VehicleVerdict

2005 Buick Terraza problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 195 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Terraza year — the 2005 model ranks #1 of 4 Terraza years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 42% of all reports (81 of 195), far ahead of brakes at 20.

195

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Terraza years?

Terraza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted195 complaints2005: 195 complaints2006: 95 complaints2007: 51 complaints2008: 0 complaints
Terraza NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Terraza years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Buick Terraza problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System8142%
Brakes2010%
Latches & Locks168%
Steering147%
Body & Structure137%
Suspension126%
Engine84%
Transmission74%
Tires & Wheels74%
Lighting53%
Airbags42%
Seat Belts21%
Other21%
Speed Control11%
Seats11%
Fuel System11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2005 Buick Terraza have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

10V110000SuspensionMarch 19, 2010 · 5,375 units

Defect

THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.

Consequence

A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.

09E005000SteeringFebruary 17, 2009 · 979 units

Defect

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Consequence

A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

05V287000BrakesJune 20, 2005 · 14,600 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, 'PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.' TO MEET THE STANDARD, THE VEHICLE MUST NOT MOVE FOR FIVE MINUTES WHEN STOPPED ON A STEEP HILL WITH THE PARKING BRAKE APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL (N). SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAILED THIS TEST.

Consequence

WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE IS RELEASED, THE DRIVER MAY NOTICE UNINTENDED BRAKING WHEN ACCELERATING, DECELERATING, OR COASTING, AND A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR PARKING BRAKE LEVER SLIPPAGE AT EACH REAR BRAKE CALIPER AND REPLACE THE CALIPER IF LEVER SLIPPAGE IS IDENTIFIED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAD FRONT END DAMAGE. THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND LIGHT ARE ON INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED; HOWEVER, IT DID NOT. WE HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AS WELL WITH THE VAN. THE SLIDING DOOR CHIME COMES ON RANDOMLY WHEN I WE ARE DRIVING. WORK HAD TO BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 17, 2009 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK TERRAZA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL SEIZED. ALSO, THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A FIRE HYDRANT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 10, 2017 · crash

“I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND HAD FRONT END DAMAGE. THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND LIGHT ARE ON INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED; HOWEVER, IT DID NOT. WE HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AS WELL WITH THE VAN. THE SLIDING DOOR CHIME COMES ON RANDOMLY WHEN I WE ARE DRIVING. WORK HAD TO BE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · November 17, 2009 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK TERRAZA. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL SEIZED. ALSO, THE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A FIRE HYDRANT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 10, 2017 · crash

“CONTINUED PROBLEMS WITH 2005 BUICK TERRAZA MINIVAN AUTOMATIC DOORS THAT OPEN ON THEIR OWN. CAR HAD PROBLEMS IN WARRANTY AND NOW AT 32000 AND OUT OF WARRANTY SINCE FEBRUARY, GM WILL AS A GRACIOUS GESTURE PAY FOR PARTS BUT NOT $500.00 LABOR. THEY CLAIM NO LIABILITY FOR THIS SAFETY FAILURE. THIS IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · July 17, 2008

2005 Buick Terraza — common questions

Is the 2005 Buick Terraza reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 195 complaints put the 2005 model at #1 of 4 Terraza years. It is one of the Terraza years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Terraza problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (81 complaints), brakes (20 complaints), latches & locks (16 complaints).

Does the 2005 Buick Terraza have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Buick Terraza. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Buick Terraza under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Buick Terraza years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Terraza years to avoid are 2005. The cleanest record among Terraza years belongs to 2008.

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.