2005 Buick Lesabre Problems
- Complaints
- 77filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 52,000miles, 59 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 Buick Lesabre (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints about this model year cluster around the instrument cluster: speedometers, fuel gauges and odometers that read erratically or stop working, often at moderate mileage, with dealers frequently quoting a full cluster replacement. Second-hand accounts cover brake line rust-through, hard or delayed transmission shifts, and occasional front-end vibration or tire problems. Many reports come from cars driven well under 100,000 miles, and a few describe failures appearing without warning during normal driving.
- Electrical system
Speedometer, fuel gauge and odometer failures
- 23 complaints (30%)
- median 57,500 mi at 5.6 yrs old (18 state mileage)
- filed 2005–2025
Owners report speedometers that read intermittently wrong or stick at a fixed position, fuel gauges that stay on full or swing past the markings, and odometers that stop counting. In several cases the gauges worked erratically for a while before quitting entirely. Dealers and mechanics commonly told owners the whole instrument cluster had to be replaced, and some quotes ran several hundred dollars or more; several complaints note the repair was never done. Mostly reported between roughly 25,000 and 90,000 miles, appearing without a specific driving condition attached.
What to check: With the engine running, compare the speedometer reading against a GPS speed app, and watch the fuel gauge through a fill-up. Ask whether the cluster has ever been replaced or repaired, and get a written quote before agreeing to a cluster swap.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Needles on fuel gauge goes all the way around and points vertical. Needle crashes into the thermometer needle that also points vertical. Does not correctly register fuel or temperature. I am depending on my odometer to guess at my fuel levels. This seems to have started after my loose gas cap alarm came on. I had cap replaced 2 times, light will not go off. This, of course makes the service vehicle soon light stay on.”
NHTSA complaint #10537113, filed 2013-08, 140,000 miles“Speedometer is inaccurate and very sporadic. Speedometer needle gets stuck on any number when vehicle is completely stopped and/or turned off. Most of the time have to guess how fast or slow the vehicle is actually going. This is a safety hazard. After reading about the same type of complaints from other consumers, I think it's about time GM fixes this problem by initiating a formal recall. My grandparents swore by Buick and GM vehicles. I absolutely have my doubts now. …”
NHTSA complaint #10551220, filed 2013-11, 62,000 miles - Brakes
Brake line rust-through and pedal going to the floor
- 8 complaints (10%)
- median 27,059 mi at 6.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2005–2014
Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking to the floor with little or no warning, in some cases after a hard stop, along with fluid loss traced to rusted-through lines running across the rear of the car. One owner reported reduced braking effort needed in wet weather, and another had the pedal linkage found misaligned on a nearly new car. Repairs reported were replacement of the affected lines, the master cylinder or related hydraulic parts. Reported from very low mileage up to about 85,000 miles, often in older cars where corrosion had set in.
What to check: Have the brake lines under the car, especially the rear axle run, inspected for rust and seepage, and confirm the pedal holds firm under pressure. Ask for records of any brake hydraulic work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“3/17/2005 traveled to myrtle beach, sc mostly on I-95. On the way I experienced periods of rain. The first time I noticed a problem was during rain when another vehicle caused me apply my brakes in an emergency situation. When I applied foot pressure in the normal manner the brakes did not respond properly, instead of slowing down immediately, I discovered I needed to apply at least 2-3 times more pressure (if not more) to get the brakes to slow the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10116867, filed 2005-04, 7,300 miles“2005 Buick Lesabre with 42,330 miles went into the repair shop to have the brakes replaced. Once the brakes were replaced, the mechanic took the car from the repair bay onto the parking lot to check the integrity of the brakes. The mechanic applied a hard braking when the brake pedal went to the floor. Upon inspection of the brake system, it was found that the brake line which goes across the rear of the car from wheel to wheel had rusted through and caused the brake fluid to leak. …”
NHTSA complaint #10360160, filed 2010-10, 42,330 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Hard, delayed or failing automatic transmission
- 8 complaints (10%)
- median 48,000 mi at 3.8 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2005–2022
Owners describe harsh or delayed shifts, particularly between second and third gear, shuddering under acceleration, and occasional slipping. Some complaints note the car would not move in forward or reverse and the transmission was replaced or quoted for replacement. One owner reported a dealer-installed kit that reduced the shifting problem temporarily before it returned. Reported from about 22,000 miles upward, with several cases in the 24,000 to 55,000 mile range.
