IllustrationFUEL GAUGE ALWAYS READS EMPTY THE SENDER UNIT IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON DEFECT ON THIS VEHICLE. *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 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL INDICATOR FAILED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH FUEL WAS ACTUALLY IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO COVER FIFTY PERCENT OF THE R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL INDICATOR FAILED AND HE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH FUEL WAS ACTUALLY IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL SENDING UNIT WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO COVER FIFTY PERCENT OF THE REPAIR COSTS HOWEVER, THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THEY SHOULD COVER THE TOTAL COST. NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 119,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
WHILE DRIVING THIS MORNING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. NOW THE GAUGE IS POINT DOWN AND WILL NOT REGISTER. *KB
THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE MY HEADLIGHTS (ONLY) WILL NOT COME ON AT NIGHT OR THEY WILL SHUT OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING. AGAIN IT IS ONLY MY HEADLIGHTS. IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY. ONE DAY IT WILL DO THAT AND THE NEXT DAY IT WON'T SO OF COARSE WHEN I TAKE IT TO THE SHOP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT EVERYTHING IS FINE. HOWEVER I KNO…
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THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE MY HEADLIGHTS (ONLY) WILL NOT COME ON AT NIGHT OR THEY WILL SHUT OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING. AGAIN IT IS ONLY MY HEADLIGHTS. IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY. ONE DAY IT WILL DO THAT AND THE NEXT DAY IT WON'T SO OF COARSE WHEN I TAKE IT TO THE SHOP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT EVERYTHING IS FINE. HOWEVER I KNOW I AM NOT ALONE BECAUSE OF THE WEB SEARCHES I HAVE DONE ON THE ISSUE I CAN SEE THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE. *TT
FUEL GUAGE QUIT WORKING. *TT
MY FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK AND HAS NOT FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS. I READ THAT THERE HAS BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS TO YOUR ORGANIZATION REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. HAVE NOT FIXED BECAUSE THE COST WAS OVER $400. *KB
THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD ON MY ENGINE HAD CRACKED AND THE MOUNTING BOLTS HAD BROKEN CAUSING AN EXHAUST LEAK. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE HAD BEEN INOPERABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED FOR THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
FIRST WAS THE RIGHT TAIL LIGHT CAUGHT FIRE AND BLEW FUSES, THEN I GET POWER SURGES THAT CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE RANDOMLY AT THE WORST TIMES AND/OR WILL ALSO STALL OUT, WHICH CAN BE POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS OR END IN A FATAL ACCIDENT, IT DROPS IN RPMS AND LIGHTS DIM THEN IT ACCELERATES... AND THE LAST THING IS THAT THE …
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FIRST WAS THE RIGHT TAIL LIGHT CAUGHT FIRE AND BLEW FUSES, THEN I GET POWER SURGES THAT CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE RANDOMLY AT THE WORST TIMES AND/OR WILL ALSO STALL OUT, WHICH CAN BE POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS OR END IN A FATAL ACCIDENT, IT DROPS IN RPMS AND LIGHTS DIM THEN IT ACCELERATES... AND THE LAST THING IS THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATES DRAMATICALLY AND YOU CAN NEVER TELL HOW MUCH FUEL YOU REALLY HAVE... DRIVE 10 MILES AT QUARTER OF A TANK AND IT EITHER STAYS CLOSE TO THE SAME SPOT OR DROPS AND THE LIGHT COMES ON FOR LOW FUEL. *TR
MY FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WENT OUT. IT HAD BEEN GOING UP AND DOWN FOR DAYS AND THEN I WAS DRIVING AND THE SENSOR COMPLETELY DIED ALONG WITH MY INSTRUMENT PANEL. IT COST ME 638.85. I CALLED GM TO SEE IF THEY WOULD HELP ME OUT BECAUSE ONCE I STARTED RESEARCHING THE TRAILBLAZERS...THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE AND THEY ACTUALLY HAD A…
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MY FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WENT OUT. IT HAD BEEN GOING UP AND DOWN FOR DAYS AND THEN I WAS DRIVING AND THE SENSOR COMPLETELY DIED ALONG WITH MY INSTRUMENT PANEL. IT COST ME 638.85. I CALLED GM TO SEE IF THEY WOULD HELP ME OUT BECAUSE ONCE I STARTED RESEARCHING THE TRAILBLAZERS...THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE AND THEY ACTUALLY HAD A RECALL ON PRIOR YEARS AND THE YEAR AFTER WHICH WAS THE 2006, BUT FOR SOME REASON THE 2005 DIDN'T HAVE A RECALL. THEY WOULD NOT HELP. VERY DISAPPOINTED! *TR
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.