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Engine coolingPart report

2004 Buick Rainier Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
4%of 158 total for the year
Median mileage
40,702miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Buick Rainier, 4% of the 158 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,702 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“With vehicle temperature at normal range, in park and at normal idle when I push on the gas pedal the RPM would drop to under 500 and then go back up, almost like a hesitation of sorts. Took vehicle to Buick dealer and was told that it was the secondary air pump, basically the EGR valve. Was told this was part of the emissions of the vehicle but not covered under the emissions warranty nor would my extended warranty cover as well. Vehicle has 46,403 miles on it.”

NHTSA complaint #10193968, filed 2007-06, 46,403 miles

“Noises coming from under the hood; rattle, jingle, clunk; constant. Sounds like metal in a washing machine, but fine driveability and comfortable sounding highway driving. Driving in parking garage is noisy when accelerating, and quiet when coasting. Noise is quieter when AC is off. Noise is louder when accelerating, or at idle. After 30 minute drive, check engine light came on. Auto store gave codes that showed replacement of engine cooling fan clutch or EV fan motor. Less than 70k miles.”

NHTSA complaint #10408266, filed 2011-06, 69,000 miles

“Dt: consumer was driving along and vehicle starts sputtering and then died out in the road. After the 1st incident vehicle was taken to dealer for repairs. The driver drove the vehicle for about two months and it happened again. The vehicle was taken back to dealer who indicated they couldn't find anything wrong. The manufacturer was contacted and they suggested that the consumer get a second opinion. The consumer has parked the vehicle because he is afraid to drive it for safety reasons.”

NHTSA complaint #10119973, filed 2005-05, 4,895 miles

“The contact owns a 2004 Buick Rainier. While driving 70 MPH, the speedometer will display speeds between 20-120 MPH. While driving various speeds on the freeway, the speed will decrease on its own. The contact must literally stand on the accelerator pedal to maintain a steady speed. While idling at a stop sign or light, the engine continues to rev. The contact scheduled an appointment with the dealer for june 23, 2008 to diagnose the failures. The current mileage was 41,000 and failure mileage was 35,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10231608, filed 2008-06, 35,000 miles

“2004 Rainier experiencing intermittent popping noise. The dealer indicated that the noise was normal. The brakes made a grinding noise and the vehicle would not stop. This occurred three times. The driver heard wind noise while driving. The consumer also heard idling noises.”

NHTSA complaint #10125853, filed 2005-06

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200622%
200555%
200464%

Other parts of the 2004 Buick Rainier

Electrical system
83 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2004 Buick Rainier

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology