2005 Buick Terraza Problems
- Complaints
- 120filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 43,000miles, 99 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 18 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 16 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2005 Buick Terraza (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe unintended brake application linked to the stability/traction control system, and problems with the power sliding doors unlatching or opening on their own. Electrical complaints are the largest component group and tend to appear early, while the brake and stability complaints arrive across a wide mileage range. Many reports describe repeat dealer visits without a lasting repair.
- Electronic stability control
Stability control applies brakes by itself
Mentioned in 28 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the van suddenly braking one or more wheels on its own, sometimes jerking the steering wheel and pulling the vehicle toward one side, with the stability or traction control indicator lighting up. Complaints mention it happening on dry, straight roads at speeds from parking-lot pace to highway speed, and often clearing after the van is shut off and restarted before returning. Dealers replaced wheel hubs, the yaw rate sensor, the steering angle sensor and the ABS computer, and in some cases rerouted or shielded the wiring harness; several owners report the symptom came back after repairs. Reported from under 15,000 miles to over 130,000 miles, with many between about 30,000 and 85,000 miles and often in ordinary dry driving.
What to check: During a test drive, watch for the stability or traction light and any unrequested braking, and ask whether the wiring harness and yaw rate sensor have been addressed. Get a scan-tool reading of stored chassis codes before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10894761, filed 2016-08, 117,297 miles“I bought a 2005 Buick Terraza in sept. 2009 39,500 mi. Approximately 31 days after purchase stability control sensor on drivers side front went bad. Making the whole front end lock up. Galpin ford who we bought Buick from paid for lamb chevrolet to fix the sensor Buick had 42,000. On it when went out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10358939, filed 2010-10, 41,900 miles - Latches, locks and linkages
Sliding doors unlatch or open while driving
- 20 complaints (17%)
- median 35,875 mi at 4.3 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2006–2018
Owners report the power sliding doors unlocking or sliding open on their own, sometimes while the van is moving and sometimes while it is parked or idling, with warning chimes and interior lights coming on. Complaints describe repeated dealer programming, realignment and power lock motor replacement, with the problem returning after some months, and some owners say the door can only be kept shut by keeping it locked. Reported from under 5,000 miles up to about 130,000 miles, with many in the 20,000 to 60,000 mile range.
What to check: Check that both sliding doors latch firmly and stay shut when locked, and open and close them repeatedly during a test drive. Ask whether the door modules have been reprogrammed or the latch assemblies replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 squeezed the handle and yanked the hose out of the gas tank filler. I splashed quite a bit of gas on the side of the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10201682, filed 2007-09, 32,440 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 the air load or the g forces while turning. This location happens to be where we have one of our car seats for our four children.”
NHTSA complaint #10312031, filed 2010-02, 50,000 miles - Electrical system
Stalling or loss of power while driving
Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the engine shutting off or power dropping away without warning, sometimes with the ignition key being knocked or with a mileage-triggered message about reduced engine power, and the van sometimes restarting after a short wait. Complaints mention the vehicle stalling in weather or on icy roads and dealers being unable to reproduce or diagnose the cause, and one owner reports the shift lever separating from the transmission so gears could not be selected. Spread from a few hundred miles to over 150,000 miles, with several reports above 80,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch, battery and ground connections have been checked, and have any stored powertrain codes read. Test the gear selector through all positions to confirm it engages firmly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After making several turns to exit a parking lot I stopped at a stop sign at an exit, proceeded to cross westbound traffic and as I neared the median to turn onto the east bound lanes my steering wheel became locked with the car in motion. I headed straight through the median across one lane of east bound traffic and partially through the second east bound lane. Heading straight toward a construction site I gave the wheel a turn to the left as hard as I could. Key ring flew into the window, regained control of vehicle. Engine cut out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10145310, filed 2005-12, 7,818 miles“Buick Terraza just shuts down while driving (at various speeds) or stopped without warning. Everything shuts down with display stating, starting disabled, reduced engine power. I must try to get to the side quickly. After about 30 seconds, the van restarts and continues for a while until it does the exact same thing again.”
NHTSA complaint #10573035, filed 2014-03, 132,000 miles - Electrical system
Horn requires hard pressure to sound
- 11 complaints (9%)
- median 1,000 mi at 0.8 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2005–2006
Several owners state the horn does not sound with normal pressure and only works when a large force is applied to a specific part of the steering wheel pad. Complaints describe a redesigned kit being installed at the dealer at the manufacturer's recommendation without correcting the condition, and at least one owner reports the dealer saw the same behavior on other vehicles of this model. Mostly reported on nearly new vehicles, under about 15,000 miles.
