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Vehicle Stats/Buick/Rainier Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Sep 2026Methodology

Buick Rainier Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 390 complaints and 15 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Buick Rainier options? We analyzed 4 model years (2004–2007) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

390
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
15
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
16
Crash-Related
crash complaints
14
Fire-Related
fire complaints
14
Injuries Reported
across all years
4
Years Analyzed
2004–2007

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Found a Buick Rainier? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Buick Rainier has 390 owner complaints and 15 safety recalls across model years 2004–2007. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2004 drew the most complaints; 2007 drew the fewest.

Buick Rainier — key reliability facts
Make
Buick
Model
Rainier
Model years analyzed
2004–2007 (4 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
390
Safety recall campaigns
15
Crash-related complaints
16
Fire-related complaints
14
Worst model year (by complaints)
2004 (158 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2007 (38 complaints)
Top reported issue area
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Sep 3, 2026
This Rainier has 15 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

Buick Rainier: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2004158 complaints2005103 complaints200691 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
200738 complaints200691 complaints2005103 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2004 Buick Rainier? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The BUICK RAINIER has 390 NHTSA complaints and 15 recalls on record. 16 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 390 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 15 federal recall campaigns
  • 16 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2004
158
2005
103
2006
91
2007
38

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

15 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

#14V404000VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLSFebruary 7, 2014
Safety recall

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

#14V404000VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLSFebruary 7, 2014
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

#05V552000EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELSJuly 12, 2005
Safety recall

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

#05V455000STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONSMay 10, 2005
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

#05V198000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNALMay 5, 2005
Safety recall

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

#05V035000VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELDMarch 2, 2005
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS

#04V527000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTSJanuary 11, 2004
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

#15V519000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Safety recall

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

#15V599000VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

#12V406000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

#13V248000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Safety recall

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

#15V519000EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Safety recall

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

#15V599000VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

#12V406000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

#13V248000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2004–2007. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 390 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM145 complaints
02
FUEL SYSTEM80 complaints
03
GASOLINE62 complaints
04
EXTERIOR LIGHTING54 complaints
05
POWER TRAIN28 complaints
06
SUSPENSION24 complaints
07
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL21 complaints
08
AIR BAGS20 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

390 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEMNov 2023

Window motors and window controls failing. I replaced two window motors at in 2017, at dealer because they failed, then the rear passenger window motor failed in 2020 and was replaced at mechanic shop with factory replacement, this rear passenger window is seldom used, but rear passenger window motor failed again in 2023 and was replaced again at mechanic shop. Drivers window motor now needs to be replaced. Window controls are intermittant. The components were replaced by dealer and by third-party mechanic. There is no warning prior to failure other than rolling down a window and not being able to get it back up at all, which poses a hazard in torrential rain and damages vehicle; or not being able to roll a window down when needed. The first replacement was under warranty. The rest have been out of pocket and have caused other damage due to rain. I feel the entire window operating system should have been recalled, driver side controls and all of the operting motors. This is a dangerous and expensive continuing problem. Never had this problem with any GM vehicle before the 2007 Rainer. Rear air suspension went out in 2018 and rear end fell down causing severe handling difficulty. Had to replace rear air suspension with conventional shocks because parts were not available in a timely manner and vehicle could not be driven safely without rear suspension. Had similar issue with air suspension on 2004 Buick SUV, where the air suspension went haywire and caused handling issues. (Vehicle was returned to dealer and exchanged for one with a conventional suspension.) Was told by dealer the air suspension problem was fixed on later models after 2004, but apparently not. Would not have purchased a vehicle with air suspension had I known it still had these issues.

SUSPENSIONDec 2020

BOTH TRAILING ARMS IN THE REAR SUSPENSION HAVE FAILED TO DUE TO RUST. THE FAILURE OF AT LEAST ONE OF THE TWO TRAILING ARMS OCCURRED WHEN TRAVELING ACROSS A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT LOW SPEED WHILE ON A LONG DISTANCE TRIP. THE 2007 BUICK RAINIER HAD A HISTORY OF BEING IN PENNSYLVANIA. THE USE OF SALT DURING THE WINTER MONTHS WAS THE LIKELY CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILING OF THE TRAILING ARMS RESULTED IN CONSIDERABLE VIBRATIONS AT LOW SPEEDS UP TO ~40 MPH. THE FAILING OF THE TRAILING ARMS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE LOST OF REPLACEMENT SPRINGS IF A SIGNIFICANT BUMP HAD BEEN HIT WHILE DRIVING. NOTE: REPLACEMENT SPRINGS ARE OFTEN NECESSARY AFTER THE FAILURE OF THE AIR BAG SPRINGS, AS WAS THE CASE FOR THIS VEHICLE. FORTUNITLY, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BEFORE ANY ACCIDENT OCCURRED.

