NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
14 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jun 28, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes
I HAVE A 2005 TB LS, AND IT'S A POS. AS SOON AS I DROVE OFF THE LOT I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES. MY BRAKES PULSATE, GO TO THE FLOOR, GET STIFF AS A BOARD, BASICALLY THEY DON'T WORK. I HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES QUICKLY IN AN EFFORT TO AVOID A CRASH. I FILLED THE GAS TANK TO FULL, HUGE MISTAKE. THE MOMENT I DID THAT THE CHECK ENGINE…
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I HAVE A 2005 TB LS, AND IT'S A POS. AS SOON AS I DROVE OFF THE LOT I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES. MY BRAKES PULSATE, GO TO THE FLOOR, GET STIFF AS A BOARD, BASICALLY THEY DON'T WORK. I HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES QUICKLY IN AN EFFORT TO AVOID A CRASH. I FILLED THE GAS TANK TO FULL, HUGE MISTAKE. THE MOMENT I DID THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS FLASHED AND SPORADIC IDLING. IT HAS A LOUD WHINE UNDER THE HOOD, FRONT TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD FLASHER RANDOMLY STOPPED WORKING. CAR WILL DIE IF I RUN THE A/C FOR MORE THEN 15 MINS. IT WILL PULL TO EITHER SIDE WHEN I APPLY MY BRAKES. I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT UP WITH PROPER MAINTENANCE, TUNE UP, ETC. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE, THAT SO MANY HAVE THE SAME [XXX] ISSUES AND YET CHEVY WILL NOT RECOGNIZE/TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OBVIOUS FLAWS AND LACK OF MECHANICAL KNOWLEDGE..I JUST WANT OUT OF THIS [XXX] LEASE AND A REPLACEMENT CAR!!! PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11104467
135,000 miles · Feb 1, 2018
Service Brakes
THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD CONSTANT BRAKING ISSUES. FROM CONTINUAL ROTOR REPLACEMENTS TO REGULAR PAD REPLACEMENTS. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS NEVER BEEN CONSTANT WITH REGARD TO PRESSURE AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN"SOFT" WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE LAST 25 FEET OR SO THERE IS A VIBRATION, HUM, AND WHEN FINALLY STOPPED, THE PEDAL SINKS ANOTHER 1/2 INCH…
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THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD CONSTANT BRAKING ISSUES. FROM CONTINUAL ROTOR REPLACEMENTS TO REGULAR PAD REPLACEMENTS. THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS NEVER BEEN CONSTANT WITH REGARD TO PRESSURE AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN"SOFT" WHEN COMING TO A STOP. THE LAST 25 FEET OR SO THERE IS A VIBRATION, HUM, AND WHEN FINALLY STOPPED, THE PEDAL SINKS ANOTHER 1/2 INCH OR SO LIKE IT SIGHS OF RELIEF. THIS MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO JUDGE APPROPRIATE BRAKING DISTANCES AND LACKS CONFIDENCE IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. WE TOOK IT TO GROSSMAN CHEVROLET WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED IN OLD SAYBROOK CT. WE WERE TOLD THERES NOTHING WRONG AND OUR DRIVING STYLE IS TO BLAME.THAT WE WERE BRAKING TOO HARD AND CAUSING THE ROTORS TO WARP. THERE IS A FAULT IN THE ABS SENSOR SYSTEM AND GM HAS DONE NOTHING TO ASSIST OWNERS. IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE. THIS MUST BE RECALLED OR REPAIRED AT GM EXPENSE. I WILL NOT PAY A STEALERSHIP ANY MORE MONEY TO FIX AN ISSUE THAT IS AN ENGINEERING FAULT.
