VehicleVerdict

2006 Buick Rainier problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2006 Buick Rainier sits mid-pack among Rainier years: 117 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 117, with 7 recalls and 4 closed investigations.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 37 reports (32% of the total).

117

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

4

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Rainier years?

Rainier NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted205 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 205 complaints2005: 158 complaints2006: 117 complaints2007: 44 complaints
Rainier NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Rainier years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Buick Rainier problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System3732%
Electrical System2118%
Lighting1210%
Visibility & Wipers98%
Suspension76%
Transmission76%
Engine54%
Body & Structure43%
Other33%
Latches & Locks33%
Airbags33%
Steering33%
Speed Control22%
Brakes11%

Does the 2006 Buick Rainier have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V599000Visibility & WipersSeptember 24, 2015 · 9,932 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

15V519000LightingAugust 14, 2015 · 429,170 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

14V404000Visibility & WipersJuly 2, 2014 · 184,611 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

13V248000Visibility & WipersJune 13, 2013 · 193,652 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

12V406000Visibility & WipersAugust 16, 2012 · 278,174 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

05V552000OtherDecember 7, 2005 · 32,068 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.

Consequence

A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

05V455000SteeringOctober 5, 2005 · 123,592 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD BE LOST AND INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRO-BOOST POWER BRAKES, IT COULD ALSO RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. IF THE POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAY WERE TO SPRAY ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING HOSE(S) FOR TWO SUSPECT DATE CODES AND REPLACE THEM IF REQUIRED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. GAUGE BECAME ERRATIC REPORTING LOW/NO FUEL WHEN TANK WAS FILLED. FUEL GAUGE CONTINUOUSLY BOUNCES BETWEEN FULL AND EMPTY. BEHAVIOR CONTINUES TO EXIST. CAN'T RELY ON FUEL GAUGE TO DETERMINE WHEN A FILL UP IS REQUIRED. CURRENTLY CALCULATING MILEAGE TO NEXT FILL UP BY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · April 29, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THERE WERE SMOKE AND FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE DASHBOARD. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE QUICKLY BEFORE IT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 14, 2015 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT BLEW OUT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BULB; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE HEADLIGHT SOCKET MELTED. THE CONTACT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · February 25, 2013 · fire

BUICK RAINIER 2006: WINDSHIELD WIPERS AND FLUID COME ON BY THEMSELVES. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE ON / OFF FUNCTION DOES NOT WORK. THEY CANNOT BE SHUT OFF BY CONTROLS. THEY MERELY START AND STOP AT RANDOM. IT HAPPENS BOTH ON VEHICLE START UP WHEN VEHICLE IS IN PARK AND WHILE DRIVING. IT IS VERY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 1, 2020

I HAD INVOLVED CAR ACCIDENT WHICH FROM THEY CALLED THROTTLEBODY DUE TO (TPS...SHIFT BY WIRE) YOU CAN FIND IN ASK.COM ENCYCLOPEDIA *(SEE BOTTOM) THAT I EXPERIENCED WHICH I HAD. IT WAS RUNNING IN REVERSE AND HIT STEEL POST THAT PROTECT GAS METER WHILE I TRIED BRAKE BUT ENGINE AND TRANNY WAS IN FULL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 10, 2014 · crash

2006 Buick Rainier — common questions

Is the 2006 Buick Rainier reliable?

It is close to typical for the Rainier: 117 NHTSA complaints, 7 recalls, and 4 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2006 Rainier problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (37 complaints), electrical system (21 complaints), lighting (12 complaints).

Does the 2006 Buick Rainier have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Buick Rainier. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Buick Rainier under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 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.