CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2006 Buick Rainier has a lot going for it and just a few issues that keep it from making our "best vehicles" list.

The good news is the SUV has a quiet interior (thanks to triple door seals, acoustic laminate glass, and thicker sound-absorbing pads), a low number of overall complaints, and a RWD system which offers good balance and handling.

Unfortunately, it received poor safety ratings in crash tests, owners report that the gas gauge is unreliable, and there was a large recall for melting power window switches.

So close, Buick. So close.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
114,333 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Buick Rainier engine problems

engine problem

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2006 Buick Rainier Owner Comments

problem #3

Apr 092016

Rainier

  • 131,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Thermal, CA, USA

problem #2

Mar 262014

Rainier 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
Buick Rainier 2006, [xxx], I have had trouble with my SUV turning off while driving many times. Also, it will not start after several attempts until it just wants to. Now, it has completely stopped starting and is sitting in a parking lot after trying to start over 5 hours, I am so upset and stranded. My VIN does not appear on recall list for switch, but that is the trouble I am having. What do I do now? information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Ellabell, GA, USA

problem #1

Jul 252014

Rainier

  • 112,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Buick Rainier. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine stalled and the passenger side air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle restarted after multiple attempts. However, the failure recurred multiple times. Also, the contact had stated that there was a burning odor present. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnosis. The technician stated that the ignition switch, various wires, and throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. However, the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V406000 (electrical system, visibility). The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.

- Ellenville, NY, USA

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