Three problems related to transfer case have been reported for the 2004 Buick Rainier. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Buick Rainier based on all problems reported for the 2004 Rainier.
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 . From what I read online this is a very common problem , which I think is very dangerous and could very easily cause an accident or death if something isn't done about this problem. It doesn't seem to be only high mileage vehicles that are having this problem and it should be taken care of by the manufacturer gm. I can't afford to keep pumping money into this yard ornament. ! come on gm step up and take care of your customers before someone gets hurt or killed.
: the contact stated while parking the vehicle, the four-wheel drive engaged and the vehicle lurched forward repetitively until the front wheels were straightened out. The manufacturer was notified, who informed the contact that the issue was a result of the design. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, who determined the cause of the problem was the computer reading that one wheel was traveling further than the other, and compensating for this by engaging the four-wheel drive.
While driving 65 mph, the vehicle swayed from side to side. The dashboard indicator lights flashed and the consumer found difficultly stopping the vehicle. The dealership serviced the vehicle and determined that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The all wheel drive light had come on and when the brakes were applied, the vehicle was pulling to the left and right. As a result, the encoder sensor was replaced along with the transfer case module. There was an occasion where the consumer's wife was driving the vehicle and almost lost control of the vehicle and had a hard time keeping the vehicle under control. The consumer would also feel a dragging along with a hard time stopping.