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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

Steering complaints

20 reports
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135,000 miles · Oct 25, 2019
Steering

NO POWER STEERING!!

NHTSA ODI #11271142

148,000 miles · Feb 23, 2016
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.

NHTSA ODI #10837785

58,584 miles · Feb 8, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE REAR HATCH LOCK FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BE UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE REAR HATCH AND THE FRONT ROTORS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO RE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED. IN ADDITION, THE REAR HATCH LOCK FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO BE UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE REAR HATCH AND THE FRONT ROTORS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND THE FRONT ROTORS. THE SPEEDOMETER AND REAR HATCH WERE NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A STRONG ABNORMAL ODOR PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,584.

NHTSA ODI #10824767

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

THE ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY COMES ON EVEN AFTER I HAD A TUNE UP. I HAD DIAGNOSTICS DONE AND THERE IS SOME TYPE OF FUEL MISFIRE. TWO WINTERS STRAIGHT I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE POWER STEERING LINES BURSTING AND REPLACED 3 TIMES. THE SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONS, MOST OF THE TIME IT JUST STAYS AT ZERO. IF GM USES A LOT OF THE SAME P…

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THE ENGINE LIGHT CONSTANTLY COMES ON EVEN AFTER I HAD A TUNE UP. I HAD DIAGNOSTICS DONE AND THERE IS SOME TYPE OF FUEL MISFIRE. TWO WINTERS STRAIGHT I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE POWER STEERING LINES BURSTING AND REPLACED 3 TIMES. THE SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONS, MOST OF THE TIME IT JUST STAYS AT ZERO. IF GM USES A LOT OF THE SAME PARTS TO MAKE MULTIPLE MODELS WHY HAS THE 2005 TRAILBLAZER NOT BEEN RECALLED? I WAS TOLD THE GM ENVOY HAS THE SAME ENGINE AND OTHER INNER WORKINGS AS MY TRAILBLAZER SO WHY WOULDN'T THEIR RECALLS APPLY TO MY VEHICLE ESPECIALLY IF I MAY BE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10694608

125,000 miles · Dec 10, 2014
Seat BeltsSteeringVehicle Speed Control

WHEN THE STEERING IS TURNED TOO FAR THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY AND VERY SUDDENLY SHUTS OFF, NO MATTER WHERE WE ARE. SEATBELTS IN THE LAST ROW OF THE VEHICLE DON'T LOCK SO, OUR CAR SEATS JUST SLIDE DUE TO NEVER ENDING SEAT BELT. ENGINE AND OIL LIGHT COME ON WHEN CAR IS STARTED AND WILL STAY ON FOR DAYS AS RESULT OF GAS CAP BEING NOT S…

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WHEN THE STEERING IS TURNED TOO FAR THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY AND VERY SUDDENLY SHUTS OFF, NO MATTER WHERE WE ARE. SEATBELTS IN THE LAST ROW OF THE VEHICLE DON'T LOCK SO, OUR CAR SEATS JUST SLIDE DUE TO NEVER ENDING SEAT BELT. ENGINE AND OIL LIGHT COME ON WHEN CAR IS STARTED AND WILL STAY ON FOR DAYS AS RESULT OF GAS CAP BEING NOT SCREWED ON PROPERLY. DELAYED TURNING REACTION WITH STEERING WHEEL, HORN GOT STUCK AND WOULD NOT STOP SOUNDING SO IT HAD TO BE DISABLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10663298

70,000 miles · Jul 31, 2014
Electrical SystemSeat BeltsSteeringCrashInjury

MYSELF AND MY DAUGHTER WAS VISITING MY PARENTS IN VIRGINIA AND I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO GO AROUND A CURVE AND THE STEERING WHEEL DIDN'T TURN. I LOOKED AY MY DAUGHTER AND SAID "OH _ _ _ _" AND SHE ASK ME WHAT 'S WRONG? I SAID THE STEERING DIDN'T TURN AND IT WASN'T BUT SECONDS LATER, WE SLAMMED INTO THE SIDE OF …

