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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.

About this comparison →

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

Unknown Or Other complaints

29 reports
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7,156,000 miles · Jun 6, 2020
Exterior LightingFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

MY GAS GAUGE IS SITTING ON BOTTOM INSTEAD OF TOP WHERE IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IN MY CAR. AN I HAVE 2 SMALL KIDS AN ONE HAS A HEART CONDITION. AN I'M ON A FIXED INCOME. AN ALSO MY HEAD LIGHTS GO OFF AN ON ALL THE TIME DAY OR NIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11327548

Mileage unknown · May 24, 2018
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

CONTROL PANEL ON DRIVERS DOOR IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL, DURING A HEAVY RAINSTORM I GOT OUT OF MY TRUCK, CLOSED THE DOOR AND RAN TO MY HOUSE. THE NEXT DAY THE CONTROLS NO LONGER WORKED. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I'VE LEFT MY VEHICLE WHILE RAINING BUT THE FIRST TIME THE CONTROLS STOPPED WORKING. THIS WAS A RECALL ITEM IN OTHER YE…

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CONTROL PANEL ON DRIVERS DOOR IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONAL, DURING A HEAVY RAINSTORM I GOT OUT OF MY TRUCK, CLOSED THE DOOR AND RAN TO MY HOUSE. THE NEXT DAY THE CONTROLS NO LONGER WORKED. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME I'VE LEFT MY VEHICLE WHILE RAINING BUT THE FIRST TIME THE CONTROLS STOPPED WORKING. THIS WAS A RECALL ITEM IN OTHER YEARS 2006-2007. CHERY DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THIS BEING THE SAME ISSUE IN THE 2005 MODEL. CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER RECALL - #13V248000. FLUID MAY ENTER THE DRIVER'S DOOR MODULE, CAUSING CORROSION THAT COULD RESULT IN A SHORT IN THE CIRCUIT BOARD. A SHORT MAY CAUSE THE POWER DOOR LOCK AND POWER WINDOW SWITCHES TO FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY OR BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE SHORT MAY ALSO CAUSE OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD MELT COMPONENTS OF THE DOOR MODULE, PRODUCING ODOR, SMOKE, OR A FIRE.

NHTSA ODI #11097788

70,000 miles · Jan 15, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

SINCE THE PURCHASE MY TB ENGINE WILL STOP WHEN AC AND HEATER IS ON ON STOP LIGHT, THAT IT WAS DELAYING WHILE DRIVING. IT GOT WORSE AFTER "WARRANTY WAS OUT, I BELIEVE IN JULY 2007.NO ONE CAN FIND THE CAUSE, BUT THINKING ITS ALL SYSTEM FAULTY., ENGINE, ELECTRONICS, FANS. COULD I AFFORD A NEW CAR, I WOULD NOT KEEP THIS CAR, AS NOW…

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SINCE THE PURCHASE MY TB ENGINE WILL STOP WHEN AC AND HEATER IS ON ON STOP LIGHT, THAT IT WAS DELAYING WHILE DRIVING. IT GOT WORSE AFTER "WARRANTY WAS OUT, I BELIEVE IN JULY 2007.NO ONE CAN FIND THE CAUSE, BUT THINKING ITS ALL SYSTEM FAULTY., ENGINE, ELECTRONICS, FANS. COULD I AFFORD A NEW CAR, I WOULD NOT KEEP THIS CAR, AS NOW I KNOW IT WAS THE WORSE YEAR MAKING OF ALL. NOW I ONLY PRAY TO STAY ALIVE WHILE DRIVING AND NOT GET INTO SOME BEYOND MY CONTROL BUT FAULTY GM MODEL MAKERS

NHTSA ODI #11062893

130,000 miles · Aug 7, 2017
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK ANY LONGER,4 WHEEL DRIVE DOES NOT ENGAGE

NHTSA ODI #11013309

75,000 miles · Jun 26, 2017
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

NOV.2013 WAS THE FRIST TIME WE HAD A PROPLEM, RIGHT AFTER THAT THE OIL GAUGE WAS NOT WORKING. ON AN OFF WE HAVE NOTICED OTHER TYPE OF PROBLEM THAT SEEM TO BE ELECTRICAL. FOR THE LAST YEAR \YEAR AN HALF MY GAS IS ALL OVER THE PLACE, ALWAYS STOPPING TO GET GAS AS NOT TO GIVE OUT. ALSO, MY GEAR AND MILEAGE GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. NOW …

