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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

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

435 reports
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65,075 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineFuel System, Other

FUEL SENSOR HAS TO BE REPLACE AGAIN (2ND TIME). *KB

NHTSA ODI #10413952

110,000 miles · Jul 20, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER'S FUEL GAUGE SHOWED A READING OF ALMOST 1/2 FULL, BUT WAS ACTUALLY EMPTY. AS A RESULT, MY TRAILBLAZER'S ENGINE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND I NARROWLY MISSED BEING REAR ENDED BY A TRACTOR TRAILER. BEFORE I COULD GET OFF THE HIGHWAY. I RESEARCHED THE SITUATION AND FOUND THAT WILDLY FLUCTUA…

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MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER'S FUEL GAUGE SHOWED A READING OF ALMOST 1/2 FULL, BUT WAS ACTUALLY EMPTY. AS A RESULT, MY TRAILBLAZER'S ENGINE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND I NARROWLY MISSED BEING REAR ENDED BY A TRACTOR TRAILER. BEFORE I COULD GET OFF THE HIGHWAY. I RESEARCHED THE SITUATION AND FOUND THAT WILDLY FLUCTUATING FUEL GAUGES ARE COMMON IN THIS GM MODEL. IN MY OPINION THIS DEFECT COULD LEAD TO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #10414474

50,000 miles · Jul 20, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineFuel System, Other

WHEN MY MILEAGE ON MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000, THE FUEL GAUGE SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING AND READS THAT THERE IS AN EMPTY TANK DESPITE BEING FILLED TO CAPACITY. FROM MY UNDERSTANDING, THIS IS A SYSTEMIC FAULT WITH THE FUEL SENDING UNIT IN THE 2005-06 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER MODELS THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF PUTTI…

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WHEN MY MILEAGE ON MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000, THE FUEL GAUGE SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING AND READS THAT THERE IS AN EMPTY TANK DESPITE BEING FILLED TO CAPACITY. FROM MY UNDERSTANDING, THIS IS A SYSTEMIC FAULT WITH THE FUEL SENDING UNIT IN THE 2005-06 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER MODELS THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL OF PUTTING CONSUMERS AT GREAT RISK DUE TO THE POTENTIAL OF RUNNING OUT OF GAS ON EXPRESSWAYS, HIGHWAYS, ETC. AND, AS A RESULT OF AN UNEXPECTED LOSS OF MOBILITY, BEING UNNECESSARILY SUBJECT TO IMMINENT PERSONAL HARM FROM OTHER VEHICLES. I HAVE LODGED A PERSONAL COMPLAINT WITH GM AND UNDERSTAND THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS DEFECT IN THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AS BEING A SYSTEM PROBLEM, BUT HAVE FAILED TO ISSUE ANY VOLUNTARY RECALL OF THE PART. DUE TO THE INDIVIDUAL COST OF APPROXIMATELY $800 FOR A CONSUMER TO PROCURE THIS REPAIR (WHICH ALMOST ALWAYS SEEMS TO OCCUR WHEN THESE VEHICLES HAVE SURPASSED 40,000 MILES AND ARE THEREFORE OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD), I BELIEVE IT IS VERY LIKELY THAT A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF THOSE CONSUMERS AFFECTED BY THIS PART FAILURE, ESPECIALLY IN THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE, WILL BE FINANCIALLY UNABLE TO AFFORD THE COST OF REPAIRING THIS DEFECTIVE PART ON THEIR OWN AND WILL, ACCORDINGLY, BE SUBJECT TO UNNECESSARY AND SUBSTANTIAL RISK GIVEN THE POTENTIAL FOR THEM TO FIND THEIR VEHICLES OUT OF GAS WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHATSOEVER. MOREOVER, THE POTENTIAL FOR COLLISIONS DUE TO THE SUDDEN DECELERATION OR STRANDED VEHICLES ON THE ROADWAYS ALSO POSES A SUBSTANTIAL THREAT TO OTHER DRIVERS THAT IS ENTIRELY UNNECESSARY AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10413810

80,000 miles · Jul 16, 2011
EquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN DEC 2010 FOR MY BIRTHDAY, THEN STARTED SMELLING GAS SO TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE FLOATER IN GAS TANK AND IT WAS FINE FOR AWHILE, THEN ONE DAY I WENT AND FILLED UP THE TANK, GOT IN AND STARTED IT UP AND IT SAID EMPTY AND HAD THE LIGHT ON (WHEN I KNEW IT WAS FULL), SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD…

