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2006 Buick Rainier Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 91 complaints about the 2006 Buick Rainier with NHTSA, most often about the fuel system (35) and the electrical system (17). Those complaints describe 1 crash and 5 fires. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in September 2015 for the power window devices and controls. For comparison, the 2005 has 103 and the 2007 has 38.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Rainier year, for its age

#110 most complained-about 2006 vehicle

Complaints
91
Recalls
7
Crashes
1
Fires
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Most common 2006 Buick Rainier problems

Share of all 91 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2006 Buick Rainier recalls 7

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Visibility: power window devices and controls

15V5990009,932 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Exterior lighting: headlights

15V519000429,170 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Visibility: power window devices and controls

14V404000184,611 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The 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. Vehicles whose modules were modified but not replaced as part of the previous recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign.

Electrical system

13V248000193,652 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The 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 campaign number is 12180. This recall is an expansion of recall 12V-406.

Electrical system

12V406000278,174 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Equipment: labels

05V55200032,068 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The 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.

Steering: hose, piping, and connections

05V455000123,592 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The 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.
The 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.

What owners say

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91 complaints about the 2006 Buick Rainier

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.

SteeringBrakes

The contact owns a 2006 Buick Rainer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel jerked independently without warning, causing the contact to lose control of the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the brake pedal while depressing the brake pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to two independent mechanics, where the wheel bearings and ball joints were replaced; however, the failure persisted. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident Steering · Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 11704072
Electrical system

The contact owns a 2006 Buick Rainier. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in his driveway, the contact attempted to use the remote starter key fob to unlock the doors, but the doors failed to unlock. The contact stated that he manually unlocked the doors. The contact stated that he manually attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The anti-theft warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being lifted onto the tow truck, he was informed...

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by the tow truck driver that the driver's side wiring harness had melted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the wiring harness had melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer nor manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11526598
Visibility & wipers

During periods of time with ignition switch on, the wipers will loose the ability to both regulate speed and shut off. The wiper cover AC Delco/GM part number 19120931 will fail and loose control of the wipers (fail to shut off while driving). Because you cannot shut off the wipers, the driver's vision is obscured, and the noise from the wipers on the dry glass is very distracting. This will cause drivers attention to shift from focus on driving to manipulating the wiper switch. GM has not ordered a stock or...

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replacement wiper covers from AC Delco, so trying to locate a fix for this problem is very hard. This is a GM design problem and is very expensive to fix. As a minimum GM needs to stock this part. All of these wiper covers will fail eventually, and accidents from this problem will occur.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11475864
Electrical system

Low beam lights go off intermittently while driving and eventually come back on. This does not affect high beams or any other lights on the vehicle. But causes a serious danger to my needing to drive at night due to my job.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11457557
Fuel system

In driving cross country, filled up the fuel tank and resumed travel when the fuel gauge immediately went to empty (I didn't even have time to drive up the highway ramp back onto the highway). The alerts started ringing and blinking and dash board told me there was no fuel. I went to a gravel area and inspected the engine compartment, under the car and the interior to be sure I was not missing anything, then restarted the SUV. Could not find any issues anywhere, including leaking fuel. I took off the fuel cap...

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and reattached it to be sure there was no problem there. I had no choice but to get on the highway and continue my journey. The problem continued for the following 1000 ish miles. When I got home I contacted my dealer and set up an appointment to look at vehicle. They found the vehicle needing a sensor kit which was a recall back a few years ago. I had the issue repaired which took 3 days. They may have the removed items. Attached please find the invoice from the repair that shows the message numbers, etc from the inspection prior to and during repair. Since this issue was a recall, but I understand not for my vehicle but for many similar SUV's and Pickups of the same area of manufacture; I feel the same components were used in my vehicle and should be paid for and included in this recall. Attached please find the invoice if I can figure out how to get it attached to this type of format.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11448952
Other & unknown

When I fill my gas up my gas gauge goes to empty, the low fuel light comes on, and my check engine light comes on. I can run out of gas and another can hit me. This is very unsafe, not just for me but others. Buick needs to fix this before someone gets seriously hurt or killed. This is a law suit waiting to happen.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11429520
Visibility & wipers

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 difficult to see to drive.

Filed Incident Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11364509
SuspensionElectrical systemDriver assistance

We bought a buick rainier 2006 and it has had nothing but electrical, door problems and door handle problems. It has a faulty back window wiper. Suspension issues and a voting under body carriage. I bought it from a dealer and none of these recall issues where taken care of, and these recalls date back to 2015 I bought the rainer in march 2018. *Tr

Filed Incident Suspension · Electrical system · Electronic stability control (ESC)NHTSA 11324044
Electrical system

Door locks suddenly stopped working. Latches would not open, could not close doors.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11277370
Visibility & wipers

My wipers come on steady and starts my windsheild washer fluid to come out. I put them in a delayed setting and they still come on full force. I cannot find the problem anywhere and have smelt like something is burning.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11160750
Electrical system

THE DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS WANT WORK AT ALL ..

