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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.

About this comparison →

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
50,000 miles · Aug 27, 2018
Exterior Lighting

DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK. LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT TURN ON AT NIGHT.

NHTSA ODI #11122850

113,000 miles · Aug 22, 2018
Exterior Lighting

LEAVING FROM WORK AT NIGHT AND WHEN CAR INITIALLY WAS TURNED ON, THE LOW BEAMS ILLUMINATED, BUT THEN WENT OFF. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME USING FOG LAMPS AND HIGH BEAMS ONLY. THEY NEVER DID COME ON IN A 25 MINUTE DRIVE. I SEE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL, AND IT APPEARS THAT THE 2006 ARE IN A RECALL FOR THI…

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LEAVING FROM WORK AT NIGHT AND WHEN CAR INITIALLY WAS TURNED ON, THE LOW BEAMS ILLUMINATED, BUT THEN WENT OFF. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME USING FOG LAMPS AND HIGH BEAMS ONLY. THEY NEVER DID COME ON IN A 25 MINUTE DRIVE. I SEE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL, AND IT APPEARS THAT THE 2006 ARE IN A RECALL FOR THIS, BUT NOT THE 2005. VERY UNSAFE! MY KIDS ARE SUPPOSED TO DRIVE THIS CAR, BUT NOW I'M NOT SO SURE!

NHTSA ODI #11121553

113,000 miles · Aug 22, 2018
Exterior Lighting

WHEN LEAVING WORK AT NIGHT ON 8/21/18, STARTED THE CAR AND THE LOW BEAMS CAME ON, AND THEN IMMEDIATELY WENT OFF. THEY WOULD NOT COME BACK ON. HAD TO DRIVE HOME USING THE FOG LIGHTS AND HIGH BEAMS. HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR A WEEK. DOESN'T SEEM SAFE. SEE THAT LOTS OF TRAILBLAZERS HAVE THIS ISSUE. LOOKS LIKE RECALL BEGINS WI…

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WHEN LEAVING WORK AT NIGHT ON 8/21/18, STARTED THE CAR AND THE LOW BEAMS CAME ON, AND THEN IMMEDIATELY WENT OFF. THEY WOULD NOT COME BACK ON. HAD TO DRIVE HOME USING THE FOG LIGHTS AND HIGH BEAMS. HAVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR A WEEK. DOESN'T SEEM SAFE. SEE THAT LOTS OF TRAILBLAZERS HAVE THIS ISSUE. LOOKS LIKE RECALL BEGINS WITH THE 2006 FOR THIS SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11121552

33,400 miles · Aug 19, 2018
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

DRIVING IN CITY SPEEDOMOTER QUIT WORKING PROPERLY. DONT KNOW WHAT SPEED IS WHILE DRIVING CAR HAS 33000 MILES, HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN 3 YEARS AS IT WAS MY FATHERS AND HE NO LONGER DRIVES AS HE IS 97 YEARS OLD

NHTSA ODI #11120901

173,000 miles · Aug 15, 2018
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 30 MPH AND SHUT DOWN AT A SLIGHT ELEVATION. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED TO 30 MPH AND SHUT DOWN AT A SLIGHT ELEVATION. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE PICKED UP FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 173,000.

NHTSA ODI #11120203

112,000 miles · Aug 13, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train

OUR VEHICLE DIED AT A TURN SIGNAL LIGHT IN A DANGEROUS INTERSECTION. NO WARNING FROM THE VEHICLE AS IT WAS RUNNING NORMAL. IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT NO START. POLICE FORCE A TOW OUT OF THE BUSY INTERSECTION RIGHT AWAY. IT STARTS UP AT THE MECHANICS. THEY TESTED FUEL FILTER AND OTHER STUFF. WE GET ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC AND GET 6…

