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 reports
44,000 miles · Jan 2, 2008
Electrical System
SPEEDOMETER GIVES AN INACCURATE READING OR SOMETIMES STOPS WORKING ALTOGETHER. THIS PROBLEM BEGAN 2-3 WEEKS AGO AND FROM OTHER TRAILBLAZER OWNERS THAT I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS WITH ONLINE IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS FUNCTIONING IMPROPERLY UNTIL IT BECAME VERY OBVIOUS - IT WAS REGISTERING…
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SPEEDOMETER GIVES AN INACCURATE READING OR SOMETIMES STOPS WORKING ALTOGETHER. THIS PROBLEM BEGAN 2-3 WEEKS AGO AND FROM OTHER TRAILBLAZER OWNERS THAT I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS WITH ONLINE IT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. I DIDN'T REALIZE THAT THE SPEEDOMETER WAS FUNCTIONING IMPROPERLY UNTIL IT BECAME VERY OBVIOUS - IT WAS REGISTERING 30 MPH WHEN I WAS TRAVELING WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC ON AN INTERSTATE FREEWAY. WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TURNED OFF AND SITS FOR A WHILE, THE SPEEDOMETER SEEMS TO RESET ITSELF AND WORKS PROPERLY AGAIN FOR A WHILE, THEN THE PROBLEM BEGINS AGAIN. FROM WHAT MY RESEARCH INDICATES, IT IS A BAD STEPPER MOTOR THAT CAUSES THE PROBLEM, WHICH REQUIRES SPECIALIZED TOOLS AND EXPERTISE TO REPLACE. THE COST IS IN THE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS. GIVEN THAT THIS IS SUCH A COMMON PROBLEM AND COMPROMISES THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE, I STRONGLY FEEL THAT THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY NHTSA. THANK YOU.*CN
NHTSA ODI #10213501
22,300 miles · Jan 1, 2008
Exterior Lighting
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT NIGHT, THE LIGHTS SEEM TO DIM AND BRIGHTEN. IF YOU LOOK AT THE VOLTAGE GAUGE, IT IS FLUCTUATING ALSO.*CN
NHTSA ODI #10213368
15,000 miles · Dec 28, 2007
Exterior Lighting
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING FLICKERED AND DIMMED TEMPORARILY. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 01/24/08 …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING FLICKERED AND DIMMED TEMPORARILY. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 22,000. UPDATED 01/24/08 *BF UPDATED 01/24/08 *TR
NHTSA ODI #10213095
41,750 miles · Dec 27, 2007
Exterior Lighting
LIGHTS DIM AND BRIGHTEN AT NIGHT WITH CORRESPONDING DROPS IN VOLTAGE ON MY WIFE'S 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LT. LOOKS LIKE I AM DIMMING MY LIGHTS, HAVE NOTICED RESPONSES FROM OTHER MOTORISTS. SEVERAL TRAILBLAZER OWNERS ARE REPORTING THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10213003
36,175 miles · Dec 26, 2007
Electrical System
MY ALTERNATOR WENT BAD, HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY LIGHTS GETTING BRIGHTER FOR A SECOND DURING ACCELERATION AND THEN IT GOES BACK TO NORMAL. WINDING NOISE COMING FROM MY ALTERNATOR STARTED AT 36,175 MILES RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY ENDS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10212865
Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2007
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolinePower Train
I OWN A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND I HAVE ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE SENSORS REPLACED, FUEL TANK HAS HAD TO BE WORKED ON, AND NOW THE MAIN MOST COSTLY IS I AM HAVING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THIS VEHICLE HAS APPROX. 84,000K MILES ON IT AND IS ON…
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I OWN A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND I HAVE ENCOUNTERED NUMEROUS PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE SENSORS REPLACED, FUEL TANK HAS HAD TO BE WORKED ON, AND NOW THE MAIN MOST COSTLY IS I AM HAVING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THIS VEHICLE HAS APPROX. 84,000K MILES ON IT AND IS ONLY TWO YEARS OLD. PLEASE HELP TO SEE IF THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A FACTORY RECALL. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY VEHICLE SERVICED AT THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT AT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10212038
Mileage unknown · Dec 12, 2007
Exterior Lighting
HEADLIGHTS BLINK, DIM AND BRIGHTEN HAVE DONE THIS SINCE NEW .ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY HAS NEVER GIVEN A CODE. DASH LIGHTS ALSO DIM. HAS BEEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. NO HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10211609
13,000 miles · Dec 5, 2007
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWN 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SUPPRESSION MODULE BURNED AND THEY REPLACED THE MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START. THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED AND AFTER THE CO…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWN 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SUPPRESSION MODULE BURNED AND THEY REPLACED THE MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START. THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED AND AFTER THE CONTACT FILLED THE GAS TANK. THE ENGINE IDLED AFTER THE SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
NHTSA ODI #10210859
37,000 miles · Nov 26, 2007
Electrical System
ALTERNATOR BEARING STARTED GOING OUT AT 37,000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10209954
55,560 miles · Nov 24, 2007
Electrical System
SPEEDOMETER IN MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT MALFUNCTIONED. IT READ 80 MPH AT A DEAD SPOT. IT WOULD VARY ITS READINGS, BUT IT WAS NOT ACCURATE. *TR
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.
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.
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