NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
51 reportsClear category filter35,678 miles · Apr 3, 2008
Power Train
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE FAILED. WHEN TURNING LEFT, RIGHT, AND WHEN DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE WHEELS LOCK WHEN THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE IS ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED ONCE WHILE IN DRIVE, BUT ALL THE OTHER FAILURES OCCURRED ONLY IN 4-WHEEL D…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. TWO WEEKS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE FAILED. WHEN TURNING LEFT, RIGHT, AND WHEN DRIVING IN REVERSE, THE WHEELS LOCK WHEN THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE IS ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED ONCE WHILE IN DRIVE, BUT ALL THE OTHER FAILURES OCCURRED ONLY IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER SENT A TECHNICIAN TO HIS LOCAL DEALER TO ATTEMPT TO REMEDY THE FAILURE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED IN THE 4-WHEEL DRIVE TRANSFER CASE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,678 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,210. UPDATED 04/22/08. *LJ
NHTSA ODI #10223293
50,000 miles · Jan 21, 2008
Electrical SystemPower Train
I PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER ON 4/15/05 SHORTLY THERE AFTER I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A WHINING SOUND. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE IGNITION PULLEY. I CONTACTED THE CORPORATE OFFICE OF CHEVROLET TO INQUIRE ABOUT ASSISTANCE WITH PAYMENT CONSIDERING I WAS ABOUT 3, 000 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY. …
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I PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER ON 4/15/05 SHORTLY THERE AFTER I WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A WHINING SOUND. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE IGNITION PULLEY. I CONTACTED THE CORPORATE OFFICE OF CHEVROLET TO INQUIRE ABOUT ASSISTANCE WITH PAYMENT CONSIDERING I WAS ABOUT 3, 000 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY. AFTER SEVERAL CALLS CHEVROLET ABSORBED THIS COST. THEN IN SEPT. OF 2005, MY HUSBAND TOTALED HIS CAR AND I PURCHASED A 2005 TRAILBLAZER FOR HIM. AGAIN THIS CAR BEGAN MAKING SIMILAR NOISES AND MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING HOME WITH OUR 2 YEAR OLD SON AND THE CAR BEGAN SMOKING. MY HUSBAND IMMEDIATELY PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CONTACT ROADSERVICE. ONCE WE TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC HE SAID THAT IT WAS THE IGNITION PULLEY WHICH CAUSED THE TRANSMISSION TO DIE. WE TOOK IT TO A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. I CONTACTED THE CORPORATE OFFICE ONCE AGAIN AND THIS TIME THEY WOULD NOT OFFER ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. IT SEEMS THAT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT WAS THE RESULT OF AN OIL CHANGE THAT DID NOT OCCUR AT THE 3000. THEY, THE DEALERSHIP BASED THIS OFF OF A STICKER THAT WAS IN THE WINDOW OF THE CAR. WHEN I WENT TO LOOK AT THE CAR THEY WAS NO OIL STICKER IN THE WINDOW. DESPITE THAT, I HAD CONTACTED THE CHEVY OFFICE ABOUT THE SAME WHINING NOISE THAT I HEARD IN MY CAR (THE IGNITION PULLEY) THAT MY HUSBAND WAS EXPERIENCING IN HIS CAR. THIS IS STILL NOT RESOLVED. WE WERE TOLD TO FIX THIS CAR IT WOULD COST $10,000.00, YES, FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. WE HAVE SINCE TOWED TO HOME IN ORDER TO AVOID STORAGE FEES. HERE SITS A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER WITH APPROX. 50,000.00 AND A NEW TRANSMISSION IS NEEDED. WE DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO FIX THIS AND ALSO PAY THE CAR NOTE ON IT AS WELL. AS A READ REPORTS, THIS IS A SIMILAR PROBLEM WITH MANY MANY TRAILBLAZERS. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10215523
Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2007
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolinePower Train
I OWN A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND I HAVE ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE SENSORS REPLACED, FUEL TANK HAS HAD TO BE WORKED ON, AND NOW THE MAIN MOST COSTLY IS I AM HAVING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THIS VEHICLE HAS APPROX. 84,000K MILES ON IT AND IS ON…
