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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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86,000 miles · Jun 15, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

PURCHASED A 2005 TRAILBLAZER AFTER TRADING IN A 2001 BLAZER. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH CHEVROLET UNTIL THIS UPGRADE. NOT LONG AFTER THE PURCHASE I STARTED RUNNING OUT OF FUEL AND THE CAR WOULD STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IN MY OPINION THE STALLING GETS SERIOUS WHEN YOU LIVE IN A LARGE CITY AND TRAFFIC MOVES FAST. I…

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PURCHASED A 2005 TRAILBLAZER AFTER TRADING IN A 2001 BLAZER. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH CHEVROLET UNTIL THIS UPGRADE. NOT LONG AFTER THE PURCHASE I STARTED RUNNING OUT OF FUEL AND THE CAR WOULD STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. IN MY OPINION THE STALLING GETS SERIOUS WHEN YOU LIVE IN A LARGE CITY AND TRAFFIC MOVES FAST. IT IS ALSO VERY DIFFICULT TO MAKE IT OFF THE ROAD WHEN YOU DO NOT KNOW YOU HAVE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS AS WELL. IT WASN'T UNTIL I BEGAN TRACKING MY MILEAGE AND HAVING IT INSPECTED THAT I FOUND IT WAS THE FUEL SENSOR. ROUGHLY IT WILL COST ABOUT 700 DOLLARS TO FIX. I AM STILL, AT THIS POINT, TRACKING MY MILEAGE WHICH IS A HEADACHE IN ITSELF. I HAVE SPOKE WITH THE DEALERSHIP MORE THAN ONCE AND THEY MADE IT CLEAR THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THAT IS ALSO MY PROBLEM. I WILL BE RETHINKING MY NEXT VEHICLE AND MY HUSBANDS AS WELL SINCE HE OWNS A 2003 IMPALA.

NHTSA ODI #10408009

78,144 miles · Jun 14, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. FAULTY GAS GAUGE. WAS FINE TODAY 6/14,2011 UNTIL I FILLED UP. GAUGE WENT FROM FULL AFTER FILLING TO SHOWING EMPTY AND HAS NOT REST ITSELF. NOTICED IN PAST THAT IT SEEMED TO BE STUCK AT 1/4 TANK BUT TOOK ALMOST 20 GALLONS TO FILL. GAUGE RESET AFTER A FEW MILES AND SEEMED TO BE FINE UNTIL TODAY. AND NOW T…

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2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. FAULTY GAS GAUGE. WAS FINE TODAY 6/14,2011 UNTIL I FILLED UP. GAUGE WENT FROM FULL AFTER FILLING TO SHOWING EMPTY AND HAS NOT REST ITSELF. NOTICED IN PAST THAT IT SEEMED TO BE STUCK AT 1/4 TANK BUT TOOK ALMOST 20 GALLONS TO FILL. GAUGE RESET AFTER A FEW MILES AND SEEMED TO BE FINE UNTIL TODAY. AND NOW TODAY, GAS GAUGE READS EMPTY ON A FULL TANK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10406882

97,000 miles · Jun 13, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD NEED TO BE RESET BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER RESET THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HOWEVER THE RESET WAS ONLY A T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD NEED TO BE RESET BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER RESET THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HOWEVER THE RESET WAS ONLY A TEMPORARY REPAIR. ONE YEAR LATER, AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

NHTSA ODI #10406186

68,000 miles · Jun 13, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

WE OWN A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND THE GAS GAUGE IS NOT WORKING. WHEN WE PUT FUEL INTO THE TANK IT REGISTERS ON FULL THEN QUICKLY WILL GO DOWN TO EMPTY. THE GAUGE WILL THEN GO UP TO HALF OR A QUARTER THEN BACK TO EMPTY. THEREFORE YOU ARE NEVER REALLY SURE OF THE AMOUNT OF GAS THERE IS IN THE TANK. WE TRY AND WATCH THE MILEA…

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WE OWN A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND THE GAS GAUGE IS NOT WORKING. WHEN WE PUT FUEL INTO THE TANK IT REGISTERS ON FULL THEN QUICKLY WILL GO DOWN TO EMPTY. THE GAUGE WILL THEN GO UP TO HALF OR A QUARTER THEN BACK TO EMPTY. THEREFORE YOU ARE NEVER REALLY SURE OF THE AMOUNT OF GAS THERE IS IN THE TANK. WE TRY AND WATCH THE MILEAGE TO USE THAT AS A GUIDE BUT WHEN WE ARE CONSTANTLY PUTTING IN A COUPLE OF GALLONS JUST BE SURE WE HAVE GAS WE LOSE TRACK. I AM SO AFRAID THAT I OR ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS WILL BE STRANDED FROM RUNNING OUT OF GAS. I TRIED CONTACTING CHEVROLET BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN ANY KIND OF RESOLUTION. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND FOUND MANY INSTANCES OF TRAILBLAZER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10406058

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WENT BAD ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER CAUSING ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS TWICE SO FAR. ONCE I WAS ON A RURAL ROAD, THE SECOND TIME I WAS ON THE THRUWAY AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10405943

82,000 miles · Jun 7, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

GAS GAUGE DOES NOT ACCURATELY ACCOUNT FOR WHAT IS IN THE FUEL TANK. AFTER FILLING THE TANK UP WITH GASOLINE THE GAUGE WILL GO TO EMPTY AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT WILL COME ON. THE GAUGE WILL MOVE FROM FULL TO EMPTY PERIODICALLY. HAVE BEEN USING THE DIGITAL FUEL USED READOUT TO GAUGE WHEN I NEED TO REFUEL.

