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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

Tires complaints

11 reports
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59,800 miles · May 21, 2014
Equipment Adaptive/mobilityTires

WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY SPARE TIRE MOUNTED UNDER VEHICLE DROPPED WAS SWINGING, CABLE THAT HELD TIRE RUSTED AND GAVE WAY. CALLED GM NOT RESPONSIBLE VEHICLE NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10593128

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2011
TiresWheels

THERE IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE RELATED TO THE SPARE TIRE WINCH OF GM VEHICLES THAT HAVE AN UNDERSIDE MOUNTED SPARE TIRE. I USED MY WINCH FOR THE FIRST TIME AND FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO LOWER THE TIRE FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. YES, I HAD TO BREAK OUT THE OWNER'S MANUAL IN ORDER TO FIGURE OUT THE SECONDARY RELEASE! W…

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THERE IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE RELATED TO THE SPARE TIRE WINCH OF GM VEHICLES THAT HAVE AN UNDERSIDE MOUNTED SPARE TIRE. I USED MY WINCH FOR THE FIRST TIME AND FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO LOWER THE TIRE FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. YES, I HAD TO BREAK OUT THE OWNER'S MANUAL IN ORDER TO FIGURE OUT THE SECONDARY RELEASE! WHEN THE SERVICE STATION WENT TO PUT IT BACK UP, THEY TOLD ME THE WINCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY AGREED. I'M CLAIMING THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND A DESIGN FLAW. GM IS SAYING IT IS "NORMAL" WEAR & TEAR. I'M HAVING A HARD TIME SWALLOWING THIS SINCE IT HAS ONLY BEEN USED ONCE. NOW THEY ARE CLAIMING "ENVIRONMENTAL" FACTORS AND RUST, CAUSED BY SALT IN MY STATE. THEY ARE POINTING TO SOME LOOPHOLE IN THE MANUAL TO DENY RESPONSIBILITY. UNDERSTAND THAT I'M OUTSIDE OF THE 3/36 WARRANTY, BUT STILL BELIEVE THE COMPANY SHOULD STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT AND TAKE OWNERSHIP FOR THIS FLAW. IF THIS AREA IS PRONE TO RUST AND HAS A HISTORY OF FAILING (AS INDICATED ON MY AUTOMOTIVE FORUMS), WHAT IS TO KEEP THE SPARE TIRE FROM FLYING OFF DURING OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. IF THIS SPARE WILL NOT SNUG UP TO THE UNDERSIDE OF THE BODY, IT SEEMS THAT HITTING A BUMP COULD CAUSE THE TIRE TO BREAK FREE OR ONE OF THE "RUSTED" COMPONENTS COULD CAUSE IT TO DROP EXPECTANTLY. I HAVE TRIED NUMEROUS TIMES TO GET THIS RESOLVED THROUGH MY LOCAL DEALER AND GM'S CUSTOMER CARE DIVISION, BUT THEY REFUSE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR A POOR DESIGN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10430574

55,000 miles · Sep 23, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineTires

GAS GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY, THEN FULL THEN EMPTY AGAIN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS ON, ALSO CABLE HOLDING SPARE TIRE, RUSTED WHILE DRIVING TIRE HANGING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10426875

Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2010
TiresCrash

2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER, RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. UNIT LOST CONTROL AND TRAVELED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD STRIKING THE CEMENT MEDIAN BARRIER. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0333-91)*JB UPDATED 08/06/10 *BF UPDATED 09/09/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE DROVE OVER SOME DEBRIS IN THE ROAD WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE…

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2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER, RIGHT REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. UNIT LOST CONTROL AND TRAVELED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD STRIKING THE CEMENT MEDIAN BARRIER. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0333-91)*JB UPDATED 08/06/10 *BF UPDATED 09/09/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE DROVE OVER SOME DEBRIS IN THE ROAD WHICH CAUSED THE TIRE BLOW OUT. UPDATED VOQ 09/14/10

NHTSA ODI #10345488

63,000 miles · Oct 2, 2009
Tires

TREAD SEPARATES FROM TIRE - CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC 245/65/R17 DOT A38T BMR & A38T BM5 I HAD 4 OF THESE TIRES DO THIS. NOT ONLY HAVE I/WILL I HAVE TO REPLACE THE TIRES, BUT I ALSO HAVE VEHICLE DAMAGE. CONTINENTAL HAS THUSFAR ONLY PROVIDED A $50 CREDIT TOWARD THE FIRST REPLACEMENT TIRE. I HAVE ONE MORE OF THESE TIRES ON MY TRUCK…

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TREAD SEPARATES FROM TIRE - CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC 245/65/R17 DOT A38T BMR & A38T BM5 I HAD 4 OF THESE TIRES DO THIS. NOT ONLY HAVE I/WILL I HAVE TO REPLACE THE TIRES, BUT I ALSO HAVE VEHICLE DAMAGE. CONTINENTAL HAS THUSFAR ONLY PROVIDED A $50 CREDIT TOWARD THE FIRST REPLACEMENT TIRE. I HAVE ONE MORE OF THESE TIRES ON MY TRUCK RIGHT NOW. WE PAID $500 FOR TWO NEW TIRES IN UTAH IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT, IN THE MIDDLE OF NOTHING ELSE. I'M SO FRUSTRATED AND HAD NO RELIEF! WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR THIS?? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10286114