SUSPENSIONAug 2016

AROUND JANUARY 2016, THE REAR END WAS BASICALLY SITTING ALMOST ON THE REAR TIRES--THE AIR BAGS WOULD NOT PUMP THE REAR END UP. AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS, IT WAS FINE. THEN AROUND MARCH 2016, SAME THING HAPPENED. IN JUNE 2016, SAME THING HAPPENED BUT ONLY DOWN FOR ABOUT A DAY. THE FOURTH TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS THE OTHER DAY, AUGUST 18, 2016--TODAY IS AUGUST 21, 2106 BUT THEY HAVE NOT CORRECTED. I HAVE READ OVER 100 THREADS OF PEOPLE HAVING THIS ISSUE AND CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED--IT SEEMS TO AFFECT THE RAINIER AND ENVOY AND TRAILBLAZERS, AMONG THE ONES I'VE READ. WHY SHOULDN'T GM HAVE TO FIX THIS ISSUE? I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A CONVERSION YOU CAN DO, BUT THAT WILL COST ABOUT $400+ TO DO THAT--RIGHT NOW WE DON'T KNOW IF IT'S THE BAGS OR THE PUMP, BUT THE PUMP SEEMS TO WORK, JUST NOTHING HAPPENS. WE NOTICED THIS WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, BUT IT STAYED THE SAME IN MOTION--VERY DANGEROUS--THE TOP OF THE BODY STARTED SCRAPING THE WHEEL TODAY WHILE DRIVING AND IT REALLY HAS SCARED ME.

UNKNOWN OR OTHERAug 2016

THIS PROBLEM STARTED AND HAS OCCURED INTERMITTENTLY SINCE 2015. WHEN I SHIFT THE GEAR SHIFTER INTO PARK, IT DOES NOT RELEASE, THE IGNITION WILL NOT CUT COMPLETELY OFF SO THAT YOU CAN TAKE THE KEYS OUT. THIS HAS BEEN A MAJOR PROBLEM! THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN VEHICE IS PARKED, TRYING TO CUT OFF/TAKE KEYS OUT OF IGNITION. SOMETHING IS NOT RELEASING SO THAT THE GEAR SHIFT WILL LOCK AND YOU CAN TAKE THE KEYS OUT. THIS STARTED BEFORE 100,00 MILES BUT IT WAS ONLY A FEW TIMES UNTIL LAST YEAR, AT ABOUT 150K MILES. NOW I HAVE 205K MILES.

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGApr 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V755000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO SUPPLY THE PART FOR THE REPAIR FOR LONGER THAN 18 MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT REMEDY FOR THE RECALL REPAIR BEYOND A REASONABLE TIME FRAME. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN OF WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 05/10/16*LJ UPDATED 11/21/2017*JS

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGJan 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V755000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOLS CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/07/16*LJ *CN

Read 14 more owner reports
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGDec 2015

HEADLIGHTS GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING HAZARDOUS NIGHT DRIVING. RECALL ISSUED BUT GM HAS NO FIX YET! HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I HAVE CHECKED WITH LOCAL DEALER AND STILL NO FIX AVAILABLE.

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNov 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK RAINER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED ON THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V519000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) IN 2015. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE HDM SERVICE PART WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECCURED TWO DAYS LATER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE WAS CHARGED FOR THE INTERIM REPAIR. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE REMEDY PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHERNov 2015

FIRST RECALL WAS ON THE WINDOW SWITH IN DRIVER DOOR . SECOND RECALL WAS ON THE LIGHTS AND AS OF NOW THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX IT. BEFORE I GOT THE RECALL NOTICE WE WENT AND HAD IT FIXED AND WE HAD TO PAY FOR THAT. THEY DONT SEEM TO BE TO CONCERENED ABOUT OUR SAFTEY OR IT WOUL ALREADY BE FIXED .NOW ONLY BACK PASSENGER DORR CAN BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE ALL THE OTHER DOORS MESSED UP AT THE SAME TIME AND THEY WANT 500.00 TO FIX TWO DOORS REALLY.

ENGINEOct 2015

MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE VEHICLE JUST STOPPED, HE COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD AND TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR AND IT WOULDN'T. WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED AND WAITING TO HERE.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTINGSep 2015

MY RECALL WAS JAN 2015 THAT LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS GOES OFF . MINE ARE OFF ALL THE TIME. NO PARTS AVAILABLE SO THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. IF REPAIRS ARE AVAILABLE THEN WHY DO THEY PAY TO FIX. BILL APP.300.00 CAN NOT DRIVE NIGHT ONLY HAVE HIGH AND FOG LIGHTS. HAVE TALKED TO ROYAL BUICK HOOVER AL. AND HEAD MAN STEVEN SENIOR ADVISIOR AT BUICK. HE SAID HE WOULD HELP. ALL HE DID WAS CALL ROYAL AND THEY SAID 105.00 FOR DIAGNASIT PLUS REPAIRS. I AM ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND SMALL RET. FROM COUNTY. CAN NOT AFFORD. SECOND RECALL ON THIS CAR. IF I HAVE A WRECK AND HURT SOME ONE OR ME HOPE THEY CAN PAY BILLS THANK YOU FOR LISTENING BLESS YOU.

