IllustrationCAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. REVS UP REALLY HIGH WITHOUT ACCELERATION.
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
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
95 reportsMY GAS GAUGE READS EMPTY ALL THE TIME EVEN AFTER A FILL UP. IT NEVER MOVES. ALSO I HAVE REPLACED SHOCKS AND STRUTS ALL THE WAY AROUND THE VEHICAL BUT EVERY TIME YOU HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD IT SHAKES YOU FROM SIDE TO SIDE REALLY HARD.
I WENT TO THE GAS STATION AND FILLED UP MY TANK. I STARTED MY CAR AND THE GAUGE WAS NOT AT THE FILL LINE. THE GAUGE JUST BOUNCED UP AND DOWN AND THEN WENT BELOW THE EMPTY MARK MAKING THE CHIME GO OFF AND THE CAR RED "FUEL IS LOW". THIS WAS ON A SECONDARY CITY STREET.
I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT IN MAY 2005. A FEW YEARS AFTER PURCHASE THE GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING, I ATTEMPTED TO SEARCH THE WEB FOR RECALLS AND THERE WEREN'T ANY. EVENTUALLY IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN ON ITS OWN. SO I DIDNT THINK ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT IT. AROUND 2009, OR MAYBE LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I THEN FOUN…
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I PURCHASED THIS TRUCK BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT IN MAY 2005. A FEW YEARS AFTER PURCHASE THE GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING, I ATTEMPTED TO SEARCH THE WEB FOR RECALLS AND THERE WEREN'T ANY. EVENTUALLY IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN ON ITS OWN. SO I DIDNT THINK ANYTHING ELSE ABOUT IT. AROUND 2009, OR MAYBE LATER, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I THEN FOUND OUT THERE WAS A WAY TO GET IT REPLACED FOR FREE BUT IT HAD STIPULATIONS. LESS THAN 10 YEARS OLD AND UNDER 100K MILES. WELL AT THE TIME IT WAS 108K-115K MILES AND I WAS DENIED. I MUST ADMIT I LOVE MY VEHICLE BUT TO THIS DAY I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING TO GET THE PUMP REPLACED WITHOUT HAVING TO PAY FOR IT AS IT WAS THE COMPANIES FAULT. I CALCULATE MY MILES BASED OFF THE "TRIP" INDICATOR ON THE DASH. I KNOW IT SEEMS SILLY, I MEAN IT WOULD BE MUCH EASIER TO JUST INVEST, I'M A BIT STUBBORN. SO INSTEAD, WHEN THE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE I KNOW MENTION BUYING A CAR I JUST TELL THEM DONT BUY A CHEVY, EVEN IF THEY HAVE AMAZING CARS. TRUTH BE TOLD NOT ONE FAMILY MEMBER HAS A CHEVY BECAUSE OF MY INCIDENT AND ANY NEW FAMILY MEMBERS WELL THEY AREN'T ALLOWED TO HAVE CHEVY EITHER. THANKS FOR LISTENING, I'M SURE IT WONT MATTER, EITHER WAY BUT THESE BLOGS AND COMPLAINT FORUMS MAKE ME FEEL BETTER. (MY CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN IT STOPPED WORKING, TRAVELLING FROM ONE STATE TO ANOTHER, ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY)
FUEL GAUGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I CHECKED WITH DEALER AND THE NHTSA WEBSITE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT GM WILL NOT HONOR THE SERVICE BULLETIN. ACCORDING TO GM I WAS MAILED OUT A SERVICE NOTICE ON MY VEHICLE IN 2011 WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED. # 10041526 . I CHECKED WITH THE GMC DEALER ABOUT THIS SERVICE BULLETIN AND T…
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FUEL GAUGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. I CHECKED WITH DEALER AND THE NHTSA WEBSITE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT GM WILL NOT HONOR THE SERVICE BULLETIN. ACCORDING TO GM I WAS MAILED OUT A SERVICE NOTICE ON MY VEHICLE IN 2011 WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED. # 10041526 . I CHECKED WITH THE GMC DEALER ABOUT THIS SERVICE BULLETIN AND THE THEY TOLD ME TO BRING MY VEHICLE IN FOR REPAIRS. WELL THE DEALER CALLED AND TOLD ME THAT MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF THE PARAMETERS FOR A COST FREE REPAIR. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW BACK AND 2005 AND I HAVE KEPT UP WITH THE REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE. THE DEALERSHIP I HAVE THIS SERVICED AT OVER THE YEARS NEVER DID ANY REPAIRS ON THIS SERVICE BULLETIN. I AM A OIF ARMY VETERAN AND I CAN NOT CURRENTLY AFFORD THIS $900 REPAIR. I TOLD CUSTOMER SERVICE AT CHEVY ABOUT THIS AND ALL THEY OFFERED WAS A CHEVY LOYALTY CAR. REALLY YOUR KIDDING ME?
FUEL GAGE IS NOT SHOWING THE FUEL LEVEL , SO IT LOOKS LIKE ITS EMPTY ALL THE TIME AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING AND ON WINDSHIELD URETHANE BEAD MAY NOT HAVE ADHERED TO THE BODY IN CERTAIN AREAS DURING THE CURE PROCESS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO PROVIDE AN ACCURATE READING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO PROVIDE AN ACCURATE READING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
LIGHTS GO OUT/DIM WHILE DRIVING. NO ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL ITEMS IN USE-HEATER, AC, GPS, RADIO, CIGARETTE LIGHTER. DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE AFFECTED OR CAUSED BY SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION. FULE TANK WILL SOMETIMES REGISTER EMPTY WHILE MOSTLY FULL. DO NOT NOTICE PROBLEM DURING DAYLIGHT DRIVING.
I NOTICED MY BATTERY GUAGE QUIT. THEN AFTER STARTING MY TRUCK A FEW DIFFERENT TIMES, THE GAS GUAGE READ DIFFERENTLY. THEN MY SPEEDOMETER WDULD STICK ON 100 WHEN I WAS DOING APPROXIMATLY 60. THEN THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON IT. MY FRIEND HAS A 2005 ALSO AND HER CLUSTER PANNEL WENT OUT …
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I NOTICED MY BATTERY GUAGE QUIT. THEN AFTER STARTING MY TRUCK A FEW DIFFERENT TIMES, THE GAS GUAGE READ DIFFERENTLY. THEN MY SPEEDOMETER WDULD STICK ON 100 WHEN I WAS DOING APPROXIMATLY 60. THEN THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON IT. MY FRIEND HAS A 2005 ALSO AND HER CLUSTER PANNEL WENT OUT TOO. ITS A 400.00 REPAIR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO QUITE A FEW 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZERS FROM WHAT IVE READ ONLINE. COME ON GENERAL MOTORS. YOU NEED TO RECALL THESE MODELS.
GAS GAUGE REGISTERS EMPTY REGARDLESS OF AMOUNT OF GASOLINE IN TANK.
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.