 5, 2005 · 286,478 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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 flash in a manner similar to hazard warning, rather than flashing on the desired side only.

Risk: The driver may not be able to clearly signal their intentions to turn, change travel lanes, or potentially warn others of an impaired vehicle operating condition increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 august 4, 2005. Isuzu began mailing owner letters on august 4, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727, buick at 1-866-608-8080, and oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.

Recall 04V-527: Exterior Lighting

Reported Nov 1, 2004 · 871,473 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: An inoperative brake lamp will not convey the driver's intention of stopping to drivers in following vehicles, and an inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. Both of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 1-800-630-6537, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

2004 Buick Rainier problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	84
Exterior Lighting	21
Power Train	15
Vehicle Speed Control	12
Air Bags	12
Fuel System, Gasoline	9
Fuel/Propulsion System	7
Engine and Engine Cooling	6
Suspension	6
Structure	5
Visibility	4
Steering	4

Most reported parts

Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 27
Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 6
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 3
Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 3
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 3
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System — 2
Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Buick Rainier complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Vehicle Speed Control · reported May 31, 2018

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. As a result, the contact was rendered unconscious and transported to the hospital via ambulance. The contact's head struck the driver's side window and the contact remained in a coma for several months. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the right side of the head, which caused walking complications and a loss of feeling in the right side of the body. In addition…

Exterior Lighting · at 116,400 miles · reported Apr 26, 2018

Headlights fail intermittently while driving. While driving last night the low beam headlights went out. The high beams still worked. This is about the sixth time this has happened. I changed out the headlight relay just before this occurred as I had seen a recall on 2006 and 2007 rainiers showing this as the problem. After a short time the high beams also went out. I parked and turned the engine off for a while and when I restarted the high beams were working again but not the low beams. I was doing a combination of street and highway driving and it appears to be unrelated to any road…

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 109,722 miles · reported Feb 21, 2018

The contact owns a 2004 buick rainier. After parking the vehicle, a fuel odor was noticed outside the vehicle. Once the contact entered the vehicle, the odor was stronger. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they diagnosed that the fuel lines were rotted and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact about the extended warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 109,722.

Exterior Lighting · at 200,000 miles · reported Dec 22, 2017

Low beam headlights failure both at the same time. Occurred on two separate occasions. First time a year or so ago, low beam relay replaced by best recollection

Visibility/Wiper · at 114,000 miles · reported Jul 22, 2017

Low beams on lighting goes out for no apparent reason. This has happened two times in the last two weeks. Dealership says they just can't find anything wrong. Although they had another vehicle there with same problem. This seems to be a recurring problem with GM SUV's. My 1994 gmc did the same thing and I heard reports of other gmc's doing the same thing. Not good on interstates at night.

Other Buick Rainier years

2007 2006 20052004

Compare all Buick Rainier years · All Buick models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Buick Rainier have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Buick Rainier: 05V-198 (exterior lighting), 04V-527 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Buick Rainier?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (84 reports), followed by exterior lighting (21). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 miles.

Are Buick recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Buick dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.