IllustrationFUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. WHEN I FILL UP AT THE GAS STATION, THE GAUGE SAYS E AND THE LIGHT COMES ON. I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE OR WHEN I WILL RUN 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 reportsVEHICLE RAN OUT OF FUEL, WHEN FUEL GAUGE READ 1/4 TANK FULL. INCIDENT WAS AT AN INTERCHANGE OF I-485 IN DAYLIGHT HOURS IN CHARLOTTE N.C.
MY CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER RAN OUT OF GAS BECAUSE THE GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH NO FUEL AND NO A/C IN 95 DEGREE TEMPERATURES. *TR
FUEL GAUGE IS CONSTANTLY ON EMPTY. DINGS CONSTANTLY. FILL IT OFTEN BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL SHUT OFF ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD OR NOT. I HAVE TRIED PUTTING IN 5.00 OR FILLING THE TANK. IT NEVER GOES TO FULL ON THE GAUGE. IT IS GETTING WORSE, USED TO GO TO HALF, NOW ONLY GOES TO QUARTER FULL EVEN WHEN I FILL IT…
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FUEL GAUGE IS CONSTANTLY ON EMPTY. DINGS CONSTANTLY. FILL IT OFTEN BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW IF IT WILL SHUT OFF ON ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD OR NOT. I HAVE TRIED PUTTING IN 5.00 OR FILLING THE TANK. IT NEVER GOES TO FULL ON THE GAUGE. IT IS GETTING WORSE, USED TO GO TO HALF, NOW ONLY GOES TO QUARTER FULL EVEN WHEN I FILL IT UP. *TR
SHORTLY AFTER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY EXPIRED, THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR OF MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER STOPPED WORKING PROPERLY. THE GAS GAGE READS EMPTY EVEN WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. IT OCCASIONALLY MOVES FROM EMPTY TO 1/4 TANK, 1/2 TANK, THEN BACK TO EMPTY AGAIN. I WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $500 T…
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SHORTLY AFTER THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY EXPIRED, THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR OF MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER STOPPED WORKING PROPERLY. THE GAS GAGE READS EMPTY EVEN WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. IT OCCASIONALLY MOVES FROM EMPTY TO 1/4 TANK, 1/2 TANK, THEN BACK TO EMPTY AGAIN. I WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALER THAT IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $500 TO FIX. I NEVER KNOW EXACTLY HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK, SO I FIND MYSELF GOING TO THE GAS STATION ALMOST EVERY OTHER DAY. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED ON SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY A FEW TIMES (THANK GOODNESS FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE). HOWEVER, IT IS VERY DISHEARTENING TO KNOW THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO ENSURE THAT GM IS BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE QUALITY OF THEIR PARTS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN IMPROPER READING WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED AN IMPROPER READING WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
I HAVE A 2005 TRAILBLAZER THAT SOMETIME THE GAS GUAGE WORKS AND SOMETIMES IT WON'T . I HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WITH 2005 TRAILBLAZER AND THEY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED THE INCORRECT READING AND THE FUEL LIGHT INDICATOR DISPLAYED THAT THE FUEL WAS LOW WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,00…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED THE INCORRECT READING AND THE FUEL LIGHT INDICATOR DISPLAYED THAT THE FUEL WAS LOW WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,200.
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE "KNOWN" PROBLEMS WITH IT. THE MOST RECENT ISSUE IS WITH THE GAS GAUGE. WHEN I FILL MY TANK, THE GAUGE SHOWS AS EMPTY AND DINGS AT ME FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN WILL SUDDENLY JUMP TO 3/4 OF A TANK. ALSO, I WATCH MY MILEAGE BECAUSE I NORMALLY REFILL MY TANK AROUND 300 MILES AND…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE "KNOWN" PROBLEMS WITH IT. THE MOST RECENT ISSUE IS WITH THE GAS GAUGE. WHEN I FILL MY TANK, THE GAUGE SHOWS AS EMPTY AND DINGS AT ME FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN WILL SUDDENLY JUMP TO 3/4 OF A TANK. ALSO, I WATCH MY MILEAGE BECAUSE I NORMALLY REFILL MY TANK AROUND 300 MILES AND IT SEEMS TO STILL SHOW THAT I HAVE 1/4 OF A TANK AT 300 MILES. UNLESS I'M SUDDENLY GETTING MUCH BETTER GAS MILEAGE, THIS ISN'T POSSIBLE, SO I FILL MY TANK TO BE SAFE. I'M BEING TOLD THIS IS YET ANOTHER "KNOWN" ISSUE AND IT WILL COST ANOTHER $800 TO FIX IT. I'VE HAD 3 "KNOWN" ISSUE IN THE LAST YEAR AND EACH OF THEM SEEM TO COST $800 TO FIX. IF I RUN OUT OF GAS WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR, IT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS SINCE MOST OF MY DRIVING IS DONE ON THE INTERSTATE OR EXPRESSWAY. *TR
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. THE FUEL SYSTEM GAUGE IS MALFUNCTIONING. I RAN OUT OF GAS ON A BUSY STREET TWICE BEFORE THE SYSTEM COMPLETELY FAILED AND I REALIZED THE ISSUE WAS WITH THE GAUGE. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND DEALERS AND THEY SAY IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE SO THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS IS A PERVASIVE PROBLEM AND A MANU…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. THE FUEL SYSTEM GAUGE IS MALFUNCTIONING. I RAN OUT OF GAS ON A BUSY STREET TWICE BEFORE THE SYSTEM COMPLETELY FAILED AND I REALIZED THE ISSUE WAS WITH THE GAUGE. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND DEALERS AND THEY SAY IT IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE SO THERE IS NO RECALL. THIS IS A PERVASIVE PROBLEM AND A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND CERTAINLY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CREATE SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES IF YOUR VEHICLES STALLS ON ANY BUSY STREET. DEALERS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM FOR $600-$800. *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.