IllustrationDT: THE CONTACT'S BOY FRIEND WAS TRAVELING AT 78 MPH WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AND IT WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL IMPACT. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER SIX TIMES. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. *AK
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 reportsCHEVY TRAILBLAZER HAS A WHISTLING SOUND THAT IS NOT ABLE TO BE LOCATED TO BE FIXED, THE SEALS ON THE DOORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AS WELL AS THE WEATHER STRIPPING. THE LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLES INTERIOR AS WELL AS HEAD LIGHT GO DIM WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS NOT PRESSED. THE HEAD LIGHTS FLICKER CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER OF THE …
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CHEVY TRAILBLAZER HAS A WHISTLING SOUND THAT IS NOT ABLE TO BE LOCATED TO BE FIXED, THE SEALS ON THE DOORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AS WELL AS THE WEATHER STRIPPING. THE LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLES INTERIOR AS WELL AS HEAD LIGHT GO DIM WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS NOT PRESSED. THE HEAD LIGHTS FLICKER CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS ON COMING CARS AS IT APPEARS THAT SOMEONE IS FLASHING THEIR LIGHTS TO ON COMING CARS. *NM
MY CHEVY TRAILBLAZER 2005 HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS NOT MUCH AFTER OF LEASING THE SUV ON 3/25/05. NOT SURE WHAT DAY WAS WHEN I GOT INTO THE ACCIDENT IN AUGUST BUT IT WAS CAUSE DO TO THE BRAKES. WHEN BACKING UP, I HIT INTO MY BROTHER'S TRUCK AND I COULDN'T STOP SO I KEPT ON SMASHING MORE INTO MY BROTHER'S TRUCK. NOT LATELY I AM…
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MY CHEVY TRAILBLAZER 2005 HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS NOT MUCH AFTER OF LEASING THE SUV ON 3/25/05. NOT SURE WHAT DAY WAS WHEN I GOT INTO THE ACCIDENT IN AUGUST BUT IT WAS CAUSE DO TO THE BRAKES. WHEN BACKING UP, I HIT INTO MY BROTHER'S TRUCK AND I COULDN'T STOP SO I KEPT ON SMASHING MORE INTO MY BROTHER'S TRUCK. NOT LATELY I AM HAVING ELETRICAL PROBLEMS TOO. MY ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND WHEN IT DOES THE WHOLE SUV SHAKES BADLY. DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE HAPPENING. I JUST WANT TO GET OUT OF THIS LEASE AND LIVE! *NM
HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ARE GOING DIM TO BRIGHT WHILE DRIVING. DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN SITTING STILL, SO DO NOT KNOW IF REAR LIGHTS ARE DOING THE SAME. *JB
CHEVY TRAILBLAZER ('05 OR '06) REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A SPEED FAST ENOUGH TO TOTAL THE TRAILBLAZER. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST AND HEART INJURIES. *NM
WINDSHIELD HAS CONSIDERABLE DISTORTION AND CAUSES VISIBILITY PROBLEMS WHILE DRIVING (ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC). GM CLAIMS THIS IS NORMAL AND WILL NOT REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN. *NM
DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING TWO ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND THE ENGINE POWERED DOWN. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS POWERING DOWN SHE COULD PRESS THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR AND IT MOVED ALONG. WHEN THIS HAPPENED NONE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON. THEREFORE, CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS ALMOST HIT BY AN 18 WHEELER. SHE CONTINUED TO …
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DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHILE DRIVING TWO ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON AND THE ENGINE POWERED DOWN. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS POWERING DOWN SHE COULD PRESS THE ACCELERATOR TO THE FLOOR AND IT MOVED ALONG. WHEN THIS HAPPENED NONE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON. THEREFORE, CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS ALMOST HIT BY AN 18 WHEELER. SHE CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT THE LOW SPEED. THIS HAPPENS AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP ,AND THEY REPLACED THE COMPUTER AND THROTTLE BODY. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. *AK
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHEN DRIVING DOWN A HILL OR ON LEVEL GROUND VEHICLE WILL JUST DIE. IT IS VERY HARD TO USE THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES OR STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. LAST WEEK STOPPED AT CROSS TRAFFIC APPLIED THE BRAK…
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DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHEN DRIVING DOWN A HILL OR ON LEVEL GROUND VEHICLE WILL JUST DIE. IT IS VERY HARD TO USE THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES OR STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. LAST WEEK STOPPED AT CROSS TRAFFIC APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THEY DID NO STOP THE VEHICLE. *AK
THIS IS A BAD TRUCK. *JB
DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TAIL PIPE IS TO SHARP ON THE 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONSUMER'SSON HAD FELL AND SLID UNDER THE TRUCK AND CUT HIS LEG ON THE TAIL PIPE. HE HAD 18 STITCHES IN HIS LEG. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED GM ABOUT THE DESIGN OF THE TAIL PIPE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED , AND THEY TOLD HI…
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DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TAIL PIPE IS TO SHARP ON THE 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONSUMER'SSON HAD FELL AND SLID UNDER THE TRUCK AND CUT HIS LEG ON THE TAIL PIPE. HE HAD 18 STITCHES IN HIS LEG. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED GM ABOUT THE DESIGN OF THE TAIL PIPE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED , AND THEY TOLD HIM TO LOOK IN THE BACK OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND CALL THEM.*AK
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.