2005 Buick Terraza

Routine

Owners filed 120 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 3 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

99 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles; the median is 43,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System13
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)12
000
Service Brakes10
100
Electrical System › Horn7
000
Traction Control System6
000
Steering6
000
Suspension5
000
Structure › Body › Door5
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch5
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages5
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Suspension › Rear10V110000
Filed Mar 19, 20105,375 vehiclesBraun Corporation

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.

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.

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.

Steering09E005000
Filed Feb 17, 2009979 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.

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.

Risk. 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.

Parking Brake05V287000
Filed Jun 20, 200514,600 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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.

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.

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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air BagsCrash
Filed Jan 3, 2023AL

The contact owns a 2005 Buick Terraza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle crashed into a deer. The steering wheel air bag deployed and ripped into pieces. There were sparks and smoke coming from the air bag. The contact did not sustain an injury, and medical attention was not received. A police report was not filed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was not deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Steering › Steering Wheel /Handle Bar › Yaw/Angle Sensor
Filed Dec 8, 2021151,000 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2005 Buick Terraza. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, while making a left turn, the vehicle loss motive power and jerked before stalling. The electronic stability warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and operated as designed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering angle sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that the failure was related to the transmission however, the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

Service Brakes
Filed May 21, 2019134,509 milesNC

HELLO, I HAVE A 2005 BUICK TERRAZA CX AWD. MY ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON AND WHEN IT DID THE VEHICLE STARTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES ITSELF PULLING THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING. I COULDN'T CONTROL THE VEHICLE. I STARTED READING UP ON THIS, AND IT APPEARS MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE BEEN HAVING THIS SAME UNSAFE PROBLEM OVER THE YEARS AND NO RECALL IS BEEN DONE. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE!!! I'M SURPRISE NO ONE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT AND BEEN KILLED. I ALSO NOTICE THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED MANY TIMES AS WELL TO THE MANUFACTURE AND THEY HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT BUT COME UP WITH EXCUSES TO THE OWNERS LIKE MYSELF. DO SOMEONE HAS TO BE KILLED BEFORE A RECALL IS DONE? I MYSELF IS GOING TO TAKE MY VIDEO I HAD FILMING ON MY WINDSHIELD WHEN THIS INCIDENT OCURRED AND SEND IT TO ALL THE MAJOR NEWS MEDIA GROUPS IN THIS COUNTRY AND PUT IT ON SOCIAL MEDIA AS WELL. THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING MY COMPLAINT, AND HOPEFULLY THE GOVERNMENT MAKE BUICK THE MANUFACTURE DO A SAFETY RECALL ASAP. I CAN'T UPLOAD MY VIDEO BECAUSE IT'S OVER THE MAXIMUM SIZE ALLOWED TO UPLOAD ON THIS WEBSITE.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 6, 20185,000 milesFL

BRAKES FELT UNEASY STOPPING DID NOT RESPOND RIGHT AWAY SOMETIME HAD TO PULL A SIDE TO PREVENT ACCIDENT. ALTERNATOR DON'T START AT ALL AND ABS LIGHT STAYED ON MOST OF TIME MANY REPAIRS DONE SAME PROBLEM AT DEALER SHIP.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 20, 2018NC

POWER SLIDING DOOR ALARM WILL SOUND GOING DOWN THE ROAD SAYING THE DOOR IS AJAR EVEN WHEN DOOR IS LOCKED CLOSED

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Feb 20, 2018110,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK TERRAZA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK AND THE "TRACK SYSTEM" AND "STABILITY" INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS TAKEN TO THE ROGERS DABBS CHEVROLET DEALER AT 1501 W GOVERNMENT ST. IN BRANDON, MS WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED. THE DIAGNOSIS RESULTS WERE UNDETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jun 20, 201784,000 milesCA

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 DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (RON SMITH BUICK GMC 1900 AUTO CENTER DRIVE, MERCED, CA 95340), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 84,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 3, 201690,900 milesMN

