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 reports
77,349 miles · Jun 14, 2011
Power Train
2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED IN 2008 WITH ONLY 33,868 MILES ON IT. HAVE 78,158 ON VEHICLE NOW AND LAST MONTH HAD TO HAVE THE RADIATOR REPLACED AND TRANSMISSION REBUILT. THE PLACE THAT DID THE REPAIRS TOLD ME HE GETS ABOUT 3-5 TRAILBLAZERS A YEAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HE HAD 2 FOLKS CALL ABOUT THE SAME ISS…
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2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED IN 2008 WITH ONLY 33,868 MILES ON IT. HAVE 78,158 ON VEHICLE NOW AND LAST MONTH HAD TO HAVE THE RADIATOR REPLACED AND TRANSMISSION REBUILT. THE PLACE THAT DID THE REPAIRS TOLD ME HE GETS ABOUT 3-5 TRAILBLAZERS A YEAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HE HAD 2 FOLKS CALL ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE WHILE MINE WAS ON THE RACK. SEEMS THE RADIATOR DEVELOPS A SMALL LEAK IN THE SYSTEM THAT COOLS THE TRANS AND CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. HAD NO REAL ISSUES UNTIL LAST MONTH WHEN VEHICLE WOULD NOT COME OUT OF 3RD GEAR. COULD PUT AUTO TRANSMISSION IN TO 1 OR 2 AND THEN BE ABLE TO TAKE OFF FROM DEAD STOP AND SHIFT INTO DRIVE TO GET THE VEHICLE HOME AND THEN TO SHOP. HAVE LOOKED ONLINE TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND THERE HAS NOT, BUT APPEARS THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. TOTAL COST FOR VEHICLE REPAIR WAS $2,814.17. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10406885
78,144 miles · Jun 14, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. FAULTY GAS GAUGE. WAS FINE TODAY 6/14,2011 UNTIL I FILLED UP. GAUGE WENT FROM FULL AFTER FILLING TO SHOWING EMPTY AND HAS NOT REST ITSELF. NOTICED IN PAST THAT IT SEEMED TO BE STUCK AT 1/4 TANK BUT TOOK ALMOST 20 GALLONS TO FILL. GAUGE RESET AFTER A FEW MILES AND SEEMED TO BE FINE UNTIL TODAY. AND NOW T…
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2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. FAULTY GAS GAUGE. WAS FINE TODAY 6/14,2011 UNTIL I FILLED UP. GAUGE WENT FROM FULL AFTER FILLING TO SHOWING EMPTY AND HAS NOT REST ITSELF. NOTICED IN PAST THAT IT SEEMED TO BE STUCK AT 1/4 TANK BUT TOOK ALMOST 20 GALLONS TO FILL. GAUGE RESET AFTER A FEW MILES AND SEEMED TO BE FINE UNTIL TODAY. AND NOW TODAY, GAS GAUGE READS EMPTY ON A FULL TANK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10406882
89,000 miles · Jun 14, 2011
Electrical System
ABOUT A YEAR AGO MY SPEEDOMETER WOULD RANDOMLY SHOW A LOSS OR GAIN OF SPEED. ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO IT QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER. IT DOES NOT REGISTER IN THE NUMBERS. DURING THE SAME TIME I RAN OUT OF GAS TWICE WHEN MY GAGE HAD REGISTERED FUEL AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT WAS NOT REGISTERED. IT HAS SINCE QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER. I …
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ABOUT A YEAR AGO MY SPEEDOMETER WOULD RANDOMLY SHOW A LOSS OR GAIN OF SPEED. ABOUT 8 MONTHS AGO IT QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER. IT DOES NOT REGISTER IN THE NUMBERS. DURING THE SAME TIME I RAN OUT OF GAS TWICE WHEN MY GAGE HAD REGISTERED FUEL AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT WAS NOT REGISTERED. IT HAS SINCE QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER. I RECENTLY CALLED TO ASK HOW MUCH AN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD BE TO REPLACE AND WAS GIVEN A TOTAL OF ABOUT $600.00 THIS IS A VERY DISHEARTENING SITUATION. I HAVE READ ALL OTHER COMPLAINTS ON LINE AND THEY SAY THE SAME THING. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED THAT IT HASN'T BEEN RESOLVED BY THE COMPANY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10406869
97,000 miles · Jun 13, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD NEED TO BE RESET BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER RESET THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HOWEVER THE RESET WAS ONLY A T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD NEED TO BE RESET BUT NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER RESET THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HOWEVER THE RESET WAS ONLY A TEMPORARY REPAIR. ONE YEAR LATER, AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
