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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.

About this comparison →

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

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

95 reports
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75,000 miles · Apr 16, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE READ INACCURATELY NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND/OR THE COMPUTER CHIP THAT CONTROLS THE FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER OFFERED TO COVER HA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE READ INACCURATELY NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND/OR THE COMPUTER CHIP THAT CONTROLS THE FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER OFFERED TO COVER HALF THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

NHTSA ODI #10508436

92,000 miles · Apr 16, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

THE FUEL GUAGE FLUCTUATES BETWEEN EMPTY AND FULL AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508384

94,000 miles · Apr 15, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

GAS GAUGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508339

68,900 miles · Apr 1, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SHOWS THAT THE FUEL LEVEL READS EMPTY AFTER REFUELING TO CAPACITY. THE FUEL SENSOR LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. ONCE ON THE INTERSTATE FOR APPX 50 MILES THE LEVEL RESUMES. NO TELLING HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN TANK AFTER FILLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR NEEDS T…

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MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SHOWS THAT THE FUEL LEVEL READS EMPTY AFTER REFUELING TO CAPACITY. THE FUEL SENSOR LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. ONCE ON THE INTERSTATE FOR APPX 50 MILES THE LEVEL RESUMES. NO TELLING HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN TANK AFTER FILLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10505176

73,000 miles · Mar 31, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

I HAD JUST FILLED UP MY SUV, AND WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, MY FUEL GAUGE STARTED DROPPING WITHIN A MINUTES TIME, TO 3/4 TANK, 1/2 TANK, 1/4 TANK, THEN THE FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AND STATED I WAS ON EMPTY. I DIDN'T SMELL GASOLINE, BUT THE GAUGE THEN STARTED GOING BACK UP, THEN DOWN AND WENT HAYWIRE. AFTER SOME OF THE GAS WAS USED, IT WEN…

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I HAD JUST FILLED UP MY SUV, AND WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, MY FUEL GAUGE STARTED DROPPING WITHIN A MINUTES TIME, TO 3/4 TANK, 1/2 TANK, 1/4 TANK, THEN THE FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AND STATED I WAS ON EMPTY. I DIDN'T SMELL GASOLINE, BUT THE GAUGE THEN STARTED GOING BACK UP, THEN DOWN AND WENT HAYWIRE. AFTER SOME OF THE GAS WAS USED, IT WENT BACK UP TO ALMOST FULL, BUT AFTER A BIT, IT DROPPED BACK DOWN TO HALF TANK AGAIN. EVERY SUBSEQUENT TIME I FILL UP, THE GAUGE DOES THE SAME THING. ANOTHER INCIDENT THAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS IS THE HEAD LIGHTS DIM AND GET BRIGHTER. THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, BUT AT LEAST THREE TIMES A WEEK. I DIDN'T THINK TOO MUCH ABOUT IT UNTIL I SAW OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE ABOUT THE SAME THING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10505166

76,000 miles · Mar 25, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK DISPLAYED A FUEL LEVEL READING OF EMPTY AFTER REFUELING TO CAPACITY. THE FUEL SENSOR LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK DISPLAYED A FUEL LEVEL READING OF EMPTY AFTER REFUELING TO CAPACITY. THE FUEL SENSOR LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

NHTSA ODI #10504385

112,539 miles · Feb 25, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. SECOND INCIDENT AT A LATER DATE, THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING CORRECTLY, THIRD INCIDENT AT A DIFFERENT TIME, THE FUEL GAUGE READS INCORRECTLY, FOURTH INCIDENT, THE BATTERY GAUGE IS WORKING SPORADICALLY. MOST OF THE TIME THE GAUGES DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY OR NOT AT ALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10500065

95,000 miles · Jan 21, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. WILL NOT REGISTER GAS IN TANK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10493695

107,000 miles · Jan 16, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

WHILE WAITING IN LINE OF A CAR WASH MY CHEVY TRAILBLAZER SHUT OFF AND A STRONG SMELL OF GAS FILLED THE VEHICLE WHILE WHAT APPEARED TO BE GAS LEAKED FROM UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT. AFTER DOING SOME READING ON THE ISSUE I'M DISCOVERING THIS IS HAPPENING REGULARLY TO CHEVROLET VEHICLES AND RECALLS ARE NOT BEING MADE. HAD WE BEEN O…

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WHILE WAITING IN LINE OF A CAR WASH MY CHEVY TRAILBLAZER SHUT OFF AND A STRONG SMELL OF GAS FILLED THE VEHICLE WHILE WHAT APPEARED TO BE GAS LEAKED FROM UNDER THE DRIVER SEAT. AFTER DOING SOME READING ON THE ISSUE I'M DISCOVERING THIS IS HAPPENING REGULARLY TO CHEVROLET VEHICLES AND RECALLS ARE NOT BEING MADE. HAD WE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY OR A BUSY STREET WHERE PEOPLE CONSTANTLY FLICK CIGARETTES OUT THE WINDOW, THIS COULD HAVE PLAYED OUT DIFFERENTLY. I UNDERSTAND THAT IT CAN BE COSTLY TO HAVE A RECALL BUT MY WHOLE FAMILY WAS IN THE SUV AND FROM THE SOUND OF IT SO WERE OTHER FAMILY'S. I HAVE HAD NO MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE AND VERY UPSET THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED AND COST LESS IF A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVROLET FOR NOT VALUING THEIR CUSTOMERS! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10493143

55,000 miles · Jan 6, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

REFUELED WITH GAS AND GAUGE DID NOT GO UP. EVER SINCE, GAUGE DOES NOT SHOW PROPER LEVEL OF GAS IN TANK. GOT A LETTER FROM GM BUT THEY WANT ME TO PAY HALF TO REPAIR IT WHICH TOTAL COST IS $266.00 MY COST IS $133.00 GM KNOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM AND SHOULD OFFER A TOTAL RECALL INSTEAD OF A RIP-OFF OF 50-50 TO THE CUSTOMER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10491609

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.