NHTSA vehicle safety data

2005 Buick Terraza Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2005 Buick Terraza has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 120 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Buick dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2005 Buick Terraza, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2005 Buick Terraza owner complaints

Owners have filed 120 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Buick Terraza, describing incidents dated December 18, 2004 to December 23, 2022.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 37 complaints
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 29 complaints
Service Brakes 19 complaints
Latches/Locks/Linkages 16 complaints
Steering 14 complaints
Structure 12 complaints

Of the 120 complaints on file, 5 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 120 complaints, owners report 4 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11499931 · Filed January 3, 2023
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…
ODI #11443130 · Filed December 8, 2021
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…
ODI #11208962 · Filed May 21, 2019
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…

Read all 120 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2005 Buick Terraza in 3 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA07-019: POWER SLIDING DOOR
Closed February 23, 2009
Preliminary Evaluation PE07-044: POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING
Closed December 11, 2007
Preliminary Evaluation PE05-063: ELECTRICAL HARNESS DAMAGE
Closed March 6, 2006

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM

NHTSA #10V110000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported March 19, 2010 · BRAUN CORPORATION

Potentially affected: 5,375 vehicles

Owners notified June 4, 2010 · Vehicles built July 1, 2004 – May 7, 2008 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING/LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL

NHTSA #09E005000 · Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported February 17, 2009 · DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC.

Potentially affected: 979 vehicles

Owners notified February 23, 2009

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

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

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET DORMAN STEERING KNUCKLES AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION.OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

PARKING BRAKE LEVER SLIP/FMVSS 135

NHTSA #05V287000 · Parking Brake · NHTSA notice

Reported June 20, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 14,600 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 05059 · Owners notified November 14, 2005 · Vehicles built February 1, 2005 – March 31, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 05059. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2005 Buick Terraza (Early Release)

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

3 investigations

2005 Buick Terraza (Later Release)

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

3 investigations

120 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Buick Terraza.

Air Bags

ODI #11499931

Crash

Incident: December 23, 2022 · Filed: January 3, 2023

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.

Power Train; Steering

ODI #11443130

Incident: May 22, 2021 · Filed: December 8, 2021

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.

Steering; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Service Brakes

ODI #11208962

Incident: May 21, 2019 · Filed: May 21, 2019

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.

Electrical System; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Service Brakes

ODI #11118199

Incident: January 10, 2007 · Filed: August 6, 2018

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.

Electrical System; Structure

ODI #11089110

Incident: April 20, 2018 · Filed: April 20, 2018

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)

ODI #11073914

Incident: February 5, 2018 · Filed: February 20, 2018

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.

Steering; Service Brakes

ODI #11000271

Crash

Incident: June 10, 2017 · Filed: June 20, 2017

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.

Wheels; Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Service Brakes

ODI #10911344

Incident: October 2, 2016 · Filed: October 3, 2016

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.

Steering; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #10910431

Incident: July 28, 2016 · Filed: September 28, 2016

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)

ODI #10894761

Incident: August 9, 2016 · Filed: August 10, 2016

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.

Other Buick Terraza model years

Check your 2005 Buick Terraza VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Buick Terraza at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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