NHTSA ODI #10406348

84,565 miles · Jun 3, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY, FUEL GAUGE BEGAN MOVING RADICALLY FROM EMPTY TO FULL AND NEVER STABILIZED. EACH TIME THE GAUGE APPROACHED THE "EMPTY" THE WARNING LIGHT AND ALARM WOULD SOUND. CONSTANT MOVEMENT OF FUEL GAUGE AND ALARM IS DISTRACTING TO DRIVER. INACCURATE FUEL MEASUREMENT CAUSES CONCERN FOR DIVER WHICH IS AN UNNECES…

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WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY, FUEL GAUGE BEGAN MOVING RADICALLY FROM EMPTY TO FULL AND NEVER STABILIZED. EACH TIME THE GAUGE APPROACHED THE "EMPTY" THE WARNING LIGHT AND ALARM WOULD SOUND. CONSTANT MOVEMENT OF FUEL GAUGE AND ALARM IS DISTRACTING TO DRIVER. INACCURATE FUEL MEASUREMENT CAUSES CONCERN FOR DIVER WHICH IS AN UNNECESSARY DISTRACTION FROM DRIVING THAT COULD LEAD TO ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #10405093

90,000 miles · Jun 3, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE CONSTANTLY DISPLAYED AN INACCURATE READING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE CONSTANTLY DISPLAYED AN INACCURATE READING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,000. UPDATED 07/20/11*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE RAN OUT OF FUEL ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL GAUGE READ FULL, WHEN THERE WAS NO GAS AND IT READ EMPTY, WHEN THERE WAS GAS. UPDATED 12/02/11

NHTSA ODI #10404294

70,000 miles · Jun 1, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE, REPORTS NO FUEL EVEN WHEN FUEL AVAILABLE, REPORTS 1/4 TANK OF FUEL AVAILABLE AND NO FUEL MAY BE AVAILABLE OR I MAY HAVE JUST FILLED THE TANK; ALSO REPORTS NO FUEL OR LOW FUEL WHEN TANK HAS BEEN FILLED. VEHICLE HAS STALLED OUT AND WOULD NOT START; WAS OUT OF FUEL BUT GAUGE INDICATED 1/4 TANK OF FUEL. OIL GAUGE…

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ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE, REPORTS NO FUEL EVEN WHEN FUEL AVAILABLE, REPORTS 1/4 TANK OF FUEL AVAILABLE AND NO FUEL MAY BE AVAILABLE OR I MAY HAVE JUST FILLED THE TANK; ALSO REPORTS NO FUEL OR LOW FUEL WHEN TANK HAS BEEN FILLED. VEHICLE HAS STALLED OUT AND WOULD NOT START; WAS OUT OF FUEL BUT GAUGE INDICATED 1/4 TANK OF FUEL. OIL GAUGE HAS ALSO BECOME ERRATIC; AND GOES FROM SHOWING NO OIL PRESSURE TO LOW OIL PRESSURE TO VERY HIGH PRESSURE. HAVE TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY AND CHECK OIL LEVEL AT SIDE OF ROAD OR WHERE EVER AVAILABLE TO DO SO AT TIME. NOT ALWAYS SAFE AREA TO PULL OFF. BOTH ISSUES CREATE VERY HAZARDOUS AND DANGEROUS SITUATIONS FOR THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #10404929

109,760 miles · May 31, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER CONSISTENTLY REGISTER INCORRECT FUEL LEVEL CAUSING AN UNSAFE CONDITION WHERE THE DRIVER CANNOT DETERMINE CURRENT FUEL LEVEL. GAUGE INSTANTLY READS EMPTY UPON FILLING , AND THEN MOVES ERRATICALLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS CONDITION IS UNSAFE AS IT CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AT SPEED WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THIS …

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2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER CONSISTENTLY REGISTER INCORRECT FUEL LEVEL CAUSING AN UNSAFE CONDITION WHERE THE DRIVER CANNOT DETERMINE CURRENT FUEL LEVEL. GAUGE INSTANTLY READS EMPTY UPON FILLING , AND THEN MOVES ERRATICALLY WHILE DRIVING. THIS CONDITION IS UNSAFE AS IT CAN CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL AT SPEED WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THIS ACCORDING TO RESEARCH IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS VEHICLE AND LIKE GM MODELS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10403925

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.