IllustrationTHE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT CAUSE ON OUR 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER, CAUSING INTERIOR DAMAGE. *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 reportsBETWEEN THE SPEEDS OF 35 MPH AND 60MPH THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN YOU LET THE CAR RETURN TO AN IDLE. *TR
2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER - GAS GAUGE FAILS TO FUNCTION - ALWAYS STAYS ON EMPTY SO I COULD RUN OUT OF GAS WITH NO WARNING.*TR
MY GAS GAUGE READ 1/4 OF A TANK AND I WENT TO THE GAS STATION TO FILL UP AND 2 HOURS AFTER I FILLED UP THE GAS LIGHT CAME ON. I STOPPED TO PUT MORE GAS IN THINKING THAT MAYBE I STOPPED IT TOO EARLY AND IT WASN'T FULL. I STARTED DRIVING AND THE GAS LIGHT CAME ON. SO NOW MY GAS GAUGE DOESN'T WORK AT ALL AND I HAVE TO RELY ON MY…
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MY GAS GAUGE READ 1/4 OF A TANK AND I WENT TO THE GAS STATION TO FILL UP AND 2 HOURS AFTER I FILLED UP THE GAS LIGHT CAME ON. I STOPPED TO PUT MORE GAS IN THINKING THAT MAYBE I STOPPED IT TOO EARLY AND IT WASN'T FULL. I STARTED DRIVING AND THE GAS LIGHT CAME ON. SO NOW MY GAS GAUGE DOESN'T WORK AT ALL AND I HAVE TO RELY ON MY MILES PER TRIP TO FIGURE OUT WHEN TO FILL UP. *TR
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH A DEFECTIVE SPEEDOMETER AND GAS GAUGE. IT STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY AROUND 40,000 MILES, SHORTLY AFTER THE WARRANTY RAN OUT. I HAVE READ SEVERAL HUNDRED COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER TRAILBLAZER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. SINCE I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THE PROBLEM TO BE FIXED, I…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH A DEFECTIVE SPEEDOMETER AND GAS GAUGE. IT STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY AROUND 40,000 MILES, SHORTLY AFTER THE WARRANTY RAN OUT. I HAVE READ SEVERAL HUNDRED COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER TRAILBLAZER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. SINCE I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR THE PROBLEM TO BE FIXED, I AM DRIVING "BLIND" ON A DAILY BASIS, HOPING THAT I AM NOT SPEEDING NOR TRAVELING TOO SLOW, THUS ADDING TO THE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS ON THE AZ HIGHWAYS. I HAVE HEARD OF MANY RECALLS ON OTHER AUTOS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS, BUT FOR SOME REASON THE TRAILBLAZER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I PRAY THE NHTSA FINDS A WAY TO HELP US TRAILBLAZER OWNERS IN GETTING THIS TERRIBLE PROBLEM FIXED ASAP AT CHEVROLET'S EXPENSE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER WITH 46,000 MILES AND THE TRANSMISSION, IDLER PULLEY, AND WATER PUMP ALREADY HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TR
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. I RECENTLY STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL GAUGE. IT WILL SHOW THE TANK IS EMPTY, EVEN AFTER FILLING IT. I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. CHEVY SAYS IT'S A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR AND HAS A REPAIR KIT FOR IT, BUT CHARGES O…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. I RECENTLY STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL GAUGE. IT WILL SHOW THE TANK IS EMPTY, EVEN AFTER FILLING IT. I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE TO SEE IF OTHERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND HAVE FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT IT. CHEVY SAYS IT'S A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR AND HAS A REPAIR KIT FOR IT, BUT CHARGES OVER $500 FOR THE KIT PLUS LABOR. I ALONG WITH MANY OTHERS USE THIS VEHICLE TO TRANSPORT MY CHILDREN AROUND, INCLUDING MY SON WITH SPECIAL NEEDS TO HIS MONTHLY APPOINTMENTS AT THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL 200+ MILES AWAY. I MYSELF HAVE NEVER RUN OUT OF GAS AS THIS PROBLEM HAS JUST STARTED IN MY CAR, BUT I KNOW OTHERS WHO HAVE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE RUNNING OUT OF FUEL (OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED THAT THIS PROBLEM UNRESOLVED LEADS TO THE TRIP METER AND SPEEDOMETER TO STOP WORKING ALSO) AND CAUSING ACCIDENTS & INJURIES. WE TRAILBLAZER OWNERS ARE HOPING THAT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS FROM OWNERS AND A LITTLE PRESSURE FROM THE NHTSA WILL CAUSE CHEVY TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM!! PLEASE HELP US!! ON AVERAGE THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO CROP UP AROUND 60,000 MILES. *TR
LOST CONTROL OF CAR ON NARROW ROAD UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. COLLISION INTO TWO TREES HEAD ON. DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG NEVER DEPLOYED. *TR
THE RPM GAUGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. ONCE IN A WHILE THE SPEEDOMETER IS ALSO OFF. *TR
I BOUGHT A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. IT JUST HIT 90,000 MILES. THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD NOT GO BACK DOWN AFTER I SLOWED DOWN. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STAND STILL AND IT SAID I WAS GOING 60MPH. *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.