IllustrationALL GAUGES ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAVE FAILED. IT APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, AND MANY OTHER CHEVROLET MODELS USING THE SAME GAUGE CLUSTER HAVE BEEN RECALLED, BUT NOT THE TRAILBLAZER. *TR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Trailblazer years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
950–25K
18325–50K
37350–75K
28875–100K
224100–150K
57150K+
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
What owners actually said
1,466 reportsMY 2005 TRAILBLAZER'S FUEL SENSOR AS EXPLAINED IN YOUR DP10001 HAS BEEN MALFUNCTIONING FOR MANY MONTHS. GM DEALER DOESN'T SEEM TO BE AWARE OF IT, BUT IT SEEMS MANY OWNERS (1000"S) HAVE THE SEEM PROBLEM, SOME HAVE HAD THEIR COMPUTER SHUT DOWN THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. SHOULDN'T THERE BE A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. THE FUE…
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MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER'S FUEL SENSOR AS EXPLAINED IN YOUR DP10001 HAS BEEN MALFUNCTIONING FOR MANY MONTHS. GM DEALER DOESN'T SEEM TO BE AWARE OF IT, BUT IT SEEMS MANY OWNERS (1000"S) HAVE THE SEEM PROBLEM, SOME HAVE HAD THEIR COMPUTER SHUT DOWN THE CAR WHILE DRIVING. SHOULDN'T THERE BE A RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. THE FUEL GAUGE ALWAYS READS EMPTY. *TR
THE FUEL GAUGE OF OUR 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER, FLUCTUATES AND SELDOM GIVES AN ACCURATE READING. ON ONE PARTICULAR DAY WHILE MY WIFE WAS ON HER WAY TO WORK, THE VEHICLE RAN OUT OF FUEL WHILE READING A QUARTER OF A TANK. SHE WAS ON A 2 LANE ROAD THAT IS POSTED AT 55 MPH AND WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR AND EX…
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THE FUEL GAUGE OF OUR 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER, FLUCTUATES AND SELDOM GIVES AN ACCURATE READING. ON ONE PARTICULAR DAY WHILE MY WIFE WAS ON HER WAY TO WORK, THE VEHICLE RAN OUT OF FUEL WHILE READING A QUARTER OF A TANK. SHE WAS ON A 2 LANE ROAD THAT IS POSTED AT 55 MPH AND WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR AND EXPENSIVE PROBLEM WITH MANY GM VEHICLES. IT IS A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS PROBLEM RESULTS IN A FATALITY WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY. *TR
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER THAT THE TACHOMETER AND SPEEDOMETER FAIL TO WORK. DOING RESEARCH ON THE WEB THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. WHY IS THERE NOT A RECALL FOR THIS SAFETY HAZARD?*CW
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVORLET TRAILBLAZER. I HAVE HAD BOTH SPEEDOMETER AND GAS GAUGE QUIT WORKING ON ME. HAVE BEEN TOLD IT WILL BE AROUND $500 EACH TO BE FIXED! I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHOULD BE A RECALL BY GM. 2005 MODELS HAVE THE WORSE OVERALL RATING WITH THESE 2 MALFUNCTIONS BE THE TOP 2 COMPLAINTS!*CW
THE SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTION BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2010. FIRST THE SPEEDOMETER APPEARED TO BE STUCK AT ZERO. NOW IT HAS GONE UP AND PAST THE HIGHEST MPH READING ON THE 2005 TRAILBLAZER. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE OTHER CHEVY TRUCKS WITH THE SAME SPEEDOMETER BUT HAS NOT INCLUDED THE TRAILBLAZER. HOW CAN ONE SAFELY DRIVE WHE…
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THE SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTION BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2010. FIRST THE SPEEDOMETER APPEARED TO BE STUCK AT ZERO. NOW IT HAS GONE UP AND PAST THE HIGHEST MPH READING ON THE 2005 TRAILBLAZER. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE OTHER CHEVY TRUCKS WITH THE SAME SPEEDOMETER BUT HAS NOT INCLUDED THE TRAILBLAZER. HOW CAN ONE SAFELY DRIVE WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE AN ACCURATE READING ON HOW FAST THE VEHICLE IS TRAVELING? *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LS. HE STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYED THE INCORRECT FUEL LEVEL, MILEAGE, AND SPEED TRAVELED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE AN…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LS. HE STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYED THE INCORRECT FUEL LEVEL, MILEAGE, AND SPEED TRAVELED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HIS VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD BE AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE AND THAT THE PANEL COULD POSSIBLY FAIL AGAIN. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO DATE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 57,413.
I JUST PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LAST NIGHT 1/25/10,TODAY THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE GAS GAUGE DO NOT FUNCTION. THE SPEEDOMETER ROTATES WHEN IT WANT ALL THE WAY AROUND THE DIAL. THE DEALER STATES IT IS AN AS IS CAR AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. I RESEARCHED TODAY AND FOUND WAY TOO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE ON THIS…
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I JUST PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LAST NIGHT 1/25/10,TODAY THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE GAS GAUGE DO NOT FUNCTION. THE SPEEDOMETER ROTATES WHEN IT WANT ALL THE WAY AROUND THE DIAL. THE DEALER STATES IT IS AN AS IS CAR AND THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE. I RESEARCHED TODAY AND FOUND WAY TOO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE ON THIS MODEL. WHY ISN'T GM ADDING THIS TO THEIR RECALLS ON OTHER MODELS WITH THE SAME ISSUE? *TR
SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. *TR
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY, REGULAR DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER DOES NOT WORK. IT IS CONTINUOUSLY READING THE WRONG SPEED AND SKIPS WHEN MOVING. IT WILL GO ALL THE WAY TO 120MPH AND THEN BEYOND WHEN I KNOW I AM ONLY GOING 50. AT 55 TO 65 MILES AN HOUR THE SPEEDO STICKS THEN C…
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ABSOLUTELY NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY, REGULAR DRIVING CONDITIONS. THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER DOES NOT WORK. IT IS CONTINUOUSLY READING THE WRONG SPEED AND SKIPS WHEN MOVING. IT WILL GO ALL THE WAY TO 120MPH AND THEN BEYOND WHEN I KNOW I AM ONLY GOING 50. AT 55 TO 65 MILES AN HOUR THE SPEEDO STICKS THEN CONTINUES TO CLIMB. THE ONLY WAY I HAVE FIGURED OUT HOW TO CHANGE IT BACK IS TO TURN ON AND OFF THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT RESETS BACK TO 0. THIS TAKES FOR EVER AND IS DAMAGING TO THE VEHICLE. IT ONLY GOES BACK 4 MPH AT A TIME WHENEVER I HAVE TO DO THIS. IT HAPPENS ALMOST EVERYDAY NOW AND I AM LIVID WITH MY VEHICLE. I WILL NEVER BUY A GMC AGAIN. *TR
Official recalls
206V417000 · 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
2RQ17002 · 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.