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NOV.2013 WAS THE FRIST TIME WE HAD A PROPLEM, RIGHT AFTER THAT THE OIL GAUGE WAS NOT WORKING. ON AN OFF WE HAVE NOTICED OTHER TYPE OF PROBLEM THAT SEEM TO BE ELECTRICAL. FOR THE LAST YEAR \YEAR AN HALF MY GAS IS ALL OVER THE PLACE, ALWAYS STOPPING TO GET GAS AS NOT TO GIVE OUT. ALSO, MY GEAR AND MILEAGE GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. NOW HAVE NO IDEA WHEN TO CHANGE THE OIL OR ROTATE TIRES

NHTSA ODI #11001457

Mileage unknown · May 24, 2017
Unknown Or Other

ALL OF THE GAUGES ON THE CONTROL PANEL DO NOT FUNCTION (SPEEDOMETER, TEMP, GAS) WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON, THE GAUGES MAY SLIGHTLY MOVE, BUT ALL ARE INACCURATE.

NHTSA ODI #10991345

Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2016
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

FUEL GAUGE ALWAYS SHOWS EMPTY, NOT WORKING. NO WAY TO KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE CAR. OIL GAUGE NOT WORKING.

NHTSA ODI #10929709

110,000 miles · Jul 27, 2015
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

I NOTICED MY BATTERY GUAGE QUIT. THEN AFTER STARTING MY TRUCK A FEW DIFFERENT TIMES, THE GAS GUAGE READ DIFFERENTLY. THEN MY SPEEDOMETER WDULD STICK ON 100 WHEN I WAS DOING APPROXIMATLY 60. THEN THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON IT. MY FRIEND HAS A 2005 ALSO AND HER CLUSTER PANNEL WENT OUT …

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I NOTICED MY BATTERY GUAGE QUIT. THEN AFTER STARTING MY TRUCK A FEW DIFFERENT TIMES, THE GAS GUAGE READ DIFFERENTLY. THEN MY SPEEDOMETER WDULD STICK ON 100 WHEN I WAS DOING APPROXIMATLY 60. THEN THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD NOT WORK AT ALL. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON IT. MY FRIEND HAS A 2005 ALSO AND HER CLUSTER PANNEL WENT OUT TOO. ITS A 400.00 REPAIR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO QUITE A FEW 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZERS FROM WHAT IVE READ ONLINE. COME ON GENERAL MOTORS. YOU NEED TO RECALL THESE MODELS.

NHTSA ODI #10743665

110,000 miles · Jun 10, 2015
Unknown Or Other

THE REAR SPOILER LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE HAD TRIED TO REMOVE IT WITH A SCREWDRIVER. EVENTUALLY IT CAME TO THE POINT THAT IT WOULD "FLAP" IN THE WIND WHEN DRIVING. WHEN DRIVING, IT CAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 5. HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE ELECTRICAL CORD, IT COULD HAVE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FREEWA…

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THE REAR SPOILER LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE HAD TRIED TO REMOVE IT WITH A SCREWDRIVER. EVENTUALLY IT CAME TO THE POINT THAT IT WOULD "FLAP" IN THE WIND WHEN DRIVING. WHEN DRIVING, IT CAME DISCONNECTED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 5. HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE ELECTRICAL CORD, IT COULD HAVE HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FREEWAY. I TOOK IT TO A REPAIR SHOP. THE SHOP FIXES IT, BUT IT BEGAN DOING THE SAME THING WITHIN A YEAR. I TOOK IT TO THE REPAIR SHOP AGAIN. AGAIN, THE FIX FAILED. I TOOK IT A THIRD TIME AND IT HAS JUST FAILED AGAIN, I WILL TAKE IT TO ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP AND POSSIBLY A DEALER SHOP TO LOOK AT IT. I AM READING THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH 2005 TRAIL BLAZERS. I HAVE PAID FOR A REPAIR ONCE AND FIND IT DIFFICULT TO HAVE TO PAY FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN THAT IS NO FAULT OF MINE OR REPEATED TAMPERING.

NHTSA ODI #10724516

128,000 miles · Mar 11, 2015
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

ODOMETER WORKS THEN JUST STOPS GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON NOW ALSO IF I PLUG IN MY CELL CHARGER THE RADIO SHUTS OFF DID NOT DO THIS UNTIL ISSUES WITH ODOMETER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10693708

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.