My 16 year old son was making a left hand turn out of a school onto a road with no curve, no hole, no accident but the 4 side air bags deployed for no reason. He was OK and pulled over for safety and got a ride home. We had it towed home and contacted gmac buick and they had it towed to a dealership and had a diagnostic test ran and found no reason for them to deploy but they said the car had been altered because we had put subs and a radio in it through a lisc. Professional but that makes them not liable for anything that would happen. They said putting a radio in can cause the bags to deploy or brakes to fail and it is in their manual and they are not liable for any problem if we alter the car in any way. If this is the case anyone with an aftermarket radio should be warned that their child car anyone can be killed and it will. E no one's fault. I am out a car because insurance said they don't cover it because it wasn't an accident and GMAC says it happens not uncommonly but that they will not help in any way. They told me I was not allowed to talk abijt this to anyone. They read me a statement on the phone which said I can not talk outside of GMAC. They don't want people knowing this is happening. People need to be aware that bags can randomly deploy and if he was in the interstate he could have been killed. I am terrified to get in it and drive. Why do people not know this can happen. Why is gmac not doing anything or putting out psas saying people could die if they out sibs in professionally or otherwise.
The worst 2005 Buick Rainier problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical38
- Fuel system27
- Lights17
- Engine10
- Brakes9
- Acceleration7
- Airbags7
- Suspension7
- Body5
- Driver assistance5
- Steering5
- Transmission3
- Visibility3
- Locks2
- Tires2
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Buick Rainier
Recalls 1
Visibility: windshield
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If a crash occurs, the windshield may not be retained, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the windshield free of charge. The recall began on march 10, 2005. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 05V035000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2005 Buick Rainier
Defect investigations
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at under the identification numbers in the attached document.
RQ17002
Fuel level gauge system failure
The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.
PE11014
Fuel Level Gauge System Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
DP10001
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Buick Rainier 682
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of...
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire...
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding...
2005 Buick Rainier crash test ratings
Government 5-star crash tests. Higher is safer. Each row is a body style and drivetrain that was tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buick Rainier 4-DR. | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms. | 4 |
2005 Buick Rainier fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 20 | 16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
| 4.2L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 17 | 15 |
What 2005 Buick Rainier owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2005 Buick Rainier. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front windshield wipers and wiper fluid spray activated independently and failed to turn off. The contact also stated that occasionally the headlights would inadvertently turn off; requiring the vehicle to be restarted before the vehicle regained headlight functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced the headlight failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V519000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
Power steering leaks, the gas gauge and other gauges don't work, most the electrical don't work inside the car, makes a weird noise when it backs up and the engine revs when it's starts and sometimes when it drives and goes faster even when you are not hitting the gas, the gas tank blows out gas when we are pumping gas like it's full but it's not, the window cracked from a little peddle and the wheels and hubs go bad really fast.
Power steering leaks, the gas gauge and other gauges don't work, most the electrical don't work inside the car, makes a weird noise when it backs up and the engine revs when it's starts and sometimes when it drives and goes faster even when you are not hitting the gas
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 buick rainier. The contact stated that the driver's door could not be locked and unlocked. The contact removed the driver's door module himself and was able to lock and unlock the driver's door with the key. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v406000 (electrical system, visibility). The manufacturer provided case number: 8-4645434013. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Electronic brake and traction control module communication. Loud banging, awd light came on, code showed the about reason. (electronic brake and traction control module communication)
I"ve had problem after problem in this buick since 2103. I have taken it to lynch dealer ship and complaining about same noise no resolution as of yet. I've fixed fuel gauge, both tie rods, swag bar, wheel bearing, brakes, rotor blower, on and on spent already $ 7,000 to fix it. . Now the mechanic says "oh", maybe its the differential which will cost $3200. But maybe! For those wanting to get a buick rainier please dont as you will not stop fixing it!!! Piece of junk! This differential could have caused my life and someone else's. I was driving it on 12/14/17 heard a loud pounding noise trouble turning to right side and braking. When I wanted to break truck would not stop.
While driving down the interstate last night at about 70 MPH my low-beam headlights suddenly went off plunging the road ahead of me into pitch black darkness. Full beam and directional lights were still functioning, managed to safely pull of to the side of the interstate, and luckily was able to use my cell phone to determine that the solid state headlight relay had failed. Luckily there is a similar relay located in the fuse box that controls the engine fan that I was able to utilize and continue on my journey. Needless to say this was a very unnerving/scary experience and can't imagine what it would be like for a less experienced driver. I find it hard to believe that gm thought that a system that could affect both headlight simultaneously in this way was remotely even a good idea?!
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 buick rainier. While operating the vehicle, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and made the steering wheel very difficult to turn in either direction. Also, a whining type noise was present when turning the steering wheel. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not notified. The failure mileage was 162,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 buick rainier. While driving 65 MPH, the headlights failed without warning. The failure occurred two more times. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (modern chevrolet located at 5955 university pkwy winston-salem, north carolina 27105) where it was diagnosed that the low beam module failed. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v519000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The contact was informed that the federal safety agency determined which vehicles to include in recalls and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was approximately 53,800. Updated 09/01/17*lj
Compare the 2005 Buick Rainier
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Questions about the 2005 Buick Rainier
Is the 2005 Buick Rainier reliable?
Owners have filed 103 complaints about the 2005 Buick Rainier, close to a typical Rainier model year.
What is the 2005 Buick Rainier year score?
The 2005 Buick Rainier scores 70 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Buick Rainier: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Buick Rainier?
Electrical system, with 38 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles. Next is fuel system (27).
How many recalls does the 2005 Buick Rainier have?
1 recall, covering visibility.
Is the 2005 Buick Rainier safe in a crash?
The 2005 Buick Rainier was crash tested, but no overall score was published. Partial scores: rollover 4 out of 5.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Buick Rainier get?
Official estimates for the 2005 Buick Rainier range from 15 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 20 highway.
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