IllustrationODOMETER WORKS THEN JUST STOPS GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON NOW ALSO IF I PLUG IN MY CELL CHARGER THE RADIO SHUTS OFF DID NOT DO THIS UNTIL ISSUES WITH ODOMETER. *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 reportsDROVE TO AN APPOINTMENT, WHEN CAME OUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. CALLED FOR TOW. AFTER APPROX. 30 MINS. AND BEFORE TOW ARRIVED, VEHICLE STARTED. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME AND MADE APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE. NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING TO SHOP FOR SERVICE ENGINE DIED WHILE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. MANAGED TO GET OFF ROAD AND VEHICLE WOULD N…
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DROVE TO AN APPOINTMENT, WHEN CAME OUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. CALLED FOR TOW. AFTER APPROX. 30 MINS. AND BEFORE TOW ARRIVED, VEHICLE STARTED. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME AND MADE APPOINTMENT FOR SERVICE. NEXT DAY WHILE DRIVING TO SHOP FOR SERVICE ENGINE DIED WHILE VEHICLE WAS MOVING. MANAGED TO GET OFF ROAD AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AFTER A WHILE IT STARTED AND WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO SHOP. IGNITION SWITCH REPLACED. SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED 6/1/2014. HAD TO HAVE TOWED TO SHOP. A SECOND IGNITION SWITCH REPLACEMENT. CONTACTED CHEVROLET TO INQUIRE WHY 2005 TRAILBLAZER NOT INCLUDED IN IGNITION SWITCH RECALLS AND SEEK POSSIBLE REIMBURSEMENT OF SERVICE COSTS FOR RECURRING PROBLEM AND WAS TOLD TO CONTACT NHTSA AND REPORT. *TR
THE SPEEDOMETER IN MY CAR STARTED NOT WORKING A WEEK AGO.. IT WOULD SAY I WAS GOING 70 AND IN REALITY I WAS ONLY GOING 55. NOW IT STARTS OUT AT 110MPH WHEN I START DRIVING....MAKING IT REALLY DIFFICULT TO KNOW HOW FAST/SLOW I AM GOING. I HAVE READ MANY ARTICLES OF THIS HAPPENING WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE. *TR
MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE HEADLIGHTS WILL MALFUNCTION AND TURN ON AND OFF, AT RANDOM DRIVING SPEEDS UNDER MANY DIFFERENT CONDITIONS. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE TRAILBLAZER EVEN AFTER THIS OCCURRED. JUST NOT AS OFTEN. IF THE HEATER WAS ON WHILE DRIVING AND THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD SHORT THE HEATER WOULD STOP AND THEN TURN BACK …
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MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE HEADLIGHTS WILL MALFUNCTION AND TURN ON AND OFF, AT RANDOM DRIVING SPEEDS UNDER MANY DIFFERENT CONDITIONS. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE TRAILBLAZER EVEN AFTER THIS OCCURRED. JUST NOT AS OFTEN. IF THE HEATER WAS ON WHILE DRIVING AND THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD SHORT THE HEATER WOULD STOP AND THEN TURN BACK ON. THE FAN TURNS ON AT RANDOM, FIRST IT TURNS ON WHEN DRIVING AT RANDOM TIMES. THE FAN WILL TURN ON AT RANDOM TIMES WITH A HIGHER SPEED AND SOUND. I HAVE HAD THE INSPECTION COMPLETED MULTIPLE TIMES WITH A MECHANIC RE-ASSURING THE ISSUE ALTHOUGH IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FREQUENTLY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME DUE TO COMPUTER ERROR AND IS A $500.00 FIX. THIS HAS ALL HAPPENED AND BEEN REPORTED WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM KENDAL MOTORS IN LEWISTON IDAHO. I FIND THAT THE AMOUNT OF WORK TO FIX THIS VEHICLE IS OVERWHELMING AND TO SEE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS UNDER 100.000 MILES IS FINANCIALLY DISTRESSING. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE FUEL PUMP PORTION REMOVED AND FIXED TWICE, I HAD TO PURCHASE A LOCKING CAP. THE STEREO REPEATEDLY JAMS WITH NEW CD'S EVEN. *TR
OUR SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK ANY LONGER AND AS I READ, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT THERE IS SO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. *TR
THE FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. THE FUEL GAUGE SETS ON EMPTY REGARDLESS OF HOW FULL THE GAS TANK IS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SLID AND CRASHED. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V417000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE FACE, STITCHES UNDER THE EYEBROWS ON BOTH EYES, AND AN INJ…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SLID AND CRASHED. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V417000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATIONS TO THE FACE, STITCHES UNDER THE EYEBROWS ON BOTH EYES, AND AN INJURED NECK THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING IN MY VEHICLE AND BY THE TIME THE RECALL OCCURRED IN 2013, MY VEHICLE HAS MORE THAN THE LIMITED MILEAGE OF 120,000 OR LESS TO PAY FOR HALF THE REPAIR COST. THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED TO WORK AT ALL BACK IN 2009 AS WELL. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSE BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUSE BOX NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 4/15/15*CN UPDATED 9/20/2017*CN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED ON THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED ON THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
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.