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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
100,000 miles · Jul 10, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

MY VEHICLE SHOWS GAUGE LIGHT AS EMPTY EVEN AFTER FILLING UP. MY VEHICLE STOPPED IN MIDDLE OFF ROAD ON EARLY MORNING TRAFFIC. NOW WE HAVE TO ESTIMATE MILEAGE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE NOT LEFT WITHOUT GAS, VERY FRUSTRATING AND UNSAFE BUT CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10524055

110,000 miles · Jun 26, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ODOMETER AND FUEL LEVEL GAUGE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE CLUSTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIM…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ODOMETER AND FUEL LEVEL GAUGE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE CLUSTERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10521972

125,000 miles · Jun 24, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

GAS GAUGE DOES NOT READ CORRECTLY, LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN AFTER A FULL TANK OF GAS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10521548

100,000 miles · Jun 24, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

RAN OUT OF FUEL ONCE ON HIGHWAY, WHEN GAUGE SHOWED TANK WAS FULL. IN JAN/FEB THE GAS GAUGE JUST STOPPED WORKING EVEN WHEN COMPLETELY FULL OF FUEL IT WILL SHOW ONLY 1/4 OF A TANK OR NONE AT ALL. THE RADIO WORKS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY WILL WORK THEN STOP WORKING UNEXPECTEDLY. HEADLIGHTS ARE ALWAYS BURNING THEIR CONNECTION, SHO…

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RAN OUT OF FUEL ONCE ON HIGHWAY, WHEN GAUGE SHOWED TANK WAS FULL. IN JAN/FEB THE GAS GAUGE JUST STOPPED WORKING EVEN WHEN COMPLETELY FULL OF FUEL IT WILL SHOW ONLY 1/4 OF A TANK OR NONE AT ALL. THE RADIO WORKS ONLY INTERMITTENTLY WILL WORK THEN STOP WORKING UNEXPECTEDLY. HEADLIGHTS ARE ALWAYS BURNING THEIR CONNECTION, SHORT CIRCUITING MY HEADLIGHTS PRETTY FREQUENTLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10521444

90,000 miles · Jun 23, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

FUEL SENSOR SEEMS TO BE FAILING AS IS WITH MANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THIS CAR INCLUDING A BROKEN SPEEDOMETER AT 60,000 MILES. THIS CAR SEEMS TO HAVE FAR TOO MANY SENSOR OR ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND GIVEN THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS OF SPEEDOMETERS THAT SUDDENLY FAIL AND FUEL SENSORS THAT FAIL, IT WOULD SEEM PRUDE…

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FUEL SENSOR SEEMS TO BE FAILING AS IS WITH MANY OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THIS CAR INCLUDING A BROKEN SPEEDOMETER AT 60,000 MILES. THIS CAR SEEMS TO HAVE FAR TOO MANY SENSOR OR ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND GIVEN THE SAFETY IMPLICATIONS OF SPEEDOMETERS THAT SUDDENLY FAIL AND FUEL SENSORS THAT FAIL, IT WOULD SEEM PRUDENT FOR SOMEONE TO REALIZE THAT THESE ISSUES POSE A SEVERE SAFETY HAZARD TO ALL. AFTER RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, SPEEDOMETERS AND FUEL SENSORS SEEM TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH TRAILBLAZERS. PLEASE RESEARCH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND SENSORS MORE CLOSELY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10521237

89,000 miles · Jun 20, 2013
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER IT RAINED THE WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WATER ENTERED THE DOOR AND CAUSED A SHORT CIRCUIT. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT ONCE IT DRIED OUT THE WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER IT RAINED THE WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WATER ENTERED THE DOOR AND CAUSED A SHORT CIRCUIT. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT ONCE IT DRIED OUT THE WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10520850

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

FUEL GAUGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. STAYS ON (E) EMPTY, EVEN AFTER FILLING UP. CAN NOT TELL HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK. MUST KEEP TRACK OF MILES DRIVEN ON A DAILY BASIS TO ENSURE OF NOT RUNNING OUT OF GAS WHEN DRIVING. DANGEROUS AND VERY UNSAFE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10520182

124,000 miles · Jun 17, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

MY GAS GAUGE READS EMPTY WHEN FULL, OR PARTIALLY FULL, I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN MY VEHICLE SO, I HAVE TO GUESTIMATE OR COUNT MILES, MY OIL PRESSURE IS THE SAME. I AM AMAZED THIS HASN'T CAUSED A MASS RECALL SO FAR AS I HAVE READ THROUGH SOME OF THE PAGES OF COMPLAINTS AND ITS LITTERED WITH THE SAME THING. I BOUGHT MY CAR U…

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MY GAS GAUGE READS EMPTY WHEN FULL, OR PARTIALLY FULL, I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN MY VEHICLE SO, I HAVE TO GUESTIMATE OR COUNT MILES, MY OIL PRESSURE IS THE SAME. I AM AMAZED THIS HASN'T CAUSED A MASS RECALL SO FAR AS I HAVE READ THROUGH SOME OF THE PAGES OF COMPLAINTS AND ITS LITTERED WITH THE SAME THING. I BOUGHT MY CAR USED FEB. 2012 AND HAVE HAD NOTHING, BUT ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10520152

