MotorDeets

2005 Buick Rainier: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2005 Buick Rainier: 1 recall, 103 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
103owner complaints
6mention a crash
16best combined mpg
2005 Buick Rainier
Photo: Bull-Doser · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #05V035000 · 2005 · 17,815 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: If a crash occurs, the windshield May not be retained, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

The fix: Dealers will replace the windshield free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2005.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical38
Fuel system20
Exterior lights15
Airbags7
Brakes (hydraulic)7
Suspension7
Speed control / throttle7
Fuel system (other)6

What owners describe

The 2005 Buick Rainier has 103 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 5 Rainier model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 78). Complaints peaked in 2011 (19 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 68,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (158 complaints, 2 recalls), 2006 (91 complaints, 7 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.2 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive142016Regular
5.3 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive141916Regular
4.2 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive141916Regular
5.3 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive141715Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 Buick Rainier.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2005 Buick Rainier manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2005 Buick Rainier manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2005 Buick Rainier manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2005 Buick Rainier manual

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FAQ

Does the 2005 Buick Rainier have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2005 Buick Rainier. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2005 Buick Rainier problems?

Owners have filed 103 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (38), fuel system (20), exterior lights (15).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Buick Rainier get?

EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2005 Buick Rainier repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Rainier years

20032004200520062007