DESIGN FAULT - AIR PUMP IS MOUNTED LOW ON THE FRAME OF 2005 BUICK RAINIER. ON 10/30/07 IT FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. MILEAGE AT THAT TIME WAS 30,947. PUMP FAILED AGAIN BECAUSE OF WATER INTRUSION. SINCE IT IS MOUNTED LOW WITHOUT ANY SHIELD I WOULD EXPECT RAIN WATER TO SPLASH UP AS YOU DRIVE. PUMP WAS REPLACED A SECOND TIME ON 12/12/08, MILEAGE WAS 39,994. THE SECOND PUMP ONLY LASTED 9,000 MILES…
2005 buick Rainier engine problems
severe 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2005 buick Rainier?
It's a meaningful issue. 5 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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