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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.

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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
79,000 miles · Jan 12, 2011
Electrical System

SPEED-O-METER ERRATIC AND DOES NOT REGISTER PROPERLY. SOMETIMES DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. HAS RESULTED IN BEING STOPPED AND TICKETED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR SPEEDING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10376393

80,000 miles · Jan 9, 2011
Electrical System

I BOUGHT A TRAILBLAZER 2005 THE HEATER RESISTER WIRE HARNESS HAS MELTED WIRES,AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD STICK AFTER 20 MILES OF DRIVING. HAD NO IDEA HOW FAST I WAS GOING AND THE MELTED WIRES ARE PLAIN DANGEROUS. I'VE READ MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THEM. I WAS DOING OVE…

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I BOUGHT A TRAILBLAZER 2005 THE HEATER RESISTER WIRE HARNESS HAS MELTED WIRES,AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD STICK AFTER 20 MILES OF DRIVING. HAD NO IDEA HOW FAST I WAS GOING AND THE MELTED WIRES ARE PLAIN DANGEROUS. I'VE READ MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THEM. I WAS DOING OVER 100 MPH BEFORE I REALIZED THE SPEEDOMETER WASN'T READING CORRECTLY IT SAID 72 MPH. I'VE READ MANY PEOPLE SMELL SMOKE WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS MELTS. COULD EASILY START A FIRE .. BOTH SEEM VERY DANGEROUS TO ME AND I CANT BELIEVE THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED THEM YET..ARE WE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO GET KILLED FIRST?? I'VE NEVER FILED A COMPLAINT LIKE THIS BEFORE AND I HAVE NO IDEA IF IT HELPS,BUT I NEEDED TO TRY SOMETHING. THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ODI #10375271

91,600 miles · Jan 9, 2011
Electrical System

WE JUST PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS 4WD, WE HAVE HAD IT FOR FOUR DAYS AND TODAY THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING, IT HAS WOUND ALL THE WAY AROUND, WE PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR IN THE ATTEMPT TO RESET IT. WE HAD TO DRIVE ALL THE WAY HOME WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO TELL AT WHAT SPEED WE WERE DRIVING, WHICH IS HI…

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WE JUST PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS 4WD, WE HAVE HAD IT FOR FOUR DAYS AND TODAY THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING, IT HAS WOUND ALL THE WAY AROUND, WE PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR IN THE ATTEMPT TO RESET IT. WE HAD TO DRIVE ALL THE WAY HOME WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO TELL AT WHAT SPEED WE WERE DRIVING, WHICH IS HIGHLY UNSAFE. IN MY BELIEF THIS IS MISLEADING INFORMATION, BY NOT KNOWING HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10375254

108,700 miles · Jan 8, 2011
Unknown Or Other

AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM SHOPPING, MY WIFE AND HER FRIEND PULLED INTO OUR DRIVEWAY AND SHE PLACED OUR TRAILBLAZER IN PARK. THERE WAS A LOUD SOUND SHE SAID SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION AND THE REAR LIFT HATCH WINDOW SHATTERED SENDING GLASS FLYING. AT THE TIME OF THE GLASS SHATTERING THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS CLOSE TO 30 DEGREES.…

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AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM SHOPPING, MY WIFE AND HER FRIEND PULLED INTO OUR DRIVEWAY AND SHE PLACED OUR TRAILBLAZER IN PARK. THERE WAS A LOUD SOUND SHE SAID SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION AND THE REAR LIFT HATCH WINDOW SHATTERED SENDING GLASS FLYING. AT THE TIME OF THE GLASS SHATTERING THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS CLOSE TO 30 DEGREES. THE REAR DEFROSTER WAS NOT ON. I CAME HOME FROM WORK AND WE CLEANED ALL THE GLASS FROM THE DRIVEWAY AND THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED. I CONTACTED THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE WINDOW WAS FIXED FOR A COST OF $754.70 BY SAFELITE GLASS REPAIR. I LOOKED ON THE INTERNET AND DID A SEARCH OF SIMILAR INCIDENTS AND FOUND QUITE A FEW. I CONTACTED GM BY E-MAIL AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED. GM THANKED ME FOR THE INFORMATION BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY REPLACEMENT OR REIMBURSEMENT. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED AND OUR GRANDDAUGHTER WAS NOT IN HER CAR SEAT AT THE TIME. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS IF MY WIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN OPENING THE LIFT GATE WHEN THE GLASS SHATTERED. GM SAID THIS APPEARED TO BE AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND I OFFERED TO SEND THEM LINKS TO OTHER IDENTICAL COMPLAINTS THAT I FOUND. I WOULD LIKE THE NHTSA TO PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AS THIS DOES NOT SEEM TO BE AN ISOLATED INCIDENT AND THERE WAS NO WARNING OF THIS FAILURE. THE GLASS WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING AND THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.

