IllustrationPROBLEM WITH 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER FUEL SYSTEM WHERE THE FUEL GAUGE INACCURATELY READS EMPTY. THIS IS A MAJOR HAZARD AS I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE CAR AND RECENTLY RAN OUT OF GAS ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. *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 reportsON 11/6/2010 WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, SMOKE BEGAN TO APPEAR BENEATH THE STEERING COLUMN. PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF VEHICLE, TRUCK REMAINED RUNNING AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF, ALL LIGHTS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIT UP AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF.... OPENED HOOD AND BEGAN PULLING FUSES TO SHUT VEHICLE OFF AND DISCONNECT POWER. HAD TO…
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ON 11/6/2010 WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, SMOKE BEGAN TO APPEAR BENEATH THE STEERING COLUMN. PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF VEHICLE, TRUCK REMAINED RUNNING AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF, ALL LIGHTS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIT UP AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF.... OPENED HOOD AND BEGAN PULLING FUSES TO SHUT VEHICLE OFF AND DISCONNECT POWER. HAD TO CUT BATTERY CABLE AND PULL ABOUT 20 FUSES TO SHUT OFF. CALLED FOR TOW TRUCK AND AFTER INSPECTION BY MYSELF AND NUMEROUS MECHANICS IT WAS FOUND THAT A BUNDLE OF APPROX 80 WIRES PERPENDICULAR TO THE STEERING COLUMN HAD MELTED AND STARTED ON FIRE. TOTAL DAMAGE OVER $6600. VEHICLE IS TOTALED AND INSURANCE COMPANY (GEICO) REFUSES TO PAY CLAIMING IT WAS A VEHICLE DEFECT. I OWE OVER 10K ON VEHICLE, PURCHASED USED 02/20/2010 WITH 59K. TOTAL LOSS ESTIMATED AT OVER 17K SINCE FINANCE COMPANY IS NO HELP TRYING TO ASSIST WITH REPAIRS, I AM LETTING THEM REPOSESS IT. *TR
ROUGHLY ABOUT 6/7/10 MY FUEL GAGE QUIT WORKING AND NOW ON 11/2/10 MY SPEEDOMETER GAUGE STARTED ACTING UP AND IS NOT WORKING. THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL BEING BAD.
THE SPEEDOMETER HAS STOPPED WORKING. THE GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. ALSO THE FUSES FOR THE POWER PLUG INS CONTINUE TO BLOW. THESE ARE SAFETY HAZARDS FOR MY WIFE AND KIDS WHILE TRAVELING ALONE.
SPEEDOMETER STOPS WORKING IN COLD WEATHER. *TR
SPEEDOMETER FAILURE WHILE DRIVING 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LT ON THE HIGHWAY. NEEDLE DOESN'T MOVE AT ALL. CANNOT DETERMINE SPEED OF VEHICLE. BROUGHT TO GM DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSED AS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE. SIMILAR CLUSTER FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED ON OTHER GM MODEL SUV'S AND TRUCKS (TAHOE, SUBURBAN, SIERRA) AND HAVE BEEN HA…
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SPEEDOMETER FAILURE WHILE DRIVING 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LT ON THE HIGHWAY. NEEDLE DOESN'T MOVE AT ALL. CANNOT DETERMINE SPEED OF VEHICLE. BROUGHT TO GM DEALERSHIP. DIAGNOSED AS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILURE. SIMILAR CLUSTER FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED ON OTHER GM MODEL SUV'S AND TRUCKS (TAHOE, SUBURBAN, SIERRA) AND HAVE BEEN HANDLED AS "RECALLS". GM HAS NOT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE SAME FAILURES WHICH HAVE OCCURRED IN CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZERS ARE A SAFETY DEFECT WORTHY OF A SIMILAR RECALL. *TR
FUEL SENDING UNIT DOES NOT WORK. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS ALL TOO COMMON FOR ANY KIND OF SAFETY WHILE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. *TR
2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER-GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING ACCURATELY. STAYS AROUND 1/4 TANK WHILE DRIVING. LOW LEVEL INDICATOR COMES ON WHEN CAR IS FIRST STARTED AND THEN MOVES BACK UP TO 1/4 TANK EVEN THOUGH THE TANK MAY BE FULL. TWO WEEKS AFTER NOTICING THE GAS GAUGE I ALSO NOTICED MY SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT READING ACCURATELY. NOTICED THI…
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2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER-GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING ACCURATELY. STAYS AROUND 1/4 TANK WHILE DRIVING. LOW LEVEL INDICATOR COMES ON WHEN CAR IS FIRST STARTED AND THEN MOVES BACK UP TO 1/4 TANK EVEN THOUGH THE TANK MAY BE FULL. TWO WEEKS AFTER NOTICING THE GAS GAUGE I ALSO NOTICED MY SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT READING ACCURATELY. NOTICED THIS WHEN I WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT. WHILE CAR WAS STOPPED SPEEDOMETER SAID I WAS GOING 20 MPH. AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS REGARDING THESE SAME ISSUES, I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THIS IS MY FIRST CHEVY AND IM SURE IT WILL BE MY LAST. IF ITS RELEVANT MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATELY 69,000. *TR
PURCHASED FULL TANK OF GAS AND THE GAUGE GOES TO EMPTY, WHICH MEANS THE TANK IS SHOWN TO BE ON EMPTY; UNABLE TO TELL AMOUNT OF GAS IN VEHICLE; OTHER GAUGES WORK IMPROPERLY, INCLUDING RADIO KNOB WHICH CONTINUES TO TURN ENDLESSLY, WIRES IN RADIO POPS; OIL GAUGE ON 60 OR ABOVE. *TR
THE GAS GAUGE ON MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER HAS STOPPED WORKING. IT GRADUALLY STOPPED REGISTERING THE ACTUAL GAS. AFTER FILLING THE GAS, IT REGISTER EMPTY. AS I DROVE, THE GAS WOULD REGISTER AS FULL. EVENTUALLY IT STOPPED MOVING AT ALL. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A PERIOD OF 6MOS. I STARTED FILLING THE GAS MORE OFTEN. AFTER F…
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THE GAS GAUGE ON MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER HAS STOPPED WORKING. IT GRADUALLY STOPPED REGISTERING THE ACTUAL GAS. AFTER FILLING THE GAS, IT REGISTER EMPTY. AS I DROVE, THE GAS WOULD REGISTER AS FULL. EVENTUALLY IT STOPPED MOVING AT ALL. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A PERIOD OF 6MOS. I STARTED FILLING THE GAS MORE OFTEN. AFTER FILLING THE GAS, 2 DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY, CAUSING A NEAR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO WARNING. CLEARLY, I WASN'T OUT OF GAS. I HAD JUST FILL THE GAS AND BECAME ACCUSTOMED TO HOW FAR I COULD DRIVE BEFORE I NEEDED TO REFILL. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. IT IS OBVIOUS A DEFECT IN THE GAS GAUGE. I WASN'T SURE UNTIL NOW AFTER VISITING THIS SITE THAT I AM NOT ALONE. THE SPEEDOMETER HAS ALSO STOPPED WORKING. I'M SURE IF IT IS REGISTERING THE MILEAGE I DRIVE. NOT KNOWING HOW FAST I AM DRIVING IS SURELY A SAFETY ISSUE. I VISITED MY MECHANIC IS WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE OF $500 TO REPAIR. SURELY IT SHOULDN'T TAKE A DEATH TO RECTIFY THIS ISSUE. *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.