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MYSELF AND MY DAUGHTER WAS VISITING MY PARENTS IN VIRGINIA AND I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT TO GO AROUND A CURVE AND THE STEERING WHEEL DIDN'T TURN. I LOOKED AY MY DAUGHTER AND SAID "OH _ _ _ _" AND SHE ASK ME WHAT 'S WRONG? I SAID THE STEERING DIDN'T TURN AND IT WASN'T BUT SECONDS LATER, WE SLAMMED INTO THE SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND WE ROLLED TWO OR THREE TIMES AND ENDED UP ON THE ROOF. I IMMEDIATELY WENT UNCONSCIOUS BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT. I HAD A BIG GASH ON MY HEAD AND WAS BLEEDING PROFUSELY AND I WAS HAVING TROUBLE BREATHING BECAUSE BOTH OF MY LUNGS WERE PUNCTURED. ALL THE WINDOWS BURST OUT SO MY DAUGHTER WAS ABLE TO CRAWL OUT THE PASSENGER WINDOW TO ASK SOMEONE FOR HELP BUT MY SEAT BELT WOULD NOT UNBUCKLE SO THERE WAS AN ISSUE GETTING ME OUT. I WAS VERY LUCKY THAT SOMEONE THAT STOPPED HAD A POCKET KNIFE AND CUT THE SEATBELT TO GET ME OUT. I HAD A BAD CONCUSSION AND I KEPT GOING IN AND OUT . I HAD THREE BROKEN RIBS, THREE PELVIC FRACTURES, A BAD CONTUSION ON MY ELBOW AND I STILL HAVE A SWOLLEN KNOT ABOUT TWO AND A HALF INCHES ON MY LEFT LEG. I ALSO HAVE ISSUES WITH MY BACK AND I AM IN CONSTANT PAIN AND ON IMPACT, MY SEAT BELT JERKED AND CAUGHT MY BREAST AND I NOW HAVE FIVE CYST WITH THE LARGEST ONE BEING ONE INCH AND THEY ARE VERY PAINFUL. I HAVE TO WATCH IT VERY CLOSELY BECAUSE OF A CANCER RISK CALLED INFLAMMATION CANCER. I WAS HOSPITALIZED FOR THREE DAYS AND I HAVE TO CONTINUE RECEIVING MEDICAL CARE BECAUSE OF THESE INJURIES. MY DAUGHTER IS YOUNG AND NOW SHE HAS BACK PROBLEMS AND PTSD AND SHE ALSO CONTINUES TO RECEIVE MEDICAL CARE . THIS HAS REALLY IMPACTED AND CHANGED MY LIFE AND MY DAUGHTERS LIFE AND I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IT IF YOU WOULD TAKE THE TIME TO INVESTIGATE THESE ISSUES. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE LIFE LONG INJURIES AND ISSUES BECAUSE OF THIS ACCIDENT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10617960

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

32,262 miles · Jul 18, 2014
Steering

FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED REPLACEMENT: NO BLOWER ON DEFROST, AIR, HEAT. BRAKE LIGHTS AND ABS LIGHTS CAME ON. ONLY 32,262 MILES. $240.34 TO REPLACE. WILL I BE REIMBURSED SINCE THIS IS A RECALL? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10614624

106,200 miles · Apr 1, 2014
EngineSteeringVehicle Speed Control

WE WERE DRIVING AT ABOUT 55 (WE DON'T KNOW EXACT SPEED AS OUR CONTROL PANEL IS NOT WORKING) AND THE STEERING WENT OUT. IT WAS HARD PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND A FEW TIMES WE COULD NOT CONTROL IT AND WENT OFF THE ROAD. WE HAD ANOTHER INCIDENT LIKE THAT WHEN WE WERE DRIVING IN THE SNOW. WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR WE HAD A FUEL ISSU…

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WE WERE DRIVING AT ABOUT 55 (WE DON'T KNOW EXACT SPEED AS OUR CONTROL PANEL IS NOT WORKING) AND THE STEERING WENT OUT. IT WAS HARD PULLING TO THE RIGHT AND A FEW TIMES WE COULD NOT CONTROL IT AND WENT OFF THE ROAD. WE HAD ANOTHER INCIDENT LIKE THAT WHEN WE WERE DRIVING IN THE SNOW. WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR WE HAD A FUEL ISSUE THAT COVERED UNDER A RECALL.... NOW OUR WHOLE PANEL IS OUT. WE DON'T KNOW THE SPEED WE ARE GOING, THE OIL LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT ARE ALWAYS ON. WE TAKE CARE OF OUR CAR SO WE KNOW ITS NOT LOW ON ANYTHING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576118

155,000 miles · Jan 23, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL AREA THE ENGINE WOULD SERGE BETWEEN 2K RPM AND 4K RPM. IF SURGING IS ALLOWED TO PERSIST THEN IT IS FOLLOWED BY THE VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING SHUT OFF ULTIMATELY ENDING IN THE ENGINE SHUTTING OFF. AFTER VEHICLE IS RESTARTED THE CYCLE STARTS AGAIN AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10561112

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.