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OUR VEHICLE DIED AT A TURN SIGNAL LIGHT IN A DANGEROUS INTERSECTION. NO WARNING FROM THE VEHICLE AS IT WAS RUNNING NORMAL. IT WOULD TURN OVER BUT NO START. POLICE FORCE A TOW OUT OF THE BUSY INTERSECTION RIGHT AWAY. IT STARTS UP AT THE MECHANICS. THEY TESTED FUEL FILTER AND OTHER STUFF. WE GET ON THE HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC AND GET 6 MILES OUT AND NO WARNING WE DIE AND HAD TO PUSH THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER ON IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS. SIT FOR 2 HOURS AND IT FIRES UP. SO WE FOUND SHADE AND WAITED FOR COOL DOWN. 2 HOURS AWAY FROM HOME AND IT TOOK US 9 HOURS TO GET HOME. WE DROVE IT TO THE STORE AND WHEN WE WERE DONE SHOPPING IT FIRED UP. WENT AROUND THE CORNER TO OTHER STORE AND SHOPPED 2 HOURS AND CAME OUT AND IT WOULD TURN AND NO START. TRIED STARTING EVERY 30 MINUTES TO HOUR FROM 9:30PM TO 1:40AM AND THEN IT FIRED RIGHT UP THEN DROVE 30 MINUTES TO HOME. AFTER RESEARCHING AND FINDING QUITE A FEW WITH SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WE FOUND THAT IT IS THE PWR/TRN RELAY PLUG IN AREA IN THE FUSE RELAY CENTER. WHEN WE BROKE THE PLASTIC OFF THE RELAY AND WRAPPED A RUBBER BAND AROUND IT SO IT'S CONSTANT CONTACT AND PLUG IT IN, IT WILL FIRE UP EVERY TIME. I CAN DRIVE IT ALL DAY LIKE THAT WITH NO ISSUES. I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY FROM RUNNING TO ACCESSORY MODE THEN REMOVE THE RUBBER BAND AND THEN POWER OFF THE CAR. DON'T WANT TO FRY COM. THE RELAYS ARE GOOD AND PROBLEM IS THE FUSE RELAY CENTER. CHEVROLET SAID THEMSELVES THAT THIS MODEL IS NOTORIOUS FOR FUSE RELAY CENTER PROBLEMS AND USUALLY REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. IT'S A KNOWN DEFECT. THERE ARE TWO PICTURES ATTACHED FROM ONE OF THE OTHER PEOPLE WITH SAME VEHICLE SAME PROBLEM AND IN ORDER TO MAKE HIS FUSE RELAY CENTER WORK PROPERLY HE HAD TO WIRE/REROUTE HIS PWR/TRN RELAY AS SEEN IN THE PICTURE. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AS THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH CHEVROLET AND THE TRAILBLAZER.

NHTSA ODI #11119524

Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

I HAVE A 2005 TB LS, AND IT'S A POS. AS SOON AS I DROVE OFF THE LOT I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES. MY BRAKES PULSATE, GO TO THE FLOOR, GET STIFF AS A BOARD, BASICALLY THEY DON'T WORK. I HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES QUICKLY IN AN EFFORT TO AVOID A CRASH. I FILLED THE GAS TANK TO FULL, HUGE MISTAKE. THE MOMENT I DID THAT THE CHECK ENGINE…

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I HAVE A 2005 TB LS, AND IT'S A POS. AS SOON AS I DROVE OFF THE LOT I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES. MY BRAKES PULSATE, GO TO THE FLOOR, GET STIFF AS A BOARD, BASICALLY THEY DON'T WORK. I HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES QUICKLY IN AN EFFORT TO AVOID A CRASH. I FILLED THE GAS TANK TO FULL, HUGE MISTAKE. THE MOMENT I DID THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS FLASHED AND SPORADIC IDLING. IT HAS A LOUD WHINE UNDER THE HOOD, FRONT TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD FLASHER RANDOMLY STOPPED WORKING. CAR WILL DIE IF I RUN THE A/C FOR MORE THEN 15 MINS. IT WILL PULL TO EITHER SIDE WHEN I APPLY MY BRAKES. I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT UP WITH PROPER MAINTENANCE, TUNE UP, ETC. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE, THAT SO MANY HAVE THE SAME [XXX] ISSUES AND YET CHEVY WILL NOT RECOGNIZE/TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OBVIOUS FLAWS AND LACK OF MECHANICAL KNOWLEDGE..I JUST WANT OUT OF THIS [XXX] LEASE AND A REPLACEMENT CAR!!! PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11104467

Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

THE HEADLIGHTS GO OFF AFTER A WHILE OF USE AS IF THE OVER HEAT AND GO OFF ONCE THEY COOL OFF THEY COME BACK ON BUT THEY GO OFF AFTER ABOUT 15 MINS OF USE. ONLY THE BRIGHTS WILL WORK AT THIS TIME. SO NOT ONLY IS IT A SAFETY HAZARD TO ME THAT MY LIGHTS JUST GO OFF OUT OF NOWHERE THEN I HAVE TO TURN MY BRIGHTS ON WHICH IS A SAFETY…

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THE HEADLIGHTS GO OFF AFTER A WHILE OF USE AS IF THE OVER HEAT AND GO OFF ONCE THEY COOL OFF THEY COME BACK ON BUT THEY GO OFF AFTER ABOUT 15 MINS OF USE. ONLY THE BRIGHTS WILL WORK AT THIS TIME. SO NOT ONLY IS IT A SAFETY HAZARD TO ME THAT MY LIGHTS JUST GO OFF OUT OF NOWHERE THEN I HAVE TO TURN MY BRIGHTS ON WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO OTHER PEOPLE AND AGAINST THE WALL YOU HAVE A RECALL ON THE 2006 MODEL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM WHY WOULD YOU NOT HAVE THE RECALL ON THE 2005 MODEL THAT OBVIOUSLY HAS THE SAME ISSUE THEY GO OFF ON BACK ROADS THEY GO OFF ON THE HIGHWAY THEY GO OFF IN THE CITY THEY GO OFF IN THE COUNTRY THEY GO OFF ANYWHERE THAT I'M DRIVING ANYTIME THAT THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON THAT WILL GO OFF AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES OF USE WHETHER THE CAR IS BEING DRIVEN OR IT IS STATIONARY. THIS IMHAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR FOR MANY YEARS BUT I JUST RECENTLY BOUGHT IT FOR MYSELF AND I FEEL IT'S AN ISSUE THAT YOU ALL SHOULD RESOLVE I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AND THERE A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE

NHTSA ODI #11104287

45,000 miles · Jun 25, 2018
Exterior Lighting

THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING, I CAN'T SEEM TO TURN THEM BACK ON, I HAVE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I TUN THE SWITCH ON AND OFF AND NOTHING HAPPENS, I'VE HAD THE FUSSED AND HEADLIGHTS CHANGED AND I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND A SOLUTION. THE SEEM TO JUST GO ON AND OFF ON THEIR OWN. THIS IF A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE AN…

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THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING, I CAN'T SEEM TO TURN THEM BACK ON, I HAVE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, I TUN THE SWITCH ON AND OFF AND NOTHING HAPPENS, I'VE HAD THE FUSSED AND HEADLIGHTS CHANGED AND I CAN'T SEEM TO FIND A SOLUTION. THE SEEM TO JUST GO ON AND OFF ON THEIR OWN. THIS IF A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE AND I HAVE FOUND OUT I AM NOT THE ONLY CHEVY OWNER THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL AND I'S SURPRISED TO FIND OUT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS UNSAFE DEFECT!

NHTSA ODI #11103730

157,000 miles · Jun 4, 2018
Electrical System

TAKATA RECALL ALL THE GAUGES ON MY TRAILBLAZER HAVE STOPPED WORKING EXCEPT THE GAS AND TEMPERATURE GAUGE. WHILE I WAS DRIVING 2 WEEKS AGO ON THE HIGHWAY MY GAUGES JUST QUIT WORKING AND THE NEEDLES DROPPED TO THE BOTTOM.

NHTSA ODI #11099565

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.