2005 Buick LesabreRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 77 owner complaints for the 2005 Buick Lesabre. Most complaints involve electrical system (25) and power train (8). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Electrical system25
- Power train8
- Engine5
- Air bags5
- Tires5
- Service brakes, hydraulic5
- Suspension5
- Fuel system, gasoline4
- Exterior lighting4
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
What owners report most
Electrical system
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LESABRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ODOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO WORK. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.”
Power train
“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." *TR”
Engine
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, WHICH FAILED TO ENGAGE AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CO2 SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AFTER TWO YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE MULTIPLE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS WERE PERFORMED, BUT NO FAILURE CODES APPEARED. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS FOR THE CONTACT'S SAFETY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. BROWN & WOOD INC. (329 GREENVILLE BLVD SW, GREENVILLE, NC 27834, (252) 227-0948) WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER FOR FURTHER REPAIR INFORMATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 59,000.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Large Cars
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeSabre Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
- 21mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
2005 Lesabre questions
How many recalls does the 2005 Buick Lesabre have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2005 Buick Lesabre problems?
Owners filed 77 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (25), power train (8), engine (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2005 Buick Lesabre get?
The EPA rates the 2005 Buick Lesabre at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).