AT 90,900 MILEAGE ON MY VAN, I STARTED EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH MY STABILITY CONTROL, ABS, AND MY TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. WHEN DRIVING AT NUMEROUS SPEEDS, THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM WOULD KICK IN, WOULD GRAB AT MY DRIVERS SIDE FRONT WHEEL AND MAKE THE VAN SWERVE TO THE LEFT. ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, IT WOULD SAY TO "SERVICE STABILITY CONTROL". THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS TRAVELING AT 40 MPH, AT 20 MPH, AND JUST STARTING TO DRIVE AFTER TAKING A TURN. THIS HAS ALSO HAPPENED TO ME TODAY TO WHERE I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL KICKED IN ON DRY PAVEMENT WHILE I WAS GOING LESS THAN 30 MPH. I HAVE HAD MY 4 CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAS OCCURRED AND HAS SCARED THEM AS WELL AS MYSELF AND MY HUSBAND. THIS VEHICLE IS OUR MAIN FORM OF TRANSPORTATION.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 28, 201686,000 milesCT

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.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Aug 10, 2016117,297 milesCA

WHEN DRIVING, USUALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, ONE OF THE FRONT BRAKES WILL AUTOMATICALLY GRIP, MAKING THE NOSE DIVE AND MAKING IT HATS TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE MESSAGE DISPLAYED SAYS TO SERVICE THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM, WHICH WE HAVE DONE WITH NO RESOLUTION. WE HAVE NEARLY GOTTEN IN WRECKS.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 27, 2016120,000 milesMN

THE 2005 BUICK TERRAZA IS EQUIPPED WITH A GM STABILITRACK SYSTEM, WHICH COMBINES ANTI-LOCK BRAKE, TRACTION AND STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEMS. I WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AT 60 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD DURING A DRY, SUNNY DAY AND FULLY LOADED WITH CAMPING GEAR, CHILDREN, THEIR COMPUTER GAMES AND MY WIFE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING A SMALL TRAILER. IN AN INSTANT, THE VAN LURCHED AS THE BRAKES ENGAGED ON THEIR OWN. WE LOST 20 MILES PER HOUR IN A SECOND. WE PITCHED FORWARD IN OUR SEAT BELTS, AND THE VAN SWERVED TO THE LEFT INTO THE OTHER LANE OF THE INTERSTATE. I STEERED AS BEST I COULD, BUT IT FELT LIKE SUGGESTING A DIRECTION MORE THAN DRIVING. EVERYTHING WAS MUSHY AND THE TRAILER WANTED TO KEEP GOING. WE PITCHED LEFT AND RIGHT TWICE. I MANAGED TO STEER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND STOP. I BREATHED AND PRESSED ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS. THE KIDS ASKED WHAT HAPPENED, AND I MANAGED TO SAY THAT WE ONLY TOOK A YEAR OFF OF MY LIFE, SAVED THEIRS, AND ENDED THE LIFE OF THIS VAN. A MILE AHEAD, THE INTERSTATE WAS RESTRICTED TO ONE LANE GOING EACH DIRECTION.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 27, 2016120,000 milesMN

THE 2005 BUICK TERRAZA IS EQUIPPED WITH A GM STABILITRACK SYSTEM, WHICH COMBINES ANTI-LOCK BRAKE, TRACTION AND STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEMS. I WAS DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AT 60 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD DURING A DRY, SUNNY DAY AND FULLY LOADED WITH CAMPING GEAR, CHILDREN, THEIR COMPUTER GAMES AND MY WIFE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING A SMALL TRAILER. IN AN INSTANT, THE VAN LURCHED AS THE BRAKES ENGAGED ON THEIR OWN. WE LOST 20 MILES PER HOUR IN A SECOND. WE PITCHED FORWARD IN OUR SEAT BELTS, AND THE VAN SWERVED TO THE LEFT INTO THE OTHER LANE OF THE INTERSTATE. I STEERED AS BEST I COULD, BUT IT FELT LIKE SUGGESTING A DIRECTION MORE THAN DRIVING. EVERYTHING WAS MUSHY AND THE TRAILER WANTED TO KEEP GOING. WE PITCHED LEFT AND RIGHT TWICE. THE PANEL SAID THAT THE 'STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM ACTIVE.' I MANAGED TO STEER TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND STOP. I BREATHED AND PRESSED ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS. THE KIDS ASKED WHAT HAPPENED, AND I MANAGED TO SAY THAT WE ONLY TOOK A YEAR OFF OF MY LIFE, SAVED THEIRS, AND ENDED THE LIFE OF THIS VAN. A MILE AHEAD, THE INTERSTATE WAS RESTRICTED TO ONE LANE GOING EACH DIRECTION.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 19, 201620,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK TERRAZA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE STOPPING DISTANCE INCREASED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 7, 201674,953 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK TERRAZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED STALLING WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THE ESC WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; HOWEVER, THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,953. UPDATED 06/29/16*LJ *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 29, 2015135,000 milesME

