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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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130,000 miles · Nov 23, 2014
Electrical System

THE SPEEDOMETER IS STUCK AND WILL NOT GO BACK DOWN TO 0MPH WHEN STOPPED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10660363

Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2014
Electrical System

ENGINE CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED LESS THAN 3 YEARS OF TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE IN 2005 ($3,000 IN REPAIR...ACCORDING TO DEALER IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT NOT A RECALL). GAS GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER BOTH STOPPED WORKING ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO. DESPITE KNOWN ISSUES, GM STILL WANTED US TO PAY HALF THE COST OF REPAIR. THE SP…

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ENGINE CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED LESS THAN 3 YEARS OF TAKING OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE IN 2005 ($3,000 IN REPAIR...ACCORDING TO DEALER IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE BUT NOT A RECALL). GAS GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER BOTH STOPPED WORKING ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO. DESPITE KNOWN ISSUES, GM STILL WANTED US TO PAY HALF THE COST OF REPAIR. THE SPEEDOMETER WAS REPAIRED, GAS GAUGE IS STILL NOT WORKING. ALSO, THE HEATER HAS BEEN REPLACED AND WE CHANGE HEADLIGHTS AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR BECAUSE OF SOME SHORT IN THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10652624

85,000 miles · Nov 2, 2014
Electrical System

SPEED CONTROL. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD & THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT REGISTER THE CORRECT SPEED. 10 TO 20 MILES PER HOUR OVER & EVEN MORE AT TIMES. NO WAY OF KNOWING HOW FAST CAR IS GOING. SOMETIMES IT REGISTERS UNDER. VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING. NEVER KNOWING HOW FAST OR SLOW I AM GOING. CHEVROLET ALSO REPLACED FUEL GAUGE SEND…

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SPEED CONTROL. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD & THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT REGISTER THE CORRECT SPEED. 10 TO 20 MILES PER HOUR OVER & EVEN MORE AT TIMES. NO WAY OF KNOWING HOW FAST CAR IS GOING. SOMETIMES IT REGISTERS UNDER. VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING. NEVER KNOWING HOW FAST OR SLOW I AM GOING. CHEVROLET ALSO REPLACED FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT. REAR WIPER HAS NOT WORKED FOR YEARS. TRIED EVERYTHING TO FIX. VERY UNSAFE TO NOT BE ABLE TO SEE OUT OF MY BACK WINDOW. THIS VEHICLE HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS. BOUGHT NEW. VERY LOW MILEAGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10651877

57,000 miles · Oct 27, 2014
Electrical System

THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WENT OUT.I AM NOT SURE HOW FAST I AM GOING OR HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE. FROM EVERYTHING I HAVE READ ON LINE THIS IS VERY COMMON. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY GM HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10650447

Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2014
Electrical System

LETTER FROM SENATOR DURBIN ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT RE GM RECALLS. *SMD 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE INQUIRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ABOUT A RECALL, REGARDING THE MALFUNCTION OF THE SPEEDOMETER, GAS GAUGE AD OIL GAUGE. ALL THREE OF THEM STOPPED WORKING. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10648111

83,875 miles · Oct 10, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED FOR THE EXHAUST …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED FOR THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CRACK, THE WATER PUMP, THE EVAPORATOR CORD, THE HEADLIGHT WIRING HARNESS (WHICH MELTED AND CAUSED THE LIGHT BULB TO FAIL), THE HUB ASSEMBLY, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER, THE MOTOR BLOWER RESISTOR WIRES, AND THE DOOR LOCKS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPEN OR CLOSE AND THE REAR HATCH LOCK SYSTEM AND INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FAILURES PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,875.

NHTSA ODI #10643838

Mileage unknown · Sep 12, 2014
Electrical System

ON OR ABOUT THIS DATE MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER EXPERIENCED AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE DURING A SNOW STORM. BOTH POWER DOOR LOCK AND POWER WINDOW SWITCHES BECAME IN OPERATIVE AND THE WINDOWS OPENED AUTOMATICALLY WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD NOT GO BACK UP. I ALSO ENCOUNTERED AN ELECTRICAL SMELL IN THE VEHICLE, AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING OFF TH…

