IllustrationGAUGE CLUSTER INACCURATELY DISPLAYS FUEL LEVEL, OIL PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE. OCCURS DAILY. *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 WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED A READING INDICATING THAT FUEL WAS PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK. ROADSIDE ASSISTANC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED A READING INDICATING THAT FUEL WAS PRESENT IN THE FUEL TANK. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO REFUEL THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING.THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, WHERE THE FUEL SENDING UNIT AND FUEL PUMP SENSOR WERE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED 09/28/2011 *LN *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT SATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED AND THE GAUGE WOULD READ EMPTY WHETHER THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL OR EMPTY. THE CONTACT RESET THE TRIP COMPUTER TO BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RUN OUT OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE FUEL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT SATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED AND THE GAUGE WOULD READ EMPTY WHETHER THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL OR EMPTY. THE CONTACT RESET THE TRIP COMPUTER TO BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RUN OUT OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE FUEL PUMP SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
NON-FUNCTIONING FUEL GAUGE. *TR
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS THE BLOWER FOR MY AIR/HEAT/DEFROST HAS BEEN ACTING UP. SOMETIMES IT WORKS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. JUST RECENTLY IN THE LAST FEW DAYS IT STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. I CAN'T USE MY DEFROST TO CLEAR MY WINDOWS OR USE MY AIR OR HEAT. I WAS TOLD THE RESISTOR AND HARNESS (WHICH…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS THE BLOWER FOR MY AIR/HEAT/DEFROST HAS BEEN ACTING UP. SOMETIMES IT WORKS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. JUST RECENTLY IN THE LAST FEW DAYS IT STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY. I CAN'T USE MY DEFROST TO CLEAR MY WINDOWS OR USE MY AIR OR HEAT. I WAS TOLD THE RESISTOR AND HARNESS (WHICH STARTS TO MELT AND BURN) IS CAUSING THE BLOWER NOT TO WORK. I CHECKED WITH MECHANICS AND ON LINE AND THERE ISN'T A RECALL ON THE RESISTOR AND/OR HARNESS. THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS HAPPENING IN ALL CHEVYS. *KB
GAS GAUGE QUIT WORKING. STEPPER MOTOR REPLACED, SUSPECTED FUEL SENSOR MALFUNCTION. SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON DEFECT IN THESE VEHICLES. *KB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VENTS RELEASED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BLOWER MOTORS RESISTOR AND CONNECTOR WERE MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VENTS RELEASED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BLOWER MOTORS RESISTOR AND CONNECTOR WERE MELTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS BECAUSE OF THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE EXPIRED WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 65,000.
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH A FAULTY FUEL GAUGE. A YEAR OR TWO AGO THE FUEL GAUGE STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES IT WOULD SHOW AN ACCURATE READING AND OTHER TIMES IT WOULD NOT. NOW THE FUEL GAUGE JUST SHOWS EMPTY 100% OF THE TIME, NO MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK. DUE TO THIS ISSUE, I HAVE RAN O…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH A FAULTY FUEL GAUGE. A YEAR OR TWO AGO THE FUEL GAUGE STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES IT WOULD SHOW AN ACCURATE READING AND OTHER TIMES IT WOULD NOT. NOW THE FUEL GAUGE JUST SHOWS EMPTY 100% OF THE TIME, NO MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK. DUE TO THIS ISSUE, I HAVE RAN OUT OF FUEL AND STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. AS YOU CAN IMAGINE, THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLS POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ARE LOST AND IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER A LARGE VEHICLE LIKE THIS WITHOUT THOSE SYSTEMS. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY ARE STATING THAT THE PROBLEM IS A BAD FUEL SENDING UNIT AND THE COST TO REPAIR IS OVER $600. RESEARCHING THE ISSUE ONLINE I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A WIDESPREAD ISSUE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND A RECALL NEEDS TO BE ORDERED. *KB
TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES ARE CORRODED AND LEAKING FLUID ALL AROUND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. THESE LINES WILL NEED REPLACED BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION FAILS. THE FRAME IS SOAKED WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THIS IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD IF THE FLUID LEAKS ONTO THE EXHAUST OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *TR
FAULTY FUEL GUAGE READING, VEHICLE STALL. *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.