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.
The worst 2007 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.
- Fuel system10
- Electrical7
- Lights6
- Visibility5
- Suspension4
- Transmission3
- Body1
- Engine1
- Locks1
- Seats1
- Steering1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2007 Buick Rainier
Recalls 5
Visibility: power window devices and controls
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy vehicles, and 2006 GMC Envoy XL and Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT vehicles. Fluid may enter into the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board, causing window switches to become inoperative. Previously, the affected vehicles may have had their master power window switch module treated with a protective coating, instead of having it replaced.
- Risk
- The protective coating may not eliminate the risk that the circuit board could short and result in a fire, even while the vehicle is unattended.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new driver's door switch module, free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, and GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 15700.
Recall number 15V599000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting: headlights
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
- Risk
- Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑762‑2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.
Recall number 15V519000 · Recall details
Visibility: power window devices and controls
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
- Risk
- A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in August 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300 (Buick), 1‑800‑222‑1020 (Chevrolet), 1‑800‑462‑8782 (GMC), 1‑800‑955‑9007 (SAAB), and 1‑800‑255‑6727 (Isuzu). GM's number for this recall is 14309. NOTE: This recall provides a new remedy for all vehicles covered by recall 13V‑248. Vehicles whose modules were modified but not replaced as part of the previous recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign.
Recall number 14V404000 · Recall details
Visibility: power window devices and controls
- What is wrong
- General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
- Risk
- A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
- Remedy
- Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners, Isuzu and Saab will contact their respective owners. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Chevrolet owners at 1‑866‑694‑6546, GMC owners at 1‑866‑996‑9463, Isuzu owners at 1‑800‑255‑6727, and Saab owners at 1‑800‑955‑9007. GM's campaign number is 12180. This recall is an expansion of recall 12V‑406.
Recall number 13V248000 · Recall details
Visibility: power window devices and controls
- What is wrong
- General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
- Risk
- A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
- Remedy
- Parts for this recall are expected to available in March 2013. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners when parts are available. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Chevrolet owners at 1‑866‑694‑6546, and GMC owners at 1‑866‑996‑9463. Isuzu owners will be notified by Isuzu Motors when parts are available. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1‑800‑255‑6727. SAAB owners will be notified by SAAB Cars North America when parts are available and for inquiries, owners may call SAAB customer service at 1‑800‑955‑9007.
Recall number 12V406000 · Recall details
See all 5 recalls for the 2007 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
Driver's Master Power Window Switch
On August 15, 2012 General Motors (GM) announced a regional recall action (12V‑406) involving model year (MY) 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender and MY2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the salt belt states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The recall remedy requires the inspection and repair or replacement of the master power window switch, which GM refers to as a driver door module (DDM). At the same time, GM implemented a special coverage program to replace failed DDMs for vehicles registered outside of these states. ODI was not satisfied with GM's exclusion of non-salt belt vehicles and continued its investigation. On June 13, 2013, GM submitted a related recall notification (13V‑248) to reclassify the initial special coverage program into a safety recall for vehicles that were not previously repaired under special coverage.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis EA12-004 on June 11, 2012 to further investigate allegations of DDM thermal incidents in model year (MY) 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. Thermal incidents involve cases where fire-related events such as smoke and melt are present. ODI has received 170 reports alleging a thermal event occurred. Complainants stated that the DDM melted and in some cases produced odor and/or smoke. Fourteen of these incidents led to a fire where visible flames were reported or the damage extended significantly beyond the DDM. In addition to the 170 reports listed above, ODI received 63 reports alleging the DDM acted erratically or became inoperative. In response to ODI's Information Request (IR), GM provided 619 unique consumer complaints that related to the alleged problem. Seventy-seven of those reports led to a fire with flame, and 4 reported injuries of smoke inhalation and/or slight burns from contact with hot switches. GM also submitted 20,400 warranty claims for replacement of the DDM, most of which involved inoperative switches. The problem condition is caused by fluids, such as rain water, entering the driver's door module and subsequently causing corrosion that could result in an electrical short in the printed circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. However, the electrical short may also cause overheating that could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke or in some cases fire with flame. The circuit board was redesigned and GM implemented the new design into vehicle production on May 14, 2007. All failures cited above occurred in vehicles produced before this build date (i.e., with the original design DDM). GM also reported that all MY 2006-2007 GMT360/370 platform vehicles and MY 2005 SAAB 9-7x vehicles utilized the same DDM and therefore ODI expanded the subject population to include these vehicles.This investigation is closed on the basis of GM's announcement of safety recalls 12V‑406 and 13V‑248. The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference, see the attached list for ODI numbers.
EA12004
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 2007 Buick Rainier 860
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- 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 service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline...
- This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or...
- 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...
2007 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 |
| Buick Rainier 4-DR. w/SAB | 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 |
2007 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 20 | 17 |
| 4.2L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 20 | 16 |
| 4.2L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 20 | 16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 19 | 16 |
What 2007 Buick Rainier owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 buick rainier. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 buick rainier. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 buick rainer. The contact stated that the headlights flickered on the vehicle intermittently. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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.
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.
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.
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Questions about the 2007 Buick Rainier
Is the 2007 Buick Rainier reliable?
Owners have filed 38 complaints about the 2007 Buick Rainier, fewer than a typical Rainier model year.
What is the 2007 Buick Rainier year score?
The 2007 Buick Rainier scores 85 out of 100 (good). 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 2007 Buick Rainier?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 10 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles. Next is electrical (7).
How many recalls does the 2007 Buick Rainier have?
5 recalls, covering visibility and exterior lighting.
Is the 2007 Buick Rainier safe in a crash?
The 2007 Buick Rainier was crash tested, but no overall score was published. Partial scores: rollover 4 out of 5.
What gas mileage does the 2007 Buick Rainier get?
Official estimates for the 2007 Buick Rainier range from 16 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.3L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 20 highway.
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