VISIBILITY/WIPERAug 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V755000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE 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 ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. MA 10/16/15 *CN

SUSPENSIONSep 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE WHEELS SUDDENLY LOCKED WITH THE 'STABILITY CONTROL" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY STATED THAT A SWITCH OF SOME TYPE THAT WAS UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAD BECOME DAMAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SENSOR ON THE FRONT AXLES CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

VISIBILITY/WIPERJun 2014

WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED ACTING ERRATICALLY WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN COMPLETELY DRY WEATHER. THE WIPERS WOULD TURN ON AND OFF BY THEMSELVES AND PERIODICALLY ACTIVATE THE WASHER WHICH WOULD SPLASH WATER ALL OVER THE WINDSHIELD CAUSING VISIBILITY ISSUES. WHEN THIS WAS OCCURRING THE ON OFF SWITCH WOULD NOT FUNCTION AND THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP THE WIPERS FROM COMING ON OR SPRAYING WATER. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE AS IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW WHEN THE WIPERS AND WASHERS WILL TURN ON START SPRAYING WATER AND BLOCK MY VISION OF THE ROAD. I SEARCHED AND FOUND THAT A GM SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED FOR THE 2006 RAINIER ON YOUR WEBSITE REGARDING A WIPER MOTOR MALFUNCTION. I CALLED GM TO INQUIRE WHAT STEPS THEY WOULD TAKE TO REPAIR THIS EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION. I WAS TOLD THE SERVICE BULLETIN WAS NOT APPLICABLE TO MY 2007 VEHICLE EVEN THOUGH THE MANUFACTURING DATE LISTED ON MY RAINIER IS AUGUST 2006. THEY SAID THE VIN # WAS TIED TO THE YEAR MODEL 2007 AND THEY COULD NOT AUTHORIZE A REPAIR BASED ON A 2006 LISTING IN THE BULLETIN. I BELIEVE GM INSTALLED ONE OF THE DEFECTIVE WASHER MOTORS IN MY 2007 RAINIER WHEN IT WAS BUILT IN AUGUST 2006 AND I WANT THEM TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR. *TR

FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATSJun 2014

THE HEATED SEAT GOT HOT AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN OFF. THE LEATHER SEAT BURNT THROUGH FROM THE HEATING UNIT OR WIRE TO THE HEATING ELEMENT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM SO IT IS NOT FIXED. THERE IS NO LONGER POWER TO THE SEAT. *TR

STRUCTUREMay 2013

UNABLE TO OPEN DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM OUTSIDE IN ANY MANNER. THIS IS STARTING TO HAPPEN TO OTHER DOORS. *TR

UNKNOWN OR OTHERMay 2013

UNABLE TO OPEN DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM OUTSIDE IN ANY MANNER. STARTING TO ALSO HAPPEN TO BACK PASSENGER ON DRIVER SIDE.

POWER TRAINMay 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE REAR END OF VEHICLE JERKED AND THE STABLE TRACK SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE OUTPUT SHAFT ON TRANSFER CASE AND SLIP YOKE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,507. *TR

POWER TRAINMar 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK, THE GEAR WOULD NOT LOCK. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. *TR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITYDec 2012

DRIVERS DOOR WINDOW SCREECHES WHEN LOWERED, STOPS HALF WAY WHEN RAISED. HAS BECOME WORSE OVER THE PAST MONTH. NOW I MUST TRY HELPING IT BY HAND WHILE PUSHING THE UP BUTTON..NOW I AM AFRAID TO LOWER WINDOW FOR FEAR OF NOT BEING ABLE TO GET IT TO RAISE. *TR

Showing 20 of 390 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Buick Rainier

These pages show model-year patterns across 4 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Buick Rainier, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Buick Rainier has 390 complaints on record across 4 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Buick Rainier has 15 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 16 of the Buick Rainier's 390 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Buick Rainier vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Buick Rainier vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Buick Rainier has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a Buick Rainier by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Buick Rainier.

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Buick Rainier reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the Buick Rainier reliable?

Poor. The Buick Rainier has 390 NHTSA owner complaints and 15 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Buick Rainier years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2004 (158 complaints), 2005 (103 complaints), 2006 (91 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common Buick Rainier problems?

Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (145 complaints); FUEL SYSTEM (80 complaints); GASOLINE (62 complaints).

Does the Buick Rainier have recalls?

Yes — 15 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Buick Rainier. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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