Check a VIN

Buick Terraza grinding brakes problems

10 of the 207 owner complaints about the Buick Terraza describe grinding or squealing brakes, most of them for the 2005 model year.

owner complaints
10
worst model year
2005
typical mileage
15,000
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

ABS 2Jerking 1

What owners say

Filed Nov 6, 2014 · Suspension · 23,000 miles · IN

I have had nothing but trouble from the start with our car's stability system. The back end was making a terrible thumping and grinding sound every time I would go over the slightest uneven surfaces. There have been multiple repairs made including replacing right rear bushing, rewelding of an unknown part on the right rear and the stabiltity/ABS systems repaired multiple times. Yet, the car continues to have suspension problems. It has a unstable, wobbly ride especially on the interstate. Among other things I've also had a wheel senor replaced. We bought a buick terraza conversion van and have come to find out that they have a problem with the rear end that affects the stability of the car. I called braun mobility about a recall for the suspension problems and informed them of the multiple repairs. Superior mobility inspected the car again and has been my ongoing contact for problems with the car.they referred me to beck auto service who has done must of the repairs. Early on, shortly after we purchased the car, there was some sort of wiring problem that caused the "check engine" light to continually come on which was repaired by andy mohr gm dealer. To add insult to injury, I've had trouble lately with the van not wanting to start because the key won't turn in the ignition. In addition, we've had ongoing problems with the automatic doors malfunctioning; both power doors on the vehicle have failed to close on several occasions. The power door on the driver's side ocassionally requires multiple attempts to close and often the door warning chimes will not go off, even when the door is closed. I am still having suspension problems and would like to have a solution that works. This vehicle is used to transport my diabled husband and the ongoing problems have been extremely frustrating. The car is a 2007 buick terraza with less than 44,000 miles!!!

Filed Jan 12, 2014 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 57,320 miles · FL

I want to report a very unusual incident that my wife and I experienced january 7, 2014 involving our 2005 buick terraza automobile. It was a scary event of which I am still trying to find the exact cause. While descending from the cocoa bridge crown, at around forty five MPH, I lightly applied the brakes to adjust to the traffic speed. When bam the left wheel lock up jerking us toward the cement rails on the left side of the bridge, then the car traction control' cut in and slowed the vehicle. Other car tires were squealing around us as they were trying to avoid hitting us. I would say the wheel lockup was one second or less and the whole incident lasted from three to five seconds. Then the car returned to normal operation with no further hint of this problem for the next forty miles. I've looked on the internet and found several reports of this same exact incident including many complaints on your system. I took the car to our local garage and they said the ABS computer system showed no faults and found no mechanical reason for this wheel to lock up. My next stop was the dealer where I bought the car twenty five miles away. Lane buick gmc checked it out and reported the same thing except the mechanic wrote 'corrected by suspension repair' which suggests that he fixed something, what ever it was. Yet I understood from the service representative they couldn't find anything to cause this unheard event. I next called buick in detroit, mi they were of little help saying if it didn't leave any code on the computer, it never happened. Then ask if I would consider buying a new car and trading this one in. Until I know what the mechanism is for this car behavior, I would never unload this problem on someone else. It is like the emperors new clothes story, no one at gmc has ever heard of the problem before.

Filed Jul 22, 2013 · Suspension · 91,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 buick terraza. The contact stated that there was an abnormal squeaking noise being emitted from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number 10v110000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 91,000.

Filed Jan 8, 2009 · Brakes · 23,000 miles · MT

I bought a 2007 terraza in april of last year. I have had nothing but trouble from the start. The brakes started making noise in the first week. The dealer cleaned the pads, but that did not work. They eventually replaced them ,but it still squeals. Then the emergency break light would come on even though the brake was never used, and the cruise control would not engage. I brought it back again. They said that these problems were related and it had to do with wiring. The back end was making a terrible thumping sound every time I would go over the slightest of uneven surfaces. They told me the gas tank strap was loose, and they tightened it ,but it did not solve the problem. I took it back and insisted that a technician ride with me to hear the sound. Long story short on this problem, they said they had to call headquarters and many terrazas have the same problem. They had to replace the whole back axel, and had the van for two weeks. After that, I too had trouble with the automatic doors coming open for no apparent reason. Twice, I came out of the store to find m y door wide open. I count myself lucky since it was better than them opening while driving with my kids. Back again. I was told they recalled the doors, but I cannot find any record of a recall on the web. I am calling again today because I have had trouble lately with the van not wanting to start on at least four occasions or starting but wanting to die when put in gear. When I bought the van, it was a program car and had 20,000 mi. It has been 9 mos. And now has 30,000 miles. Should I be experiencing this many problems on a vehicle with only 30,000 miles??? I haven't with any other car. Could I have a lemon??? I certainly would not recommend a terraza to anyone!!!! The service people have been pretty accommodating and fixed most of the problems, however, I'm a little scared of the safety issues here. What else might be wrong that will creep up later??

