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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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73,650 miles · Dec 7, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

EVERYTIME I FILL MY GAS TANK, THE FUEL GAUGE LIGHT AND SENSOR SHOW THAT MY TANK IS EMPTY. I HAVE READ OVER 250 POSTS AT HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/CHEVROLET-TRAILBLAZER/TH8JI6TEPO3VRJI3D STATING THE SAME PROBLEM. AFTER GOING TO MY MECHANIC, I'M TOLD THIS WILL NEED A NEW FUEL PUMP / KIT......WHICH WILL RANGE FROM $800-$1…

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EVERYTIME I FILL MY GAS TANK, THE FUEL GAUGE LIGHT AND SENSOR SHOW THAT MY TANK IS EMPTY. I HAVE READ OVER 250 POSTS AT HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/CHEVROLET-TRAILBLAZER/TH8JI6TEPO3VRJI3D STATING THE SAME PROBLEM. AFTER GOING TO MY MECHANIC, I'M TOLD THIS WILL NEED A NEW FUEL PUMP / KIT......WHICH WILL RANGE FROM $800-$1000 INSTALLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10294808

80,000 miles · Nov 21, 2009
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

THE GAS GAUGE STARTS OUT ERRATIC THEN WILL COMPLETELY STOP WORKING AND YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN YOUR TANK WHEN YOU JUST FILLED IT FULL. VEHICLE WILL DIE FOR NO REASON IN TRAFFIC AND AT TIMES THE HEADLIGHTS DIM AND VOLT METER DROPS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING. WHEN YOU LOOK AT HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2005/CHE…

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THE GAS GAUGE STARTS OUT ERRATIC THEN WILL COMPLETELY STOP WORKING AND YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN YOUR TANK WHEN YOU JUST FILLED IT FULL. VEHICLE WILL DIE FOR NO REASON IN TRAFFIC AND AT TIMES THE HEADLIGHTS DIM AND VOLT METER DROPS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING. WHEN YOU LOOK AT HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2005/CHEVROLET/TRAILBLAZER YOU SEE THAT THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005. IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE THERE ARE DEATHS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10293088

80,000 miles · Nov 10, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

I NOTICED A MAJORITY OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2005 TRAILBLAZER'S FUEL TANK LEVEL SENSOR. I HAVE CONTACTED GMC SEVERAL TIMES CONCERNING THE DEFECTIVE ITEM. I HAVE SENT THE V.P OF CHEVROLET AS WELL AS CEO / PRESIDENT OF GMC EXPRESSING MY CONCERNS AND HOW THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, ALTHOUGH GMC THINK OTHERWISE. IT'S JUST A MATTE…

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I NOTICED A MAJORITY OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2005 TRAILBLAZER'S FUEL TANK LEVEL SENSOR. I HAVE CONTACTED GMC SEVERAL TIMES CONCERNING THE DEFECTIVE ITEM. I HAVE SENT THE V.P OF CHEVROLET AS WELL AS CEO / PRESIDENT OF GMC EXPRESSING MY CONCERNS AND HOW THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, ALTHOUGH GMC THINK OTHERWISE. IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE AN INDIVIDUAL OR AN ENTIRE FAMILY IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED BECAUSE OF THE FAULTY SENSOR. *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL GAUGE GAVE INACCURATE READINGS. ONE MINUTE THE TANK WAS FULL AND WOULD READ FULL, THEN IT WOULD READ 1/2 TANK; EMPTY OR 1/4 TANK. AND EVENTUALLY THE GAUGE READ EMPTY ALTHOUGH THAT TANK WAS FULL. UPDATED 05/04/10. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10291636

59,000 miles · Nov 9, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

PLEASE LOOK INTO THE FUEL GAUGE PROBLEM WITH THE O5 AND UP CHEVY TRAILBLAZERS. THE DEALERS AND GM WILL NOT REPAIR AND THE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER BECAUSE EVERYONE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS. THE GAS GAUGE STARTS OUT ERRATIC THEN WILL COMPLETELY STOP WORKING AND YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN YOUR TANK. THE CO…

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PLEASE LOOK INTO THE FUEL GAUGE PROBLEM WITH THE O5 AND UP CHEVY TRAILBLAZERS. THE DEALERS AND GM WILL NOT REPAIR AND THE PART IS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER BECAUSE EVERYONE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS. THE GAS GAUGE STARTS OUT ERRATIC THEN WILL COMPLETELY STOP WORKING AND YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN YOUR TANK. THE COST OF THIS PART WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE IS AROUND 800 DOLLARS. I WOULD UNDERSTAND IF IT WAS EVERY FEW VEHICLES BUT ITS ALL THE TRAIL BLAZERS AND LIKE I SAID THERE ARE SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS THAT THE PART IS ON BACK ORDER THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE RECEIVED REPLACEMENTS HAVE SAID IT IS ALREADY BROKE AGAIN. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. AMERICAN TAX PAYERS BAILED THEM OUT PLEASE HELP ALL OF US WITH THIS CONCERN MY TRUCK HAS DIED 2 TIMES IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC BECAUSE THE GAUGE IS NOT WORKING AND CAN NOT GET THE PART TO REPAIR. THERE ARE MANY MORE LIKE ME. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY I EARNED FIGHTING IN IRAQ FOR MY COUNTRY!!!!!!!!! HERE ARE A FEW OTHER COMPLAINTS AT THE FOLLOWING LINKS HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/CHEVROLET-TRAILBLAZER/TH8JI6TEPO3VRJI3D. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10291571

Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

I PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER IN MARCH 2005, SINCE THAN THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAS BEEN REPLACED, JUST TO NAME A FEW: FUEL TANK LEVEL SENSOR (33,104 MILES), HO@ SENSOR SHORTED (20,205 MILES), BEARING IN IDLER PULLEY (25,233 MILES), IDLER PULLEY BEARING FAILURE (47,500 MILES), INTERNAL CLUTCH CIRCUIT (33,896 MILES), FUEL CAP…

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I PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER IN MARCH 2005, SINCE THAN THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAS BEEN REPLACED, JUST TO NAME A FEW: FUEL TANK LEVEL SENSOR (33,104 MILES), HO@ SENSOR SHORTED (20,205 MILES), BEARING IN IDLER PULLEY (25,233 MILES), IDLER PULLEY BEARING FAILURE (47,500 MILES), INTERNAL CLUTCH CIRCUIT (33,896 MILES), FUEL CAP REPLACED THREE TIMES, REPLACED WATER PUMP (63,911 MILES), AIR PUMP RELAY (77,000 MILES). THE 'LIGHT UNIT' HAS BEEN REPLACED, I WAS DRIVING AND THE LIGHTS ON THE RADIO, DOORS AND OTHER ITEMS WENT OUT. THE VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 80,000 MILES AND I HAVE TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK LEVEL SENSOR AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO GET GMC TO RECALL THE VEHICLES, BECAUSE OF THE DANGER INVOLVED WITH THE SENSOR UNIT SENDING THE WRONG SIGNAL, MEANING THE TANK COULD BE WITHIN A HALF OF A GALLON FROM BEING EMPTY, BUT THE FUEL GAUGE IS READING FULL. IT APPEARS THAT GM IS WAITING FOR MULTIPLE DEATHS TO OCCUR BEFORE THEY CONSIDER THIS AS BEING AN ITEM THAT COULD CAUSE THE DEATH OF SEVERAL MOTORISTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10291489

52,000 miles · Oct 17, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

INTERMITTENT FALSE READINGS OF FUEL LEVEL MAY CAUSE DRIVER TO RUN OUT OF FUEL IN TRAFFIC. INTERNET SEARCH INDICATES THIS IS S CHRONIC PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. DEALER HAS CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM BUT STATED THERE IS NO RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10288725

44,000 miles · Oct 14, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL GAUGE/SENSOR DEFECTIVE. GAUGE SHOW EMPTY MOST OF THE TIME EVEN WHEN FULL. LIGHT SMELL OF GASOLINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10287432

74,000 miles · Sep 22, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

WHEN FILLING THE FUEL TANK THE FUEL SENSOR WENT OUT AND HAS STAYED OUT. WHEN I LOOK ON THE INTERNET I FOUND THAT IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10284856

100,000 miles · Sep 21, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL GAUGE HAS STOPPED WORKING ON MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER - CAN ONLY GUESS HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE LEFT BY USING THE TRIP ODOMETER OR CHECKING MY MILEAGE. THIS IS A COMPLETE (NOT TO MENTION RISKY) PAIN IN THE BUTT. HUNDREDS OF US HAVE COMPLAINED TO GM.. THEY TAKE NO ACTION EXCEPT TO SAY "WE ARE SORRY." WHAT THE HECK? WHY SHOULD A KN…

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FUEL GAUGE HAS STOPPED WORKING ON MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER - CAN ONLY GUESS HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE LEFT BY USING THE TRIP ODOMETER OR CHECKING MY MILEAGE. THIS IS A COMPLETE (NOT TO MENTION RISKY) PAIN IN THE BUTT. HUNDREDS OF US HAVE COMPLAINED TO GM.. THEY TAKE NO ACTION EXCEPT TO SAY "WE ARE SORRY." WHAT THE HECK? WHY SHOULD A KNOWN AND REPORTED DEFECT IN A VEHICLE NOT WARRANT ATTENTION BY THE MANUFACTURER? WHAT IF ONE OF THE HUNDREDS OF US MISCALCULATED OUR MILEAGE USE, RUNNING OUT OF GAS ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, AND WE CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE GM WOULDN'T HELP THE CONSUMERS FIX THE PROBLEM!?!? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10284696

78,000 miles · Sep 17, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR WAS NOT WORKING. THE GAUGE DISPLAYED EMPTY WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL AND FULL WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED DUE TO THE SENSOR IN THE TANK INDICATING THAT THE GAUGE WAS EMPTY. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR WAS NOT WORKING. THE GAUGE DISPLAYED EMPTY WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL AND FULL WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED DUE TO THE SENSOR IN THE TANK INDICATING THAT THE GAUGE WAS EMPTY. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK SINCE THE VEHICLE COULD BE OUT OF FUEL BUT INDICATE THAT IT WAS FULL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.

NHTSA ODI #10284416

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.