2004 Buick Rainier Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“This is a problem that I've researched extensively on line and through parts replacement . I bought the SUV at the end of 2012 and it started doing this a couple of weeks after purchased.when slowing to turn while breaking it has a real bad clunk and it won't turn it caused me to almost run into the ditch .I have replaced the chain in the transfer case and also both wheel bearings and speed sensors and replaced the fluid several times . …”

“When driving on slick/snowy conditions the front wheels do not got into 4wheel drive. Because of this our SUV did a 180 on a curve while traveling 20 MPH. Took SUV in for service and had transfer case and rear diff fluids changed out but tech heard grinding noise in front diffs and had to take to dealer to find out camshaft and sleeve need replaced. Suv only has 64,000 miles and we've owned for 2-1/2 yrs.”

“At 46,403 miles I noticed that the engine would rev up more than normal when shifting gears. Took into the Buick dealer and upon inspection the tech found that there was scoring in the valve body of the transmission. Extended warranty took care of the issue however I was told that this was rare for raniers.”

“While I was driving down a rural road doing about 35 to 40 MPH the speed suddenly froze at 40 and it no longer moves. I'm currently a driver for the city and this is a complete hazard when driving and can't determine your speed. I was very afraid due to the fact I couldn't understand why this happen to me which occurred in the process of acceleration . When I finally looked down my speed said 90 which I knew for a fact I wasn't going that fast at all once the vehicle got stuck on 40 it never came back down. …”

“A 2004 Buick Rainier with full time 4 whell drive and locking rear differential which my wife and I bought the last week of november has a severe safety problem. The car slides out of control on corners under the slightest acceleration when any snow is on the road. The car was brought back to the dealer twice, the secound time I was told by one of the owners of mack pontiac, gmc, Buick in hicksville, ny, rodney gomez, that all 2004 rainiers have the same problem because of the locking rear differential. I realy think you should look into this as it is a very dangerous situation. Thank you.”