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I OWN A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND I HAVE ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE SENSORS REPLACED, FUEL TANK HAS HAD TO BE WORKED ON, AND NOW THE MAIN MOST COSTLY IS I AM HAVING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THIS VEHICLE HAS APPROX. 84,000K MILES ON IT AND IS ONLY TWO YEARS OLD. PLEASE HELP TO SEE IF THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A FACTORY RECALL. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICED AT THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT AT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10212038
47,800 miles · Nov 3, 2007
Power Train
TRANSMISSION STARTED ACTING UP ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO AT RIGHT AROUND 47,000 MILES. IT'S GOTTEN TO WHERE I CANNOT GO MORE THAN 45 MILES AN HOUR OR SO AND IT TAKES ME 5 MINUTES TO ACCELERATE TO THAT POINT. I AM TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, EVEN THOUGH MY WARRANTY IS EXPIRED BY 11,000 MILES, AND ONE MONTH! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10207821
51,653 miles · May 23, 2007
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING I AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED TO WORK IN THE DRIVE POSITION. IT WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS,WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT A COMPLETE FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SAFELY STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THEIR WERE NO INJURIES, BUT UNDER DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES THIS OCCURRENCE MAY HAVE RESU…
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WHILE DRIVING I AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED TO WORK IN THE DRIVE POSITION. IT WAS TAKEN TO DEALER FOR REPAIRS,WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT A COMPLETE FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS SAFELY STOPPED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THEIR WERE NO INJURIES, BUT UNDER DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES THIS OCCURRENCE MAY HAVE RESULTED IN SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH. THE VEHICLE HAD ONLY 51,653 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE TRANSMISSION WAS OVERHAULED AND THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED 5 DAYS LATER. THE REQUIRED FIRST SERVICE OF THE TRANSMISSION WAS NOT SCHEDULED UNTIL 100,000 MILES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10191582
28,000 miles · Jan 16, 2007
Power TrainCrash
TL* - ON NOVEMBER 11, 2006 THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 5-10 MPH ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS WHEN THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS DISPLAYED ON THE 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE VEHICLE STARTED SPINNING, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HIT A CEMENT MEDIAN,AND THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AGAIN. THE…
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TL* - ON NOVEMBER 11, 2006 THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT 5-10 MPH ON WET ROAD CONDITIONS WHEN THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS DISPLAYED ON THE 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE VEHICLE STARTED SPINNING, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HIT A CEMENT MEDIAN,AND THE VEHICLE SPUN AROUND AGAIN. THE LEFT FRONT TIRED LOOKED SHREDDED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AWAY. THE DRIVE SHAFT WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THE TIRE WAS RUBBING ON THE FRAME. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE DRIVE SHAFT HAD BEEN INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, CAUSING THE TIRE TO RUB ON THE FRAME. THE FIRST DEALER DID NOT TELL THE CONTACT THEY REPLACED THE DRIVE SHAFT. THE VEHICLE'S DRIVE SHAFT HAS BEEN ORDERED AND THE CONTACT IS STILL DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 28,000 MILES AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT HAS THE REPAIR INVOICES. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10178807
16,000 miles · Dec 7, 2006
Power Train
I BOUGHT THIS SUV TO GO OFF ROAD, MOSTLY RIDING IN THE SAND ON THE BEACH. THE FIRST TIME ON THE SAND IT DID NOT WANT TO GO AND I THOUGHT MY HUSBAND OR I DID SOMETHING WRONG. HOWEVER THE SECOND TIME IT WENT A SHORT DISTANCE AND THEN SANK UP TO THE AXLES AND WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED OFF THE BEACH. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND…