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ON OR ABOUT THIS DATE MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER EXPERIENCED AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE DURING A SNOW STORM. BOTH POWER DOOR LOCK AND POWER WINDOW SWITCHES BECAME IN OPERATIVE AND THE WINDOWS OPENED AUTOMATICALLY WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD NOT GO BACK UP. I ALSO ENCOUNTERED AN ELECTRICAL SMELL IN THE VEHICLE, AFTER STOPPING AND TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE AND THEN RESTARTING THE SWITCHES FUNCTIONED AGAIN. I NOTICED THAT IN THE GM RECALL ON 6-30-14, THE 2005 TRAILBLAZER WAS IN THE RECALL FOR DEFECTIVE WINDOW/LOCK SWITCH CAN OVERHEAT AND MALFUNCTION ALSO MENTIONED IS THE KEY SWITCH PROBLEM GM HAD. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND BEEN TOLD THAT WITHOUT AN OFFICIAL RECALL FROM GM THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE. THE WAS IN FACT A RECALL BUT IT SEEMS IT WAS "SWEPT UNDER THE RUG". HERE IS THE REFERENCE LIST I FOUND: CURRENTLY, THE FOLLOWING LIST OF VEHICLES ARE ALL SUBJECT TO THE GM RECALLS ON IGNITION SWITCHES: 1997-2005 CHEVROLET MALIBU 1998-2002 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE 1999-2004 OLDSMOBILE ALERO 1999-2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM 2000-05 CHEVROLET IMPALA AND MONTE CARLO 2004-08 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 2003-14 CADILLAC CTS 2004-06 CADILLAC SRX 2011-14 CHEVROLET CRUZE; 2012-14 CHEVROLET SONIC 2013-14 CHEVROLET TRAX, BUICK ENCORE AND VERANO 2014 CHEVROLET CAMARO AND IMPALA, BUICK REGAL, CADILLAC XTS 2007-11 CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD, GMC SIERRA HD EQUIPPED WITH AN AUXILIARY BATTERY 2005-07 BUICK RAINIER, CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER, GMC ENVOY, ISUZU ASCENDER, SAAB 9-7X 2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY XL YET GM HAS FAILED TO ACT AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. WHAT CAN BE DONE?? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10632893

Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2014
Electrical System

THE WINDOWS WOULD ROLL UP BY THEMSELVES, ONE OF MY DOGS ALMOST GOT HIS HEAD STUCK IN THE BACK WINDOW, ALSO SEAT HEATER WOULD COME ON AND SWITCH FROM HIGH TO MED. TO LOW, THEN BACK TO HIGH. I HAD IT REPAIRED, COST WAS $413.00 I'M HEARING THE SAME TROUBLE HAS BEEN REPORTED WITH THE 2006 - 2007 MODELS AND SOME HAVE CAUGHT FIRE.…

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THE WINDOWS WOULD ROLL UP BY THEMSELVES, ONE OF MY DOGS ALMOST GOT HIS HEAD STUCK IN THE BACK WINDOW, ALSO SEAT HEATER WOULD COME ON AND SWITCH FROM HIGH TO MED. TO LOW, THEN BACK TO HIGH. I HAD IT REPAIRED, COST WAS $413.00 I'M HEARING THE SAME TROUBLE HAS BEEN REPORTED WITH THE 2006 - 2007 MODELS AND SOME HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. IS THE NEW PART GOING TO DO THE SAME? CAN I RECOVER ANY OF THE COST? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10630120

103,000 miles · Aug 31, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

I BOUGHT THIS CAR AT THE END OF MARCH OF THIS YEAR WITH UNDER 100,000 MILES. THE FIRST THING TO GO WAS THE GAS GAUGE, ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE TRAIL BLAZER THE NEEDLE WENT SOUTH. IT ACTUALLY HOVERS AROUND 6 0 ' CLOCK. THEN A COUPLE NIGHTS AGO DRIVING HOME I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, I TOOK IT WITH THE HAND BUTTON AND …

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I BOUGHT THIS CAR AT THE END OF MARCH OF THIS YEAR WITH UNDER 100,000 MILES. THE FIRST THING TO GO WAS THE GAS GAUGE, ABOUT 2 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE TRAIL BLAZER THE NEEDLE WENT SOUTH. IT ACTUALLY HOVERS AROUND 6 0 ' CLOCK. THEN A COUPLE NIGHTS AGO DRIVING HOME I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL ON, I TOOK IT WITH THE HAND BUTTON AND LOOKED DOWN AND THE NEEDLE NEVER MOVED, IT WAS STUCK AT 65. IT'S BEEN 3 DAYS AND THE NEEDLE HAS MOVED BUT THE WRONG WAY, TO THE RIGHT GOING UP 75, 80, 90, THEN BACK DOWN TO 65 AND STAYING THERE. I HAVE LOOKED INTO REPLACING THE GAS GAUGE AND I WAS TOLD THE ENTIRE DASH WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE AT A PRICE OF 1200.00, I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DO THIS, CHEVROLET SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10629697

Mileage unknown · Aug 26, 2014
Electrical System

FUEL GAUGE QUIT WORKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10628560

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.