What to check: Drive the car from cold and note shift quality through all gears, including a stop-and-go stretch. Check transmission fluid condition and ask whether any service, reprogramming or replacement has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“At approximately 24,000 miles I started feeling a harder than normal shift between second and third gears. By the time the odometer reached 26,000 miles the shift was somewhat severe with a pause between second and third. I took the car to the local dealer who supposedly installed some type of kit which did not eliminate but greatly reduced the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10229422, filed 2008-05, 24,000 miles“Took vehicle with 55,100 miles to the authorized GM dealer after shuttering and barely beginning to move while driving in traffic. The authorized GM dealer stated inspected, no codes in system, erratic shift points, delay shift thru 1st and 2nd gear, no 3rd gear, goes to 4th gear. Recommends srta trans (3yr/100,000 warranty) $3782.64.”
NHTSA complaint #10485879, filed 2012-11, 55,100 miles - Suspension
Front-end vibration and shaking at highway speed
- 9 complaints (12%)
- median 44,000 mi at 2.8 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2005–2014
Owners report the steering wheel, front wheels and floor shaking at highway speeds, sometimes enough for the hood to move. Dealers reportedly replaced tires, force-balanced wheels and in one case a steering shaft without resolving it. A separate complaint describes a worn outer tie rod bushing that made the car wander and delayed steering response. Reported from very low mileage (under 2,000 miles in new cars) up through about 50,000 miles, mostly at 40 mph and above.
What to check: Test drive at highway speed and feel for wheel or floor shake, then have the front end checked for play in tie rods, bearings and ball joints. Ask what balancing or tire work has already been attempted.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own a 2005 Buick Lesabre. While driving 60 MPH or greater, the front wheels, steering wheel and the floor boards shake and vibrate. Took to dealer at 415 miles and they said to return when car had 500 miles. At 1292 miles dear replaced steering shaft. The dealer replaced tires.; however, the failure continued to occur. Took back car again then went to another dealer. They said one of the tires had a nail. I replaced all four tires ( not from dealer) hoping problem would go away and it did not. …”
NHTSA complaint #10229143, filed 2008-05, 660 miles“Hood moves up and down, due to vibration, happens at 40 MPH. Also, steering vibrates. Taken to dealer, tires changed 2 times. Dealer said nothing else they could do since it was a manufacturing defect. Also called manufacturer, who said the tires should have taken care of the problem. Car was at dealer 6 times dealer has done everything possible to help. But it was still not fix. …”
NHTSA complaint #10119503, filed 2005-05, 14,000 miles - Tires
Tire tread separation and sidewall problems
- 8 complaints (10%)
- median 14,000 mi at 1.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2005–2014
Complaints describe severe vibration followed by tread separating from the tire casing at highway speed, with shredded rubber damaging the wheel well, bumper and wiring. Others report repeated shaking from tires that could not be balanced away, and one owner noted a sidewall bulge found during service. Tire brand and model varied, and replacements did not always end the vibration. Reported across a wide range of mileage, from new cars under 20,000 miles to over 130,000 miles.
What to check: Check tire age and date codes, look for bulges or uneven wear, and ask when the tires were last balanced and rotated. Note whether the current tires are matched in size and type.
