Model year
2004 Buick Rainier
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 158 complaints for the 2004 Buick Rainier (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (52), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL (27), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (14). NHTSA lists 3 investigations. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 15–16 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $4,200–$4,450, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
Recalls
05V198000 · May 5, 2005
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
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…
04V527000 · Nov 1, 2004
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
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.
Complaints
158 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 9, fire flag on 4, injury field 10, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA04021 | BRAKE LAMP FAILURE · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS | Aug 3, 2004 | Nov 4, 2004 |
| EA07009 | FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | Jul 10, 2007 | Aug 28, 2008 |
| RQ17002 | Loss of Headlights · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS | Apr 24, 2017 | Mar 29, 2021 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainier 2WD · 4.2L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 14 | 19 | 16 | — | — | $4,200 |
| Rainier 2WD · 5.3L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 14 | 18 | 16 | — | — | $4,200 |
| Rainier AWD · 4.2L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 14 | 19 | 16 | — | — | $4,200 |
| Rainier AWD · 5.3L · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 13 | 17 | 15 | — | — | $4,450 |
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Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2004 Buick Rainier at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.