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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

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

44 reports
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110,000 miles · Nov 5, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel/propulsion SystemFire

WE WERE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 94 IN NORTH DAKOTA AND WE HEARD A POP. BY THE TIME WE PULLED OVER THERE WERE FLAMES UP TO THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVERS DOOR. WE QUICKLY GOT OUT. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. DATE OF ACCIDENT WAS 10/31/2014. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10652832

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

62,000 miles · Jul 23, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOR THREE YEARS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. THE WINDOW REGULATOR, BATTERY CABLE, TANK LEVEL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOR THREE YEARS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. THE WINDOW REGULATOR, BATTERY CABLE, TANK LEVEL SENSOR, CLUTCH FAN, SERPENTINE BELT, TIGHT OUTER TIE ROD, HOOD LATCH,WATER PUMP, WERE ALL REPLACED. ALSO, THE ROTORS WERE WARPED, DUE TO RUST BY CLIMATE, THE REAR BRAKES PADS WERE WORN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FRONT ROTORS WERE MACHINED. THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT SURGE AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THERE WAS A SQUEALING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE BLOWING OUT. THE TAIL LIGHT CIRCUIT BOARD WAS REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DUE TO A FAULTY EMISSION VENT VALVE AND HOSE ASSEMBLY. THE ABS WAS ENGAGING, WHEN COMING TO A STOP. UPDATED 10/01/14

NHTSA ODI #10615557

104,000 miles · Oct 21, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

WENT FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND MY TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK HANDLE WAS RUSTED OFF (KIND OF HARD TO REMOVE IT). I CAN'T FIND ANYWHERE THAT REPLACES THEM EITHER.... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10481292

140,000 miles · Sep 21, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

THE BLOWER/FAN ON THE AIR CONDITIONER/HEATER STOPPED WORKING. IT FIRST BEGAN WITH #4 AND #5 ON THE FAN SELECTOR SWITCH NOT WORKING, BUT THEN IT STOPPED ALTOGETHER. AFTER DOING RESEARCH THIS BLOWER MOTOR PROBLEM IS VERY POPULAR AMONGST THESE VEHICLES. ALSO, THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE DASH HASN'T WORKED IN ABOUT 3 YEARS. AFTER DOIN…

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THE BLOWER/FAN ON THE AIR CONDITIONER/HEATER STOPPED WORKING. IT FIRST BEGAN WITH #4 AND #5 ON THE FAN SELECTOR SWITCH NOT WORKING, BUT THEN IT STOPPED ALTOGETHER. AFTER DOING RESEARCH THIS BLOWER MOTOR PROBLEM IS VERY POPULAR AMONGST THESE VEHICLES. ALSO, THE FUEL GAUGE ON THE DASH HASN'T WORKED IN ABOUT 3 YEARS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS DUE TO THE FUEL SENSOR IN THE FUEL TANK. AGAIN, THIS IS VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE WITHIN THE TRAILBLAZER COMMUNITY. I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF $774 FOR THE BLOWER MOTOR TO BE FIXED AND $600 FOR THE FUEL GAUGE TO BE FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10476650

300 miles · Feb 14, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS UNINTENDEDLY FAILED TO …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS UNINTENDEDLY FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN ACTIVATED ON TWENTY SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER EIGHTS TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURES. THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300. SM.

NHTSA ODI #10447964

55,000 miles · Feb 12, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling

AFTER WAITING AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AS YOU GO TO ACCELERATE THE RPMS OF THE MOTOR DROP OF BY 100 TO 200 THEN PICK UP. ON SOME OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WILL STALL LEAVING ME IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION TRYING TO START MY CAR. I HAVE SPENT ALMOST $2000 DIAGNOSING THIS PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTION …

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AFTER WAITING AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AS YOU GO TO ACCELERATE THE RPMS OF THE MOTOR DROP OF BY 100 TO 200 THEN PICK UP. ON SOME OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE WILL STALL LEAVING ME IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION TRYING TO START MY CAR. I HAVE SPENT ALMOST $2000 DIAGNOSING THIS PROBLEM WITH NO SOLUTION IN SIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10447703

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

MY GAS GAUGE ALWAYS READS EMPTY EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS FULL. ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS GOES ON AND OFF BETWEEN A MATTER OF DAYS. RECENTLY MY HEAT WENT OUT IN MY CAR WE CHANGED THE RESISTOR AND FOUND OUT ONE OF THE PRONGS WERE BURNT OUT. A WEEK LATER THE HEAT WENT OUT AGAIN. LOOKED AT THE RESISTOR AND THE SAME PRONG WAS BURNT OUT!! I'M …

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MY GAS GAUGE ALWAYS READS EMPTY EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS FULL. ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS GOES ON AND OFF BETWEEN A MATTER OF DAYS. RECENTLY MY HEAT WENT OUT IN MY CAR WE CHANGED THE RESISTOR AND FOUND OUT ONE OF THE PRONGS WERE BURNT OUT. A WEEK LATER THE HEAT WENT OUT AGAIN. LOOKED AT THE RESISTOR AND THE SAME PRONG WAS BURNT OUT!! I'M GETTING REALLY FED UP WITH THIS VEHICLE! *KB

NHTSA ODI #10446682

15,000 miles · Dec 16, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL SPORADICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE CURRENT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL SPORADICALLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10440158

100,000 miles · Nov 7, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY JERK FORWARD AS IF IT WERE ATTEMPTING TO STALL. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD NOT OPERATE PROPERLY AND WOULD READ EMPTY AFTER SHE WOULD REFILL THE TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY JERK FORWARD AS IF IT WERE ATTEMPTING TO STALL. IN ADDITION, THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD NOT OPERATE PROPERLY AND WOULD READ EMPTY AFTER SHE WOULD REFILL THE TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10434435

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.