VehicleVerdict

2005 Buick Rainier problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2005 Buick Rainier sits mid-pack among Rainier years: 158 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 117, with a single recall and 3 closed investigations.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 43 reports (27% of the total).

158

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Rainier years?

Rainier NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted205 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 205 complaints2005: 158 complaints2006: 117 complaints2007: 44 complaints
Rainier NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rainier years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Buick Rainier problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4327%
Fuel System2818%
Lighting1711%
Engine106%
Brakes106%
Suspension85%
Speed Control74%
Airbags74%
Other64%
Body & Structure53%
Steering53%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Transmission32%
Tires & Wheels21%
Latches & Locks21%
Seat Belts11%
Seats11%

Does the 2005 Buick Rainier have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V035000Visibility & WipersFebruary 3, 2005 · 17,815 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“PASSENGER DOOR PANEL CAUGHT ON FIRE WHEN THE CARE WASN'T USED FOR OVER 15 HOURS. THE WINDOW AND DOOR LOCKS WEREN'T WORKING ON THAT SIDE AND THE WINDOW WAS UP PRIOR TO THE FIRE. THE FIRE CAUSED THE WINDOW TO DROP DOWN AND A PASSING TOW TRUCK THANKFULLY SAW THE FLAMES. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 10, 2015 · fire

“I HAVE VARIOUS TYPES OF PROBLEMS WITH MY 2005 BUICK RAINIER. I HAVE OWNED IT FOR ABOUT 6 YEARS NOW AND IT CURRENTLY HAS A LITTLE OVER 93,000 MILES ON IT. I AM REPORTED THE PROBLEMS TO YOU SO THAT YOU CAN DOCUMENT THE PROBLEMS TO YOUR LIST AND I AM ALSO HOPING THAT YOU CAN LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 16, 2012 · crash · fire

“THE DRIVERS DOOR MASTER POWER SWITCH SHORTS OUT - CANNOT ROLL DOWN WINDOWS (OF ANY KIND), LIGHTS FLICKER AND GO OUT COMPLETELY MY HEADLIGHTS TURN OFF COMPLETELY WHILE IM DRIVING!!!!! AND HAS CAUSED ME TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER WITH NO LIGHTS, NO VISION TO TURN THEM ON MANUALLY!!! UNACCEPTABLE!!”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · October 1, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 BUICK RANIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD PERFORM FINE EVEN THOUGH THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE MODULE FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 30, 2011 · crash

“I WAS THIRD IN LINE WAITING TO PULL OUT OF A PARKING LOT IN PEORIA, AZ IN MY 2005 BUICK RAINIER. MY FOOT WAS RESTING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR REVVED UP AND SURGED FORWARD (FROM A STANDING START) WITH ENOUGH FORCE TO CRASH INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND PUSHING THAT CAR IN TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 22, 2010 · crash

2005 Buick Rainier — common questions

Is the 2005 Buick Rainier reliable?

It is close to typical for the Rainier: 158 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2005 Rainier problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (43 complaints), fuel system (28 complaints), lighting (17 complaints).

Does the 2005 Buick Rainier have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 Buick Rainier. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Buick Rainier under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Buick Rainier years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Rainier years to avoid are 2004. The cleanest record among Rainier years belongs to 2003.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.