2005 Buick LeSabre Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2005 Buick LeSabre has 77 NHTSA complaints, ranking as the worst of the 2 model years with data (complaint index 100 vs 0 for 2006). Electrical System issues make up 36% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 60,000 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 2 LeSabre years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 77
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 27 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2005 Buick LeSabre problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System28 (36%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (14%)
- Engine10 (13%)
- Brakes9 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain8 (10%)
- Airbags5 (6%)
- Fuel System5 (6%)
- Other5 (6%)
- Steering4 (5%)
- Structure & Body4 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Electrical wiring and components overheat, with some owners reporting smoke or flames from under the rear seat or trunk area.
- Warning indicators on the instrument panel illuminate unexpectedly along with a burning smell.
- Hydraulic brakes reportedly fail without warning, in one case leading to a crash after driving down a steep hill.
- Vehicles reportedly lurch or surge suddenly after the accelerator pedal is released.
- Front seat belts are described as loose or positioned poorly, failing to restrain occupants properly in a crash.
- Hoods and steering reportedly vibrate at highway speeds, tied to a suspected tire or suspension defect.
2005 Buick LeSabre recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2005 Buick LeSabre fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 27 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other LeSabre years
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Recalls | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | No verdict | 100 | 77 | 0 | 21 |
| 2006 | No verdict | 0 | 3 | 0 | — |
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Buick LeSabre reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2005 LeSabre has 77 complaints and ranks as the highest-complaint year among the 2 model years with data, with a complaint index of 100 versus 0 for 2006.
- What is the most common problem with the 2005 Buick LeSabre?
- Electrical System problems are most common, accounting for 36% of complaints (28 of 77), with a median failure mileage of 60,000 miles, and include reports of fires.
- Does the 2005 Buick LeSabre have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2005 Buick LeSabre.
- How does the 2005 LeSabre compare to the 2006 model?
- The 2005 LeSabre has 77 complaints and a complaint index of 100, while the 2006 LeSabre has only 3 complaints and a complaint index of 0.
- Are there brake problems with the 2005 Buick LeSabre?
- Yes, Brakes account for 12% of complaints (9 of 77), including reports of sudden failure and unexpected acceleration after releasing the pedal, with a median failure mileage of 33,029.5 miles.