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2008
Tires

MY CONTINENTAL TIRES ARE WORN AFTER ONLY 3 YEARS WITHOUT EXCESSIVE WEAR OR EXTREME CONDITIONS. I DRIVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE ALL OF THEM SOON TO KEEP MY FAMILY AND MYSELF SAFE. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH THE SAME CONTINENTAL TIRES ON THE SAME VEHICLE. SHE HAS HAD TO REPLACE HER TIRES AND I THINK HER VEHICLE …

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MY CONTINENTAL TIRES ARE WORN AFTER ONLY 3 YEARS WITHOUT EXCESSIVE WEAR OR EXTREME CONDITIONS. I DRIVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE ALL OF THEM SOON TO KEEP MY FAMILY AND MYSELF SAFE. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH THE SAME CONTINENTAL TIRES ON THE SAME VEHICLE. SHE HAS HAD TO REPLACE HER TIRES AND I THINK HER VEHICLE IS A 2006 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. A FEW WEEKS AGO, ONE TIRE SIMPLY SHREDDED TO PIECES AS SHE DROVE ALONG ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I NOTICED THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT IN ORLANDO, FL WITH A GMC ENVOY IN WHICH A BLOWN TIRE WAS REPORTED AS THE REASON FOR THE ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE VEHICLE FLIPPED AND TRAPPED A TEENAGER INSIDE. I AM REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THESE TIRES AND WOULD LIKE FOR SOMEONE TO TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT THE QUALITY BEFORE MORE LIVES ARE ENDANGERED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TYPE TIRES ARE ON THE GMC BUT SINCE THEY ARE SIMILAR VEHICLES, I ASSUME THE TIRES ARE PROBABLY SIMILAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10224889

47,000 miles · Sep 24, 2007
Tires

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE VEHICLE HAS CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC TR OWL, SIZES P245/65R17 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE WITH A SPARE. HE ALSO NOTICED TREAD SEPARATION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 47…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE VEHICLE HAS CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC TR OWL, SIZES P245/65R17 TIRES. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SWERVE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND REPLACED THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE WITH A SPARE. HE ALSO NOTICED TREAD SEPARATION. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 47,000. UPDATED 12-13-07. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10203922

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2007
Tires

CONTINENTAL TIRE FAILURE CUSTOMER STATES THAT HE HAD A SERIOUS BLOW OUT AND THAT THE TIRE SIDEWALL COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TREAD THIS IS THE SECOND TIRE TO MALFUNCTION ON HIS VEHICLE IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK**CC THE CONSUMER STATED HE IS VERY CONCERNED THAT 2 TIRES FAILED WITHIN A WEEK AND IS REALLY HOPEFUL ABOUT THE SITUATI…

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CONTINENTAL TIRE FAILURE CUSTOMER STATES THAT HE HAD A SERIOUS BLOW OUT AND THAT THE TIRE SIDEWALL COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE TREAD THIS IS THE SECOND TIRE TO MALFUNCTION ON HIS VEHICLE IN LESS THAN ONE WEEK**CC THE CONSUMER STATED HE IS VERY CONCERNED THAT 2 TIRES FAILED WITHIN A WEEK AND IS REALLY HOPEFUL ABOUT THE SITUATION BEING INVESTIGATED. *TR UPDATED 08/29/07. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10199182

3,000 miles · Oct 11, 2006
Service Brakes, HydraulicTires

BRAKES SQUEAL ON NORMAL BRAKING. BACK TIRES SPIN ON DRY ROAD AND SQUEAL LIKE SOMEONE IS "PEELING OUT". BRAKES SEEM TO RIDE LOW TO THE FLOOR AND BARELY STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN HAVING TO STOP QUICKLY. BESIDES THAT, THEY MAKE THE TRUCK KEEP ON ROLLING EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED . IT'S LIKE THE COMPUTER IN THE BRAKE SYS…

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BRAKES SQUEAL ON NORMAL BRAKING. BACK TIRES SPIN ON DRY ROAD AND SQUEAL LIKE SOMEONE IS "PEELING OUT". BRAKES SEEM TO RIDE LOW TO THE FLOOR AND BARELY STOP THE VEHICLE WHEN HAVING TO STOP QUICKLY. BESIDES THAT, THEY MAKE THE TRUCK KEEP ON ROLLING EVEN THOUGH THE BRAKES ARE BEING APPLIED . IT'S LIKE THE COMPUTER IN THE BRAKE SYSTEM DETECTS NOTHING WHEN YOU TRY TO STOP, I'VE HAD SOME VERY NEAR MISSES AS FAR AS ACCIDENTS ARE CONCERNED. I JUST PAID THIS MONSTER OFF NOW EVERYTHING IS GOING WRONG. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10170474

26,000 miles · Jul 17, 2006
Tires

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 72 MPH THE TREADS ON THE DRIVER REAR TIRE SEPARATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED OFF THE ROAD. DAMAGED WAS CAUSED TO THE REAR BUMPER AND QUARTER PANEL ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN ALERTED.

NHTSA ODI #10162567

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.