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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

What owners actually said

1,466 reports
42,814 miles · Jun 2, 2008
Electrical System

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. CAR IS IN FINE CONDITION BUT FOR SOME REASON THE CAR DIED. IT RESTARTED AND RAN RUFF. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD ME TOW IT IN. THEY RAN "TESTS" AND SAID MY BATTERY TERMINALS WERE LOOSE. I TOLD THEM I DID NOT AGREE. THEY SAID THAT THEY FOUND NOTHING. TODAY JUNE 2 RUSH OUR APPROACHING AN IN…

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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. CAR IS IN FINE CONDITION BUT FOR SOME REASON THE CAR DIED. IT RESTARTED AND RAN RUFF. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD ME TOW IT IN. THEY RAN "TESTS" AND SAID MY BATTERY TERMINALS WERE LOOSE. I TOLD THEM I DID NOT AGREE. THEY SAID THAT THEY FOUND NOTHING. TODAY JUNE 2 RUSH OUR APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION CAR JUST DIED AGAIN. CAR IS NOT FINE. BOTH TIMES I WAS LUCK TO BE AWAY FROM OTHERS BUT IF NOT.....EVERYTHING FAILED INCLUDING MY BRAKE LIGHTS. IF THERE WAS ANYONE NEAR ME THAN YES THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN PROPERTY DAMAGE, A CRASH AND A REPORT TO THE POLICE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10229677

70,000 miles · Jun 2, 2008
Service Brakes, Electric

I WAS STOPPED FOR MY TAIL LIGHT BEING OUT. THE NEXT DAY, I REPLACED ALL OF THE FUSES IN THE REAR OF MY TRAILBLAZER. EVERYTHING SEEMED TO WORK, BUT THEN TWO WEEKS LATER I WAS STOPPED AGAIN FOR MY TAIL LIGHTS NOT WORKING. I REPLACED ALL THE FUSES, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ON ONE SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE) THEN CHECKED THE CIRCUIT BOARD, STI…

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I WAS STOPPED FOR MY TAIL LIGHT BEING OUT. THE NEXT DAY, I REPLACED ALL OF THE FUSES IN THE REAR OF MY TRAILBLAZER. EVERYTHING SEEMED TO WORK, BUT THEN TWO WEEKS LATER I WAS STOPPED AGAIN FOR MY TAIL LIGHTS NOT WORKING. I REPLACED ALL THE FUSES, EVEN THOUGH IT WAS ON ONE SIDE (PASSENGER SIDE) THEN CHECKED THE CIRCUIT BOARD, STILL THE TOP TAIL LIGHT WILL NOT WORK. FOUND OUT THAT IT DOES NOT WORK, WHEN HEAD LIGHTS ARE ON..THAT IS WHY I WAS GETTING PULLED OVER AT NIGHT. ONLY ONE TAIL LIGHT IS NOT WORKING AND I CAN NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT BECAUSE I KEEP GETTING PULLED OVER BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT. IT COMES OUT OF THE BLUE. I HAVE NOTICED THAT MY RIGHT BLINKER SOMETIMES BLINKS REALLY FAST. ALSO, OVER THE PAST MONTH I HAVE EXPERIENCED A TOTAL POWER FAILURE IN MY TRAILBLAZER. NOTHING WILL WORK...ITS LIKE THE CAR WAS UNPLUGGED...TOTALLY OUT AND WILL NOT TURN OVER, NO LIGHTS, RADIO AND POWER TO IGNITION...SOMETIMES I CAN NOT REMOVE MY KEY OR CHANGE INTO NEUTRAL....COMPLETELY DRAINED OF ALL POWER...WHERE I NEED A JUMP, THEN IT WORKS FINE, BUT THE TAIL LIGHT IS STILL OUT WHEN MY HEAD LIGHTS ARE ON. I AM AFRAID OF HAVING A TOTAL POWER FAILURE WHEN DRIVING, ESPECIALLY SINCE MY TAIL LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK THE HEAD LIGHTS ARE ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10229495

Mileage unknown · May 31, 2008
Electrical System

I HAVE HAD MY 2005 TRAIL BLAZER FOR 2 YEARS, AND HAVE TAKEN IT IN 3 TIMES, AND HAD THE ALTERNATOR REPLACED TWICE. I'LL BE TAKING IT IN AGAIN TOMORROW, DUE THE DIMMING/FLASHING LIGHTS, AND WHINING NOISE. SAME SYMPTOMS AS BEFORE, ALTERNATOR AGAIN I'M SURE. I AM HOPING TO SELL IT, AND NEVER BUY CHEVY AGAIN. VERY IRRITATING! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10229380

36,000 miles · May 22, 2008
Air BagsCrashInjury

WHY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10228700

18,000 miles · May 21, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingCrashFireInjury

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE CRASH IN MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. UPON IMPACT, THE CAR IGNITED UNDER THE HOOD AND FLAMES CAME UP ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WHILE MY FAMILY WAS STILL IN THE CAR. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET MY FAMILY OUT OF THE CAR BEFORE IT WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND DESTROYED BY FIRE. I CONT…

