A vehicle latch assembly includes a housing having a frame plate. Also included is a claw disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the frame plate, the claw configured to rotate between an open latch position and a closed latch position. Further included is a claw buffer disposed within the housing and configured to interact with the claw upon rotation to the closed latch position, the claw buffer including at least one abutment portion configured to engage the claw prior to reaching the closed latch position.