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM. I WAS GETTING VERY LITTLE HEAT AND LOTS OF COLD AIR SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT FIXED. THEY SAID THERE WAS A BROKEN DOOR ACTUATOR AND THE COMPUTER MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. VERY EXPENSIVE. SO THEY FIXED THE DOOR SO IT WOULD STAY CLOSED AND BLOCK COLD AIR. I BELIEVE THEY DISCONNECTED THE MODULE AS WELL. SO, NOW I HAVE A LITTLE HEAT, BUT NO AIR CONDITIONING. THE CAR IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANYTHING HAPPEN BEFORE IN ANY CAR, EVEN VERY OLD ONES! I BELIEVE THE PARTS MUST HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE IN ORDER TO FAIL. I LIVE IN NORTHERN NEW ENGLAND AND I NEED HEAT!

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 22, 201582,000 milesFL

I RECENTLY BOUGHT THIS 2005 BUICK TERRAZA CX. AS PER CARFAX THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED. AFTER A WEEK OF HAVING MY VEHICLE I WILL BE DRIVING AROUND AND THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT COMES ON AND THE VEHICLE WILL SCREECH ON ITS BREAKS AND PULL TO THE RIGHT. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY REPLACED THE SENSOR AND A WEEK LATER IT CONTINUES TO RANDOMLY BRAKE WHEN EXCELLERATING, OR EVEN TURNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES NOW. IT IS VERY SCARY DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN YOUR VEHICLE SCREECHES TO A HALT AND HAS THE VEHICLE SWERVE.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 23, 2015155,000 milesOH

WELL IT HAPPENED ON DATE SPECIFIED SLIDE DOORS WILL NOT OPEN NOR WILL THEY OPEN MANUALLY !! THIS IS LIFE OR DEATH ORDEAL SINCE I CAN'T SEEM GET THEM OPEN !!!

Suspension
Filed Jan 21, 2015150,000 milesIN

AS WE WERE DRIVING HOME IN MAY OF 2014 THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE GRABBED AS IF I HAD APPLIED THE BRAKE,SINCE THEN WE HAVE HAD BOTH WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED LOWER BALL JOINTS AND TIE ROD ENDS BUT NOTHING HAS CHANGED. IT HAS GRABBED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THEN,THIS IS A SERIOUS MATTER THAT SHOULD BE DEALT WITH, I REFUSE TO LET MY WIFE DRIVE THE VAN ESPECIALLY WHEN WE HAVE OUR FIVE CHILDREN WITH US BECAUSE WHEN THIS OCCURS IT JERKS THE TO THE LEFT TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Filed Jan 21, 2015137,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK TERRAZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS BURNED OUT, BOTH OF THE REAR WHEELS HAD NO TREAD AND THE REAR WIPER BLADE FAILED TO WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS, REAR WHEELS AND REAR WIPER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE WAS 137,000. UPDATED 9/19/2017*CN

EngineCrash
Filed Dec 23, 201487,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK TERRAZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH ON AN ICY ROAD, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000.

20 of 120 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20080100Routine
200733200Routine
200654300Routine
2005 — this page120310Routine

Compare every Terraza year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Mar 19, 2010. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.