IllustrationSPEEDOMETER GAUGE IS STUCK AND NOT MOVING. DEALER WILL NOT FIX IT EVEN THOUGH IT IS A HAZARD. I HAVE A 2005 TRAILBLAZER. *TR
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Trailblazer years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
950–25K
18325–50K
37350–75K
28875–100K
224100–150K
57150K+
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 reportsTHE GAS GAUGE STARTS OUT ERRATIC THEN WILL COMPLETELY STOP WORKING AND YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN YOUR TANK WHEN YOU JUST FILLED IT FULL. VEHICLE WILL DIE FOR NO REASON IN TRAFFIC AND AT TIMES THE HEADLIGHTS DIM AND VOLT METER DROPS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING. WHEN YOU LOOK AT HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2005/CHE…
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THE GAS GAUGE STARTS OUT ERRATIC THEN WILL COMPLETELY STOP WORKING AND YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN YOUR TANK WHEN YOU JUST FILLED IT FULL. VEHICLE WILL DIE FOR NO REASON IN TRAFFIC AND AT TIMES THE HEADLIGHTS DIM AND VOLT METER DROPS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING. WHEN YOU LOOK AT HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2005/CHEVROLET/TRAILBLAZER YOU SEE THAT THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005. IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE THERE ARE DEATHS. *TR
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A YEAR. NOV. 5, 2009, SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONED. WHEN ALL THE PAST THE 110 SPEED. WHEN SITTING STILL IT READS 110. SOMETIMES IT WILL MOVE UP TO 80 WHEN SITTING STILL BUT ALWAYS GOES PAST 110 WHEN DRIVING. *TR
SPEEDOMETER GAUGE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN YOU DRIVE IT NEVER DISPLAYS THE CORRECT SPEED YOU ARE GOING AND CAN READ MANY DIFFERENT SPEEDS AS YOU DRIVE. IT CAN ALSO REMAIN AT 0. THIS IS HAPPENING ON MANY CHEVROLET MODELS AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO GET MULTIPLE TICKETS FOR NOT GOING THE CORRECT SPEED LIMIT. THIS SHOULD NOT BE LEFT T…
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SPEEDOMETER GAUGE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. WHEN YOU DRIVE IT NEVER DISPLAYS THE CORRECT SPEED YOU ARE GOING AND CAN READ MANY DIFFERENT SPEEDS AS YOU DRIVE. IT CAN ALSO REMAIN AT 0. THIS IS HAPPENING ON MANY CHEVROLET MODELS AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO GET MULTIPLE TICKETS FOR NOT GOING THE CORRECT SPEED LIMIT. THIS SHOULD NOT BE LEFT TO THE CONSUMER TO REPAIR FOR $700 AS THIS A GM/CHEVROLET PROBLEM. LOOK ON SEVERAL WEBSITES AND PUT IN A CHEVY MODEL AND YOU WILL SEE THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL INACCURATELY DISPLAYS THE VEHICLES FUEL LEVEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE FUEL TANK LEVEL SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED. THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL INACCURATELY DISPLAYS THE VEHICLES FUEL LEVEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE FUEL TANK LEVEL SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED. THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33000. UPDATED 12/7/09 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE TANK WAS FILLED WITH THE GAS, THERE WAS STILL A RINGING SOUND AS IF THERE WAS NO GAS IN THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD DROP EVEN WHEN THE TANK WAS FULL. THE WATER PUMP AND FAN CLUTCH WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 12/08/09
HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY 'FLASH' FOR A SECOND DURING FIRST 5-10 MINUTES OF DRIVING. HAVE REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND IDLER PULLEY. GM SUGGESTS LETTING VEHICLE IDLE 1+ MINUTE AFTER START BEFORE ENGAGING GEAR; THIS SOMETIMES WORKS. DANGEROUS AND DISTRACTING TO OTHER MOTORISTS, AS IT APPEARS TO THEM LIKE MY VEHICLE IS FLASHING ITS …
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HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY 'FLASH' FOR A SECOND DURING FIRST 5-10 MINUTES OF DRIVING. HAVE REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND IDLER PULLEY. GM SUGGESTS LETTING VEHICLE IDLE 1+ MINUTE AFTER START BEFORE ENGAGING GEAR; THIS SOMETIMES WORKS. DANGEROUS AND DISTRACTING TO OTHER MOTORISTS, AS IT APPEARS TO THEM LIKE MY VEHICLE IS FLASHING ITS HIGHBEAMS. *TR
HEADLIGHTS DIM AND VOLT METER DROPS RANDOMLY. MOST EVIDENT AT NIGHT, OF COURSE. SOMETIMES HEADLIGHTS FAIL COMPLETELY FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. DEALER HAS REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND FUSE BLOCK BUT NEITHER FIX CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. *TR
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY AND THE DEALER WANTS $350+ TO FIX IT. I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY! I HAVE BEEN DOING MY RESEARCH AND DISCOVERED HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AND IT SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED BY CHEVY. *TR
SPEEDOMETER FAILED. *TR
ALL THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE LIGHTS FLICKER WHEN DRIVING PEOPLE THINK I'M HIGH BEAMING THEM, TRIED TO LET TB IDLE FOR A MINUTE BUT NO GOOD STILL FLICKERING. *TR
Official recalls
206V417000 · 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
2RQ17002 · 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.