Model year
2005 Buick Rainier
NHTSA lists 1 recall and 103 complaints for the 2005 Buick Rainier (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (32), FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (20), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (12). 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
05V035000 · Feb 3, 2005
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING.' THE WINDSHIELD URETHANE BEAD MAY NOT HAVE ADHERED TO THE BODY IN CERTAIN AREAS DURING THE CURE PROCESS.
Complaints
103 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 6, fire flag on 3, injury field 4, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DP10001 | Fuel Level Gauge System Failure · FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM | Jan 7, 2010 | May 23, 2011 |
| PE11014 | Fuel level gauge system failure · FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER; FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM | Apr 25, 2011 | Sep 23, 2011 |
| 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 | 20 | 16 | — | — | $4,200 |
| Rainier 2WD · 5.3L · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 14 | 19 | 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 | 14 | 17 | 15 | — | — | $4,450 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
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 2005 Buick Rainier at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.