2005 Buick Rainier Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2005 Buick Rainier has a complaint index of 100, the highest among the three model years with data, and ranks worst of the three. Electrical System complaints account for 49% of the 103 total, with one recall covering windshield adhesion.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 3 Rainier years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 103
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 19 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2005 Buick Rainier problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System50 (49%)
- Fuel System27 (26%)
- Engine17 (17%)
- Brakes13 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (9%)
- Airbags7 (7%)
- Structure & Body7 (7%)
- Other6 (6%)
- Steering5 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy during a head-on collision despite the driver wearing a seat belt.
- The engine reportedly surged forward unexpectedly from a standing start, causing a multi-vehicle collision.
- The anti-lock brake module failed and the ABS warning light illuminated before a later loss of control and crash.
- Brakes locked up during normal highway braking, leaving the driver unable to brake or steer.
- A fire in the engine compartment was traced to the area near the power steering pump and hoses.
- An electrical fire started in a passenger door panel after the vehicle sat unused for over 15 hours.
2005 Buick Rainier recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 05V035000Feb 3, 2005Visibility & Wipers17,815 vehicles
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.
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.
2005 Buick Rainier fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 19 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Rainier years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Buick Rainier reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Rainier has a complaint index of 100, the highest of the three model years with data, and ranks worst of that group.
- What is the most common problem with the 2005 Buick Rainier?
- The Electrical System is the top problem area, making up 49% of the 103 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 68,000 miles.
- Does the 2005 Buick Rainier have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 05V035000, for a windshield urethane bead that may not have properly adhered to the body; dealers replace the windshield free of charge.
- How does the 2005 Rainier compare to other Rainier model years?
- The 2005 model has a complaint index of 100 versus 50 for 2006 and 0 for 2007, and it has the fewest recalls (1) but the most complaints (103) and the worst rank among the three years.