WE WERE DRIVING ON I-85 IN VIRGINIA WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED RACING. WE LIMPED INTO A SERVICE STATION AT THE NEXT EXIT TO HAVE THE TRAILBLAZER LOOKED AT. WE ONLY HAD 1ST AND 2ND GEAR REMAINING ON OUR TRANSMISSION AND HAD TO HAVE THE SUV TOWED TO THE NEXT MAJOR CITY AND SPEND THE NIGHT UNTIL THE DEALERSHIP …
Read full complaint
WE WERE DRIVING ON I-85 IN VIRGINIA WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED RACING. WE LIMPED INTO A SERVICE STATION AT THE NEXT EXIT TO HAVE THE TRAILBLAZER LOOKED AT. WE ONLY HAD 1ST AND 2ND GEAR REMAINING ON OUR TRANSMISSION AND HAD TO HAVE THE SUV TOWED TO THE NEXT MAJOR CITY AND SPEND THE NIGHT UNTIL THE DEALERSHIP OPENED ON MONDAY. THE END RESULT IS THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT LESS THAN 64,000 MILES. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING ESSENTIALLY DISINTEGRATED AND THERE WERE A LOT OF METAL FRAGMENTS INSIDE THE HOUSING WHICH WERE A MAJOR FACTOR IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILING. THIS LEVEL OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF A MAJOR DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENT SHOULD NOT OCCUR AT SO LOW A MILEAGE. WE, AS THE CONSUMER, WERE FORCED TO PAY $3200.00 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. PLUS THE COSTS OF HOTEL RENTAL AND A RENTAL VEHICLE TO RETURN HOME AND MISSING WORK TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10331270
48,000 miles · Apr 6, 2010
Power Train
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DIPSTICK RUSTED OFF AT THE TOP. RUSTING INSIDE A TRANSMISSION IS A CONCERN FOR THE OVERALL LIFE OF THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10324084
50,000 miles · Dec 6, 2009
Electrical SystemEquipmentPower TrainCrash
MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER INSTRUMENT PANEL CONSTANTLY FAILS - THE SPEEDOMETER STOPS WORKING WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE GAS GAUGE HAS BEEN FIXED ONCE ALREADY AND IS NOW BROKEN AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS POWER SURGES WHICH IS ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS THE CAR UP AND DOWN WHEN TRYING TO SLOW DOWN CAUSING POWER SURGES…
Read full complaint
MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER INSTRUMENT PANEL CONSTANTLY FAILS - THE SPEEDOMETER STOPS WORKING WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE GAS GAUGE HAS BEEN FIXED ONCE ALREADY AND IS NOW BROKEN AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS POWER SURGES WHICH IS ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS THE CAR UP AND DOWN WHEN TRYING TO SLOW DOWN CAUSING POWER SURGES. THIS IS ANOTHER SAFETY ISSUE. THE FOLLOWING ARE OTHER ISSUES WHICH THIS MODEL VEHICLE: STEREO CD PLAYER STOPPED WORKING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON WHEN THE GAS CAP LIGHT, THE LIGHTS FLICKER ALSO. I OUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED AND WITH A CRACKED FRONT BUMPER WHICH THE DEALER DIDN'T FIX (DEALER STUCK A LITTLE BONDO ON AREA AND REPAINTED IT SO I THOUGHT IT WAS A NEW BUMPER WHEN I ACCEPTED THE CAR AFTER REPAIR. IT CRACKED IN A MATTER OF DAYS) AND I KNOW THIS WAS CAUSED DUE TO THE SURGES IN POWER. A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE. THE VEHICLE HAS SERIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THE CHEVROLET SHOULD STAND BEHIND AND FIX. IT IS NOT FAIR TO THE CONSUMER. I HAVE CHECKED THE WEB AND HAVE READ MANY, MANY OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS. CHEVY OWNERS SHOULD FILL A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST CHEVROLET IF THEY DON'T DO A RECALL AND FIX THESE PROBLEMS. I EXPERIENCE A FENDER BENDER ACCIDENT WHEN MY VEHICLE DIDN'T STOP AND BUMPED ANOTHER CARS BACK BUMPER CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND AN INSURANCE CLAIM. I AM FED UP WITH THIS VEHICLE BUT CAN'T AFFORD TO REPLACE IT. *TR LINDA VANAUKEN
NHTSA ODI #10294637
94,000 miles · Oct 27, 2009
Power Train
THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY AFTER ONLY 94,000 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION HAD NO PRIOR PROBLEMS OR REPAIRS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10289959
58,000 miles · Aug 9, 2009
Power Train
NORMAL DRIVING, I NOTICED SOME LIQUID SPOTS ON THE DRIVEWAY. AFTER INSPECTING, I FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLING LINE IS CORRODED THROUGH, LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. MY CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAS LESS THAN 60000 MILES AND IS 5 YEARS OLD. ONE LINE IS CLEAN, THE OTHER IS CORRODED BEYOND REPAIR. TRANSMISSION OIL COOLING LIN…
Read full complaint
NORMAL DRIVING, I NOTICED SOME LIQUID SPOTS ON THE DRIVEWAY. AFTER INSPECTING, I FOUND THAT THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLING LINE IS CORRODED THROUGH, LEAKING TRANSMISSION FLUID. MY CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAS LESS THAN 60000 MILES AND IS 5 YEARS OLD. ONE LINE IS CLEAN, THE OTHER IS CORRODED BEYOND REPAIR. TRANSMISSION OIL COOLING LINES HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10279853
