The 2005 Buick Terraza has 3 safety recalls and 120 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (42 complaints).
Recalls3safety recalls
Complaints120filed by owners
Crashes · fires5 · 1reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths4 · 0reported in complaints
Safety recalls
Suspension › Rear
NHTSA recall 10V110000 · Mar 19, 2010 · 5,375 vehicles
Problem: 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.
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.
Steering
NHTSA recall 09E005000 · Feb 17, 2009 · 979 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 brake
NHTSA recall 05V287000 · Jun 20, 2005 · 14,600 vehicles
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2005 Buick Terraza (Later Release)
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
2005 Buick Terraza (Early Release)
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
Not Rated
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Terraza FWD
18mpg combined
City / highway
16 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel
Terraza AWD
17mpg combined
City / highway
15 / 21 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Electrical system Horn; Wiring › Interior/under dash
42
2
1
1
26,500 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)
22
0
0
0
85,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages Doors › Latch
16
2
1
1
40,000 mi
Steering Column; Linkages
14
2
1
0
84,000 mi
Structure Body › Door; Body
13
0
0
0
48,654 mi
Suspension Front; Rear
12
0
0
0
33,500 mi
Service brakes
11
1
0
0
84,000 mi
Traction control system
9
1
0
1
79,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip; Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Dec 23, 2022 · crashAir bags 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.
May 22, 2021 · 151,000 milesSteering › Steering wheel /handle bar › Yaw/angle sensor 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…
May 21, 2019 · 134,509 milesService brakes 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…
Jan 10, 2007 · 5,000 milesService brakes 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.
Apr 20, 2018Structure › Body POWER SLIDING DOOR ALARM WILL SOUND GOING DOWN THE ROAD SAYING THE DOOR IS AJAR EVEN WHEN DOOR IS LOCKED CLOSED
Feb 5, 2018 · 110,000 milesElectronic stability control (esc) 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.
Jun 10, 2017 · 84,000 miles · crashService brakes 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.
Oct 2, 2016 · 90,900 milesService brakes 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…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
EA07019 · opened Dec 11, 2007 · closed Feb 23, 2009POWER SLIDING DOOR ODI EVALUATED GENERAL MOTORS' (GM) DATA, CONDUCTED CONSUMER INTERVIEWS, INSPECTED AND TESTED MY 2005-2007 GM MINIVANS WITH REGARD TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT OF A POWER SLIDING DOOR (PSD) OPENING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF PARK.ODI IDENTIFIED A HIGH WARRANTY CLAIM RATE.HOWEVER, THESE CLAIMS ARE RELATED TO VARIOUS PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH DOORS NOT PROPERLY OPENING OR CLOSING AND NOT SPECIFICALLY TO DOORS OPENING WHILE DRIVING.THE CONDITION OF THE PSD REVERSING DIRECTION DURING THE CLOSING SEQUENCE IS CONSISTENT WITH AN OBSTRUCTION OF THE DOOR, OR WITH IMPROPER ALIGNMENT OF THE DOOR, AND THIS IS ADDRESSED IN GM TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN # 07-08-64-007 AND BULLETINS # 07-08-64-007A THROUGH D.ODI'S EVALUATION OF THE PSD SYSTEM NOTES NUMEROUS SAFEGUARDS TO PRECLUDE BOTH UNINTENTIONAL AND INTENTIONAL POWER OPENING OF THE PSD WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.A SAFETY-DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN…
PE07044 · opened Aug 16, 2007 · closed Dec 11, 2007POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING ODI HAS RECEIVED REPORTS THAT THE POWER SLIDING DOORS OPENED WITHOUT COMMAND WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON MODEL YEAR 2005 AND 2006 GENERAL MOTORS MINIVANS (CHEVROLET UPLANDER/VENTURE, PONTIAC MONTANA SV6/MONTANA, BUICK TERRAZA, AND SATURN RELAY).SOME REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE DOOR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN CLOSED AND LATCHED BEFORE DRIVING AWAY CAUSING THE DOOR TO REVERSE (OPEN) AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS.HOWEVER, OTHER REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE DOOR WAS INITIALLY SHUT THEN OPENED AFTER DRIVING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND/OR MILES AT VEHICLE SPEEDS BETWEEN 20 AND 70 MPH.ODI HAS UPGRADED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-019) TO FURTHER ASSESS THIS ISSUE.
PE05063 · opened Nov 29, 2005 · closed Mar 6, 2006ELECTRICAL HARNESS DAMAGE THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON NOVEMBER 29, 2005, BASED ON ONE CONSUMER REPORT TO ODI AND A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED BY GENERAL MOTORS.THE BULLETIN, NO. 1613174, ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 21, 2005, STATES IN PART, SOME CUSTOMERS MAY REPORT A STALL AND/OR NO CRANK, NO START CONDITION AFTER THE WIPERS ARE USED.ANALYSIS OF THE AVAILABLE DATA INDICATES THAT THE PROBLEM EXPERIENCE OCCURS EARLY IN THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.APPROXIMATELY 80% OF ALL FAILURES OCCURRED WITHIN THE FIRST 3,000 MILES.ADDITIONALLY, 88% OF THE COMPLAINT VEHICLES WERE BUILT IN THE FIRST HALF OF PRODUCTION.CHANGES TO THE PRODUCTION PROCESS, THE ISSUANCE OF THE SERVICE BULLETIN, AND COMPONENT MODIFICATIONS, APPEAR TO HAVE RESOLVED THIS ISSUE. A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS…