NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
30 reportsClear category filter106,200 miles · Apr 1, 2014
EngineSteeringVehicle Speed Control
WE WERE DRIVING AT ABOUT 55 (WE DON'T KNOW EXACT SPEED AS OUR CONTROL PANEL IS NOT WORKING) AND THE STEERING WENT OUT. IT WAS HARD PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND A FEW TIMES WE COULD NOT CONTROL IT AND WENT OFF THE ROAD. WE HAD ANOTHER INCIDENT LIKE THAT WHEN WE WERE DRIVING IN THE SNOW. WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR WE HAD A FUEL ISSU…
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WE WERE DRIVING AT ABOUT 55 (WE DON'T KNOW EXACT SPEED AS OUR CONTROL PANEL IS NOT WORKING) AND THE STEERING WENT OUT. IT WAS HARD PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND A FEW TIMES WE COULD NOT CONTROL IT AND WENT OFF THE ROAD. WE HAD ANOTHER INCIDENT LIKE THAT WHEN WE WERE DRIVING IN THE SNOW. WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR WE HAD A FUEL ISSUE THAT COVERED UNDER A RECALL.... NOW OUR WHOLE PANEL IS OUT. WE DON'T KNOW THE SPEED WE ARE GOING, THE OIL LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT ARE ALWAYS ON. WE TAKE CARE OF OUR CAR SO WE KNOW ITS NOT LOW ON ANYTHING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10576118
111,416 miles · Mar 31, 2014
EngineFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control
PROBLEMS WITH MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER STARTED WITH A SERIES OF ENGINE LIGHTS, MISFIRING AND STALLING AT LOW SPEEDS AND UPON ACCELERATION. MY THERMOSTAT HAS BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF TIMES . I DO PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TO KEEP MY CAR IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. I'M A SINGLE PARENT I NEED MY CAR. MY ENTIRE DASHBOARD S…
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PROBLEMS WITH MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER STARTED WITH A SERIES OF ENGINE LIGHTS, MISFIRING AND STALLING AT LOW SPEEDS AND UPON ACCELERATION. MY THERMOSTAT HAS BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF TIMES . I DO PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TO KEEP MY CAR IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. I'M A SINGLE PARENT I NEED MY CAR. MY ENTIRE DASHBOARD STOPPED WORKING AFTER GETTING STUCK ON AND OFF. THE FUEL GAUGE WAS LAST TO GO 3 DAYS AGO. I FILL UP MY TANK IT STILL READS EMPTY WITH THE LIGHT. MY TAILGATE DOOR THE LATCH LOCKS UP. I MANUALLY HAVE TO MOVE TO LATCH SO IT CLOSES. MY DOORS STICKING WHEN THE CAR IS UNLOCKED AND IT HARD TO GET OUT THE LOCKS DON'T UNLATCH THE FIRST TIME. MY CAR IS VERY NICE UNTIL U GET IN IT TO SEE EVERYTHING IS MALFUNCTIONING. I GUESS MY SPEED, GAS LEVEL AND THAT'S NOT COOL. I BEEN GOING THROUGH THESE SAME PROBLEMS SINCE 2011 AND IT'S 2014. THE FUEL GAUGE WAS THE LAST TO GO RECENTLY. WHEN I FILL UP MY TANK IT STILL READS EMPTY WITH THE INDICATOR LIGHT. MY REPAIR WAS $565 WE THOUGHT IT WAS EXHAUST LEAK AND HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MANIFOLD IT WAS CRACKED... I ABSOLUTELY CAN'T AFFORD ANYTHING ELSE AND I NEED TIRES.PLEASE HELP I'M FURIOUS. . WHEN YOU PURCHASE A VEHICLE YOU EXPECT IT TO LAST. THAT DOESN'T. MY MECHANICS HAVE BEEN THE SAME SINCE DAY ONE AND HAVE GIVEN ME EVERY DISCOUNT AND WARRANTY . I WANT MY VEHICLE REPAIRED I CAN'T PHYSICALLY CAUSE THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE . IT'S INTERNAL AND NOT MY FAULT. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR WITH THIS TEMPERAMENT . I HAVE HAD 4 CARS PREVIOUS TO THIS ONE AND THEY LASTED THROUGH THE YEARS UNTIL I DECIDED TO CHANGE CARS. EVERYONE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLE AS I DO . HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? MANUFACTURERS SHOULD VALUE QUALITY NOT QUANTITY. I HAVE EVERY SINGLE DOCUMENT TO VERIFY THIS AS WELL AS MY MECHANICS. I WOULD LIKE MY VEHICLE REPAIRED AND TO BE REIMBURSED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10575963
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
140,000 miles · Mar 15, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion System
MY TRAILBLAZER 2005 WOULD BE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT ABOUT 25 TO 30 MILES, THEN MY ENGINE WOULD JUST TURN OFF WITH OUT ANY WARNING, AM AFRAID IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN BUT THIS TIME WHEN AM IN THE HIGHWAYS GOING 60 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY I SEEN THAT IS NOT JUST MY VEHICLE THAT HAS HAPPENED TO AND EVEN THE FUEL PUMP HAS GAVE UP WITH…
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MY TRAILBLAZER 2005 WOULD BE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT ABOUT 25 TO 30 MILES, THEN MY ENGINE WOULD JUST TURN OFF WITH OUT ANY WARNING, AM AFRAID IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN BUT THIS TIME WHEN AM IN THE HIGHWAYS GOING 60 MILES ON THE HIGHWAY I SEEN THAT IS NOT JUST MY VEHICLE THAT HAS HAPPENED TO AND EVEN THE FUEL PUMP HAS GAVE UP WITH OUT NO ANSWER, THE GM OR CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP DON'T HAVE A CLUE WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. IT WILL BE REALLY HELPFUL IF YOU GUYS LOOK INTO THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT ON THIS MALFUNCTION. I REALLY APPRECIATE FOR TAKING YOUR TIME. SINCERELY, CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER DRIVER *TR
NHTSA ODI #10572525
155,000 miles · Jan 23, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL AREA THE ENGINE WOULD SERGE BETWEEN 2K RPM AND 4K RPM. IF SURGING IS ALLOWED TO PERSIST THEN IT IS FOLLOWED BY THE VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING SHUT OFF ULTIMATELY ENDING IN THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF. AFTER VEHICLE IS RESTARTED THE CYCLE STARTS AGAIN AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF DRIVING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561112
70,000 miles · May 16, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine
EVEN IF THIS CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED IT SADLY AS SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT CHEVY DOES NOT WANT TO COME TO TERMS WITH. THE SPEEDOMETER GOES OUT AND IN AND READS INCORRECTLY AS WELL AS THE REST OF THE GAUGES AT RANDOM POINTS IN TIME. THE HEATING SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACES AND THE ALTERNATOR CONSISTENTLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED EVEN WH…
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EVEN IF THIS CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED IT SADLY AS SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT CHEVY DOES NOT WANT TO COME TO TERMS WITH. THE SPEEDOMETER GOES OUT AND IN AND READS INCORRECTLY AS WELL AS THE REST OF THE GAUGES AT RANDOM POINTS IN TIME. THE HEATING SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACES AND THE ALTERNATOR CONSISTENTLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED EVEN WHEN THE MAINTENANCE OF THE CAR IS MAINTAINED. IT IS A CONSISTENT STRUGGLE TO KEEP THE CAR RUNNING EVEN IF IT IS NOT ON HIGH MILES AND IT IS A SAD PRODUCT FOR CHEVY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10512388
Mileage unknown · May 14, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineFuel System, Gasoline
2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATE THE FIRST TIME THE FUEL GAUGE STARTING ACTING ERRATIC WAS IN 2007. THE DEALER INFORMED HIS WIFE, THE VEHICLE HAD RAN OUT OF GAS, EVEN THOUGH THE GAUGE INDICATED THERE WAS 1/2 TANK OF GAS. THE CONSUMER STATED HE …
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2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATE THE FIRST TIME THE FUEL GAUGE STARTING ACTING ERRATIC WAS IN 2007. THE DEALER INFORMED HIS WIFE, THE VEHICLE HAD RAN OUT OF GAS, EVEN THOUGH THE GAUGE INDICATED THERE WAS 1/2 TANK OF GAS. THE CONSUMER STATED HE CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE AN ERRATIC BEHAVIOR OF THE FUEL PUMP AND THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE LATEST PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSIS WAS THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO SUSTAIN AN IDLE, BECAUSE OF THE ERRATIC FUEL PRESSURE (FUEL PUMP). THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE HAS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA ODI #10511098
26,000 miles · Apr 6, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineFuel System, Gasoline
PURCHASED 11/24/2008 ~20K MILES. WITHIN 5MONTHS A WHOLE HOST OF ISSUES STARTED, THE 1ST BEING THE FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING BY SHOWING FULL & ACTUALLY NOT (RAN OUT OF GAS TWICE) AND THEN SHOWING EMPTY AFTER FILLUP. 1WEEK LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED WORKING. ~ ONE YEAR LATER, DEC 2009 THE SPEEDOM…
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PURCHASED 11/24/2008 ~20K MILES. WITHIN 5MONTHS A WHOLE HOST OF ISSUES STARTED, THE 1ST BEING THE FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING BY SHOWING FULL & ACTUALLY NOT (RAN OUT OF GAS TWICE) AND THEN SHOWING EMPTY AFTER FILLUP. 1WEEK LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED WORKING. ~ ONE YEAR LATER, DEC 2009 THE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATED FROM WORKING PROPERLY TO ~50-55MPH BASE INSTEAD OF 0. AFTER A FEW DAYS, THE SPEEDOMETER DID ZERO-OUT BUT THEN DID NOT SHOW ANY SPEED BUT STAYED AT 0. ALONG WITH THE SPEEDOMETER ISSUE ARE THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMING SPORADICALLY. ALL OF THE ISSUES HAVE CONTINUED ON-OFF SINCE. MARCH 2012 THE WINDSHIELD RESERVOIR STARTED LEAKING/CRACKED. FEBRUARY 2013 HAD TUNEUP, BRAKES, AND THERMOSTAT REPLACED AND SINCE THEN ADD FRONT VENTS STOPPED WORKING PLUS SEVERE, SPORADIC, HIGH IDLE - DRIVING TO WORK (METROPOLITAN, DOWNTOWN, CAPITAL OF STATE-HIGH RUSH HOUR) THE HIGH REV STARTED AND ALL I WANTED WAS TO GET TO WORKPLACE PARKING LOT ~2MILES. 2BLCKS FR PKG LOT, I WAS BRAKING AT A LEFT, DBLTURN LIGHT WITH THE REV & BRAKES GRABBINGH/COUNTERACTING. I COME TO A FULL STOP BUT MY SUV REVS TO OVER 3RPMS & I THOUGHT THE TRBLZR WOULD BREAK FREE & CRASH INTO THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME! I HAVE A "CHRISTINE" CAR AND HATE THE FEELING OF DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT CHEVY WON'T RECALL/FIX AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY ANYTHING ELSE CURRENTLY OR GET ALL THESE ISSUES REPAIRED. I PLACE MINE, MY KIDS AND PASSENGERS' LIVES & SAFETY INTO JEOPARDY EVERY TIME WE GET IN TO DRIVE/RIDE. I ONLY HAVE 78K MILES AND 1YR OF CAR PYMNTS LEFT. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY AGAIN AND I WAS A DIEHARD CHEVY AND "BUY AMERICAN" CONSUMER. THIS VEHICLE IS A PIECE OF JUNK. MY NEXT PURCHASE WILL BE ANY VEHICLE THAT IS SAFE, WHOEVER THE MANUFACTURER MAY BE. CAN ANYTHING BE DONE TO HELP??? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10507369
92,600 miles · Mar 16, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. HAD IT TOWED TO MECHANIC SHOP. BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD, THOUGH THE BATTERY WAS ONLY 1 YEAR OLD AND WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE AC DELCO 6 YR BATTERY. MECHANIC CHANGED THE ALTERNATOR AND THE BATTERY AND EVERYTHING TESTED THE SAME. PUT OLD BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR BACK IN, AS BATTERY HE CHARGED WAS HOLDING THE…
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VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. HAD IT TOWED TO MECHANIC SHOP. BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD, THOUGH THE BATTERY WAS ONLY 1 YEAR OLD AND WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE AC DELCO 6 YR BATTERY. MECHANIC CHANGED THE ALTERNATOR AND THE BATTERY AND EVERYTHING TESTED THE SAME. PUT OLD BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR BACK IN, AS BATTERY HE CHARGED WAS HOLDING THE CHARGE OK. COULD NOT LOCATE SOURCE OF PROBLEM. THE NEXT DAY, THE DASH LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING, NOR THE INTERIOR LIGHTS. AS I DROVE ALONG THE HIGHWAY, THE DASHLIGHTS BLINKED AND THEN STAYED ON. CEILING LIGHT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY. THE ALTERNATOR SHOWS THAT IT IS CHARGING VERY HARD. ACCORDING TO OTHER INCIDENTS REPORTED ON THE INTERNET, THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IN THE 2005 TRAILBLAZER THAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM, BUT IN ANY CASE, SHOWS SLOW LEAK OF ELECTRICAL CURRENT THAT SLOWLY DRAINS THE BATTERY 24/7, UNTIL THE BATTERY IS DEAD. WHY IS NO RECALL ISSUED MAKING GENERAL MOTORS RESPONSIBLE TO FIND AND FIX THIS PROBLEM WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNERS OF 2005 TRAILBLAZERS. I SPENT $130.00 AT THE MECHANIC SHOP AND THEY COULD NOT FIND WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, MUCH LESS FIX IT. MY VEHICLE IS PARKED IN A GARAGE MOST OF THE TIME, AND THERE IS NO REASON FOR THIS MALFUNCTION OTHER THAN FAULTY GM PART SOMEWHERE. OUR LOCAL CHEVY DEALER TOLD ME THEY THINK THE PROBLEM IS RELATED TO THE PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM BUT THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO NAIL IT DOWN. THEY REFERENCE A VEHICLE WHICH THEY KEPT FOR TWO WEEKS FOR DIAGNOSIS OF A "WON'T START" COMPLAINT, AND THE VEHICLE STARTED SOME DAYS AND NOT OTHER DAYS WITH NO PATTERN TO THE MALFUNCTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10503247
89,000 miles · Oct 22, 2012
EngineSteeringVehicle Speed Control
DUE TO A FAULTY GAS GAUGE THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED ON A HIGHWAY THREE MIILES AWAY FROM FUEL WITH CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10481395
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.