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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

Power Train complaints

51 reports
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170,000 miles · Jul 20, 2020
Power Train

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING STRAIGHT NO TURNS IN MY 05 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER GOING ABOUT 60MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOW CLICK SOUND AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE OR KEEP MY CURRENT SPEED IT WAS BEYOND UNSAFE SO I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY ENGINE RUNNING STILL I PUT IT IN EVERY GEAR TO SEE IF IT WOULD MOVE …

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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING STRAIGHT NO TURNS IN MY 05 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER GOING ABOUT 60MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOW CLICK SOUND AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE OR KEEP MY CURRENT SPEED IT WAS BEYOND UNSAFE SO I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY ENGINE RUNNING STILL I PUT IT IN EVERY GEAR TO SEE IF IT WOULD MOVE IT DID NOT I TRIED R,D,3,2&1 GEARS AND THE TRUCK ONLY REV'D UP AND DID NOT MOVE .IT WAS NO SIGNS OF THE TRANSMISSION GOING OUT OR GOING BAD IT STILL SHIFTED SMOOTH IT JUST WENT OUT ALL OF A SUDDEN ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS I FEEL LIKE THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE CHEAPLY MADE .

NHTSA ODI #11340524

112,000 miles · Aug 13, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train

OUR VEHICLE DIED AT A TURN SIGNAL LIGHT IN A DANGEROUS INTERSECTION. NO WARNING FROM THE VEHICLE AS IT WAS RUNNING NORMAL. IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT NO START. POLICE FORCE A TOW OUT OF THE BUSY INTERSECTION RIGHT AWAY. IT STARTS UP AT THE MECHANICS. THEY TESTED FUEL FILTER AND OTHER STUFF. WE GET ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC AND GET 6…

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OUR VEHICLE DIED AT A TURN SIGNAL LIGHT IN A DANGEROUS INTERSECTION. NO WARNING FROM THE VEHICLE AS IT WAS RUNNING NORMAL. IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT NO START. POLICE FORCE A TOW OUT OF THE BUSY INTERSECTION RIGHT AWAY. IT STARTS UP AT THE MECHANICS. THEY TESTED FUEL FILTER AND OTHER STUFF. WE GET ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC AND GET 6 MILES OUT AND NO WARNING WE DIE AND HAD TO PUSH THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER ON IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. SIT FOR 2 HOURS AND IT FIRES UP. SO WE FOUND SHADE AND WAITED FOR COOL DOWN. 2 HOURS AWAY FROM HOME AND IT TOOK US 9 HOURS TO GET HOME. WE DROVE IT TO THE STORE AND WHEN WE WERE DONE SHOPPING IT FIRED UP. WENT AROUND THE CORNER TO OTHER STORE AND SHOPPED 2 HOURS AND CAME OUT AND IT WOULD TURN AND NO START. TRIED STARTING EVERY 30 MINUTES TO HOUR FROM 9:30PM TO 1:40AM AND THEN IT FIRED RIGHT UP THEN DROVE 30 MINUTES TO HOME. AFTER RESEARCHING AND FINDING QUITE A FEW WITH SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WE FOUND THAT IT IS THE PWR/TRN RELAY PLUG IN AREA IN THE FUSE RELAY CENTER. WHEN WE BROKE THE PLASTIC OFF THE RELAY AND WRAPPED A RUBBER BAND AROUND IT SO IT'S CONSTANT CONTACT AND PLUG IT IN, IT WILL FIRE UP EVERY TIME. I CAN DRIVE IT ALL DAY LIKE THAT WITH NO ISSUES. I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY FROM RUNNING TO ACCESSORY MODE THEN REMOVE THE RUBBER BAND AND THEN POWER OFF THE CAR. DON'T WANT TO FRY COM. THE RELAYS ARE GOOD AND PROBLEM IS THE FUSE RELAY CENTER. CHEVROLET SAID THEMSELVES THAT THIS MODEL IS NOTORIOUS FOR FUSE RELAY CENTER PROBLEMS AND USUALLY REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. IT'S A KNOWN DEFECT. THERE ARE TWO PICTURES ATTACHED FROM ONE OF THE OTHER PEOPLE WITH SAME VEHICLE SAME PROBLEM AND IN ORDER TO MAKE HIS FUSE RELAY CENTER WORK PROPERLY HE HAD TO WIRE/REROUTE HIS PWR/TRN RELAY AS SEEN IN THE PICTURE. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AS THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH CHEVROLET AND THE TRAILBLAZER.

NHTSA ODI #11119524

326,000 miles · May 4, 2017
Power Train

WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM 45 TO 60 MILES PER HOUR MY WHOLE TRUCK VIBRATES AND IT FEELS LIKE THE ENGINE IS SEIZING BUT IF I ACCELERATE MORE OR REDUCE MY SPEED IT GOES AWAY. I WAS RESEARCHING ONLINE AND FOUND OUT I WASNT THE ONLY ONE IN THE COUNTRY THAT HAS THIS PROBLEM. I WAS JUST THINKING OF EVERYONE'S SAFETY INCLUDING MY OWN.