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2013
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

AFTER FILLING UP MY GAS TANK THE FUEL SENSOR READ EMPTY AND THE GAS LIGHT WAS ON. ALSO, WHIEL DRIVING THE FUEL SENSOR WOULD JUMP AROUND SHOWING EMPTY, FULL AND THE GAS LIGHT WOULD COME ON. THE VEHCILE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AT THE TIME SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THE SERVICE REP AT THE DEALERSHIP INIDCA…

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AFTER FILLING UP MY GAS TANK THE FUEL SENSOR READ EMPTY AND THE GAS LIGHT WAS ON. ALSO, WHIEL DRIVING THE FUEL SENSOR WOULD JUMP AROUND SHOWING EMPTY, FULL AND THE GAS LIGHT WOULD COME ON. THE VEHCILE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AT THE TIME SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THE SERVICE REP AT THE DEALERSHIP INIDCATED THAT IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL SENSOR AND IT WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. HE MENTIONED THAT I WAS LUCKY THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE REPAIR WAS VERY COSTLY. MY VEHICLE OCCASSIONALY LURCHES WHEN IT PUT INOT GEAR FROM BEING PARKED OR IDLE AS IF IT WANTS TO JUST TAKE OFF RIGHT AWAY. I CONTACTED GM ON THIS AND THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, BUT I HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE HAS THIS SAME PROBLEM. ANOTHER ISSUDE I HAVE HAD WAS MY SPEEDOMETER AND ENTIRE DASH CLUSTER FAILING. WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE MY SPEEDOMETER JUMPED TO OVER 100 MPH AND THEN BACK DOWN TO 0. AT THAT POINT IT STOPPED WORKING FOR A FEW MINUTES THEN STARTED WORKING PROPERLY AGAIN. FINALLY IT STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE REPLACED THE ENITRE CLUSTER PANEL WHICH COST ME AROUND $800.00. AGAIN, HE DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THIS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. I SENT GM A LETTER WITH A COPY OF THE REPAIR BILL ALONG WITH DOCUMENTATION OF THE MANY COMPLAINTS I FOUND ONLINE WITH THE SAME ISSUE. I HEARD NOTHING. I REACHED OUT WITH A PHONE CALL AND WAS TOLD THE ISSUE DID NOT WARRANT A RECALL. THIS COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. PLEASE CONSIDER A RECALL AS IT APPERAS THIS VEHICLE WAS JUST POORLY MADE AND MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10520074

115,000 miles · Jun 17, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

WHILE DRIVING IT APPEARS THAT MY HEADLIGHTS ARE RECEIVING A SURGE OF POWER WHICH CAUSES THEM TO BLINK AS IF I AM FLASHING MY HEADLIGHTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AND OFF FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS NOW. SINCE THIS HAS STARTED I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY HEADLIGHTS ABOUT EVERY 6 TO 8 MONTHS. AFTER THE THIRD TIME I REPLACED THE SAME HEADLIGHT …

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WHILE DRIVING IT APPEARS THAT MY HEADLIGHTS ARE RECEIVING A SURGE OF POWER WHICH CAUSES THEM TO BLINK AS IF I AM FLASHING MY HEADLIGHTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON AND OFF FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS NOW. SINCE THIS HAS STARTED I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY HEADLIGHTS ABOUT EVERY 6 TO 8 MONTHS. AFTER THE THIRD TIME I REPLACED THE SAME HEADLIGHT MY MECHANIC SHOWED ME THE FUSE AND STATED THAT IT SEEMS THERE IS A SURGE OF POWER THAT CAUSES THE FUSES TO BLOW. I EXPLAINED TO HIM THAT MY HEADLIGHTS SEEM TO BLINK ON THEIR OWN EVERY NOW AND THEN AND WE DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND NOTICED THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN MID 2000 MODEL TRAILBLAZERS. I CONTACTED GM TO MAKE THEM AWARE WITH NOTHING MORE THAN A, "SORRY FOR YOUR INCONVENIENCE". I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH MY DOOR ELECTRONICS. YOU CAN HEAR THE POWER WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS MAKE A CLICKING SOUND AS IF THEY ARE BEING ENGAGED WITHOUT BEING OPERATED. THE SPEAKERS IN THE DOORS DO NOT WORK AFTER IT RAINS OR IN VERY HUMID CONDITIONS. THE POWER WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCK BUTTON LIGHTS WORK ON AND OFF AND BLINK. THE DOOR/KEY CHIME RARELY WORKS. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THERE IS A SERIOUS ISSUE REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF THIS MODEL. I RECENTLY HEARD ABOUT THE RECALL STARTING WITH 2006 MODELS WITH ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND I REALLY BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IS NOT JUST ISOLATED TO THE ELECTRONICS IN THE DOOR, BUT THE OVERALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THESE VEHICLES. CONSIDERING THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE IT SEEMS THAT THESE ARE COMMON PROBLEMS WITH THESE VEHICLES. PLEASE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CONSUMERS CONSIDER AN INVESTIGATION AND RECALL INTO THE FULL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OF THIS VEHICLE AS IT COULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD RISKING FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10520070

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.