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.

2.5

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
61,628 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 fuel system problems

fuel system problem

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2006 Buick Rainier Owner Comments

problem #4

Jul 052011

Rainier 6-cyl

  • 50,000 miles

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

Fuel gauge showed more fuel than what was actually in fuel tank causing vehicle to stall while driving. Fuel gauge now reads empty at all times even when tank is full.

- Reno, NV, USA

problem #3

Jun 052011

Rainier 8-cyl

  • 60,514 miles
Filled fuel tank and gas gauge went to empty, turning on the low fuel light and the check engine light. The fuel gauge indicator bounces from empty to full. After a few miles the fuel gauge needle stays in range but as I get closer to needing gas it does not read accurately and I cannot tell for sure if I might run out of gas. My concern is running out of gas when in heavy traffic, fearing for my safety and that of any passengers. I believe this is indicative of a design flaw and needs to be adequately addressed by GM. I have a recall that indicates they would pay half the cost at a GM dealership, this is unacceptable to me. I am not half responsible for this design flaw. This is a serious safety issue and should be completely addressed by GM.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #2

Sep 182011

Rainier 8-cyl

  • 63,000 miles
My fuel gauge has stopped working on my 2006 Buick Rainier.

- Oak Grove, MN, USA

problem #1

Jul 172011

Rainier

  • 73,000 miles
We have had numerous electrical and mechanical problems. The fan motor control module when out, then the module that controls the fuel indicator and display went bad. Now less than 6 months later the transmission has gone bad. It is only working in 2 & 3. no overdrive or first. This last problem suddenly started on 7/17/11. Our mechanic came and checked it out (he did not want us to drive it) and said the transmission was only working in second and third and we should not drive it and needs to be replaced or repaired. We are still paying for this car and for the last repairs on this car. I have seen several complaints and service bulletins on this problem and the problem with the gas gauge. Has there been any recalls or acknowledgement of these problems by GM?

- Troy, NC, USA

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