57 miles · Jul 13, 2009
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY TRUCK RPM'S BEGAN TO REV, AND I BEGAN TO LOSE SPEED. MY TRAILBLAZER WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF SECOND GEAR NOW. I DISCOVERED A LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE AND REPLACED IT. I'VE ALSO CHANGED THE FLUID AND FILTER. AFTER TAKING MY TRUCK TO A LOCAL AUTOZONE FOR A CODE SCAN, WHICH BROUGHT BACK…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY TRUCK RPM'S BEGAN TO REV, AND I BEGAN TO LOSE SPEED. MY TRAILBLAZER WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF SECOND GEAR NOW. I DISCOVERED A LEAK INTO THE TRANSMISSION COOLING LINE AND REPLACED IT. I'VE ALSO CHANGED THE FLUID AND FILTER. AFTER TAKING MY TRUCK TO A LOCAL AUTOZONE FOR A CODE SCAN, WHICH BROUGHT BACK NO CODES, I TOOK THE TRUCK TO MY LOCAL DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THEY CHARGED ME $105.00 TO TELL ME THAT THE TRUCK WASN'T "THROWING CODES" I ALREADY KNEW THAT! THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS GOING TO BE APPROX. $800.00 JUST TO PULL THE TRANSMISSION APART TO FIND THE PROBLEM AND $400.00 TO PUT IT BACK IN. THAT DOESN'T INCLUDE THE COST OF FIXING IT! AFTER CONSULTING WITH AN ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC, I CHANGED THE TCC (TRANSMISSION CLUTCH CONVERTER) SOLENOID TO NO AVAIL. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS! GM WILL OFFER NO ASSISTANCE UNTIL I PAY THE DEALER TO DISASSEMBLE THE TRANSMISSION, THEN "THERE IS A POSSIBILITY" THAT THE FIX WILL BE COVERED. THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT DONE ANY TOWING AND ONLY HAS 56,600 MILES ON IT! THERE IS NO REASON FOR A TRANSMISSION FAILURE! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10276495
72,000 miles · Jun 15, 2009
Electrical SystemPower Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP AND THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR INSPE…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE TRANSMISSION BEGAN TO SLIP AND THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR INSPECTION. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED ON THE VEHICLE AND THE MANUFACTURER IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE IS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
NHTSA ODI #10273822
46,000 miles · May 19, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER WITH 46,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION, IDLER PULLEY, AND WATER PUMP ALREADY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10269319
80,000 miles · Nov 15, 2008
Power Train
AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I AM ENCOUNTERING A PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO BE OUT THERE A LOT. I HAVE A 2005 TRAILBLAZER AND MY FORWARD GEAR STOPPED WORKING AT 80K MILES. I THINK IS A MUCH TOO NEW CAR TO ENCOUNTER A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WHEN I HAVE READ PAGES AND PAGES OF THIS SAME ISSUE. GM HAS TO STEP IN…
Read full complaint
AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I AM ENCOUNTERING A PROBLEM THAT SEEMS TO BE OUT THERE A LOT. I HAVE A 2005 TRAILBLAZER AND MY FORWARD GEAR STOPPED WORKING AT 80K MILES. I THINK IS A MUCH TOO NEW CAR TO ENCOUNTER A TRANSMISSION FAILURE. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WHEN I HAVE READ PAGES AND PAGES OF THIS SAME ISSUE. GM HAS TO STEP IN AND TELL ME SOMETHING MY DEALER ESTIMATE THIS TO COST ME A MIN. $3,200.00 IN THIS ECONOMY OR ANY THAT IS A LARGE EXPENSE TO ENCOUNTER WITH NO WARNING OR PREVIOUS PROBLEMS. I HOPE THE GM WILL HAVE SOME ANSWERS AND DO THE RIGHT THING! THIS HAPPENED TO ME ON THE VAN WYKE EXPRESSWAY IN RUSH HOUR MANY OF US COULD HAVE BEEN HURT OR KILLED! THANK YOU *TR
NHTSA ODI #10248883
53,000 miles · Oct 13, 2008
Electrical SystemPower Train
HAD TO HAVE TRANSMISSION REPLACED (A WHOLE OTHER SICK STORY:( ). WHEN I GOT MY TRUCK BACK, SECOND DAY ON THE FREEWAY, THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED TO CLIMB EVEN THOUGH I WAS STAYING WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I TWENT AROUND TO THE 100S. WHEN I GOT HOME IT SPUN STRAIGHT DOWN NOT STOPPING AT THE ZERO LIKE IT NORMALLY DID. TOOK IT BACK…
Read full complaint
HAD TO HAVE TRANSMISSION REPLACED (A WHOLE OTHER SICK STORY:( ). WHEN I GOT MY TRUCK BACK, SECOND DAY ON THE FREEWAY, THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED TO CLIMB EVEN THOUGH I WAS STAYING WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. I TWENT AROUND TO THE 100S. WHEN I GOT HOME IT SPUN STRAIGHT DOWN NOT STOPPING AT THE ZERO LIKE IT NORMALLY DID. TOOK IT BACK TO MECHANIC AT LEAST TWICE MAYBE 3 TIMES, HE DID SOMETHING THAT FIXED IT FOR A FEW DAYS, BUT THEN IT WOULD MESS UP AGAIN. AS IT IS RIGHT NOW, IT IS PARKED BUT SAYING IT'S AT 100+ MPH. READING OTHER PEOPLES SAME PROBLEM, IT WILL COST TOO MUCH FOR ME TO PAY THE DEALER TO FIX. I HAVE EVEN GOTTEN A SPEEDING TICKET BECAUSE OF THIS (MY FIRST IN 20 YEARS!)!!! *TR
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.
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.
2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year