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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

Wheels complaints

3 reports
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165,000 miles · Jul 1, 2017
Wheels

MICHELIN LATITUDE TOUR P245/65R17 TIRE TREAD SEPARATING FROM SIDEWALL ON ALL TIRES.

NHTSA ODI #11002629

105,000 miles · May 25, 2013
Fuel/propulsion SystemSuspensionWheels

I FILLED UP MY CAR AND THE FUEL INDICATOR WENT TO EMPTY. NOW, SOMETIMES IT REGISTERS SOME FUEL BUT NOT WHERE IT SHOULD BE. IT USUALLY STAYS ON E. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL YOU HAVE. AFTER READING THE COMPLAINTS SEEMS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MOST TRAILBLAZERS. THE WHEEL HUBS AND BEARINGS HAVE ALS…

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I FILLED UP MY CAR AND THE FUEL INDICATOR WENT TO EMPTY. NOW, SOMETIMES IT REGISTERS SOME FUEL BUT NOT WHERE IT SHOULD BE. IT USUALLY STAYS ON E. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL YOU HAVE. AFTER READING THE COMPLAINTS SEEMS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MOST TRAILBLAZERS. THE WHEEL HUBS AND BEARINGS HAVE ALSO WENT GONE SINCE THIS HAPPENED THE PARTS PLACE SAYS THIS IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH TRAILBLAZERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10513548

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

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.