Illustration2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER FUEL SENSOR WORN OUT. *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 System, Gasoline complaints
435 reportsMY CAR'S GAS GAUGE READS THAT I HAVE 0 GAS WHEN I DO. I'VE FILLED IT UP SO MANY TIMES,ITS COSTING ME TOO MUCH MONEY TO KEEP FILLING IT UP. COST TO REPAIR $1000! *TR
GAS GAUGE FAILURE, IRREGULAR GAUGE READINGS THAT STARTED ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO. I HAVE BEEN USING THE TRIP TO WATCH MY MILEAGE AND FILL UP ABOUT EVER 250 MILES SO THAT I WON'T BE WITHOUT GAS ON THE HIGHWAY AS I LIVE IN A RURAL COMMUNITY AND THE LARGER TOWN IS 25 MILES AWAY. *TR
I OWN A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER, THE GAS GAUGE NO LONGER WORKS AFTER 45,000 MILES. IT IS STUCK ON EMPTY EVEN AFTER FILLING THE TANK. ONCE IN AWHILE IT MOVES UP BUT NEVER TO SHOW THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TANK. *TT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED A READING INDICATING THAT FUEL WAS PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK. ROADSIDE ASSISTANC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED A READING INDICATING THAT FUEL WAS PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO REFUEL THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHERE THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AND FUEL PUMP SENSOR WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED 09/28/2011 *LN *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT SATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED AND THE GAUGE WOULD READ EMPTY WHETHER THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL OR EMPTY. THE CONTACT RESET THE TRIP COMPUTER TO BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RUN OUT OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE FUEL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT SATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED AND THE GAUGE WOULD READ EMPTY WHETHER THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL OR EMPTY. THE CONTACT RESET THE TRIP COMPUTER TO BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RUN OUT OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE FUEL PUMP SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
GAS GAUGE QUIT WORKING. STEPPER MOTOR REPLACED, SUSPECTED FUEL SENSOR MALFUNCTION. SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON DEFECT IN THESE VEHICLES. *KB
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH A FAULTY FUEL GAUGE. A YEAR OR TWO AGO THE FUEL GAUGE STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES IT WOULD SHOW AN ACCURATE READING AND OTHER TIMES IT WOULD NOT. NOW THE FUEL GAUGE JUST SHOWS EMPTY 100% OF THE TIME, NO MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK. DUE TO THIS ISSUE, I HAVE RAN O…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH A FAULTY FUEL GAUGE. A YEAR OR TWO AGO THE FUEL GAUGE STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES IT WOULD SHOW AN ACCURATE READING AND OTHER TIMES IT WOULD NOT. NOW THE FUEL GAUGE JUST SHOWS EMPTY 100% OF THE TIME, NO MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK. DUE TO THIS ISSUE, I HAVE RAN OUT OF FUEL AND STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLS POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ARE LOST AND IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER A LARGE VEHICLE LIKE THIS WITHOUT THOSE SYSTEMS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY ARE STATING THAT THE PROBLEM IS A BAD FUEL SENDING UNIT AND THE COST TO REPAIR IS OVER $600. RESEARCHING THE ISSUE ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD ISSUE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ORDERED. *KB
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. I PURCHASED SAID VEHICLE AT THE END OF JULY-BEGINNING OF AUGUST 2007. I HAVE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE EXPERIENCE OF OWNING A CHEVY DUE TO NOT HAVING ANY ISSUES...WELL THAT WAS UNTIL DECEMBER 2009. I BEGAN NOTICING THAT MY GAS GAUGE WAS MALFUNCTIONING. I WOULD FILL UP THE TANK BUT IT WOULD READ EMPT…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. I PURCHASED SAID VEHICLE AT THE END OF JULY-BEGINNING OF AUGUST 2007. I HAVE THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THE EXPERIENCE OF OWNING A CHEVY DUE TO NOT HAVING ANY ISSUES...WELL THAT WAS UNTIL DECEMBER 2009. I BEGAN NOTICING THAT MY GAS GAUGE WAS MALFUNCTIONING. I WOULD FILL UP THE TANK BUT IT WOULD READ EMPTY, AND THAT PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE MY DISCOVERY. I CURRENTLY HAVE TO READ MY MILEAGE TO KNOW WHEN TO PUT GAS IN MY TANK. ADDITIONALLY, I HAVE RAN OUT OF GAS TWICE AND BOTH TIMES PUTTING MYSELF IN HARMS WAY AND DAMAGING MY FUEL PUMP (WHICH IS COSTLY). JUST TWO DAYS AGO I RAN OUT OF GAS ON A BUSY STREET, I DIDN'T PANIC, BUT I WAS A BIT NERVOUS. I HIT THE HAZARDS, AND PULLED UP MY EMERGENCY BRAKE (BECAUSE BRAKES AND STEERING WIELD FROZE UP). THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME SLAMMED ON BREAKS JUST MISSING ME BY INCHES. THIS IS NO WAY TO LIVE AND DRIVE. I'M SCARED TO GO OUT OF TOWN OR TAKE BACK ROADS BECAUSE I MAY GIVE OUT OF GAS IN AN AREA WHERE THERE IS NO CELL PHONE TOWER OR LOW TO NO SIGNALS. THIS HAS PUT ME IN A VERY BAD SPACE. *TR
GAS GAUGE FAILURE. *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.