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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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Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

2005 TRAIL BLAZER PEDAL SEEMED TO STICK*CW THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR WORKED INTERMITTENTLY AND THERE WERE TIMES WHEN THE CONSUMER DIDN'T KNOW HOW MUCH GAS WAS IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR FAILED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10317552

74,000 miles · Mar 5, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER THAT'S WARRANTY JUST EXPIRED. IN THE LAST SEVERAL DAYS AFTER GETTING GAS THE GAS SENSOR LIGHT AND SOUND ALERT STAYS ON EVEN AFTER I COMPLETELY FILL THE TANK. IN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ONLINE I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND THAT IT IS VERY COSTLY TO REPA…

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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER THAT'S WARRANTY JUST EXPIRED. IN THE LAST SEVERAL DAYS AFTER GETTING GAS THE GAS SENSOR LIGHT AND SOUND ALERT STAYS ON EVEN AFTER I COMPLETELY FILL THE TANK. IN RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM ONLINE I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND THAT IT IS VERY COSTLY TO REPAIR. THIS VEHICLE IS MARKETED AND USED AS A FAMILY CAR, WHICH IS WHAT MY WIFE AND I USE IT FOR. IT IS VERY RISKY TO TRY TO GUESS HOW MUCH FUEL YOU ARE USING, NOT TO MENTION THE COST OF FUEL TODAY. I HAVE HEARD OF SEVERAL INCIDENTS OF PEOPLE RUNNING OUT OF GAS IN RISKY SITUATIONS LIKE ON THE INTERSTATE. AS A CONSUMER I WISH YOU WOULD INVESTIGATE THIS SITUATION, AND IF IT IS AS WIDESPREAD AS I AM HEARING, ENCOURAGE THE MANUFACTURER TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR SAFETY PURPOSES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10317283

75,000 miles · Mar 4, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineFuel System, Other

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). YESTERDAY I FILED A REPORT #10316373 TO AMEND A REPORT I SENT IN TO ADD MY VIN NUMBER. I SUBMITTED THE WRONG VIN NUMBER. THE NUMBER I SENT IN WAS ON A 1998 CHEVY BLAZER. I AM SENDING A NEW REPORT WITH THE PROPER VIN NUMBER. SORRY FOR T…

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INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). YESTERDAY I FILED A REPORT #10316373 TO AMEND A REPORT I SENT IN TO ADD MY VIN NUMBER. I SUBMITTED THE WRONG VIN NUMBER. THE NUMBER I SENT IN WAS ON A 1998 CHEVY BLAZER. I AM SENDING A NEW REPORT WITH THE PROPER VIN NUMBER. SORRY FOR THE ERROR I SUBMITTED.[XXX] *TR

NHTSA ODI #10316577

75,000 miles · Mar 3, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

IN REGARDS TO MY COMPLAINT #1030331, DP10-001 REGARDING MY COMPLAINT OF MY FUEL SENSOR AND GAUGE ALWAYS READING EMPTY AND THE FACT THAT THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A YEAR ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER, I DIDN"T HAVE THE VIN NUMBER AT THE TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE IT TO YOU AT THIS TIME IN YOUR FORM. PLEASE ADD IT TO M…

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IN REGARDS TO MY COMPLAINT #1030331, DP10-001 REGARDING MY COMPLAINT OF MY FUEL SENSOR AND GAUGE ALWAYS READING EMPTY AND THE FACT THAT THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A YEAR ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER, I DIDN"T HAVE THE VIN NUMBER AT THE TIME. I WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE IT TO YOU AT THIS TIME IN YOUR FORM. PLEASE ADD IT TO MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO BE PREVALENT IN SEVERAL YEARS OF THE TRAILBLAZERS EXISTENCE AND COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION ESPECIALLY IF THE COMPUTER DECIDES TO SHUT THE TRUCK DOWN AT AN INOPPORTUNE TIME. I READ WHERE NISSAN IS RECALLING ONE OF THEIR MODELS BECAUSE OF THE FUEL GAUGE. WHERE IS GM IN THIS MATTER? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10316373

Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS AND I HAVE TWO COMPLAINTS REGARDING PART DEFECTS THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. 1. THE SPEEDOMETER STICKS. I CAN BE DRIVING ALONG AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY SPEEDOMETER IS NOT MOVING AT ALL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS BEING THAT I HAVE NO CLUE HOW FAST OR SLOW I'M GOING. 2. THE FUEL LIGHT GAUGE/S…

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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS AND I HAVE TWO COMPLAINTS REGARDING PART DEFECTS THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. 1. THE SPEEDOMETER STICKS. I CAN BE DRIVING ALONG AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY SPEEDOMETER IS NOT MOVING AT ALL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS BEING THAT I HAVE NO CLUE HOW FAST OR SLOW I'M GOING. 2. THE FUEL LIGHT GAUGE/SENSOR JUST COMPLETED STOP WORKING. THE GAS NEEDLE DOES NOT MOVE AT ALL, I HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK. THIS IS ALSO EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!. I HAVE MANY FRIENDS THAT OWN CHEVY TRAILBLAZERS WHO HAVE ENCOUNTERED THESE SAME ISSUES AND I FEEL THAT CHEVY SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO READ MANY BLOGS ONLINE WHERE TRAILBLAZER OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUES SO THIS IS CLEARLY A PROBLEM FOR THOUSANDS OF TRAILBLAZER OWNERS. I HOPE THAT THIS COMPLAINT WILL HELP JUMP START AN INVESTIGATION OF THESE DEFECTS, BECAUSE IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM! I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT IT WILL BE $1,200 TO FIX THIS ISSUE.. THIS IS OUTRAGES BEING THAT THE PROBLEM IS SOMETHING THAT WAS CAUSED BY CHEVY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10315523

95,000 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

FUEL JUST STOPPED WORKING, DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HEADLIGHTS START DIMMING GAUGES GO ALL OVER THE BOARD. PUT A NEW BATTERY IN, CHANGED THE ALTERNATOR AND IT CONTINUES TO DO THIS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON FOR OXYGEN SENSOR HAD THAT REPLACED 1 YEAR AGO NEEDS REPLACED AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10315487

55,000 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

2005-2006 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXPERIENCING PROBLEM W/ THE FUEL SENSOR. WHEN THE GAS TANK IS FILLED THE CAR IS TELLING ME THERE IS NO FUEL IN THE TANK, AND THE GAUGE READS EMPTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10315485

57,000 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY FUEL GAUGE IS NOT WORKING ON MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER AND THE BLOWER RESISTOR WENT ON MY TRUCK AS WELL. IT WENT FROM NO HEAT BLOWING ON LEVEL 5 TO THE ENTIRE THING NOT WORKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10315192

81,500 miles · Mar 1, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

FILLED TANK WITH GAS & THE FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AND READS EMPTY. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE, FIRST TIME IN NOVEMBER 2009. I STALLED AT AN INTERSECTION. THE 2ND TIME WAS FEB 28, 2010. THE NEEDLE FLUCTUATES AND LOW FUEL LIGHT FLICKERS ON/OFF. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10315083

43,000 miles · Feb 27, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

FUEL GAUGE STARTED FUNCTIONING ERRATICALLY - WOULD GO FROM EMPTY TO FULL OR JUST START GOING BETWEEN FULL AND EMPTY FLOATING AROUND. EVENTUALLY IT JUST STAYED ON EMPTY EVEN WHEN I HAD JUST FILLED UP. FROM THE TIME THE PROBLEM STARTED TILL IT STOPPED WORKING WAS ONLY A MATTER OF WEEKS. NOW MY OIL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING ALSO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10314829

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.