NHTSA ODI #11066206
105,000 miles · Feb 7, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes
I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED IN 2009. IT HAD ABOUT 60000 MILES ON IT. 1) THE FIRST PROBLEM I HAD WITH IT WAS A BURNOUT OF THE HAC BLOWER PLUG, THAT PART OF THE WIRING HARNESS HAD TO BE CUT OUT AND REPLACED WTH A COMPLETELY NEW PLUG( BOTH HALVES) AND REWIRED IN FOR A COST OF 125.OO AND 3 HOURS OF LABOUR. I LOOKED THIS UP ON THE IN…
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I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED IN 2009. IT HAD ABOUT 60000 MILES ON IT. 1) THE FIRST PROBLEM I HAD WITH IT WAS A BURNOUT OF THE HAC BLOWER PLUG, THAT PART OF THE WIRING HARNESS HAD TO BE CUT OUT AND REPLACED WTH A COMPLETELY NEW PLUG( BOTH HALVES) AND REWIRED IN FOR A COST OF 125.OO AND 3 HOURS OF LABOUR. I LOOKED THIS UP ON THE INTERNET VERY COMMON PROBLEM 2) RIDER SIDE DOOR CONTROL PANEL STOPPED WORKING WITH STRONG ODOR OF BURNT PLASTIC. AGAIN LOOKED UP AND FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT ONLY 2006 VEHICLES 3)BRAKES BURN OUT OF ROTORS ONLY ON RIGHTSIDE- LEFT SIDE ROTORS WERE FINE, BRAKE JOB WITH REPLACEMENT OF 2 LEFT ROTORS I FRONT PISTON AMD ALL 8 PADS 650.00. FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET 4) FAILURE OF IGNITION SWITCH WITH ERRATIC ELECTRICAL FUNCTION OF RUNNING LIGHTS, RADIO AND DASHBOARD INSTRUMENTATION. HAPPENED ON THE ROAD EARLY TWILIGHT VERY DANGEROUS HAD TO GET A LOCAL TOLL FOR 75.00 ALL OF THESE FAILURES HAVE MADE ME VERY WARY OF DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. THEY OCCURRED AT VARIOUS TIMES OVER LAST 4YEAR SOME HAVE BEEN REPAIRED AS NOTED ABOVE. PRESENTLY WAITING FOR IGNITON SYSTEM REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI #10950166
120,846 miles · May 31, 2016
Service Brakes
THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IN MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS AT TIMES DOES NOT WORK. WHEN I APPLY MY BRAKE THE BRAKE MAKES A NOISE SOUNDING LIKE GRINDING, NOT CATCHING OR HOLDING, SLIPS AND GOES TO THE FLOOR. I HAVE TO RAPIDLY ACT WITH SWIFTNESS WITHIN A SHORT TIME TO REAPPLY MY BRAKES IN HOPES THEY WORK. THE BRAKES SOMETIMES FA…
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THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IN MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS AT TIMES DOES NOT WORK. WHEN I APPLY MY BRAKE THE BRAKE MAKES A NOISE SOUNDING LIKE GRINDING, NOT CATCHING OR HOLDING, SLIPS AND GOES TO THE FLOOR. I HAVE TO RAPIDLY ACT WITH SWIFTNESS WITHIN A SHORT TIME TO REAPPLY MY BRAKES IN HOPES THEY WORK. THE BRAKES SOMETIMES FAIL ON BUMPY ROADS, GOING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS, COMING TO A STOP AT LOW SPEED, EVEN ON SMOOTH ROADWAYS, AT TIMES ENTERING ON-RAMPS, AND TURNING CORNERS. I HAVE BEEN GOING OVER GM'S EXPANDED RECALLS TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH TRUCK AND SUV'S BRAKES THE DATE I SAW WAS 12/23/2005. CAN I GET HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM???
NHTSA ODI #10871683
178,000 miles · Mar 14, 2016
Electrical SystemService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED AFTERWARDS. AFTER APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES, THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE AB…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED AFTERWARDS. AFTER APPROXIMATELY TWO MINUTES, THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT THE ABS SENSOR, THE OXYGEN SENSOR, THE BRAKE PADS, THE CLUSTER MODULE AND THE FUEL SENDER LEVER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10846458
136,000 miles · Sep 17, 2014
Air BagsSeat BeltsService BrakesCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE REAR SEAT BELTS THAT WERE RESTRAINING TWO CHILDREN BECAME UNBUCKLED A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE ENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE REAR SEAT BELTS THAT WERE RESTRAINING TWO CHILDREN BECAME UNBUCKLED AND EJECTED THE CHILDREN FROM THEIR CHILD SAFETY SEATS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
NHTSA ODI #10636979
89,000 miles · Aug 12, 2014
EngineService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE PARKING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE ABS AND SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.