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I BOUGHT THIS SUV TO GO OFF ROAD, MOSTLY RIDING IN THE SAND ON THE BEACH. THE FIRST TIME ON THE SAND IT DID NOT WANT TO GO AND I THOUGHT MY HUSBAND OR I DID SOMETHING WRONG. HOWEVER THE SECOND TIME IT WENT A SHORT DISTANCE AND THEN SANK UP TO THE AXLES AND WE HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED OFF THE BEACH. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT, AND ACTED LIKE THIS WAS THE FIRST COMPLAINT ON THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER MY ACCOUNTANT HAS THE SAME SUV SAME YEAR MODEL AND SAME PROBLEM, TOOK IT TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AND WAS ALSO TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH HIS TRAILBLAZER. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10175541
65 miles · Sep 25, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHIFT FUNNY AFTER A LONG ROAD TRIP. IT DID THIS ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY. WE GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND PULLED INTO OUR TOWN AND THE CAR WAS HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING. WE BARELY MADE IT TO OUR HOUSE AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING. WE WENT TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT OVER HEATED LESS …
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ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHIFT FUNNY AFTER A LONG ROAD TRIP. IT DID THIS ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY. WE GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND PULLED INTO OUR TOWN AND THE CAR WAS HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING. WE BARELY MADE IT TO OUR HOUSE AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING. WE WENT TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT OVER HEATED LESS THAN A MILE FROM THE HOUSE. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE RADIATOR DETERIORATED AND SENT ANTI-FREEZE INTO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10169173
13,321 miles · May 19, 2006
Power TrainCrash
I PARKED A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER RENTED FROM BUDGET RENT A CAR IN THE HOTEL PARKING LOT WHERE MYSELF AND MY FIANCE WERE CHECKING IN TO. I REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AND WENT INSIDE. APPROXIMATELY 30 SEC LATER THE CAR ROLLED DOWN THE HILL IN A LARGE ARC (DUE TO THE STEERING WHEEL BEING LOCKED) AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER …
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I PARKED A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER RENTED FROM BUDGET RENT A CAR IN THE HOTEL PARKING LOT WHERE MYSELF AND MY FIANCE WERE CHECKING IN TO. I REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AND WENT INSIDE. APPROXIMATELY 30 SEC LATER THE CAR ROLLED DOWN THE HILL IN A LARGE ARC (DUE TO THE STEERING WHEEL BEING LOCKED) AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CAR WAS IN NEUTRAL. AT THAT POINT I PUT THE KEY BACK INTO THE IGNITION AND FOUND THAT THE KEY COULD BE REMOVED WHILE IN NEUTRAL, WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO ROLL. THE POLICE ARRIVED AND ALSO WERE ABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY WHILE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL. THIS IS INCLUDED IN THE POLICE REPORT. I WAS NOT CITED SINCE THE POLICE OFFICER FOUND THE CAR TO BE DEFECTIVE. BUDGET RENT A CAR REPLACED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT QUESTION, HOWEVER ARE NOW SEEKING ME TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGE, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY BEING CONTESTED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10157896
Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2006
Exterior LightingPower Train
HEADLIGHTS FLICKERING COMPLETELY OFF AND ON IN THE DARK AND DAYLIGHT HOURS AS WELL AS COMPLETELY QUITTING. HAD IT TO DEALERSHIP 2 TIMES FOR THIS MATTER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. I FELT IT WAS A HAZARD DRIVING IT THIS WAY BEING. IT ALSO HAPPENED AT NIGHT. THIS STARTED IN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005. HAVE…
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HEADLIGHTS FLICKERING COMPLETELY OFF AND ON IN THE DARK AND DAYLIGHT HOURS AS WELL AS COMPLETELY QUITTING. HAD IT TO DEALERSHIP 2 TIMES FOR THIS MATTER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. I FELT IT WAS A HAZARD DRIVING IT THIS WAY BEING. IT ALSO HAPPENED AT NIGHT. THIS STARTED IN NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2005. HAVEN'T HAD IT A YEAR YET AND ALREADY THE DRIVESHAFT HAS BEEN REPLACED . IS THIS A LEMON ?*AK
NHTSA ODI #10148891
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.