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2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Trailblazer years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer are substantially higher than the model-year median of 87.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,220 reports with mileage · 246 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 617 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 435 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 140 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

59 crash reports25 fire reports41 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

70 reports
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122,000 miles · Jan 22, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A SIGN AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK AN…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A SIGN AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10678235

Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2015
Air BagsCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED MOISTURE ON T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED MOISTURE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN UNKNOWN CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE LEAKING FROM THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE SUBSTANCE DETERIORATED THE SEAT, CABLES, AND THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10671999

172,000 miles · Jan 1, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury

HIT BLACK ICE. TRUCK SLID OFF THE ROAD AND FRONT END IMPACTED THE DITCH CAUSING HEAVY DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END. AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY CAUSING INJURY. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10669444

152,734 miles · Nov 12, 2014
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,734.

NHTSA ODI #10654499

132,000 miles · Nov 7, 2014
Air BagsCrash

THE ROADS WHERE SLIGHTLY WET AND I HIT A GUARDRAIL ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD GOING APPROX 30MPH - 35MPH. DESTROYING THE FRONT PASSENGER BUMPER, TURN SIGNAL LIGHT, TIRE, AXLE, SUSPENSION, PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE GUARDRAIL OF COURSE. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED! POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, NO FAULT OR MAJOR INJU…

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THE ROADS WHERE SLIGHTLY WET AND I HIT A GUARDRAIL ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD GOING APPROX 30MPH - 35MPH. DESTROYING THE FRONT PASSENGER BUMPER, TURN SIGNAL LIGHT, TIRE, AXLE, SUSPENSION, PRETTY MUCH EVERYTHING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE GUARDRAIL OF COURSE. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED! POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN, NO FAULT OR MAJOR INJURIES, THE TRUCK COULD NOT BE DRIVEN AND AGAIN THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! JUST MAKES ME THINK (IF I HAD WENT THROUGH THE GUARDRAIL AND DOWN THE MOUNTAIN INTO A TREE) WOULD THE AIR BAGS EVER WORK AND SAVE MY LIFE? PLEASE RECALL THIS ISSUE!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10653503

175,000 miles · Nov 6, 2014
Air BagsInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 6 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNCONSCIOUS AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 6 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS UNCONSCIOUS AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

NHTSA ODI #10653104

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2014
Air BagsVisibility/wiper

I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND WAS CHECKING ON RECALLS. I GOT A 877 # AND TRIED CALLING BUT IT WONT GO THROUGH. I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE THESE ISSUES ARE RESOLVED WITH RECALL SO IF YOU CAN LET ME KNOW WHAT I HAVE TO DO I WILL DO IT. GM RECALL NP. 06102. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10644022

136,000 miles · Sep 17, 2014
Air BagsSeat BeltsService BrakesCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE REAR SEAT BELTS THAT WERE RESTRAINING TWO CHILDREN BECAME UNBUCKLED A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE REAR SEAT BELTS THAT WERE RESTRAINING TWO CHILDREN BECAME UNBUCKLED AND EJECTED THE CHILDREN FROM THEIR CHILD SAFETY SEATS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.

NHTSA ODI #10636979

87,001 miles · Aug 19, 2014
Air BagsService Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED, THE AIR BAG SENSOR WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. ALSO, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ABS SENSOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED, THE AIR BAG SENSOR WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. ALSO, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE ABS SENSOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION, DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, AND REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,001.

NHTSA ODI #10626407

40 miles · Mar 20, 2014
Air BagsEngineCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND VEERED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACE, BACK, AND NECK INJURIES. THE DRIVER OF T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND VEERED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACE, BACK, AND NECK INJURIES. THE DRIVER OF THE SECOND VEHICLE WAS NOT INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10573732

Official recalls

2

06V417000 · Air Bags:frontal

Oct 31, 2006

CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.

Remedy: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.

05V035000 · Visibility:windshield

Feb 3, 2005

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING.' THE WINDSHIELD URETHANE BEAD MAY NOT HAVE ADHERED TO THE BODY IN CERTAIN AREAS DURING THE CURE PROCESS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF A CRASH OCCURS, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE RETAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

RQ17002 · Loss Of Headlights

Opened Apr 24, 2017 · Closed Mar 29, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.

DP10001 · Fuel Level Gauge System Failure

Opened Jan 7, 2010 · Closed May 23, 2011

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Other; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System

The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Fuel System, Other

The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.

Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System

The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.