What to check: Press the horn pad at several points around the wheel before buying and confirm it sounds with light pressure. A replacement horn pad or switch is a relatively inexpensive repair if it does not.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Dt: caller says the horn did not work. They checked the problem on other vehicles and were waiting to hear from the manufacturer on how to fix it. Manufacturer said they will start a file on the problem. Caller said that he has to apply a great amount of force to get the horn to work and he must push the middle of the steering wheel. The dealer checked other Terraza's and found the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10128733, filed 2005-08, 1,000 miles“The horn is very difficult to blow. In the upper right side, you can hardly push on the horn to blow, on the bottom right and the top and bottom of the left side of the horn it is a little easier to blow. If you can not blow the horn, the car is not safe”
NHTSA complaint #10128503, filed 2005-07, 1,000 miles - Other or unknown
Heating and A/C blend door problems
Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe inconsistent heat and air conditioning, with very little warm air in cold weather or air blowing from the wrong outlets. Complaints mention dealer diagnoses of a failed blend door actuator or HVAC control module, and at least one owner reports the dealer blocked the door closed so cold air no longer entered, leaving no air conditioning afterward. Reported from about 35,000 miles to over 130,000 miles, often after several years of use.
What to check: On a cold start and with the A/C on, cycle temperature and mode settings and confirm the air changes temperature and outlet as selected, and listen for clicking from the dash.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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! …”
NHTSA complaint #10787016, filed 2015-10, 135,000 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 on at least 15 occasions. The last time that the contact took the vehicle to the dealer for heating and cooling failure was december 27, 2006. …”
NHTSA complaint #10177683, filed 2007-01, 35,875 miles
Buying note. Have any 2005 Terraza inspected with the stability, traction and ABS systems scanned and driven over varied roads, since unintended brake application shows up mainly in motion. Check both sliding doors and the heating and A/C controls carefully, and ask for records of prior chassis and door repairs.
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 120 consumer complaints for the 2005 Buick Terraza. 99 of the complaints include a mileage, and 52% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 43,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 555 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 system37 31%
- Brakes19 16%
- Steering14 12%
- Body and structure12 10%
- Suspension12 10%
- Other or unknown11 9.2%
- Exterior lighting5 4.2%
Also reported: Air bags (4), Engine (4), Engine cooling (4), Wheels (4), Tires (3), Equipment (1), Fuel system (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “During cruise on highway (I-95 in florida) while on vacation the left rear power sliding door became unlatched and warning chimes sounded repeatedly and interior lights illuminated, this occurred several times again on this trip there was an investigation by the NHTSA in 2008 report #ea07019 which determined no defect was present which would require a recall. I beg to differ with that assessment there most certainly is a problem here, GM issued TSB #07-08-007 and #07-08-007 a-d which tells dealerships how to repair this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10650921, filed 2014-10, 62,075 milesElectronic stability control: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10911344, filed 2016-10, 90,900 milesBrakes: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10676984, filed 2015-01, 150,000 milesLatches, locks and linkages: “Power sliding doors in the rear fail to close on a repeated basis, often having to try and close them 10 to 12 times. After reading about this known issue and how others vehicle owners have reported the door(s) opening on their own while driving, I felt I needed to report my malfunction with the door sensors.”
NHTSA complaint #10275937, filed 2009-07, 32,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
52% of the 99 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 15,000 and 82,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Buick Terraza. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terraza · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | — |
| Terraza · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 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 Terraza 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terraza AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Terraza FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 23 | 18 | $3,700 |
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
- 10V110000Mar 19, 2010Suspension › RearCovers: Buick Terraza 2005–2008, Pontiac Montana 2005–2008, Chevrolet Uplander 2005–2008
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…
- 05V287000Jun 20, 2005Parking brakeCovers: Buick Terraza 2005, Pontiac Montana 2005, Saturn Relay 2005 +1 more
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…
Recall details for the 2005 Buick Terraza → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA07019Power sliding doorClosed · Dec 11, 2007
- PE07044Power sliding door openingClosed · Aug 16, 2007
- PE05063Electrical harness damageClosed · Nov 29, 2005
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. 555 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11027947Jan 30, 2026Other or unknown. This PI directs technician to training regarding sliding door operation.
- 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.
- 11016987Apr 12, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information discusses a possible moan noise from the rear axle , engineering is reviewing the concern.
- 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…
Other model years of the Buick Terraza
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 33 | 33,000 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 54 | 42,249 | 2 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 120 | 43,000 | 2 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Buick Terraza model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Buick Terraza?
Owners of this model year most often describe unintended brake application linked to the stability/traction control system, and problems with the power sliding doors unlatching or opening on their own. The issues reported most often: Stability control applies brakes by itself; Sliding doors unlatch or open while driving; Stalling or loss of power while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005 Buick Terraza have?
NHTSA recorded 120 consumer complaints for the 2005 Buick Terraza as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2005 Buick Terraza is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 37 complaints (31% of the total), followed by electronic stability control with 29.
Has the 2005 Buick Terraza been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Buick Terraza get?
The EPA rates the 2005 Buick Terraza (Terraza FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 18 mpg combined, 16 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2005 Buick Terraza reported?
Among the 99 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 43,000 miles and the middle half falls between 15,000 and 82,000 miles; 52% 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.