An excerpt from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“On august 17th, 2006, while driving 65 MPH on the new york state thruway in the passing lane, I felt a severe vibration in the rear of my 2005 Buick Lesabre. Soon after, there was a very loud thumping and banging on the driver side and the car lurched upward. While struggling to maintain control of the vehicle, I was finally able to make my way to the right shoulder. …”
NHTSA complaint #10167359, filed 2006-09
Buying note. Have the instrument cluster, brake lines and transmission behavior checked before buying, since these account for most of the reported trouble. Gauges that read correctly, a firm brake pedal and clean cold shifts are good signs, and service records showing cluster or brake line work are worth asking for.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 77 consumer complaints for the 2005 Buick Lesabre. 59 of the complaints include a mileage, and 47% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 52,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 516 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system25 32%
- Brakes9 12%
- Air bags5 6.5%
- Engine5 6.5%
- Fuel system5 6.5%
- Suspension5 6.5%
- Tires5 6.5%
- Exterior lighting4 5.2%
- Other or unknown4 5.2%
Also reported: Steering (4), Vehicle speed control (4), Seat belts (3), Body and structure (3), Engine cooling (1), Equipment (1), Interior lighting (1), Seats (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Instrument lights on radio, heat/air controls, steering wheel radio/cruise control controls started burning out one by one. Thinking that it would be a simple, cheap fix, I took it to the dealer. At that time, they informed me that they could no longer just fix the burned out bulbs, but had to replace the entire electrical module just to fix the light. What was once a $10-$20 fix has now become a $150-$200 fix per module. One module can contain one or two light bulbs, so if you have 6 or 8 burned out bulbs, it can cost you up to $1600 to fix! …”
NHTSA complaint #10409576, filed 2011-06, 42,000 milesBrakes: “The contact owns a 2005 Buick Lesabre. The contact stated that after releasing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without any warning. The contact stated that as a result of the failure she crashed into another vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were made aware of the problem. There were no injuries. The approximate failure mileage was 39,900.”
NHTSA complaint #10615075, filed 2014-07, 39,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Dt: consumer stopped on an incline waiting on a traffic light and discovered when removing foot off the brakes vehicle rolled back. Consumer put vehicle in first and second gears and it still rolled back. This only occurred on inclines. Had not been to dealer, no repairs were done. . Called dealer service department, and they said there was nothing they could do. Consumer used onstar and the diagnostic module and they found that nothing was wrong with the engine, and instructed consumer to call dealership. Had not contacted manufacturer.”
NHTSA complaint #10132100, filed 2005-09, 16,500 milesAir bags: “Air bag light is illuminated in the dash board instrument cluster. Would like to know if this is making the srs system inoperable and most of all a safety issue. Please advise asap thank you”
NHTSA complaint #10558927, filed 2014-01, 87,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
47% of the 59 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 26,523 and 87,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Buick Lesabre. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lesabre · sedan | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2005 Buick Lesabre version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeSabre FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2005 Buick Lesabre in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 516 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Electrical system, Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
Other model years of the Buick Lesabre
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 77 | 52,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 162 | 63,450 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 164 | 50,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 310 | 60,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 328 | 61,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 669 | 59,515 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 209 | 73,353 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 400 | 69,100 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1997 | 394 | 97,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 98 | 92,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 178 | 100,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 158 | 101,261 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 194 | 109,714 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 189 | 130,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 30 | 93,300 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 46 | 179,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 27 | 101,500 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 21 | 54,122 | 3 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 40 | — | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 16 | — | 2 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 5 | — | 1 | — | 17 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 5 | — | 2 | — | 16 | — | Not enough data |
All Buick Lesabre model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Buick Lesabre?
Complaints about this model year cluster around the instrument cluster: speedometers, fuel gauges and odometers that read erratically or stop working, often at moderate mileage, with dealers frequently quoting a full cluster replacement. The issues reported most often: Speedometer, fuel gauge and odometer failures; Brake line rust-through and pedal going to the floor; Hard, delayed or failing automatic transmission.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 Buick Lesabre have?
NHTSA recorded 77 consumer complaints for the 2005 Buick Lesabre as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 Buick Lesabre is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 25 complaints (32% of the total), followed by brakes with 9.
Has the 2005 Buick Lesabre been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Buick Lesabre get?
The EPA rates the 2005 Buick Lesabre (LeSabre, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2005 Buick Lesabre reported?
Among the 59 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 52,000 miles and the middle half falls between 26,523 and 87,000 miles; 47% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.