NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,466 reports50,000 miles · Jun 4, 2013
Electrical System
MY SPEEDOMETER TELLS THE SPEED PLUS OR MINUS 40MPH. MY OIL PRESSURE GAUGE IS STUCK AT AROUND 210PSI. TODAY, I NOTICED THAT MY FUEL TANK NOW READS 150% FULL, AND THE VOLTAGE IS DOWN TO 9V. THIS IS ALL DUE TO A DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT GM HAD A CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED ON SEVERAL OTHER MAKES OF VEHICLES, BUT DENIED TH…
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MY SPEEDOMETER TELLS THE SPEED PLUS OR MINUS 40MPH. MY OIL PRESSURE GAUGE IS STUCK AT AROUND 210PSI. TODAY, I NOTICED THAT MY FUEL TANK NOW READS 150% FULL, AND THE VOLTAGE IS DOWN TO 9V. THIS IS ALL DUE TO A DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THAT GM HAD A CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED ON SEVERAL OTHER MAKES OF VEHICLES, BUT DENIED THE TRAILBLAZER, DUE TO LACK OF COMPLAINTS. CONSIDER THIS A COMPLAINT. UNDOUBTEDLY, GM IS HOPING THE MILEAGE RUNS OVER 70,000 SO I WILL HAVE TO PAY AT LEAST PART OF THEIR DEFECTIVE WORKMANSHIP. CONSIDER HOW MANY TRAILBLAZERS ARE ZIPPING DOWN THE ROAD, UNAWARE OF THIS DEFECT... PERHAPS GOING ONLY 10-20 MPH OVER THE LIMIT. LACK OF COMPLAINTS TO THE NHTSA IS A POOR EXCUSE TO NOT RECALL, FIX AND/OR VERIFY THE VEHICLE IN QUESTION IS NOT AN ISSUE. I AM CURRENTLY USING A GPS SMARTPHONE AS A SPEEDOMETER, BUT AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, IT IS LESS ACCURATE THAN IDEAL. A YOUNG FRIEND HOUSESITTING MY DOG DROVE MY CAR ONCE, ON A BAD SNOW DAY, AND GOT A SPEEDING TICKET, AS HE WAS UNAWARE THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTED. I SUGGEST GM BE MADE TO FIX IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10515057
105,000 miles · May 25, 2013
Fuel/propulsion SystemSuspensionWheels
I FILLED UP MY CAR AND THE FUEL INDICATOR WENT TO EMPTY. NOW, SOMETIMES IT REGISTERS SOME FUEL BUT NOT WHERE IT SHOULD BE. IT USUALLY STAYS ON E. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL YOU HAVE. AFTER READING THE COMPLAINTS SEEMS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MOST TRAILBLAZERS. THE WHEEL HUBS AND BEARINGS HAVE ALS…
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I FILLED UP MY CAR AND THE FUEL INDICATOR WENT TO EMPTY. NOW, SOMETIMES IT REGISTERS SOME FUEL BUT NOT WHERE IT SHOULD BE. IT USUALLY STAYS ON E. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE YOU DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL YOU HAVE. AFTER READING THE COMPLAINTS SEEMS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MOST TRAILBLAZERS. THE WHEEL HUBS AND BEARINGS HAVE ALSO WENT GONE SINCE THIS HAPPENED THE PARTS PLACE SAYS THIS IS ALSO A PROBLEM WITH TRAILBLAZERS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10513548
108,400 miles · May 25, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY WHEN CAR IS FILLED AND THE NEEDLE ONLY MOVES A LITTLE..I NEVER CAN TELL HOW MUCH GAS THERE IS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10513500
150,000 miles · May 23, 2013
Power TrainSteeringStructure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE REVEL MOLDING WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS D…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE REVEL MOLDING WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING, POWER TRANSMISSION AND THE REAR DECK MOLDING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 166,324. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10513324
Mileage unknown · May 23, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY AFTER FILLING TANK, WON'T RESET ITSELF AFTER FUELING. BACK HATCH LOCK IS STUCK IN LOCK AND HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED ONCE. SOMETIME WHEN YOUR SETTING STILL AT A RED LIGHT OR JUST GOING SLOW IN TRAFFIC, THERE SEEMS TO BE A "SURGE" OF POWER OR FUEL TO WHERE THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD. WHEN DRIVING AT NIG…
