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.

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.
What owners describe
- Electrical (38): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (8), door / lock issues (6), electrical failure (4).
- Fuel system (20): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3).
- Exterior lights (15): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (3), warning light on (2).
- Airbags (7): the most common themes are fails to deploy (4).
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)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
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.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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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.