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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

Electrical System complaints

617 reports
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60,000 miles · Feb 23, 2011
Electrical System

THE SPEEDOMETER AT ANY GIVIN MOMENT WILL GO HAYWIRE. WILL READ OVER OR UNDER WHAT SPEED YOU ARE ACTUALLY DRIVING. THIS IS CAUSED BY A FAULTY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT YOU DO NOT NOTICE RIGHT AWAY THAT THE SPEEDOMETER IS OUT OF WHACK SO YOU DON'T KNOW HOW FAST YOU ARE ACTUALLY GOING, LEAVING YOU VULNERABLE TO …

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THE SPEEDOMETER AT ANY GIVIN MOMENT WILL GO HAYWIRE. WILL READ OVER OR UNDER WHAT SPEED YOU ARE ACTUALLY DRIVING. THIS IS CAUSED BY A FAULTY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT YOU DO NOT NOTICE RIGHT AWAY THAT THE SPEEDOMETER IS OUT OF WHACK SO YOU DON'T KNOW HOW FAST YOU ARE ACTUALLY GOING, LEAVING YOU VULNERABLE TO DRIVING TOO FAST FOR ROAD CONDITIONS AND POTENTIALLY CAUSING A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM IN THE 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND GM WILL DO NOTHING TO REPAIR THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10384098

Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2011
Electrical System

ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO THE SPEEDOMETER IN MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER STOPPED WORKING PROPERLY. THE ONLY THING OUT OF THE ORDINARY WAS THE NEARLY 16 INCHES OF SNOW THAT WE GOT IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA. AT FIRST IT WOULD NOT MOVE, THEN IT READ THAT I WAS GOING 30 MPH WHILE THE CAR WAS IN PARK. NOW IT IS STUCK PAST 120 MPH. I AM UNEMP…

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ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO THE SPEEDOMETER IN MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER STOPPED WORKING PROPERLY. THE ONLY THING OUT OF THE ORDINARY WAS THE NEARLY 16 INCHES OF SNOW THAT WE GOT IN THE CHICAGOLAND AREA. AT FIRST IT WOULD NOT MOVE, THEN IT READ THAT I WAS GOING 30 MPH WHILE THE CAR WAS IN PARK. NOW IT IS STUCK PAST 120 MPH. I AM UNEMPLOYED, STILL TRYING TO MAKE CAR PAYMENTS ON THIS CAR AND DO NOT HAVE THE $500 + THAT CHEVY HAS TOLD ME THEY WOULD CHARGE ME TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THAT I AM SURE THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF WITH THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR SUV. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10384082

53,500 miles · Feb 22, 2011
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING YESTERDAY AS WIFE DROVE HOME. 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SUV ONLY HAS A BIT OVER 53,000 MILES. CAN'T TELL HOW FAST OR SLOW WE'RE GOING NOW. SEEMS LIKE A DEFECT THAT SHOULD NOT OCCUR TO VEHICLES AT THIS AGE/MILEAGE, LET ALONE ANY AGE. TYPICAL GM "QUALITY" I GUESS. THIS DEFECT HAS THE ABILITY TO AFFECT …

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SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING YESTERDAY AS WIFE DROVE HOME. 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SUV ONLY HAS A BIT OVER 53,000 MILES. CAN'T TELL HOW FAST OR SLOW WE'RE GOING NOW. SEEMS LIKE A DEFECT THAT SHOULD NOT OCCUR TO VEHICLES AT THIS AGE/MILEAGE, LET ALONE ANY AGE. TYPICAL GM "QUALITY" I GUESS. THIS DEFECT HAS THE ABILITY TO AFFECT DRIVER SAFETY AND IS OBVIOUSLY NOT RARE JUDGING BY OTHERS WHO'VE WRITTEN ON THE INTERNET ABOUT IT, I BELIEVE A RECALL IS IN ORDER. HAVE NOT TAKEN FOR REPAIR YET, BUT WAS TOLD GM WILL NOT COVER THE COST AND THAT IT WILL COST AROUND $500 TO FIX. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10384017

