CarRecallDB

2004 Buick Rainier recalls and problems

2 recalls and 158 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Buick Rainier.

2
recalls
158
owner complaints
9
complaints mentioning a crash
4
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Buick Rainier recalls

Exterior lighting: turn signal

NHTSA campaign 05V198000 · reported May 5, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 286,478 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Exterior lighting: brake lights

NHTSA campaign 04V527000 · reported November 1, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 871,473 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Apr 15, 2019 · Exterior lighting · 150,471 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS TURNED OFF INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS REMAINED OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MINUTES. WHEN THE LIGHTS TURNED BACK ON, THE LIGHTING WAS DIM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO J.D. BYRIDER (5101 NEW BERN AVE…

May 31, 2018 · Vehicle speed control · crash reported

TL* 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…

May 17, 2018 · Fuel/propulsion system · 174,000 miles

I NOTICED IN NOVEMBER OF 2016 MY BUICK RAINNER WAS SMELLING LIKE GASOLINE AFTER I GOT OUT AND LEFT IT RUNNING WHILE I WAS DROPPING STUFF AT HOME FROM WORK. WHEN I GOT BACK IN MY VEHICLE I DIDN'T SMELL ANYTHING, BUT COULD SMELL OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. I WENT ABOUT ANOTHER 10 MILES LATER TO MY DESTINATION AND PARK. 20 MINS…

Apr 26, 2018 · Exterior lighting · 116,400 miles

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…

Feb 21, 2018 · Fuel/propulsion system · 109,722 miles

TL* 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…

Rainier model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2003 0100
2004 215894
2005 110363
2006 79115
2007 53802

Across all years, the 2004 Rainier has the most complaints (158). All Buick Rainier years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Buick Rainier have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Buick Rainier, the most recent reported on May 5, 2005 (Exterior lighting: turn signal). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Buick Rainier?
Owners have filed 158 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (83 complaints), followed by exterior lighting (21).
How many 2004 Buick Rainier complaints mention a crash or fire?
9 of 158 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 10 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 15, 2019.