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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.

About this comparison →

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

What owners actually said

1,466 reports
60,000 miles · Jul 28, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

AT ABOUT 60,000 MILES I NOTICED FUEL GAUGE REGISTERED EMPTY WHEN I SHOULD HAVE HAD 3/4 OF TANK, FROM THEN ON IT WOULD REGISTER AFTER THE CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR 10-15 MINS, NOW NOTHING IT STAYS ON EMPTY OR RARELY IT WILL REGISTER LESS THEN A 1/4 TANK AND WHEN IT REGISTERS EMPTY THE DINGING GOES OFF EVERY 5 MINS TELLING ME I NEED FUEL…

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AT ABOUT 60,000 MILES I NOTICED FUEL GAUGE REGISTERED EMPTY WHEN I SHOULD HAVE HAD 3/4 OF TANK, FROM THEN ON IT WOULD REGISTER AFTER THE CAR WAS DRIVEN FOR 10-15 MINS, NOW NOTHING IT STAYS ON EMPTY OR RARELY IT WILL REGISTER LESS THEN A 1/4 TANK AND WHEN IT REGISTERS EMPTY THE DINGING GOES OFF EVERY 5 MINS TELLING ME I NEED FUEL. ASKED DEALER AND WAS TOLD I SHOULD LIVE WITH IT THAT IT AS A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX. WHAT IS THAT, I TRAVEL ALOT AND INTO AREAS WHERE THERE MAY BE NO STATIONS FOR A LONG DISTANCE AND IN VERY REMOTE AREAS. THIS SHOULD NOT BE NORMAL WEAR AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, WHY ELSE WOULD I PAY FOR THE EXTENDED WARRANTY??? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10236135

59,000 miles · Jul 18, 2008
Electrical System

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WHICH HAS A FAULTY SPEEDOMETER. GM WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT I HAVE BEEN READING THAT THIS IS A WIDESPREAD OCCURRENCE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234751

43,643 miles · Jul 15, 2008
Steering

MY SON WAS BACKING OUT OF HIS GIRLFRIEND'S DRIVEWAY AND HE TURNED THE WHEEL SHARP AND THE SHAFT INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE. LUCKILY HE WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED. I HAVEN'T MADE ANY REPAIRS YET BUT WILL TODAY OR TOMORROW. THE STEERING COLUMN AND CLOCK SPRING WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I AM GOING TO SAVE THE STE…

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MY SON WAS BACKING OUT OF HIS GIRLFRIEND'S DRIVEWAY AND HE TURNED THE WHEEL SHARP AND THE SHAFT INSIDE THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE. LUCKILY HE WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT HAPPENED. I HAVEN'T MADE ANY REPAIRS YET BUT WILL TODAY OR TOMORROW. THE STEERING COLUMN AND CLOCK SPRING WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED. I AM GOING TO SAVE THE STEERING COLUMN IN CASE YOU NEED TO INSPECT IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234362

35,000 miles · Jul 14, 2008
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

AT LOW RPMS THE TRUCK WILL LUNGE FORWARD /REVERSE DEPENDING WHICH GEAR YOU ARE IN . THIS HAPPENS WHEN IT WANTS IT IS NOT A CONSTANT . IT IDLES HIGH AND SURGES. FIRST OCCURRENCE HAPPENED IN FEB DEALER DID NOTHING . NEXT OCCURRENCE IT ALMOST HIT MY DAUGHTERS FRIEND WHEN SHE PASSED IN FRONT OF ME. AGAIN DEALER DID NOTHING AND FI…

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AT LOW RPMS THE TRUCK WILL LUNGE FORWARD /REVERSE DEPENDING WHICH GEAR YOU ARE IN . THIS HAPPENS WHEN IT WANTS IT IS NOT A CONSTANT . IT IDLES HIGH AND SURGES. FIRST OCCURRENCE HAPPENED IN FEB DEALER DID NOTHING . NEXT OCCURRENCE IT ALMOST HIT MY DAUGHTERS FRIEND WHEN SHE PASSED IN FRONT OF ME. AGAIN DEALER DID NOTHING AND FINALLY THE LAST OCCURRENCE IT LUNGED INTO A TREE. AGAIN DEALER AND GM FOUND NOTHING. I HAVE DOCUMENTATION FROM THE MITCHELL REPAIR COMPANY THAT STATES THAT THE YEAR MAKE OF MY TRUCK THIS HAS HAPPENED . HOWEVER GM DENIES THIS. THIS TRUCK IS NOT SAFE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234317

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2008
Electrical System

MY SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER ONLY WORKS SPORADICALLY. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. SOMETIMES IT STICKS AT 0 EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, SOMETIMES IT SHOWS THAT I AM GOING FASTER THAN WHAT I AM (I.E. SHOWING 110 WHEN MY GPS UNIT SHOWED 70), AND MOST OF THE TIME IT SHOWS I AM GOING SLOWER THAN I…