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I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN DEC 2010 FOR MY BIRTHDAY, THEN STARTED SMELLING GAS SO TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE FLOATER IN GAS TANK AND IT WAS FINE FOR AWHILE, THEN ONE DAY I WENT AND FILLED UP THE TANK, GOT IN AND STARTED IT UP AND IT SAID EMPTY AND HAD THE LIGHT ON (WHEN I KNEW IT WAS FULL), SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO RELY ON THE MILES TO KNOW IF I STILL HAVE GAS, WHICH IS HARD TO DO IF YOU DON'T FILL IT UP ALL THE TIME. I AM AFRAID OF HAVING MY GRANDSONS WITH ME ONE DAY AND RUNNING OUT OF GAS BECAUSE IT DON'T WORK..PLEASE RECALL THIS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO NOT KNOW IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH GAS WHEN YOU HAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED SINCE IT WAS JUST FIXED A FEW MONTHS AGO. WILL THIS BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM? I GREW UP WITH CHEVY'S MY DAD USE TO SAY WE WERE CHEVY COUNTRY AND MY UNCLE'S VEHICLES WERE FOUND ON THE ROAD DEAD (FORD) I USE TO BELIEVE THAT CHEVY WAS BEST VEHICLE MADE, BUT THIS IS CHANGING MY MIND. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10413168

80,000 miles · Jul 16, 2011
EquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN DEC 2010 FOR MY BIRTHDAY, THEN STARTED SMELLING GAS SO TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE FLOATER IN GAS TANK AND IT WAS FINE FOR AWHILE, THEN ONE DAY I WENT AND FILLED UP THE TANK, GOT IN AND STARTED IT UP AND IT SAID EMPTY AND HAD THE LIGHT ON (WHEN I KNEW IT WAS FULL), SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD…

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I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IN DEC 2010 FOR MY BIRTHDAY, THEN STARTED SMELLING GAS SO TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE FLOATER IN GAS TANK AND IT WAS FINE FOR AWHILE, THEN ONE DAY I WENT AND FILLED UP THE TANK, GOT IN AND STARTED IT UP AND IT SAID EMPTY AND HAD THE LIGHT ON (WHEN I KNEW IT WAS FULL), SINCE THEN I HAVE HAD TO RELY ON THE MILES TO KNOW IF I STILL HAVE GAS, WHICH IS HARD TO DO IF YOU DON'T FILL IT UP ALL THE TIME. I AM AFRAID OF HAVING MY GRANDSONS WITH ME ONE DAY AND RUNNING OUT OF GAS BECAUSE IT DON'T WORK..PLEASE RECALL THIS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO NOT KNOW IF YOU HAVE ENOUGH GAS WHEN YOU HAVE TO GO SOMEWHERE. THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED SINCE IT WAS JUST FIXED A FEW MONTHS AGO. WILL THIS BE AN ONGOING PROBLEM? I GREW UP WITH CHEVY'S MY DAD USE TO SAY WE WERE CHEVY COUNTRY AND MY UNCLE'S VEHICLES WERE FOUND ON THE ROAD DEAD (FORD) I USE TO BELIEVE THAT CHEVY WAS BEST VEHICLE MADE, BUT THIS IS CHANGING MY MIND. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10413167

50,000 miles · Jul 16, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE VEHICLE'S GAS GUAGE BEGAN FLUCTUATING AND HAS SINCE COMPLETELY WENT OUT. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10413127

91,000 miles · Jul 15, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN INACCURATE EMPTY READING. THE FUEL GAUGE ADJUSTED AND BEGAN TO DISPLAY VARIOUS IMPROPER READINGS ONCE THE CONTACT BEGAN TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED ON A F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN INACCURATE EMPTY READING. THE FUEL GAUGE ADJUSTED AND BEGAN TO DISPLAY VARIOUS IMPROPER READINGS ONCE THE CONTACT BEGAN TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED ON A FEW OCCASIONS WHEN THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN EMPTY READING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,600. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10413087

81,000 miles · Jul 12, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAS FAULTY FUEL SENDING UNIT, MAKING VEHICLE SHOW INACCURATE LEVELS OF FUEL REMAINING. VEHICLE HAS RUN OUT OF FUEL AND STALLED ON SIDE OF ROAD DUE TO FAULTY READINGS. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10411919

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

2005 CHEVORLET TRAILBLAZER FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT REFLECT ACCURATE FUEL LEVEL EVEN AFTER FILLED UP AND LEADS TO AN UNAWARE LEVEL OF GAS BEING HELD WITHIN THE TANK. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10411886

66,465 miles · Jul 9, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL GAUGE READING ERRATICALLY, OFTEN READS EMPTY AFTER FILL-UP. SUSPECT FAULTY FUEL SENDING UNIT AS STATED BY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO SAID THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE FORM THIS MANUFACTURER.

NHTSA ODI #10412508

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.