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11090168
Electrical systemVisibility & wipers

Takata recall wiper blades and washer fluid come on by themselves. Happen to my wife today on her way to school and she was terrified because it was hard for her to see plus it was raining. Also I read there was a recall on this issue back in 2004 for the trailblazers.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11073982
LightsVisibility & wipers

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 buick rainier. While driving various speeds, the headlights failed to illuminate. The contact called luther brookdale (6701 brooklyn blvd, brooklyn center, mn 55429, phone number: (763) 515-2412) and was informed that the part needed for the repair would be available in six to eight weeks. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 15v519000 (exterior lighting) and 14v404000 (visibility); however, the parts needed for the...

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repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 178,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11021740
Airbags

Takata recall. My service airbag light is coming and on and going off for no apparent reason. Reason unknown. This is happening while the suv is in motion, in drive, on highways and side roads traveling anywhere from 25mph to 65mph. I am gravely concerned for my safety and the safety of my passengers. I cannot risk anything happening, there are children involved. I went to the gm recall website and entered my vin# and my particular make/model/year is not on the recall list and I am requesting that it be added for those of us who own them. Please respond, I am very concerned.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11000327
Airbags

Takata recall. "Service airbags" message keeps popping up. I am concerned for the safety of myself and passengers. This is happening while driving, vehicle in motion, in drive on the highway and back roads. The message comes on and goes off sporadically for no apparent reason. I checked my vin# on the gm website/recall list but my particular make/model/year is not on the recall list. I have concern for the safety of myself and passengers. The cause is unknown. The service airbag message has been coming on for the last 2 days.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11000323
Body, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 buick rainier. After parking the vehicle, the front driver side exterior door handle fractured. The contact had to enter the vehicle through the passenger door. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the handle was repaired, but the failure recurred five times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10985113
Electrical systemVisibility & wipersFuel system

Tl* 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 made aware of the failure. The vin was invalid. The failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Visibility · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10956820
Suspension

Rear of car drops to just above tires when car sits for a few hours. Air suspension pumps it back up after car is started. Air suspension is leaking....Unsafe to drive.Car has 94000 miles

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10871447
Electrical systemBody, doors & structureEngine & coolingFire

Just purchased car 3 weeks ago, it caught on fire at 3 am after being parked for 6 hours.Fire department says it started at the driver side headlight wiring or switch area. Completely destroyed my engine before fire department arrived.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Structure · EngineNHTSA 10854557
Lights

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 buick rainier. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the low beam headlights failed without warning. The contact stated that the high beam lights were activated in order to view the road. The contact also stated that the contact points for the headlight module melted into the fuse box and also damaged some of the fuses. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v519000 (exterior lighting). The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 139,607. ....Updated 0711/16 *bf *tr

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10852073
Lights

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 buick rainier. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 15v519000 (exterior lighting). The part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Updated 05/17/16*lj updated 06/09/16.*Jb

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10839967
Lights

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 buick rainier. While driving 50 mph, the exterior lighting dimmed as if they were not on and started flickering. The contact activated the high beam lights, which also dimmed and flickered. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v755000 (exterior lighting); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 124,500. ...Updated 02/04/16 *bf *cn

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10816491
Lights

Regarding exterior lighting- while driving at night -the headlights will suddenly go off & stay off for a period of time.Sometimes they will come back on & stay & other times just stay off. It was not happening every time,but now seems to do it more frequently. I'm afraid to drive it at night.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10811731
Electrical system

After filling up the vehicle with fuel, the gas gage goes to zero and the tank empty warning light comes on, after driving about 2 to 3 miles, the check engine light comes on. After driving another 10-15 miles the gas gage returns to showing actual level and the check engine light goes out. However, at about a tank level of about 1/4 the tank is near empty. This erratic malfunction of the gas gage is dangerous.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10810540
Lights

When driving at night in the middle of a drive the headlights and drl failed. The next day they worked. This is similar to nhtsa id# 10724629. Called buick at (800) 521-7300 and she said my complaint was recorded as service request 8-1699743903. She also informed me that even though some 2006 buick rainers were recalled that my vin was not included in the recall. I am experiencing the exact problem of other rainers and should be included in the recall. I informed buick of this. Please contact bucik to demand the same.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10809166

Buick Rainier: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
200738502Fuel systemA
200691715Fuel systemC
2005103163Electrical systemC
2004158294Electrical systemD
20031000Electrical systemA
All Rainier years

2006 Buick Rainier vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2006 Buick Rainier

Does the 2006 Buick Rainier have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2006 Buick Rainier: power window devices and controls (September 2015); headlights (August 2015); power window devices and controls (July 2014); electrical system (June 2013) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Buick Rainier?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the fuel system (35), electrical system (17), lights (12).

How many complaints has the 2006 Buick Rainier had?

91 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 1, 2006 and the latest on December 9, 2025. Of these, 1 describe a crash and 5 a fire, and together they report 0 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2006 Buick Rainier a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 50 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Buick Rainier year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Buick Rainier years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2006 Buick Rainier has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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