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MY SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER ONLY WORKS SPORADICALLY. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. SOMETIMES IT STICKS AT 0 EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, SOMETIMES IT SHOWS THAT I AM GOING FASTER THAN WHAT I AM (I.E. SHOWING 110 WHEN MY GPS UNIT SHOWED 70), AND MOST OF THE TIME IT SHOWS I AM GOING SLOWER THAN I AM, BY AT LEAST 5-10 MPH. I WAS RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM WHEN I DISCOVERED THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF GM VEHICLES HAVE THIS PROBLEM, BUT THAT GM HAS ONLY ISSUED RECALLS ON A COUPLE OF SPECIFIC VEHICLES. I CONTACTED GM AND THEY TOLD ME TO GO GET A DIAGNOSTIC RUN AT MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP, AND THAT THEY COULD PROBABLY FIX IT FOR ME EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. I WENT AND HAD THE DIAGNOSTIC DONE, AND GM CALLED ME BACK AND TOLD ME THAT THE PROBLEM WAS INDEED THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, BUT DUE TO THE AGE AND MILEAGE OF MY VEHICLE, THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT. THEY DID ADMIT THAT SEVERAL OF THEIR VEHICLES HAD SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS EXACT PROBLEM, BUT THAT THE 2005 TRAILBLAZER WAS NOT ONE OF THEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10233786

23,957 miles · Jul 7, 2008
Exterior Lighting

I OWN A 2005 TRAILBLAZER LT WITCH I PURCHASED NEW IN JULY 2005. I TOO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM OF FLICKERING HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE SELLING DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WITH THE PROBLEM, THE LAST TIME IN MAY 2008. THE DEALER HAS NEVER BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THE LAST TIME …

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I OWN A 2005 TRAILBLAZER LT WITCH I PURCHASED NEW IN JULY 2005. I TOO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM OF FLICKERING HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE SELLING DEALER SEVERAL TIMES WITH THE PROBLEM, THE LAST TIME IN MAY 2008. THE DEALER HAS NEVER BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THE LAST TIME I WAS THERE THEY DID PRODUCE A GM DOCUMENT (#2046572) THAT DID ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM. THE DOCUMENT STATES "AT THIS TIME, THERE ARE NO REPAIRS FOR THIS CONCERN. ENGINEERING IS REVISITING THIS CONCERN." I ALSO CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10233428

1,500 miles · Jul 6, 2008
Exterior Lighting

DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HEAD LIGHTS DIM THEN BRIGHTEN THE AMP GAUGE DROPS TO 9 THEN RECHARGES AGAIN MAKING THE LIGHTS COME ON BRIGHTER. HAD IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TELL ME NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10233311

10,000 miles · Jul 1, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline

HEADLIGHTS DIM INTERMITTENTLY, HEAT LOOSES POWER AT THE SAME TIME, NOW GETTING FLICKERING OF INTERIOR LIGHTS. WASN'T ABLE TO FIX IT. BUMPER WARPING. GETTING 10 MILES TO THE GALLON! PAINT ON BUTTONS WEARING ON RADIO. SUN ROOF LEAKED PROFUSELY, HAD IT FIXED. REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER DOESN'T WORK. HEAD LINER SAGGED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10232911

65,000 miles · Jun 16, 2008
Electrical System

THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER IS BOUNCING ALL OVER THE PLACE. IT HAS NOT REGISTERED THE CORRECT SPEED IN A MONTH. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN. IT COSTS OVER $420 TO REPAIR. GMC WILL NOT OFFER ANY HELP. THIS IS MORE THAN JUST COSMETIC THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10231186

Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2008
Fuel System, Other

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND I NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGE WAS SHOWING EMPTY THE LAST TWO MONTHS. AT FIRST IT WOULD SHOW EMPTY AND A FEW MINUTES LATER IT WOULD SHOW THE CORRECT READING. NOW IT REMAINS ON EMPTY AND IF THE GAUGE DOES MOVE IT ONLY GOES AS FAR AS 1/4 TANK FULL, IF THAT. I HAVE YET TO TAKE THE CAR IN TO THE DEALERS…

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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND I NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGE WAS SHOWING EMPTY THE LAST TWO MONTHS. AT FIRST IT WOULD SHOW EMPTY AND A FEW MINUTES LATER IT WOULD SHOW THE CORRECT READING. NOW IT REMAINS ON EMPTY AND IF THE GAUGE DOES MOVE IT ONLY GOES AS FAR AS 1/4 TANK FULL, IF THAT. I HAVE YET TO TAKE THE CAR IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AS I HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE ARE MANY MORE VEHICLES OF THE SAME MODEL AND TYPE THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10230405

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.