64,900 miles · Feb 21, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

MY SPEEDOMETER DROPPED TO ZERO AS I WAS CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS, AND MY CD PLAYER STOPPED ACCEPTING CD'S DURING THAT SAME TIME PERIOD FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE GAUGE LATER STUCK AT FIRST 20 - 15 MPH, AND THEN TO 10 MPH WHEN THE SUV IS STOPPED. AFTER ABOUT 2 MONTHS, IT CORRECTED ITSELF. THE GAS GAUGE THEN WENT OUT. IT WOULD RE…

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MY SPEEDOMETER DROPPED TO ZERO AS I WAS CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS, AND MY CD PLAYER STOPPED ACCEPTING CD'S DURING THAT SAME TIME PERIOD FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE GAUGE LATER STUCK AT FIRST 20 - 15 MPH, AND THEN TO 10 MPH WHEN THE SUV IS STOPPED. AFTER ABOUT 2 MONTHS, IT CORRECTED ITSELF. THE GAS GAUGE THEN WENT OUT. IT WOULD REGISTER THE TANK AS EMPTY NO MATTER IF IT WAS FILLED. THIS BEGAN 2/2010. I, A DISABLED DRIVER, HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS ON A DESERTED ROAD 12:15 A.M. IN THE WINTER DUE TO HAVING TO CALCULATE MILES DRIVEN WITH THE TACHOMETER TO DETERMINE APPROXIMATE GAS CONSUMPTION. UNFORTUNATELY, THAT CALCULATION DOESN'T ACCOUNT FOR ENGINE IDLING IN TRAFFIC JAMS . I SAT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD IN MY COLD SUV PRAYING NO ONE CAME AROUND THE CURVE AND SLAMMED INTO ME SINCE I RAN OUT OF GAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A DARK RURAL ROAD. I WAS TERRIFIED IN THIS SITUATION AND RARELY DRIVE AT NIGHT IF I CAN HELP IT BECAUSE OF THE MANUFACTURER'S KNOWN DEFECT AND NEGLIGENCE. I HAVE PAID OVER $500 TO REPAIR THESE MANUFACTURES DEFECTS, ONLY TO HAVE THEM MALFUNCTION AGAIN WITHIN 1 WEEK OF REPAIR. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT HE WOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO FIX IT A SECOND TIME. ONCE AGAIN, MY SPEEDOMETER IS NO LONGER REGISTERING THE CORRECT SPEED, AND I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER BY A POLICE OFFICER FOR SPEEDING. I SHOWED THE OFFICER MY SPEEDOMETER, AND TO MY SURPRISE HE LET ME OFF WITH A WARNING AND TOLD ME THAT HE HAS PULLED OVER OTHER TRAILBLAZER DRIVERS FOR SPEEDING WHO IN TURN HAD THE SAME OR SIMILAR ISSUES WITH THEIR SPEEDOMETERS. I HAVE HAD INTERIOR LIGHTS MALFUNCTION, AND DRIVER SIDE HEAD LIGHT MALFUNCTIONS WHERE THE LIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT. THE HEADLIGHT WAS CHECKED BY A MECHANIC AND WAS NOT DEEMED LOOSE OR BLOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10384911

70,000 miles · Feb 21, 2011
Electrical System

I BOUGHT A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER IN MARCH 2010 AND HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS SINCE THEN. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THE AC STOPPED WORKING, IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE AC FAN BLOWER. I REPLACED THE BLOWER BUT THAT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. I THEN REPLACED THE RESISTOR AND THE HARNESS. FINALLY WHEN I REPLAC…

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I BOUGHT A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER IN MARCH 2010 AND HAVE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS SINCE THEN. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND THE AC STOPPED WORKING, IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE AC FAN BLOWER. I REPLACED THE BLOWER BUT THAT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. I THEN REPLACED THE RESISTOR AND THE HARNESS. FINALLY WHEN I REPLACED THE HARNESS THE AC STARTED WORKING AGAIN. THE NEXT PROBLEM IS WITH THE GAUGES. MY FUEL LEVEL GAUGE IS ERRATIC AND NEVER TELLS ME THE RIGHT FUEL LEVEL AND THE CRUISE CONTROL RANDOMLY STOPS WORKING. IT HAS STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES BECAUSE THE FUEL GAUGE IS READING WRONG. I'M AFRAID SOMEONE MIGHT HIT ME AND MY FAMILY. I'VE INVESTED HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR PROBLEMS THAT GM NEEDS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10383446

