2005 Buick LeSabre

The 2005 Buick LeSabre is a full-size sedan known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and reliability. All 2005 LeSabres were equipped with the 3.8L Series III V6 engine, producing 205 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4T65-E four-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the car’s smooth ride, ease of use, and dependability. Common complaints revolve around its somewhat bland styling, outdated interior, and less-than-stellar fuel economy compared to newer vehicles.

Engine

3.8L Series III V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, sweet coolant smell, engine misfire.
  • Solution: Replace the upper and lower intake manifold gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, stalling, poor acceleration, decreased fuel economy, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant elbows Leaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, coolant smell.
  • Solution: Replace the coolant elbows with improved aluminum or steel elbows.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65-E 4-Speed Automatic

• Pressure Control Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, delayed engagement.
  • Solution: Replace the pressure control solenoid (PCS). Requires dropping the transmission pan.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Failure/Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds, especially when the torque converter is locking up.
  • Solution: Can sometimes be addressed with a fluid change and additive. If the shudder is severe, the torque converter may need to be replaced or the transmission rebuilt.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change/additive) - $2000+ (transmission rebuild)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Air Suspension Compressor Failure (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the car sagging, compressor not running or running constantly, ride height issues.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, grinding noise from the door.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Car stalls, no start condition, electrical system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$350
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turn Signal Bulb Socket Corrosion
  • Description/Symptoms: Turn signal not working, corroded contacts in the bulb socket.
  • Solution: Clean the contacts or replace the bulb socket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $100
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Hazing/Yellowing
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced headlight brightness, yellowed or cloudy headlight lenses.
  • Solution: Headlight restoration kit, sanding and polishing, or replacement of the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $100 (restoration kit) $100-$400 (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Driver Information Center (DIC) Pixel Loss
  • Description/Symptoms: Missing or dim pixels on the DIC display, making it difficult to read information.
  • Solution: Replacement of the DIC display, or repair of the existing unit (difficult to do).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clicking noise from behind the dashboard, temperature not changing properly.
  • Solution: Replace the climate control actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sun Visor Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Sun visor will not stay up
  • Solution: Replace sun visor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Buick LeSabre, while generally reliable, does suffer from some common issues. Engine-related problems, particularly intake manifold gasket leaks and coolant elbow issues, are fairly common and can be moderately expensive to address. Transmission problems, like pressure control solenoid failures, can lead to shifting issues. Suspension, electrical, interior, and exterior issues also exist, but are usually less severe and costly to repair. While some issues may require moderate investment, the LeSabre remains a relatively dependable vehicle if properly maintained.