IllustrationTHE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY WENT OUT. CAR COMPLETELY DIED. IT'S AN $1,100 FIX AND I'VE BEEN HEARING THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE TRAILBLAZER. NO NOTED RECALL YET. WANTED TO REPORT THE PROBLEM. *TR
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 reportsI WENT TO GAS STATION AND FILLED UP MY GAS TANK. WHEN I LEFT THE GAS STATION, MY FUEL LIGHT WAS ON SHOWING MY GAS TANK WAS EMPTY. OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS, THE GAS GAGE WOULD GO UP AND DOWN AND NOT SHOW THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF GAS. NOW, IT ALWAYS SHOWS EMPTY WITH THE GAS LIGHT ON. THIS IS AN ISSUE NOT KNOWING HOW MUCH GAS I HA…
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I WENT TO GAS STATION AND FILLED UP MY GAS TANK. WHEN I LEFT THE GAS STATION, MY FUEL LIGHT WAS ON SHOWING MY GAS TANK WAS EMPTY. OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS, THE GAS GAGE WOULD GO UP AND DOWN AND NOT SHOW THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF GAS. NOW, IT ALWAYS SHOWS EMPTY WITH THE GAS LIGHT ON. THIS IS AN ISSUE NOT KNOWING HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE AT ANY TIME. *TR
FUEL SENSOR DOES NOT WORK ! AFTER FILLING GAS TANK COMPLETELY, FUEL GAUGE STILL READS EMPTY. GAUGE CAN SOMETIMES READ UP TO HALF, THEN DROPS TO A QUARTER, THEN JUST DROPS TO EMPTY WHENEVER IT PLEASES. ALSO, SOMETIMES THE SPEEDOMETER ACTS VERY "TWITCHY". I HAVE READ MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THESE SAME EXACT ISSUES AND…
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FUEL SENSOR DOES NOT WORK ! AFTER FILLING GAS TANK COMPLETELY, FUEL GAUGE STILL READS EMPTY. GAUGE CAN SOMETIMES READ UP TO HALF, THEN DROPS TO A QUARTER, THEN JUST DROPS TO EMPTY WHENEVER IT PLEASES. ALSO, SOMETIMES THE SPEEDOMETER ACTS VERY "TWITCHY". I HAVE READ MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THESE SAME EXACT ISSUES AND FEEL THAT A FULL RECALL IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. *TR
GAS GAUGE WAS READING INACCURATELY RESULTING IN CAR STALL. ALSO, SPEEDOMETER IS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY - WILL START OUT ANYWHERE FROM 5 MPH TO 45 MPG OVER FROM STANDSTILL. *TR
MY FUEL GAUGE IS NOT ACCURATE SOMETIMES. IT SAYS THERE IS FUEL WHEN THERE IS NOT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE ALWAYS READ EMPTY ALTHOUGH THE FUEL TANK WAS COMPLETELY FULL. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE ALWAYS READ EMPTY ALTHOUGH THE FUEL TANK WAS COMPLETELY FULL. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 156,000.
AFTER FILLING UP MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER, MY GAS NEEDLE WENT TO EMPTY AND THE LIGHT CAME ON. THE NEXT MORNING MY GAS GAUGE WAS ON FULL BUT THEN IT STARTED MOVING INTERMITTENTLY AND HAS NOT STOPPED SINCE. I AM NEVER SURE HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE AND DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER P…
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AFTER FILLING UP MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER, MY GAS NEEDLE WENT TO EMPTY AND THE LIGHT CAME ON. THE NEXT MORNING MY GAS GAUGE WAS ON FULL BUT THEN IT STARTED MOVING INTERMITTENTLY AND HAS NOT STOPPED SINCE. I AM NEVER SURE HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE AND DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR REPAIRS. AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER PEOPLE WHO ALSO HAVE A 2005 TRAILBLAZER, IT SEEMS THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FROM GM. THEY ARE OFFERING A "DEAL" AS THEY CALL IT WHERE THEY WILL REPLACE THE FUEL SENSOR IF YOU HAVE LESS THAN 120,000 MILES BUT YOU STILL HALF TO PAY FOR HALF OF THE REPAIR AND GM WILL PAY THE OTHER HALF. THIS IS NOT A "DEAL", IT SHOULD BE COVERED BY GM AT 100%!
GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING THEN WOULD OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY ALTHOUGH INCORRECTLY. RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR 2005 TRAILBLAZERS. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND FOUND THERE IS A SPECIAL "SECRET" POLICY COVERING THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE INCLUDED THE RESPONSE FROM THE SERVICE DEPA…
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GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING THEN WOULD OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY ALTHOUGH INCORRECTLY. RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR 2005 TRAILBLAZERS. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP AND FOUND THERE IS A SPECIAL "SECRET" POLICY COVERING THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE INCLUDED THE RESPONSE FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT: "I HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A GREAT DAY. I DO SEE THAT YOUR VEHICLE DOES FALL UNDER THE SPECIAL POLICY 10054 WHICH EXTENDS THE WARRANTY WITH A 50/50 SPLIT UNTIL 3/30/2016 OR 120,000 MILES ON THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. IF THE ISSUE YOU ARE EXPERIENCING IS BEING CAUSED BY THE SENSOR GM WOULD PAY FOR HALF THE REPAIR AND YOU WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OTHER 50% OF THE COST WHICH YOUR PORTION WOULD BE AROUND $200-$250.00. WE WOULD HAVE TO DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE FIRST BUT IF THE CAUSE IS THE SENSOR COVERED BY THE SPECIAL POLICY YOU WOULD ONLY OWE THE AFOREMENTIONED 50% OF THE REPAIR. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SET AN APPOINTMENT YOU CAN EITHER REPLY TO THIS EMAIL OR CALL US DIRECT AT 414-425-7180. IF YOU SHOULD HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO LET ME KNOW." THEY WANT $99 FOR A DIAGNOSIS TO DETERMINE IF I QUALIFY FOR A 50/50 SPLIT ON REPAIRS FOR THEIR DESIGN PROBLEM. THIS IS A RIPOFF. *TR
THE FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, AND GM'S ONLY REMEDY IS TO SCREW OVER CONSUMERS BY MAKING THEM PAY FOR A KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART OUT OF POCKET. THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED AND FIXED AT GM'S EXPENSE, OR THEY SHOULD AT LEAST OFFER A DISCOUNT. THEIR $800.00 ESTIMATE IS SILLY. *TR
THE TRAILBLAZER STALLED WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THE CAR'S GAS GAUGE DID NOT REPORT THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. THE GAUGE WENT OUT PERMANENTLY A SHORT TIME LATER. *TR
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.