NHTSA ODI #10375909

80,000 miles · Jan 6, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

OVER THE PAST YEAR I HAVE A VARIETY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY BLAZER. THE GAS GAUGE HAS STOPPED WORKING, INDICATING THAT IT IS LOW ON FUEL OR EMPTY AND MY SPEEDOMETER IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. I HAVE HAD TO PUSH ALL THE WAY ON THE GAS PEDAL AT TIMES TO GET THE CAR TO GO. VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN MERGING ONTO HIGHWAYS/FR…

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OVER THE PAST YEAR I HAVE A VARIETY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY BLAZER. THE GAS GAUGE HAS STOPPED WORKING, INDICATING THAT IT IS LOW ON FUEL OR EMPTY AND MY SPEEDOMETER IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. I HAVE HAD TO PUSH ALL THE WAY ON THE GAS PEDAL AT TIMES TO GET THE CAR TO GO. VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN MERGING ONTO HIGHWAYS/FREEWAYS. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY AGAIN! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10375028

100,000 miles · Jan 6, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER FUEL SENSOR. DOES NOT READ CORRECTLY, AND AFTER FILL UP, THE GAUGE GOES TO EMPTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10375021

61,000 miles · Jan 6, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control

THE SPEEDOMETER NO LONGER WORKS ON MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER. IT HAS 61K MILES ON IT. CHEVROLET HAS RECALLED THE AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, TAHOE, AND SUBURBAN, BUT FOR SOME REASON NOT THE TRAILBLAZER. THE DEALER CHARGES $600 TO FIX IT. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10374968

70,000 miles · Jan 6, 2011
Electrical System

MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. THIS STARTED AS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO CORRELATION BETWEEN OUTSIDE TEMPS AND WHEN IT WORKS. WHEN IT DOES WORK IT DISPLAYS INACCURATE SPEEDS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A CONSISTENT PROBLEM IN 2005 TRAILBLAZERS BASED A AN IN…

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MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. THIS STARTED AS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO CORRELATION BETWEEN OUTSIDE TEMPS AND WHEN IT WORKS. WHEN IT DOES WORK IT DISPLAYS INACCURATE SPEEDS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A CONSISTENT PROBLEM IN 2005 TRAILBLAZERS BASED A AN INTERNET SEARCH FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10374944

70,000 miles · Jan 3, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. ABOUT A YEAR AGO THE GAS GAUGE QUIT WORKING. MY UNDERSTANDING WAS THAT IT WOULD COST ALMOST AS MUCH TO REPLACE THE SENSOR AS IT WOULD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. I CONTINUED DRIVING THE CAR USING THE TRIP MILEAGE. I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS SEVERAL TIMES. THE LAST COUPLE OF TIMES I REALIZED THERE W…

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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. ABOUT A YEAR AGO THE GAS GAUGE QUIT WORKING. MY UNDERSTANDING WAS THAT IT WOULD COST ALMOST AS MUCH TO REPLACE THE SENSOR AS IT WOULD TO REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP. I CONTINUED DRIVING THE CAR USING THE TRIP MILEAGE. I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS SEVERAL TIMES. THE LAST COUPLE OF TIMES I REALIZED THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD BE OUT OF GAS YET. WHAT IS NOW HAPPENING IS I CANNOT GET MORE THAN A COUPLE OF GALLONS OF GAS IN MY CAR AT ANY TIME. THE MECHANIC SAYS IT IS BECAUSE THE SENSOR IS STUCK AND THINKS IT IS FULLER THAN IT IS. SO NOW I CANNOT DRIVE MORE THAN 20 MILES OR SO BEFORE STOPPING FOR GAS AGAIN. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!!!!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10374036

Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2011
Electrical System

MY SPEEDOMETER RECENTLY QUIT WORKING COMPLETELY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10373735

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.