NHTSA ODI #10621816
62,000 miles · Jul 23, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOR THREE YEARS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. THE WINDOW REGULATOR, BATTERY CABLE, TANK LEVEL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY FOR THREE YEARS. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. THE WINDOW REGULATOR, BATTERY CABLE, TANK LEVEL SENSOR, CLUTCH FAN, SERPENTINE BELT, TIGHT OUTER TIE ROD, HOOD LATCH,WATER PUMP, WERE ALL REPLACED. ALSO, THE ROTORS WERE WARPED, DUE TO RUST BY CLIMATE, THE REAR BRAKES PADS WERE WORN AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FRONT ROTORS WERE MACHINED. THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT SURGE AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THERE WAS A SQUEALING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THE PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE BLOWING OUT. THE TAIL LIGHT CIRCUIT BOARD WAS REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DUE TO A FAULTY EMISSION VENT VALVE AND HOSE ASSEMBLY. THE ABS WAS ENGAGING, WHEN COMING TO A STOP. UPDATED 10/01/14
NHTSA ODI #10615557
76,000 miles · Jul 1, 2014
Electrical SystemService Brakes
LEAVING PARKING LOT (& WANTING TO TURN ONTO ROAD) I APPLIED MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER EXT BRAKES. MY FOOT & PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR WITH NO BRAKE AT ALL. THANKFULLY NO CARS & GOING SLOW ENOUGH OR I WOULD HAVE HIT THEM. INSTEAD OF STOPPING AT END OF PARKING LOT, I FOUND MYSELF ENTERING ROAD & SEEING TREES ON OTHER SIDE OF ROAD COMING UP …
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LEAVING PARKING LOT (& WANTING TO TURN ONTO ROAD) I APPLIED MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER EXT BRAKES. MY FOOT & PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR WITH NO BRAKE AT ALL. THANKFULLY NO CARS & GOING SLOW ENOUGH OR I WOULD HAVE HIT THEM. INSTEAD OF STOPPING AT END OF PARKING LOT, I FOUND MYSELF ENTERING ROAD & SEEING TREES ON OTHER SIDE OF ROAD COMING UP QUICKLY. I GRABBED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LEVER. SCARED ME TO DEATH!!! VEHICLE THEN TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP. SHOP OWNER REPORT = HOLE RUBBED IN BRAKE LINE CLOSE TO DRIVER FIREWALL SEPARATING ENGINE FROM SEAT AREA. HE FURTHER SAID "BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR 30+ YEARS AND HAD NEVER SEEN THIS BEFORE. SEEMS LIKE A HUGE DESIGN FLAW." RUBBING ON ANOTHER LINE & PINHOLE THERE NOW - WHICH WOULD EXPLAIN WHY MY A/C WAS NOT WORKING ON DRIVER SIDE, BUT WORKING ON THE PASS SIDE. HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAD AN ACCIDENT? HAVE ANOTHER (?)... IF GM HAS KNOWN ABOUT A PROBLEM FOR YRS ON SEVERAL MODELS: VERY WELL DOCUMENTED ON INTERNET BY HUNDREDS (IF NOT THOUSANDS OF OWNERS) - WHY WON'T NHTSA MAKE GM DO SOMETHING? PROBLEM = SPEED GAUGE, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE, & RADIO ALL OF A SUDDEN STOP WORKING ONE DAY. THEN SOME DAYS THEY ALL WORK, SOME DAYS ONLY 1 WORK, SOME DAYS 2 WORK??? AN EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTION OR COMPUTER GLITCH? HAPPENED ABOUT 75K MILES ON BOTH MY AUTO & MY DAD'S 2005 CHEVY PICKUP. I LIVE IN SE, HE LIVES IN NE. TWO AREAS OF US; YET EACH DEALERSHIP WANTED ABOUT $600.00 TO FIX IT. CALLED GM: NO HELP AVAILABLE!! SEARCHED INTERNET FOR REPAIR FIX, & NOTICED TONS OF UNHAPPY OWNERS W/ SAME PROBLEM: GM WOULD NOT HELP THEM PAY FOR THIS PROBLEM - EVEN THOUGH IT'S THEIR EQUIPMENT PROBLEM. CLEARLY IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE: NO ONE CAN TELL HOW FAST ACTUALLY GOING & LED TO MANY ACCIDENTS & SPEEDING TICKETS I'M SURE! TIME NHTSA STEPS IN DON'T YOU THINK? THEN HAVE THE BRAKE/AC LINE RUBBING ISSUE - CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE & I HOPE YOU DO SOMETHING! I STILL HAVE THE BRAKE LINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10607447
82,000 miles · Mar 13, 2014
Service Brakes
BRAKES LINES HAVE SEVERE CORROSION AND ARE LEAKING FLUID AND WILL ALL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10569121
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.