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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

29 reports
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108,700 miles · Jan 8, 2011
Unknown Or Other

AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM SHOPPING, MY WIFE AND HER FRIEND PULLED INTO OUR DRIVEWAY AND SHE PLACED OUR TRAILBLAZER IN PARK. THERE WAS A LOUD SOUND SHE SAID SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION AND THE REAR LIFT HATCH WINDOW SHATTERED SENDING GLASS FLYING. AT THE TIME OF THE GLASS SHATTERING THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS CLOSE TO 30 DEGREES.…

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AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM SHOPPING, MY WIFE AND HER FRIEND PULLED INTO OUR DRIVEWAY AND SHE PLACED OUR TRAILBLAZER IN PARK. THERE WAS A LOUD SOUND SHE SAID SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION AND THE REAR LIFT HATCH WINDOW SHATTERED SENDING GLASS FLYING. AT THE TIME OF THE GLASS SHATTERING THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS CLOSE TO 30 DEGREES. THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS NOT ON. I CAME HOME FROM WORK AND WE CLEANED ALL THE GLASS FROM THE DRIVEWAY AND THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED. I CONTACTED THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE WINDOW WAS FIXED FOR A COST OF $754.70 BY SAFELITE GLASS REPAIR. I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND DID A SEARCH OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS AND FOUND QUITE A FEW. I CONTACTED GM BY E-MAIL AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED. GM THANKED ME FOR THE INFORMATION BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY REPLACEMENT OR REIMBURSEMENT. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED AND OUR GRANDDAUGHTER WAS NOT IN HER CAR SEAT AT THE TIME. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF MY WIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN OPENING THE LIFT GATE WHEN THE GLASS SHATTERED. GM SAID THIS APPEARED TO BE AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND I OFFERED TO SEND THEM LINKS TO OTHER IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS THAT I FOUND. I WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA TO PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AS THIS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND THERE WAS NO WARNING OF THIS FAILURE. THE GLASS WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING AND THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.

NHTSA ODI #10375909

94,000 miles · Dec 31, 2010
Unknown Or Other

THE OIL LEVEL INDICATOR IN THE DASH PANEL IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. A CALL TO THE DEALER WHERE CAR WAS PURCHASED CONFIRMS THAT THIS IS PART OF AN "INSTRUMENT CLUSTER" THAT ALSO CONTROLS THE SPEEDOMETER, AND THAT IT WILL PROBABLY MALFUNCTION AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI #10374288

80,000 miles · Apr 3, 2010
Unknown Or Other

IM HAVING PLOBLEMS WITH MY SPEEDOMETER AND IT WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO WORK AND MOST OF THE TIME I NEVER KNOW HOW FAST IM GOING DO TO THIS PLOBLEM.I CAN'T AFFORD TO BE HAVING THESE PLOBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #10323632

35,600 miles · Apr 2, 2010
Unknown Or Other

SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONING, MOSST TIMES READS 100-110 MPH STANDING STILL OR WHILE MOVING

NHTSA ODI #10323480

107,000 miles · Dec 6, 2009
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING ON 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER - NO REASON IT QUIT. WENT COMPLETELY OFF OF THE GAUGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10294667

115,000 miles · Jan 6, 2009
Unknown Or Other

SPEEDOMETER FAILS TO FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY. MAY READ 0 MPH WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, OR 100+ MPH WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. MAY READ NORMALLY AT OTHER TIMES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10253996

Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2007
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER CUSTOMER STATED WHILE LEAVING PULLING OUT OF DRIVE THE REAR DOOR WAS OPEN AND THE INDICATOR DID NOT COME ON**NAR**CC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10187927

Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2006
StructureUnknown Or Other

MY HEAD LINER HAS FALLEN DOWN 4 TIMES AND NEVER BEEN REPLACE, JUST REGLUED OR RE VELCROED, AND THE NOISES THAT COME FROM MY WINDOWS ARE QUITE LOUD AND IF WINDY THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW GIVES A WHISTLE, THIS WAS NOT THE CASE WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BUT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND I AM TOLD IT IS NORMAL WIND NOISE(IN…

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MY HEAD LINER HAS FALLEN DOWN 4 TIMES AND NEVER BEEN REPLACE, JUST REGLUED OR RE VELCROED, AND THE NOISES THAT COME FROM MY WINDOWS ARE QUITE LOUD AND IF WINDY THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW GIVES A WHISTLE, THIS WAS NOT THE CASE WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BUT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND I AM TOLD IT IS NORMAL WIND NOISE(INCLUDING THE WHISTLE THAT THEY WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE) AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE, MY CARPET UNDER THE MAT IN THE DRIVERS SEAT RIPPED (AFTER 6 MOS OLD) AND THE NUMBERS ON MY RADIO 1-6,EXCEPT 4, AND THE BAND BUTTON HAS STARTED TO RUB OFF AFTER ABOUT 6 MOS OLD WHICH I WAS AGAIN TOLD WAS NORMAL AND IT'S BECAUSE I CHANGE STATIONS OFTEN. INCIDENT DATE TO FOLLOW WAS LAST DATE REPAIRED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10154319

400 miles · Oct 12, 2005
Unknown Or Other

THIS IS A BAD TRUCK. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10139419

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.