IllustrationSPEEDOMETER IS VERY IRREGULAR, SOMETIMES 40 -80 MILES OVER THE SPEED YOU ARE GOING, SOMETIMES STUCK AT 0 AND AT OTHER TIMES WORKS FINE. VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOU DON'T' KNOW HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING. *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 reportsTHE FUEL GAUGE WILL SAY EMPTY WHEN THE TANK IS ACTUALLY FULL. ALSO THE GAUGE IS NOT ACCURATE, NEVER GOES ABOUT 1/2. *TR
MY SPEEDOMETER WOULD STICK AT A CERTAIN MPH AND SHOW MY SPEED AS MUCH FASTER THAN I WAS REALLY GOING. EACH TIME YOU WOULD SHUT OF THE CAR, THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD DROP 5 MPH LESS UNTIL IT REACHED 0. THEN IT WOULD START ALL OVER AGAIN AT 25 MPH. THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND FINALLY MY SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER. …
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MY SPEEDOMETER WOULD STICK AT A CERTAIN MPH AND SHOW MY SPEED AS MUCH FASTER THAN I WAS REALLY GOING. EACH TIME YOU WOULD SHUT OF THE CAR, THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD DROP 5 MPH LESS UNTIL IT REACHED 0. THEN IT WOULD START ALL OVER AGAIN AT 25 MPH. THIS WENT ON FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND FINALLY MY SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER. *TR
2005 TB HAS CONSISTENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. FUEL SENSOR HAS FAILED AND BEEN REPLACED, NUMEROUS BULBS FAILED AND REPLACED, NOW ODOMETER/TRIP COMPUTER HAS FAILED. LIGHTS CONSISTENTLY DIM/BRIGHTEN. VEHICLE WILL IDLE LOW AND STALL ON OCCASION. *TR
AT 58348 MILES, THE SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONED, WOULD NOT READ ZERO MILES AT DEAD STOP, WHILE DRIVING THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD REGISTER INACCURATELY, VERY DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE ROAD SPEED, AND DRIVE SAFELY. DEALER REPLACED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AT COST OF $362.25. THIS IS A SAFETY ITEM, AS ONE CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROPER SPEED WHILE D…
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AT 58348 MILES, THE SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONED, WOULD NOT READ ZERO MILES AT DEAD STOP, WHILE DRIVING THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD REGISTER INACCURATELY, VERY DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE ROAD SPEED, AND DRIVE SAFELY. DEALER REPLACED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AT COST OF $362.25. THIS IS A SAFETY ITEM, AS ONE CANNOT DETERMINE THE PROPER SPEED WHILE DRIVING, IT HAS OCCURRED IN MANY OTHER CHEVY TRAILBLAZERS ALSO. IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN MY 05 TRAILBLAZER. NOW I'M PRETTY SURE THE ALTERNATOR NEEDS REPLACED. IT HAS ALREADY BEEN TO THE SHOP ONCE FOR ELECTRICAL RELATED PROBLEMS AND THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 77,000 MILE ON IT. *TR
BROKEN SPEEDOMETER ON 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. *TR
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER THAT THE SPEEDOMETER GAUGE HAS STARTED STICKING AND WILL NOT RETURN TO ZERO. AFTER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I FOUND OUT THIS IS A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM. THE STEPPER MOTORS ARE GOING BAD. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THE DEALERS KNOW THIS IS A FACTORY FLAW THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THEM UNDER A RECALL. I…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER THAT THE SPEEDOMETER GAUGE HAS STARTED STICKING AND WILL NOT RETURN TO ZERO. AFTER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I FOUND OUT THIS IS A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM. THE STEPPER MOTORS ARE GOING BAD. FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THE DEALERS KNOW THIS IS A FACTORY FLAW THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THEM UNDER A RECALL. I WOULD LIKE TO FORMALLY FILE A COMPLAINT TO HAVE THIS ADDED FOR A RECALL. *TR
SPEEDOMETER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. SOMETIMES WORKS, SOMETIMES NOT. CANNOT ACCURATELY GAUGE WHAT SPEED YOU'RE TRAVELLING. *TR
JUST WANT TO ADDRESS THE GAS GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER ISSUES. I HAVE A 05 TRAILBLAZER AND HAD BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS. FORTUNATELY I WORK WITH A GREAT DEALERSHIP AND I PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE GM WOULD DO NOTHING AND THE FIXES ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. YOU CAN LIVE WITH THE GAS GAUGE NOT READING CORRECTLY BY TRACKING YOUR …
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JUST WANT TO ADDRESS THE GAS GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER ISSUES. I HAVE A 05 TRAILBLAZER AND HAD BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS. FORTUNATELY I WORK WITH A GREAT DEALERSHIP AND I PURCHASED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY BECAUSE GM WOULD DO NOTHING AND THE FIXES ARE VERY EXPENSIVE. YOU CAN LIVE WITH THE GAS GAUGE NOT READING CORRECTLY BY TRACKING YOUR MILEAGE BUT THE STUPID BELL GOES OFF ALL THE TIME TELLING YOU YOUR NEAR EMPTY BUT YOU CANNOT DRIVE SAFELY IF YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING AND YOU CERTAINLY CANNOT GO WITH THE FLOW AS EVERYONE SEEMS TO DRIVE FASTER THAN ALLOWED AND I DO NOT THINK THE OFFICER WHO PULLS YOU OVER WILL CARE IF YOUR SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK. I ALSO NOTICE THAT MY INTERIOR PANEL LIGHTS WILL FLASH OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN, MAKES ME THINK I AM SEEING THINGS. I THINK GM NEEDS TO FIND ANSWERS AND FIX THESE PROBLEMS. I LOVE MY TB BUT IT JUST SEEMS LIKE A LEMON AND I WILL LOOK AT SOMETHING DIFFERENT WHEN I PURCHASE 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.