2004 Buick Rainier

2004 Buick Rainier

The 2004 Buick Rainier is a mid-size SUV that was offered with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 4.2-liter V6 that produced 270 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine was a 5.3-liter V8 that produced 290 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission.

The Rainier was praised for its spacious cabin, comfortable ride, and strong performance. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy and dated interior design.

Engine

4.2-liter V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, low coolant levels, and a decrease in power. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+
• Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine and a decrease in power. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $800+
• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, low coolant levels, and a decrease in power. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1000 - $2000+

5.3-liter V8

• Active fuel management system failure: The active fuel management system can fail, causing the engine to run rough and stall. Symptoms include a lack of power, a rough idle, and stalling. The solution is to replace the active fuel management system solenoid. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, low coolant levels, and a decrease in power. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+
• Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine and a decrease in power. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $800+
• Head gasket failure: The head gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include overheating, low coolant levels, and a decrease in power. The solution is to replace the head gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $1000 - $2000+

Transmission

Four-speed automatic transmission

• Torque converter failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip or shudder. Symptoms include a lack of power, a slipping transmission, and a shuddering transmission. The solution is to replace the torque converter. Estimated cost to fix: $1000 - $2000+
• Transmission control module failure: The transmission control module (TCM) can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not at all. Symptoms include a lack of power, a slipping transmission, and a shuddering transmission. The solution is to replace the TCM. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+
• Valve body failure: The valve body can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not at all. Symptoms include a lack of power, a slipping transmission, and a shuddering transmission. The solution is to replace the valve body. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+

Five-speed manual transmission

• Clutch failure: The clutch can fail, causing the transmission to slip or shudder. Symptoms include a lack of power, a slipping transmission, and a shuddering transmission. The solution is to replace the clutch. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+
• Transmission input shaft bearing failure: The transmission input shaft bearing can fail, causing the transmission to make a whining noise. Symptoms include a whining noise from the transmission and a lack of power. The solution is to replace the transmission input shaft bearing. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+
• Transmission output shaft bearing failure: The transmission output shaft bearing can fail, causing the transmission to make a whining noise. Symptoms include a whining noise from the transmission and a lack of power. The solution is to replace the transmission output shaft bearing. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+

Suspension

• Front suspension strut failure: The front suspension struts can fail, causing the vehicle to handle poorly and ride rough. Symptoms include a lack of handling, a rough ride, and a rattling noise from the front of the vehicle. The solution is to replace the front suspension struts. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+
• Rear suspension shock failure: The rear suspension shocks can fail, causing the vehicle to handle poorly and ride rough. Symptoms include a lack of handling, a rough ride, and a rattling noise from the rear of the vehicle. The solution is to replace the rear suspension shocks. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+
• Sway bar link failure: The sway bar links can fail, causing the vehicle to handle poorly and make a clunking noise. Symptoms include a lack of handling, a clunking noise from the front or rear of the vehicle, and a loose sway bar. The solution is to replace the sway bar links. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Electrical

• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge. Symptoms include a dead battery, a lack of power, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+
• Starter failure: The starter can fail, causing the engine to not start. Symptoms include a lack of power, a clicking noise when trying to start the engine, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the starter. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+
• Battery failure: The battery can fail, causing the engine to not start. Symptoms include a lack of power, a clicking noise when trying to start the engine, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the battery. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+

Exterior

• Tailgate lock failure: The tailgate lock can fail, causing the tailgate to not open or close. Symptoms include a lack of power, a clicking noise when trying to open or close the tailgate, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the tailgate lock. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Headlight failure: The headlights can fail, causing the vehicle to have poor visibility at night. Symptoms include a lack of lighting, a dim headlight, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the headlight bulb. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+
• Taillight failure: The taillights can fail, causing the vehicle to have poor visibility at night. Symptoms include a lack of lighting, a dim taillight, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the taillight bulb. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $200+

Interior

• Climate control failure: The climate control system can fail, causing the vehicle to have poor heating or cooling. Symptoms include a lack of heating or cooling, a strange noise from the climate control system, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the climate control system. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1000+
• Power window failure: The power window motors can fail, causing the windows to not open or close. Symptoms include a lack of power, a clicking noise when trying to open or close the windows, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the power window motor. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Door lock failure: The door locks can fail, causing the doors to not open or close. Symptoms include a lack of power, a clicking noise when trying to open or close the doors, and a warning light on the dashboard. The solution is to replace the door lock actuator. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Summary

The 2004 Buick Rainier is a reliable SUV with a few common problems. The most common problems are related to the engine, transmission, and suspension. The severity of the problems varies, but the cost of repairs can be high.