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I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE CRASH IN MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. UPON IMPACT, THE CAR IGNITED UNDER THE HOOD AND FLAMES CAME UP ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WHILE MY FAMILY WAS STILL IN THE CAR. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO GET MY FAMILY OUT OF THE CAR BEFORE IT WAS TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND DESTROYED BY FIRE. I CONTACTED GM AND ASKED WHY MY CAR BURNED. I TOLD THEM I WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY SINCE MEMBERS OF MY EXTENDED FAMILY OWN SIMILAR GM SUVS. I ANSWERED NUMEROUS QUESTIONS ON THE PHONE. I PROVIDED PICTURES OF MY CAR TOTALLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. GM ASSIGNED A CLAIM NUMBER TO MY REQUEST AND ENGAGED "ESIS GM" TO EVALUATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS, I RECEIVED A SHORT LETTER SAYING " THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT SHOWS THERE IS A PRODUCT DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE FIRE". IT FURTHER SAID, "IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL PROOFS SHOWING THERE WAS A PRODUCT DEFECT (S) THAT YOU WOULD LIKE GM TO LOOK AT, PLEASE SUBMIT THEM". THEY NEVER ANSWERED MY QUESTION OF WHY THE CAR BURNED. I HAD SENT THEM PICTURES OF THE CAR ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. THEY JUST BASICALLY LEFT IT ME TO SHOW PROOF OF PRODUCT DEFECTS AND TELL THEM WHY THE CAR BURNED RATHER THAN ANSWERING MY QUESTION. IN FACT, THEIR RESPONSE SAYING THERE WERE NO KNOW DEFECTS WAS LIKE SAYING THE TRAILBLAZER IS DESIGNED TO IGNITE AND BURN UPON IMPACT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10228540

2,000 miles · May 20, 2008
Exterior LightingVehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO DIM AND FLICKER. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOS…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND. SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE HEADLIGHTS BEGAN TO DIM AND FLICKER. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000.

NHTSA ODI #10228285

Mileage unknown · May 13, 2008
Air Bags

MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER IS POSSIBLY INVOLVED WITH RECALL # 06V417000. I HAVE CALLED GM, THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM, AND THE TOLL FREE # LISTED ON THE RECALL FORM AND CANNOT GET ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS MATTER. I DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL LETTER FROM GM. WHEN I BECAME AWARE OF THIS RECALL, I CALL…

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MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER IS POSSIBLY INVOLVED WITH RECALL # 06V417000. I HAVE CALLED GM, THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM, AND THE TOLL FREE # LISTED ON THE RECALL FORM AND CANNOT GET ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THIS MATTER. I DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL LETTER FROM GM. WHEN I BECAME AWARE OF THIS RECALL, I CALLED GM AND THEY HAD NO RECORD OF MY VEHICLE HAVING LEATHER INSTALLED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND REFERRED ME TO THE DEALERSHIP. AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEATS WERE INSTALLED IN MY VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE AT THE DEALERSHIP THAT I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE FROM. AFTER READING THE RECALL NOTICE, I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOMEONE HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10227639

66,500 miles · Apr 28, 2008
Electrical System

ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10225935

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2008
Tires

MY CONTINENTAL TIRES ARE WORN AFTER ONLY 3 YEARS WITHOUT EXCESSIVE WEAR OR EXTREME CONDITIONS. I DRIVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE ALL OF THEM SOON TO KEEP MY FAMILY AND MYSELF SAFE. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH THE SAME CONTINENTAL TIRES ON THE SAME VEHICLE. SHE HAS HAD TO REPLACE HER TIRES AND I THINK HER VEHICLE …

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MY CONTINENTAL TIRES ARE WORN AFTER ONLY 3 YEARS WITHOUT EXCESSIVE WEAR OR EXTREME CONDITIONS. I DRIVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE ALL OF THEM SOON TO KEEP MY FAMILY AND MYSELF SAFE. I HAVE A FRIEND WITH THE SAME CONTINENTAL TIRES ON THE SAME VEHICLE. SHE HAS HAD TO REPLACE HER TIRES AND I THINK HER VEHICLE IS A 2006 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. A FEW WEEKS AGO, ONE TIRE SIMPLY SHREDDED TO PIECES AS SHE DROVE ALONG ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I NOTICED THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT IN ORLANDO, FL WITH A GMC ENVOY IN WHICH A BLOWN TIRE WAS REPORTED AS THE REASON FOR THE ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE VEHICLE FLIPPED AND TRAPPED A TEENAGER INSIDE. I AM REALLY CONCERNED ABOUT THESE TIRES AND WOULD LIKE FOR SOMEONE TO TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT THE QUALITY BEFORE MORE LIVES ARE ENDANGERED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TYPE TIRES ARE ON THE GMC BUT SINCE THEY ARE SIMILAR VEHICLES, I ASSUME THE TIRES ARE PROBABLY SIMILAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10224889

Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2008
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING PERMANENTLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10224833

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.