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2007 Buick Terraza Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2007 Buick Terraza has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power sliding door opens unexpectedly or fails to latch.” Buick uses the GM Oil Life System: an algorithm tracks engine revolutions and temperature, then lights the change-oil message — typically every 7,500 miles in mixed driving, capped at 12 months, using dexos-approved oil. Current Encore GX and Envista run 1.2/1.3L turbo three-cylinders where oil quality matters more than volume drivers expect (the sump is small and turbo-heated). Front-drive models pair to a CVT with a published fluid interval — it is not a lifetime part.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2007 Buick Terraza.

Reported to NHTSA

Power sliding door opens unexpectedly or fails to latch

STRUCTURE, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

15 NHTSA complaints · 2007-11 → 2012-08

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK TERRAZA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR OPENED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO CLOSE THE DOOR, BUT IT WOULD NOT MOVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10207654
“REAR SLIDING DOORS WILL NOT REMAIN CLOSED, THEN OPEN WHILE DRIVING AND CONTINUE TO ALARM WHEN CLOSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10416687
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK TERRAZA CXL. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE AUTOMATIC SLIDING DOOR OPENED ERRONEOUSLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO SECURE THE DOOR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10450894

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS/traction control engages brakes without warning

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2010-09 → 2016-04

“2007 BUICK TERRAZA. STABILITY SYSTEM/TRACTION CONTROL/ABS CAUSES FRONT BRAKES TO ENGAGE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAS OCCURRED NO LESS THAT 25 TIMES. SPEED AT TIME OF INCIDENT HAS BEEN FROM 10 TO 55 MPH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10355567
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK TERRAZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKES ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY. ONCE THE SPEED DECELERATED TO 15 MPH, THE BRAKES RELEASED AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10542918
“THE ABS TRACTION CONTROL IS NOW COMING ON ALL THE TIME. I UNDERSTAND THIS HAS BEEN A BIG PROBLEM FOR BUICK. THEY HAVE NOT FIXED ANY PROBLEMS ON THESE. WISH THEY WOULD RECALL THEM FOR THIS PROBLEM AS THIS IS NOT SAFE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10853061

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear suspension noise, vibration, and shock wear

SUSPENSION

5 NHTSA complaints · 2008-08 → 2026-02

“The contact owns a 2007 Buick Terraza. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and driving over a speed bump, there was a clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11716825
“REAR SHOCKS DO NOT PERFORM CORRECTLY. BRAUN RAISED THE BODY 2" WHEN MAKING THIS AN ENTERVAN. THE REAR SHOCKS NEVER DAMPENED MOVEMENT DURING THE FIRST 2" OF TRAVEL. WHEEL HOP CAUSED THE REAR TIRES TO CUP AND BECOME OUT OF BALANCE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10340806
“WE HAD BOUGHT A BUICK TERRAZA VAN AND CAME TO FIND OUT THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR END THAT AFFECTS THE ALIGNMENT, THIS HAS JUST CHEWED THE '!@#$% OUT OF MY TIRES!!!!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10240028

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake squeal and hydraulic system fault

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

3 NHTSA complaints · 2007-06 → 2009-01

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10194111
“TL*THE CONTACT'S EMPLOYER OWNS A 2007 BUICK TERRAZA. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES AT 30 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANEUVER ONTO A GRASSY AREA AND THEN APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10244733
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10254289

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel gauge misreading and unexpected stall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2010-05 → 2011-05

“FUEL GAUGE SAID I HAD 1/8 TANK OF GAS WHEN VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND DIED. VEHICLE WAS BLOCKING A LANE OF TRAFFIC ON A BUSY STREET. VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUSHED OFF THE ROAD WITH HELP OF GOOD SAMARITAN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10400128
“WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FILLED WITH 1/4 TANK OR BELOW AND IS PARKED ON A SLIGHT DECLINE, THE FUEL GAUGE WILL DROP BELOW EMPTY AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10332304

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light illumination

AIR BAGS

2 NHTSA complaints · 2014-06 → 2014-07

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK TERRAZA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10607708
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BUICK TERRAZA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE INTERMITTENT FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHEN DRIVING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10604675

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change when the Oil Life System calls it — typically around 7,500 miles, never beyond 12 months. dexos1 0W-20 on modern engines. Small-displacement turbos (Encore GX, Envista): don't stretch the indicator.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate every 7,500 miles with the oil change — GM pairs the two in its schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and lines at every service. Older Centurys: check rear drum adjustment and parking-brake cables, which seize with age.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

CVT Fluid (Encore GX / Envista FWD)

Every 45,000 mi

FWD Encore GX and Envista use a CVT: GM schedules fluid replacement around 45,000 miles under severe service — which includes most city commuting. AWD Encore GX uses a 9-speed automatic instead (see transmission fluid).

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Conventional automatics (Century's 4T65-E, Regal's Aisin, AWD Encore GX's 9-speed): GM lists 45,000 miles severe / longer normal. Older Buicks respond well to a simple drain-and-fill — avoid pressure flushes on high-mile units.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Small-turbo three-cylinders (Encore GX, Envista): roughly every 60,000 miles — check the manual. Older 3.1/3.8 V6s: iridium plugs last to 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM schedules replacement around 45,000 miles; inspect at every oil change in dusty regions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles; replace on cracking or glazing rather than mileage alone.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace roughly every 22,500 miles per GM's schedule — behind the glovebox on modern Buicks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (Dex-Cool)

Every 150,000 mi

Dex-Cool is rated 5 years / 150,000 miles. On older 3.1/3.8 V6s, intake-gasket seepage was the classic failure — check coolant level and condition at every oil change on a Century.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Stop-start-equipped Encore GX/Envista use AGM batteries — replace like-for-like, not with a cheaper flooded battery.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

12 crashes 1990–2024

How the 12 occupant deaths break down

8

driver deaths

4

passenger deaths

12

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2007 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

0

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2007 Buick Terraza reflects Buick's published service intervals and the GM Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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