Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Buick LeSabre, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 18 | 23% |
| Power train | 6 | 8% |
| Tires | 5 | 6% |
| Engine | 4 | 5% |
| Service brakes | 4 | 5% |
| Air bags | 3 | 4% |
| Seat belts | 3 | 4% |
| Fuel system | 3 | 4% |
| Suspension | 3 | 4% |
| Unknown or other | 3 | 4% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
The contact owns a 2005 Buick LeSabre. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the fuel gauge sensors failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the fuel gauge sensor failed to provide
NHTSA complaint: Fuel system
THE TRANSMISSION RARELY SLIPS CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I MUST PULL OVER SHIFT OFF THE VEHICLE AND START IT AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA complaint: Power train
THE HEADLIGHTS JUST STOPPED WORKING. IT IS NOT THE BULB AS THE LIGHTS COME ON WHEN I LOCK OR UNLOCK THE CAR USING THE FOB. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE HEADLIGHTS JUST STOPPED WORKING, THIS WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF T
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
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 TH
NHTSA complaint: Engine
MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON OR WOULD GO OFF INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING . I HAD TO DRIVE WITH THE HIGH BEAMS ON. A PRELIMINARY RECALL NOTICE CAME TO ME TELLING ME TO DRIVE WITH THE HIGH BEAMS ON, UNTIL THEY FIGURE
NHTSA complaint: Exterior lighting
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 W
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK LESABRE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND FAILED TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WA
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
| Reliability raw | 74 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 75 | good |
| Maintenance | 75 | good |
| Depreciation | 54 | average |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 40 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other midsize & large cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 77 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and electrical system is the most reported area with 18 of them (23%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 74/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 75/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2005 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 67/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.