IllustrationFUEL GAUGE IS NOT INDICATING FUEL LEVEL. GAUGE INCORRECTLY DISPLAYS AS EMPTY OR ALMOST EMPTY WHEN FUEL TANK IS FULL OR PARTIALLY FULL. *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 reportsMY FUEL SENDING UNIT STARTED READING EMPTY WHEN IT WAS FULL. THE NEEDLE WOULD GO UP AND DOWN. NEVER KNEW IF IT WAS RIGHT. I ACTUALLY RAN OUT OF GAS IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE IT SAID I HAD A 1/4 TANK, WHEN IN FACT I WAS ON EMPTY! *KB
THE SPEEDOMETER IN MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHOWS OVER 120 MPH NO MATTER WHAT SPEED I AM TRAVELING. I HAVE FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON COMPLAINT. THE FUEL GAUGE IS ALSO VERY INACCURATE NEVER SHOWING MORE THAN 1/4 TANK OF FUEL REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH I PUT IN. *KB
FUEL GAUGE STARTED TO GIVE A FALSE READING, THEN EVENTUALLY STOPPED WORKING ENTIRELY. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD ABOUT 50,000+ MILES ON IT AT THE TIME. WE EVENTUALLY PAID $360 TO GET THE FUEL SENSOR/GAUGE REPLACED. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON THE TRAILBLAZER. ON AT LEAST TWO OCCASIONS, WE WERE PUT INTO A…
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FUEL GAUGE STARTED TO GIVE A FALSE READING, THEN EVENTUALLY STOPPED WORKING ENTIRELY. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD ABOUT 50,000+ MILES ON IT AT THE TIME. WE EVENTUALLY PAID $360 TO GET THE FUEL SENSOR/GAUGE REPLACED. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE ON THE TRAILBLAZER. ON AT LEAST TWO OCCASIONS, WE WERE PUT INTO A WORRISOME SITUATION DUE TO THIS FUEL GAUGE ISSUE. THIS IS NOT AN ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE HAPPENING ON A VEHICLE WITH THIS KIND OF MILEAGE WHEN THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST ENCOUNTERED. *KB
GAS GUAGE STOP WORKING. I RECENTLY RECEIVED A LETTER FROM GMC AKNOWLEDGING A SENSOR PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2005 GMC CARS BUT ONLY WILLING TO REIMBURSE 50% OF WHAT APPARENTLY IS THEIR FAULT. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT NEED TO BE FIX 100% BY GMC. STAND BEHIND YOUR PRODUCTS! *KB
GAS GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY WHILE TRAVELING DOWN A STEEPER HILL. LOW FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL, EVEN THOUGH THE GAUGE HAD BEEN READING APPROX. 1/4 TANK REMAINING. STOPPED AND FILLED THE TANK BUT GAUGE DID NOT MOVE FROM EMPTY AND FUEL LIGHT STAYED ON EVEN WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS. NO LONGER ABLE TO GAUGE FUEL LEVELS AND HAVE TO TRACK…
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GAS GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY WHILE TRAVELING DOWN A STEEPER HILL. LOW FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL, EVEN THOUGH THE GAUGE HAD BEEN READING APPROX. 1/4 TANK REMAINING. STOPPED AND FILLED THE TANK BUT GAUGE DID NOT MOVE FROM EMPTY AND FUEL LIGHT STAYED ON EVEN WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS. NO LONGER ABLE TO GAUGE FUEL LEVELS AND HAVE TO TRACK IT USING TRIP MILEAGE. *TR
THE TRAILBLAZER I BOUGHT SEEM TO BE MORE OF A HEADACHE THE A SPORT VEHICLE. I WISH I HAD LOOK BETTER AT ALL THE INFORMATION THE WAS OUT THERE. I WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE, OR RECOMMEND THIS VEHICLE TO ANYONE. SORRY I BOUGHT IT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL SENSOR AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO READ THE CORRECT FUEL LEVELS IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED TO COVER FIFTY PERCENT OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTIONED DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL SENSOR AND THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO READ THE CORRECT FUEL LEVELS IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND OFFERED TO COVER FIFTY PERCENT OF THE REPAIR COSTS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70MPH WHEN MY ENGINE SUDDENLY CUT. I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. LUCKILY, TRAFFIC WAS CLEAR ENOUGH AND AN EXIT RAMP WAS ACCESSIBLE; HOWEVER, I HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME STEERING TO THE SIDE AND THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO BE UNABLE TO BRAKE. I WAS STRANDED ON THE OFF RAMP FOR HOURS BY MYSELF IN …
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70MPH WHEN MY ENGINE SUDDENLY CUT. I LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. LUCKILY, TRAFFIC WAS CLEAR ENOUGH AND AN EXIT RAMP WAS ACCESSIBLE; HOWEVER, I HAD A VERY DIFFICULT TIME STEERING TO THE SIDE AND THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO BE UNABLE TO BRAKE. I WAS STRANDED ON THE OFF RAMP FOR HOURS BY MYSELF IN 40 DEGREE WEATHER AND NO HEAT. MY GAS GAUGE HAS NOT WORKED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS (SEE MY FIRST COMPLAINT 10408603). I HAVE BEEN GUESSING AT AMOUNT OF FUEL BY MILES DRIVEN. I SHOULD HAVE HAD AT LEAST 30 MILES MORE OF GAS. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS NOT A SAFE WAY TO GAUGE FUEL LEVEL. IT WILL COST $600 TO HAVE THE FUEL SYSTEM FIXED. BECAUSE THIS IS AN OBVIOUS PROBLEM WITH TRAILBLAZERS, I FEEL THE COMPANY SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
THE FUEL GAUGE WENT OUT IN MY VEHICLE. MY SPEEDOMETER IS DOING THE SAME THING AND MY OIL GAUGE. HOW IS THAT NOT A SAFETY RECALL! CALLED THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL. RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT THEY WOULD PAY HALF OF REPAIR FOR THE FUEL GAUGE. AFTER WARRANTY WAS UP. *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.