40,000 miles · Feb 17, 2011
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER FREEZES AND WON'T MOVE AT ALL OR IT GOES UP TO 120 MPH. THIS IS REALLY DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10383062

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2011
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER ON THE 2005 TRAILBLAZER. IT WENT CRAZY ON ME AT ABOUT 60,000 MILES AND AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY INFORMED ME THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CHEVROLET TRUCKS WITH THAT PROBLEM, BUT NOT THE SUV'S, EVEN THOUGH THE EQUIPMENT WAS THE SAME. THE COST TO ME IS $500+ WHICH AS A RETIRED PERSON ON LOW INCOME I CANN…

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SPEEDOMETER ON THE 2005 TRAILBLAZER. IT WENT CRAZY ON ME AT ABOUT 60,000 MILES AND AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY INFORMED ME THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CHEVROLET TRUCKS WITH THAT PROBLEM, BUT NOT THE SUV'S, EVEN THOUGH THE EQUIPMENT WAS THE SAME. THE COST TO ME IS $500+ WHICH AS A RETIRED PERSON ON LOW INCOME I CANNOT AFFORD. I HAVE RECEIVED 2 TICKETS FOR GOING OVER THE SPEED LIMIT....EVEN THOUGH I AM EXTREMELY CAREFUL AND TRY TO DRIVE WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I AM FURIOUS....CHEVROLET SHOULD RECALL THIS AND PAY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM FIXED...IT IS A DEFECT AS I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS WITH THE CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10382998

99,920 miles · Feb 15, 2011
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel System, Gasoline

GAS GAUGE MALFUNCTIONING, ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF. IN LOOKING AT DIFFERENT WEB-SITES, THIS IS COMMON FOR THIS VEHICLE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON 06/20/2010 AND HAVE HAD SEVERAL THINGS GO WRONG IN THE (8) MONTHS THAT I HAVE OWNED IT.

NHTSA ODI #10383751

42,000 miles · Feb 15, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

[XXX] OF CHICAGO, IL, PETITIONED THE AGENCY IN A LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 27, 2009. THE PETITIONER REQUESTS THAT NHTSA OPEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PERFORMANCE/RELIABILITY OF THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR INSTALLED IN MODEL YEAR 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER VEHICLES. THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT THE FUEL TANK LEVEL SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE AND C…

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[XXX] OF CHICAGO, IL, PETITIONED THE AGENCY IN A LETTER DATED NOVEMBER 27, 2009. THE PETITIONER REQUESTS THAT NHTSA OPEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE PERFORMANCE/RELIABILITY OF THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR INSTALLED IN MODEL YEAR 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER VEHICLES. THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT THE FUEL TANK LEVEL SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE AND COULD RESULT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE RUNNING OUT OF FUEL, STALL, AND BEING REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. ODI WILL EVALUATE THE PETITION FOR A GRANT OR DENY DECISION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10382763

85,000 miles · Feb 13, 2011
Electrical System

FUEL GAUGE, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE, AND SPEEDOMETER COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE AC/HEATER SYSTEM BECAUSE OF THE WIRING HARNESS. I HAD TO FIX THINGS TWICE FOR A COST OF OVER $600 IN 8 MONTHS! GMC REALLY NEEDS TO RECALL THESE THINGS BECAUSE SO MANY VEHICLES HAVE HAD PROBLEMS. EVERY COMPLAINT ON HERE IS THE S…

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FUEL GAUGE, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE, AND SPEEDOMETER COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE AC/HEATER SYSTEM BECAUSE OF THE WIRING HARNESS. I HAD TO FIX THINGS TWICE FOR A COST OF OVER $600 IN 8 MONTHS! GMC REALLY NEEDS TO RECALL THESE THINGS BECAUSE SO MANY VEHICLES HAVE HAD PROBLEMS. EVERY COMPLAINT ON HERE IS THE SAME! RECALL IT NOW! IT IS NOT OUR FAULT... IT'S YOURS SO FIX IT! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10381741

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.