Model year guide

2005 Buick Rainier

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Buick Rainier is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 22 on record.

2005 Buick Rainier — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 Buick Rainier at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints103
Combined15–16 mpg
Typical price$3,614

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2005 Buick Rainier recalls 1

Visibility:windshield NHTSA Campaign #05V035000 · manufacturer #05002 · 03/02/2005

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2005 Buick Rainier common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 103 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel System
Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Gasoline
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

2005 Buick Rainier safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★

Rollover risk: 19.1% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2005 Buick Rainier 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2005 Buick Rainier MPG & running costs

Combined15–16 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway19 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,263
EPA size classSport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$9,313 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

What's a 2005 Buick Rainier worth?

Low
$2,100
Typical price
$3,614
High
$5,800

From 22 comparable 2005 Buick Rainier listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 Buick Rainier costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$21,315
Fuel only$21,315
Per mile$0.28

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
192.5 in
Width
75.6 in
Height
70.1 in
Wheelbase
113.0 in
Curb weight
4,628 lb
Front track
62.2 in
Rear track
62.2 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2005 Buick Rainier. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 3

Loss of Headlights Closed

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 investiga…

NHTSA #RQ17002 · Exterior Lighting · opened Apr 2017 · closed Mar 2021

Fuel level gauge system failure Closed

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…

NHTSA #PE11014 · Fuel System, Other · opened Apr 2011 · closed Sep 2011

Fuel Level Gauge System Failure Closed

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 tha…

NHTSA #DP10001 · Fuel System, Other · opened Jan 2010 · closed May 2011

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 682

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 682.

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

Bulletin PIP5601C · Jul 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

Bulletin PIT5074R · May 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment…

Bulletin PIP5358D · Feb 2025

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing t…

Bulletin PIT5074Q · Dec 2024

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Record…

Bulletin PIP4723J · Electrical System · Oct 2024

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…

Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures…

Bulletin PIT5099H · Sep 2024

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).

Bulletin 02-00-89-002X · Sep 2024

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the RAINIER. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

Canadian recalls 2

Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2005 Buick Rainier. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.

Other

Issue: This recall is for aftermarket replacement rear window glass produced by Vitro Automotriz. Certain rear window glass may not have been properly tempered. If the window breaks, the glass may separate into large pieces instead of very small ones. Note: This is a voluntary recall that is not being conducted under the requirements of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. Safety Risk…

Transport Canada #2019420 · Aug 2019

Other

Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 212 - Windshield Mounting. The windshield urethane bead may not have adhered to the body in certain areas during the cure process. As a result, the windshield may not be retained during a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the windshield.

Transport Canada #2005031 · Feb 2005

Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.

About the Buick Rainier

The Buick Rainier is a mid-size luxury SUV that was manufactured by General Motors and marketed by Buick for the 2004 to 2007 model years. It was named after Mount Rainier, and with the Saab 9-7X served as the replacement for the Oldsmobile Bravada.

From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.

2005 Buick Rainier trims & engines on record

Trims
CXL · 4x2 6c cxl
Engines
4.2L 6-cyl · 5.3L 8-cyl

2005 Buick Rainier vehicles on record

2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13S652306435 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13S052108238 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier 4x2 6c cxl5GADS13S752224958 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13S152201446 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13SX52312271 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13S352249806 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GAET13M152226594 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13S052230016 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13S852318232 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GAET13M752245120 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13S852341008 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13S652204343 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13S352168921 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13S252175679 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13S252176198 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13S452203255 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13S752111931 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GAET13M252245946 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GADT13S152208316 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GAET13M952176964 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GAES13M352258658 2005 Buick Rainier 2005 Buick Rainier CXL5GAET13M252159682

Other Buick Rainier model years

2007 2006 2004

2005 Buick Rainier — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Buick Rainier have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2005 Buick Rainier. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Buick Rainier?

Across all 103 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, fuel system, gasoline.

What is the 2005 Buick Rainier safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2005 Buick Rainier crash-test ratings of frontal 3★, side 5★, rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Buick Rainier get?

The 2005 Buick Rainier has U.S. EPA estimates of 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).

How much is a 2005 Buick Rainier worth?

Comparable 2005 Buick Rainier listings run roughly $2,100–$5,800, typically around $3,614 (from 22 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.