Filed Jun 25, 2007 · Brakes · 5,600 miles · OH

Tl*the contact owns a 2007 buick terraza. The contact stated that the brakes are squeaking on the passenger side front wheel. The failure occurs each time the brakes are applied. The manager at the dealer stated that nothing can be done because the brakes squeak on all their vehicles. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 5,600.

Filed Oct 25, 2006 · Brakes · 15,000 miles · MD

At approx. 15,000 miles the brakes squeal or chirp almost every time the brakes are applied. The consequences of this has left embarrassment as well as worry as to weather the brakes are going to give out. Also have noticed a slight fade and increased braking distance or having to push harder to stop the vehicle. The rotors have been turned twice, stop squeal was applied to the pads as well as sanding the edges of the pads and nothing has fixed the problem.

Filed Jul 16, 2006 · Driver assistance · 8,500 miles · FL

Noticed a grinding or rubbing noise in the rear of my 2005 buick terraza cxl. Have noticed twice that the message display indicates service stability system. When taken to dealership they are unable to duplicate problem and the computer has not registered any incidence. What, if anything, can or should be done to rectify this situation?

Filed Jan 9, 2006 · Driver assistance · 10,600 miles · NJ

Yesterday january 8, 2005 we took a trip to a relatives house in pennsylvania. On our way home and luckily for us in the town we live in, our terrazza started make a screeching noise and the brakes locked bringing the car to a grinding stop. It was the scariest thing that has ever happened to us. The car could not be driven even a few feet,the display panel said "stability control active". We were very fortunate that the car behind us was able to swerve out of our way or there would have been a serious accident. I can't help but wonder what would have happened if this incident happened 30 minutes before and we were on the highway traveling at highway speed. I know since I was in the car, I believe we would not be alive to tell you about this incident. We called on-star but they were unable to diagnose anything and called a tow truck to have the car towed to the nearest dealer, freehold pontiac/buick/gmc. The dealer was able to determine that it was a short in a wire under the dashboard and the car was repaired and ready for pick-up. I refused to pick the car up because I am afraid that if this happens again I might not survive nor will my family. The dealer agreed to keep the car another day and to provide us with further details about the wires tomorrow. This is a major safety issue and many gm models either have or will be equipped with this type of system soon. There is no way to disengage this system.

Filed Dec 6, 2005 · Engine · AZ

2005 buick terraza without warning began to wobble making a grinding noise and rapidly slowed down to a stop. *ts ***no answer required*** the dealer replaced numerous parts on the vehicle, but the problem continued.

Filed Oct 20, 2005 · Steering · 6,039 miles · PA

Steering locked up while driving 50 MPH on a very busy four lane highway while I was in the fast lane, heading westbound. Van decelerated to about 30 MPH instantly, began swerving from right to left without ability to control movement of vehicle. The traction control light came on and the service stability system light also came on. Could not turn off the traction control. Had no control over the steering, brakes or gas. A very loud grinding noise was coming from the front of the van, sounding and feeling like every wheel was being turned in a different direction. I was able to turn the van a very hard left to steer it into an open lot, although I did have to pull in front of oncoming cars, but I had no other option as there were cars on the side of me and quickly coming up behind me. Van was serviced at the dealer who said that the steering wheel sensor was faulty; case file started with buick, but after servicing, they closed the case, saying the problem was resolved. I will never drive this vehicle again and I feel there is still a major safety issue here. Other sensors have been replaced, only to have those problems occur again. This van has been in for service repairs for 11 different things in the seven months that I have owned it, and it now only has 6036 miles on it. I feel that this van in particular is very unsafe and possibly other terraza's also have these same safety problems. This is something that the manufacturer should own up to and do the right thing and replace the vehicle before the unthinkable occurs.

Related recalls

Parking brakeReported June 20, 2005 · 14,600 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 brake applied and the vehicle in neutral (n). Some of these vehicles failed this test.
Risk
When the parking brake is released, the driver may notice unintended braking when accelerating, decelerating, or coasting, and a noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. Unintended vehicle movement could occur increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect for parking brake lever slippage at each rear brake caliper and replace the caliper if lever slippage is identified. The recall began on november 14, 2005. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668, or saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876.

Recall number 05V287000 · Recall details

Questions about the Buick Terraza grinding brakes

Which Buick Terraza years have grinding or squealing brakes problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2005 (7 complaints) and 2007 (3 complaints).

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used Buick Terraza?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history