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2005 Buick Terraza Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 120 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Buick Terraza, most often about the electrical (31% of complaints, typically around 29,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Terraza model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.

Complaints120
Recalls2
Crashes reported5
Fires reported1
Injuries reported4

Most common 2005 Buick Terraza problems

  1. Electrical

    37 complaints · 31%

    Half of these problems showed up before 29,000 miles. Parts named most often: horn, wiring, alternator/generator/regulator, ignition.

    : the contact stated the headlights flickered when the vehicle was driven 0-60 MPH. When the vehicle was taken to the sales/service dealer, the problem could not be recreated. The voltage regulator was replaced, but the problem continued. The lights failed to remain bright enough to see well at night. The computer…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 29,000 miles
    Since october 2006 I have taken the '05 Buick Terraza to mossy pontiac Buick gmc of new orleans for the following issues: dvd static noise, unusually loud, exhaust noise on take-off, brakes, ABS lights come on, onstar, and ignition/starter continues to turnover after releasing the starter key. After 10-15 visits to…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 24,000 miles
  2. Stability control

    29 complaints · 24%

    Half of these problems showed up before 57,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic (asc).

    While driving on a straight road at 30 miles an hour I heard a strange noise and the left front brake closed for a second which caused the steering wheel to jerk to the left. Since that first time I have had this happen many times while driving anywhere from 15 to 70 miles an hour. I have taken it to two dealers which…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 56,390 miles
    In the summer of 2010, I was driving on an on ramp to the interstate when it felt like the brakes grabbed and wouldn't allow me to accelerate (53604 miles). The car pulled to the left, and I had to work overtime to get the car to stop on the side of the road. Several cars were behind me ' expecting me to speed up '…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 53,604 miles
  3. Brakes

    19 complaints · 16%

    Half of these problems showed up before 73,500 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components.

    As we were driving on the highway we had to slammed the brakes and they got locked up. We tried to unlock them and at the time we did. About two days later they got locked up again this time smoked came out of the front wheels. We took it to a mechanic and he tried to unlock them which he did. Then again that same day…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 73,000 miles
    I am sending you information on my 2005 Buick Terraza, I am also the original owner. This information is regarding my rear brake problem that I feel should be included on your defect list. This problem should be already covered under the NHTSA recall id 05v287000. However, general motors Buick division feels…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 80,982 miles
  4. Doors and locks

    16 complaints · 13%

    Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: doors.

    The contact owns a 2005 Buick Terraza. The contact was driving 45 MPH when both rear passenger doors opened intermittently. The failure occurred on four previous occasions. The doors will only close when they are locked, but the car alarm sounds, while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the manufacturer…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 40,000 miles
    Sliding driver's side rear door opened while I was fueling the car. My wife pushed the open door button. A very dangerous situation developed as the sliding door slid backwards toward the gasoline hose. I jammed the door with my body and attempted to press the door button but the door kept trying to slide back. I…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 32,440 miles
  5. Steering

    14 complaints · 12%

    Half of these problems showed up before 84,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages, column, steering wheel /handle bar.

    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 deploy. A police report was…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 84,000 miles
    The ignition switch was disengaged when the van hit a bump while in motion on a highway. I was able to put it in natural and restart it but it was a very frightening ordeal. This has also happened on streets traveling 30 MPH.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2016, at 86,000 miles
  6. Body and structure

    12 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 47,500 miles. Parts named most often: body.

    The contact owns a 2005 Buick Terraza. The contact stated that the passenger side automatic sliding door would not unlock with the keyless sensor or the button. The contact was driving when the sliding door opened independently and was extremely difficult to close. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure.…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 47,308 miles
    The driver's side sliding rear door on my 2005 Buick Terraza becomes loose and opens while driving. The door is locked when I start driving, but then becomes unlocked and I receive a warning that the passenger door is unlocked. If I am not able to pull over immediately to close the door it will come open because of…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 50,000 miles
  7. Suspension

    12 complaints · 10%

    Half of these problems showed up before 33,500 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.

    During recent preventive maintenance, oil change, tire rotation, and inspection. Technician reported that the drivers side rear hub bearing was faulty and needed replacement. Further investigation revealed that the rear stabilizer bar was improperly installed. The link was installed through the spring and was resting…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 33,500 miles
    - the contact complained about a variety of vehicle problems. Failures. The heating and cooling system did not consistently provide heat or air conditioning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer 7 times for the heating and cooling system failure. However, she stated that she has had problems with system working…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 35,875 miles
  8. Traction Control System

    9 complaints · 8%

    Half of these problems showed up before 79,000 miles.

    I was driving my 2005 Terraza with about 79,000 miles on dry, smooth city streets when suddenly the car started braking on one side and, I believe, tried to control the steering. This happened three times on three different streets on the same trip across town. Each time with the message "stability control active" . I…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2009, at 79,000 miles
    While driving under normal conditions this vehicle will randomly slam on brakes ,causing the driver to temporally loose control,when this happens the stability control light illuminates.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 79,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2005 Buick Terraza recalls

  1. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 10V110000 · March 19, 2010 · 5,375 vehicles

    Risk: 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.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect summary

    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.

  2. Brakes: parking brake

    NHTSA 05V287000 · June 20, 2005 · 14,600 vehicles

    Risk: 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.

    Fix: 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.

    Full defect summary

    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.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

NHTSA defect investigations

Questions about the 2005 Buick Terraza

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Buick Terraza?
By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (37 complaints, typically around 29,000 miles); stability control (29 complaints, typically around 57,500 miles); brakes (19 complaints, typically around 73,500 miles).
How many recalls does the 2005 Buick Terraza have?
2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from March 19, 2010 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
Is the 2005 a bad year for the Buick Terraza?
It is the most complained-about Terraza model year since 2000, with 120 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Buick Terraza years

Buick Terraza problems by year