NHTSA ODI #10406186
68,000 miles · Jun 13, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
WE OWN A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND THE GAS GAUGE IS NOT WORKING. WHEN WE PUT FUEL INTO THE TANK IT REGISTERS ON FULL THEN QUICKLY WILL GO DOWN TO EMPTY. THE GAUGE WILL THEN GO UP TO HALF OR A QUARTER THEN BACK TO EMPTY. THEREFORE YOU ARE NEVER REALLY SURE OF THE AMOUNT OF GAS THERE IS IN THE TANK. WE TRY AND WATCH THE MILEA…
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WE OWN A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND THE GAS GAUGE IS NOT WORKING. WHEN WE PUT FUEL INTO THE TANK IT REGISTERS ON FULL THEN QUICKLY WILL GO DOWN TO EMPTY. THE GAUGE WILL THEN GO UP TO HALF OR A QUARTER THEN BACK TO EMPTY. THEREFORE YOU ARE NEVER REALLY SURE OF THE AMOUNT OF GAS THERE IS IN THE TANK. WE TRY AND WATCH THE MILEAGE TO USE THAT AS A GUIDE BUT WHEN WE ARE CONSTANTLY PUTTING IN A COUPLE OF GALLONS JUST BE SURE WE HAVE GAS WE LOSE TRACK. I AM SO AFRAID THAT I OR ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS WILL BE STRANDED FROM RUNNING OUT OF GAS. I TRIED CONTACTING CHEVROLET BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN ANY KIND OF RESOLUTION. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND FOUND MANY INSTANCES OF TRAILBLAZER OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10406058
98,500 miles · Jun 11, 2011
Power Train
ACCELERATION SLUGGISH AT FIRST. THEN THE RPM'S WOULD INCREASE WITHOUT ANY ACCELERATION. FINALLY, WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR AND IF WENT ABOVE 30 THE RPM'S WOULD INCREASE WITHOUT ANYMORE POWER TO THE WHEELS. FOUND A TRANSMISSION HOSE BLOWN ALSO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10405968
Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WENT BAD ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER CAUSING ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS TWICE SO FAR. ONCE I WAS ON A RURAL ROAD, THE SECOND TIME I WAS ON THE THRUWAY AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10405943
Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2011
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL GAUGE AND OIL GAUGE FAILED AND NO LONGER DISPLAYED READINGS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW THE OIL PRESSURE OR THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL GAUGE AND OIL GAUGE FAILED AND NO LONGER DISPLAYED READINGS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW THE OIL PRESSURE OR THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 71,941. UPDATED 07/21/11 *BF UPDATED 07/25/11
NHTSA ODI #10405881
Mileage unknown · Jun 10, 2011
Fuel System, Other
THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING ON THE FREEWAY AND I WAS ALMOST KILLED DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC BECAUSE MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10405858
49,181 miles · Jun 9, 2011
Unknown Or Other
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE I NOTICED A POP AND UPON FURTHER REVIEW OF THE VEHICLE, I FOUND THAT THE THIRD TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS BROKEN FREE FROM THE CLIPS THAT HOLD IT ON TO THE VEHICLE. IT IS STILL ATTACHED BY 1 BOLT BUT THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IF THE ASSEMBLY BREAKS FREE. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS PARTICULAR VEH…
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DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE I NOTICED A POP AND UPON FURTHER REVIEW OF THE VEHICLE, I FOUND THAT THE THIRD TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS BROKEN FREE FROM THE CLIPS THAT HOLD IT ON TO THE VEHICLE. IT IS STILL ATTACHED BY 1 BOLT BUT THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IF THE ASSEMBLY BREAKS FREE. I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE THAT COULD CAUSE SEVERE DAMAGE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER IMMEDIATELY.
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.
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.
2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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