2005 Buick LeSabre problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 95 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.3 times the median LeSabre year — the 2005 model ranks #14 of 36 LeSabre years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 25 reports (26% of the total).
95
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
3
Fires reported
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2005 compare to other LeSabre years?
What are the most common 2005 Buick LeSabre problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 25 | 26% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 9 | 9% | — flat |
| Transmission | 8 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 6 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 6 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 5 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Other | 5 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 5 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 5 | 5% | — flat |
| Airbags | 5 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 4 | 4% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 4 | 4% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM UNDER THE REAR SEAT. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO FURTHER ASSESS THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRICAL CHORDS WERE OVERHEATED AND THE MEDAL HAD BECOME UNBEARABLY…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE SHE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE…”
“TOOK VEHICLE WITH 55,100 MILES TO THE AUTHORIZED GM DEALER AFTER SHUTTERING AND BARELY BEGINNING TO MOVE WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THE AUTHORIZED GM DEALER STATED "INSPECTED, NO CODES IN SYSTEM, ERRATIC SHIFT POINTS, DELAY SHIFT THRU 1ST AND 2ND GEAR, NO 3RD GEAR, GOES TO 4TH GEAR. RECOMMENDS SRTA…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING 3 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,800.”
“TIRE AND VEHICLE VIBRATION AND NOISE PROBLEM, INCREASING AT HIGHER SPEEDS (60-70 MPH) WITH MY NEWLY PURCHASED 2005 BUICK LASABRE IN JULY 2005. *JB TWO DEALERSHIPS DID EXTENSIVE INSPECTIONS, ROAD TESTS, TIRE REBALANCING AND STABILIZER REPAIRS AND WERE NOT ABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM OF VIBRATION AND…”
2005 Buick LeSabre — common questions
Is the 2005 Buick LeSabre reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 95 complaints put the 2005 model at #14 of 36 LeSabre years. It is one of the LeSabre years to avoid.
What are the most common 2005 LeSabre problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (25 complaints), brakes (9 complaints), transmission (8 complaints).
Does the 2005 Buick LeSabre have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2005 Buick LeSabre.
Which Buick LeSabre years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the LeSabre years to avoid are 2000, 1998, 1997, 2001, 2002, 1999, 1993, 1992, 1995, 1994, 2004, 2003, 1996, 2005, 1990, 1987, 1991. The cleanest record among LeSabre years belongs to 1981.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.