NHTSA ODI #10983428

163,672 miles · Mar 9, 2017
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEARSHIFT IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DRIVE. IN ADDITION, WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY INCREASE ONE GRAM RPM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FORWARD GEAR WAS LOCKED IN WITH T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHEN THE CONTACT SHIFTED THE GEARSHIFT IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DRIVE. IN ADDITION, WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY INCREASE ONE GRAM RPM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FORWARD GEAR WAS LOCKED IN WITH THE LOSS OF PARK AND REVERSE AND THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 163,672.

NHTSA ODI #10959848

120,000 miles · Jul 1, 2016
EnginePower TrainFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE HOOD. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAILED GM/AC D…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE HOOD. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND DISCOVERED FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAILED GM/AC DELCO TRANSMISSION COOLANT LINE FITTING, WHICH CAUSED TRANSMISSION COOLANT TO LEAK OUT ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #10882089

132,000 miles · Sep 11, 2015
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED ABRUPTLY INTO SECOND GEAR, AND FROM SECOND GEAR INTO THIRD GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FIRST AND SECOND SHIFT SENSOR IN THE TR…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED ABRUPTLY INTO SECOND GEAR, AND FROM SECOND GEAR INTO THIRD GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FIRST AND SECOND SHIFT SENSOR IN THE TRANSMISSION WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED, AND THE SECOND AND THIRD SHIFT SENSOR WERE REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VALVE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

NHTSA ODI #10763201

87,000 miles · Dec 8, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior LightingPower Train

WHILE PUTTING THE TRUCK INTO 4X4 HI, LO, OR ALL WHEEL DRIVE, THE TRANSFER CASE NEVER DOES FULLY PUT IT INTO 4X4. WHILE DRIVING, THE DIM LIGHTS TURN COMPLETELY OFF. THE BRIGHTS WORK, BUT THE DIMS DO NOT. THESE WILL NOT TURN BACK ON UNTIL THE TRUCK IS SHUT OFF OR A PROPER BUMP IS HIT. THE HEATER BLOWER IN THE FRONT SOMETIMES WILL …

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WHILE PUTTING THE TRUCK INTO 4X4 HI, LO, OR ALL WHEEL DRIVE, THE TRANSFER CASE NEVER DOES FULLY PUT IT INTO 4X4. WHILE DRIVING, THE DIM LIGHTS TURN COMPLETELY OFF. THE BRIGHTS WORK, BUT THE DIMS DO NOT. THESE WILL NOT TURN BACK ON UNTIL THE TRUCK IS SHUT OFF OR A PROPER BUMP IS HIT. THE HEATER BLOWER IN THE FRONT SOMETIMES WILL NIT COME ON. THE BACK WILL BE BLOWING, NOT THE FRONT. ALSO IF A BUMP IS HIT IMPROPERLY, THE BACK SPEAKERS WILL START BUZZING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10662911

120,000 miles · Sep 26, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SHIFT CONTROL SOLENOID SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SHIFT CONTROL SOLENOID SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #10639287

112,000 miles · Sep 6, 2014
Power Train

TRANSMISSION COOLING LINES ARE CORRODED THRU.... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10631297

3,000 miles · Jul 5, 2014
EnginePower Train

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH 32,000 MILES. I PURCHASED THE TRUCK NEW FROM THE DEALER. OVER THE FEW YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE, I HAVE BEEN FACED WITH A MULTITUDE OF ISSUES. MY FIRST PROBLEM BECAME THE AC LINES. THEY BEGAN TO LEAK DUE TO RUST, WHICH WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE 7 YEAR, 70,000 MILE WA…

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I AM THE OWNER OF A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH 32,000 MILES. I PURCHASED THE TRUCK NEW FROM THE DEALER. OVER THE FEW YEARS THAT I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE, I HAVE BEEN FACED WITH A MULTITUDE OF ISSUES. MY FIRST PROBLEM BECAME THE AC LINES. THEY BEGAN TO LEAK DUE TO RUST, WHICH WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE 7 YEAR, 70,000 MILE WARRANTY. NEXT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD BEGAN TO LEAK. THE COST WAS COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY; HOWEVER, THE DEALER MANAGED TO BREAK THE BOLTS THAT HOLD THE MANIFOLD TO THE ENGINE. THE BREAKAGE WAS NOT COVERED, AND THEREFORE, I HAD TO PAY. FOLLOWING THESE TWO ISSUES, I NOTICED RUST ALL OVER THE UNDERCARRIAGE. IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRED, I HAD TO FIX THE FOLLOWING ITEMS DUE TO THE RUST: THE POWER STEERING COIL, REAR END, TRANSMISSION, FUEL PUMP, POWER STEERING LINES, POWER STEERING PUMP, RACK AND PINION, FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS, AND A FUEL GAGE RECALL FROM GM. IN ADDITION, I AVOID USING LOW 4-WHEEL DRIVE, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE GETS STUCK IN THAT GEARING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10608278

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.