IllustrationFUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING.
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 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED AFTERWARDS. AFTER APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES, THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE AB…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED AFTERWARDS. AFTER APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES, THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE ABS SENSOR, THE OXYGEN SENSOR, THE BRAKE PADS, THE CLUSTER MODULE AND THE FUEL SENDER LEVER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE REAR HATCH LOCK FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BE UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE REAR HATCH AND THE FRONT ROTORS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO RE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE REAR HATCH LOCK FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BE UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE REAR HATCH AND THE FRONT ROTORS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND THE FRONT ROTORS. THE SPEEDOMETER AND REAR HATCH WERE NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ABNORMAL ODOR PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,584.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S DOOR POWER SWITCH FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
THE GAUGE CLUSTER, SPEAKERS AND OCCASIONALLY LIGHTS STOP WORKING AT VARIOUS TIMES, THE GAUGES EITHER REGISTER COMPLETELY MAXED OUT, MINIMUM OR SOMEWHERE OBVIOUSLY WRONG. EXAMPLE FUEL GAUGE WAY PAST FULL, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE READING 0, CHARGE GAUGE MAXED OUT TACHOMETER COMPLETELY OFF THE SCALE AND SPEEDOMETER INOPERABLE. REAR SP…
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THE GAUGE CLUSTER, SPEAKERS AND OCCASIONALLY LIGHTS STOP WORKING AT VARIOUS TIMES, THE GAUGES EITHER REGISTER COMPLETELY MAXED OUT, MINIMUM OR SOMEWHERE OBVIOUSLY WRONG. EXAMPLE FUEL GAUGE WAY PAST FULL, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE READING 0, CHARGE GAUGE MAXED OUT TACHOMETER COMPLETELY OFF THE SCALE AND SPEEDOMETER INOPERABLE. REAR SPEAKERS WORK SOMETIMES AND BULBS IN BRAKE LIGHTS AND TAIL LIGHTS KEEP BLOWING OUT. THE GAUGES ARE OF MOST CONCERN AS THE TRUE VALUES OF FUEL LEVEL, OIL PRESSURE, BATTERY VOLTAGE AND ENGINE TEMP ARE RARELY ACCURATE (OR EVEN CLOSE). THE SPEED WILL NOT OPERATE AT TIMES AND OCCASIONALLY IF THE VEHICLE IS RESTARTED THE SPEEDOMETER WILL CORRECT ITSELF. ALL THESE CONDITIONS CREATE SAFETY CONCERNS ON SOME LEVEL FROM RUNNING OUT OF GAS IN A LESS THAN DESIRABLE LOCATION, DRIVING AT INCORRECT SPEEDS, OVERHEATING ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING OR ENGINE PROBLEMS. LOSING A TAIL LIGHT NOT ONLY CREATES A SAFETY CONCERN FOR TRAFFIC BUT CREATES ISSUES WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AS WELL. THESE CONDITIONS CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME, DRIVING, PARKED OR IDLING BUT THE KEY MUST BE ON TO POWER THE ACCESSORIES. TYPE OF DRIVING (CITY, HIGHWAY, ETC,) MAKES NO DIFFERENCE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, ALL THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED AND ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING INDICATORS ALSO ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE WHEN ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED AND ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING INDICATORS ALSO ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE WHEN ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND THE HEADLIGHTS RESUMED TO NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V755000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE AP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND THE HEADLIGHTS RESUMED TO NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V755000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
FUEL GUAGE IS NOT ACCURATE. WHEN THE TANK IS FULL THE GUAGE REGISTERS EMPTY.
I HAVE LOTS OF ISSUES WITH MY TRAILBLAZER. JUST TODAY MY A/C QUIT BLOWING. I'VE HAD ENOUGH SO DECIDED TO RESEARCH ONLINE. GLAD I DID BECAUSE IT SEEMS THAT THERE REALLY IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. FIRST OFF I MY GAUGES(ALL OF THEM, INCLUDING FUEL GAUGE) STARTED TO ACT UP. SOMETIMES THEY WORKED AND OTHER TIMES THEY WERE WA…
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I HAVE LOTS OF ISSUES WITH MY TRAILBLAZER. JUST TODAY MY A/C QUIT BLOWING. I'VE HAD ENOUGH SO DECIDED TO RESEARCH ONLINE. GLAD I DID BECAUSE IT SEEMS THAT THERE REALLY IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. FIRST OFF I MY GAUGES(ALL OF THEM, INCLUDING FUEL GAUGE) STARTED TO ACT UP. SOMETIMES THEY WORKED AND OTHER TIMES THEY WERE WAY OFF OR JUST HANGING. THE FUEL GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER NO LONGER WORK AT ALL. THIS ALL STARTED YEARS AGO. I HAVE JUST LIVED WITH IT AS I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX THEM. MY HEADLIGHTS STARTED GOING ON AND OFF AT RANDOM ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO. ALSO SOMETHING I HAVE JUST LIVED WITH AS I DON'T DO TOO MUCH NIGHT TIME DRIVING. NOW THAT MY A/C IS NOT BLOWING I WILL HAVE TO DO SOMETHING. I LIVE IN FLORIDA, AND AM NOT GOING TO ALLOW MY DAUGHTER AND I TO SWEAT EVERYDAY BACK AND FORTH FROM WORK AND SCHOOL TO HOME. THIS SUCKS!!! THEY REALLY NEEDS TO RECALL THE WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FOR THESE VEHICLES. THIS IS A FIRE HAZARD DUE TO THE CONNECTIONS GETTING SO HOT THEY BURN UP.
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.