general problems of the 2004 Buick Rainier

Frame rot – I brought my 2004 Buick Rainier in for service and had the mechanic check the status of the braking system. He discovered that the frame near the rear driver side wheel was rotted through. The steel design of the frame is “cupped” near the rear wheels and there was no drain hole in the area to allow the road water and debris to escape. He advised that if I were to go over a pothole or hit a bump that the rear wheel would cave inward and cause a potentially serious accident. He welded on a steel plate to stabilize the area and drilled a hole in the passenger side rear frame on the opposite side and undercoated the areas to prevent additional damages. The cost of the steel plate repair, undercoating and labor was $180.

Both rear air bags are starting to leak causing back of car to sit low. When the car is started it will air back up but will go back down as soon as the car is parked. The car has not been in any accidents to cause the defect. I have searched the internet to find that this is a common problem found in this make and model. I am wanting to know if this has been classified as a safety recall or a defect through the manufacture.

Air suspension – it seems as if the air suspension is running continually and could cause a drain on the electrical system. After I stop the car it hums for a short period of time near the drivers doors and will eventually stop.

Air bag suspension will not stay air up. Constantly have to work on the abs.

The contact owns a 2004 Buick Rainier. While driving 65 mph, the contact noticed a loud noise coming from under the vehicle. The contact later inspected the vehicle and discovered a broken axle actuator. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the part needed for repair was on a national back order and was discontinued. The manufacturer offered the contact a discount toward the purchase of a new vehicle. The vehicle was rendered as non-drivable. The failure mileage was 99,749.