2004 Buick Rainier

The 2004 Buick Rainier was a mid-size SUV offering a blend of comfort and capability. Available engine options included a 4.2L Inline-6 engine producing around 275 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.3L V8 engine producing around 290 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4L60-E 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciated the Rainier’s smooth ride and comfortable interior but often cited its fuel economy and some reliability concerns as drawbacks.

Engine

4.2L Inline-6

• Camshaft Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, check engine light illuminated, potential loss of power, and a rattling noise coming from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty camshaft actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks (particularly around the water pump and thermostat housing)
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, low coolant levels, visible coolant leaks under the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking water pump, thermostat housing, or hoses.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil additions between changes, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Depending on the cause, solutions range from using heavier weight oil and replacing the PCV valve to more extensive repairs such as replacing valve stem seals or piston rings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (PCV Valve) - $2,000+ (Valve Stem Seals or Piston Rings)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Knock Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated, reduced engine performance, poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty knock sensor(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4L60-E 4-Speed Automatic (Both Engine Options)

• Slipping and Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping during gear changes, harsh or delayed shifting, inability to shift into certain gears.
  • Solution: Possible solutions include a transmission fluid flush and filter change, valve body repair or replacement, or a complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (Fluid Flush) - $3,000+ (Rebuild/Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at highway speeds, stalling when coming to a stop, abnormal noises from the transmission area.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, inability to maintain proper ride height, warning lights illuminated.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Suspension Airbag Leaks (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, hissing sounds from the rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air bag(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per air bag
  • Recalls: None Found
• Suspension Ride Height Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, warning lights illuminated.
  • Solution: Replace the failing ride height sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent gauge failures, dim or non-functional displays, erratic readings.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Body Control Module (BCM) Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various electrical issues, including power window malfunctions, door lock problems, lighting issues, and alarm system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replace or reprogram the BCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows slow to operate or inoperative.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Exterior door handles breaking, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Solution: Replace the broken door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ per handle
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Window Wiper Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Wiper not working.
  • Solution: Replace the rear window wiper motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Heater Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working.
  • Solution: Replace the heater module or seat heater element.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• AC Blend Door Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor airflow or no airflow from vents.
  • Solution: Replace the blend door actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Buick Rainier presents a range of potential issues, from engine and transmission problems to electrical and suspension concerns. Engine issues range from relatively inexpensive fixes like camshaft actuators and knock sensors, to more costly repairs like oil consumption. Transmission issues, particularly slipping, can lead to expensive rebuilds or replacements. Suspension issues with the air ride system (if equipped) can also be costly. Electrical glitches with the instrument cluster and BCM are also common. While some issues are relatively minor, others can be quite expensive to address, making a thorough inspection crucial before purchasing a used 2004 Buick Rainier.