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FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY AFTER FILLING TANK, WON'T RESET ITSELF AFTER FUELING. BACK HATCH LOCK IS STUCK IN LOCK AND HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED ONCE. SOMETIME WHEN YOUR SETTING STILL AT A RED LIGHT OR JUST GOING SLOW IN TRAFFIC, THERE SEEMS TO BE A "SURGE" OF POWER OR FUEL TO WHERE THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD. WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE LIGHTS WILL FLICKER OR DIM ON THERE OWN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10513218
70,000 miles · May 16, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine
EVEN IF THIS CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED IT SADLY AS SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT CHEVY DOES NOT WANT TO COME TO TERMS WITH. THE SPEEDOMETER GOES OUT AND IN AND READS INCORRECTLY AS WELL AS THE REST OF THE GAUGES AT RANDOM POINTS IN TIME. THE HEATING SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACES AND THE ALTERNATOR CONSISTENTLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED EVEN WH…
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EVEN IF THIS CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED IT SADLY AS SERIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES THAT CHEVY DOES NOT WANT TO COME TO TERMS WITH. THE SPEEDOMETER GOES OUT AND IN AND READS INCORRECTLY AS WELL AS THE REST OF THE GAUGES AT RANDOM POINTS IN TIME. THE HEATING SYSTEM NEEDS REPLACES AND THE ALTERNATOR CONSISTENTLY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED EVEN WHEN THE MAINTENANCE OF THE CAR IS MAINTAINED. IT IS A CONSISTENT STRUGGLE TO KEEP THE CAR RUNNING EVEN IF IT IS NOT ON HIGH MILES AND IT IS A SAD PRODUCT FOR CHEVY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10512388
Mileage unknown · May 14, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineFuel System, Gasoline
2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATE THE FIRST TIME THE FUEL GAUGE STARTING ACTING ERRATIC WAS IN 2007. THE DEALER INFORMED HIS WIFE, THE VEHICLE HAD RAN OUT OF GAS, EVEN THOUGH THE GAUGE INDICATED THERE WAS 1/2 TANK OF GAS. THE CONSUMER STATED HE …
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2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATE THE FIRST TIME THE FUEL GAUGE STARTING ACTING ERRATIC WAS IN 2007. THE DEALER INFORMED HIS WIFE, THE VEHICLE HAD RAN OUT OF GAS, EVEN THOUGH THE GAUGE INDICATED THERE WAS 1/2 TANK OF GAS. THE CONSUMER STATED HE CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE AN ERRATIC BEHAVIOR OF THE FUEL PUMP AND THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE LATEST PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSIS WAS THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO SUSTAIN AN IDLE, BECAUSE OF THE ERRATIC FUEL PRESSURE (FUEL PUMP). THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE HAS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WAS INOPERATIVE.
NHTSA ODI #10511098
82,564 miles · May 13, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
THE FUEL GAUGE IN MY VEHICLE STOPPED WORKING. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND THIS SEEMS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM TO TRAILBLAZERS THAT GM IS IGNORING. RUNNING OUT OF FUEL CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY ON BUSY HIGHWAYS. SO I THINK THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10511743
88,500 miles · Apr 21, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System
FILLED UP GAS TANK ONLY TO FIND THAT IT WAS READING EMPTY. FLUCTUATED BETWEEN EMPTY AND 1/4 TANK. RAN OUT OF GAS WITH CHILDREN IN VEHICLE AT ONE POINT IN VERY BAD WEATHER. FINALLY ABLE TO SAVE $450.00 TO HAVE IT FIXED. IS IT TRUE THAT GM WILL PAY FOR HALF OF THE REPAIR BILL? VERY UPSET WITH GENERAL MOTORS!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10509016
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2013
Structure
TODAY DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH IN MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LT. WE HEARD A LOUD CLACKING NOISE. AS I TURN AROUND I SEE THE LARGE PLASTIC PIECE OF THE TAILGATE FLY OFF AND THE 3RD TAILLIGHT JUST DANGLING. IN MY SEARCH TONIGHT I HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION I AM NOT THE ONLY TRAILBLAZER OWNER WHO HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10509013
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.