KnownCarProblems2006 Buick Rainier Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 91 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Buick Rainier, most often about the fuel system (39% of complaints, typically around 64,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Rainier model year since 2000 and has 7 recalls.
Most common 2006 Buick Rainier problems
Fuel system
35 complaints · 39%Half of these problems showed up before 64,000 miles. Parts named most often: storage.
The fuel gauge stopped working and the check engine light came on at about 65k miles in february 2009. I took the vehicle to the dealer where I purchased and was told that the fuel sensor inside the gas tank had failed and that the repair would not be covered under warranty because the 60k miles had been exceeded. Not…
In november of 2010 I had to have my 2006 Buick Rainier's fuel level sending unit replaced due to to faulty readings. The cost of the repair was $410.69.
Electrical
17 complaints · 19%Half of these problems showed up before 106,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring.
The air conditioning and heating controls had not been working and /or working erratically. We took the vehicle to the local dealership for repair. They claimed that they couldn't find any problem. We also asked them to fix the recall item, door switch, and were told there was no recall on our vehicle eventhough we…
The contact owns a 2006 Buick Rainier. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked violently without warning. In addition, the power windows were jammed and would not wind up or down. The contact stated that the vehicle also leaked fuel onto the ground. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not…
Lights
12 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 101,000 miles. Parts named most often: headlights.
While driving at night, the headlights go out. Leaving only the brights or fog lights operatable. They some times will come back on, but other times not at all. This is sporatic, with no rythme or reason. Driving at night for over a half hour with only your brights is extremely dangerous. Other motorists flash their…
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 the driver side low beam…
Visibility and wipers
9 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 103,500 miles. Parts named most often: power window devices and controls, defroster/defogger/hvac system.
The contact owns a 2006 Buick Rainier. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the air conditioner failed to operate. Additionally, the transmission emitted a loud whining noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the blower motor resister was replaced. The failure recurred…
The contact owns a 2006 Buick Rainier. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle jerked violently without warning. In addition, the power windows were jammed and would not wind up or down. The contact stated that the vehicle also leaked fuel onto the ground. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not…
Suspension
7 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 46,000 miles. Parts named most often: front.
While the vehicle was parked in our driveway the air suspension failed causing the rear of vehicle to drop to and unsafe level. Upon starting the vehicle the compressor refilled the suspension bags but when parked and not driven for any period of time the air bags leak down causing the rear suspension to drop down…
There is a shuddering or rumble coming from the front wheels of our Buick Rainier AWD at low speeds when backing up or making turns. We have taken the vehicle to the dealer on 2 occasions but the problem has not been corrected.
Transmission
7 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 64,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline.
We have had numerous electrical and mechanical problems. The fan motor control module when out,then the module that controls the fuel indicator and display went bad. Now less than 6 months later the transmission has gone bad. It is only working in 2 & 3. No overdrive or first. This last problem suddenly started on…
Possible fire hazard and accident due to oil cooler line corroding out. Normal driving. Repair and replacement of oil lines. This was only by shear luck that this was not a serious accident or fire with injuries or death.
Engine
5 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 100,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
Buick Rainier 2006, [], I have had trouble with my SUV turning off while driving many times. Also, it will not start after several attempts until it just wants to. Now, it has completely stopped starting and is sitting in a parking lot after trying to start over 5 hours, I am so upset and stranded. My VIN does not…
The contact owns a 2006 Buick Rainier. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine stalled and the passenger side air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle restarted after multiple attempts. However, the failure recurred multiple times. Also, the contact had stated that there was…
Stability control
4 complaints · 4%We own a 2006 Buick Rainier. The contact received a recall noticed for NHTSA campaign id number: 12v406000 (visibility: power window devices and controls). The contact stated that the recall had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repaired. The contact stated that the repairs needed to be done as soon as possible…
Buick Rainier 2006, [], I have had trouble with my SUV turning off while driving many times. Also, it will not start after several attempts until it just wants to. Now, it has completely stopped starting and is sitting in a parking lot after trying to start over 5 hours, I am so upset and stranded. My VIN does not…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2006 Buick Rainier recalls
Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Lights: headlights
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls
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.
Fix: 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 campai
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: labels
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: hose, piping, and connections
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of headlights
Summary
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 vehicle
Driver's master power window switch
Summary
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 ti
Fuel level gauge system failure
Summary
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 d
Fuel level gauge system failure
Summary
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
Questions about the 2006 Buick Rainier
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Buick Rainier?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: fuel system (35 complaints, typically around 64,000 miles); electrical (17 complaints, typically around 106,000 miles); lights (12 complaints, typically around 101,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2006 Buick Rainier have?
- 7 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 24, 2015 (visibility and wipers). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2006 a bad year for the Buick Rainier?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Rainier model year since 2000, with 91 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.