Illustration2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER'S INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTION. *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 reportsJUST RECENTLY WHEN I FILLED UP MY TANK IT WOULD SHOW THE FUEL GAUGE AS EMPTY AND MY LIGHT WOULD COME ON. ABOUT 50 TO 75 MILES LATER IT WOULD LEVEL OUT TO BE CORRECT, BUT I WOULD ALSO RESET MY MILES JUST TO MAKE SURE. WITHIN THE LAST 2 MONTHS IT HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. MY GAS LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME AND I CANNOT GET…
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JUST RECENTLY WHEN I FILLED UP MY TANK IT WOULD SHOW THE FUEL GAUGE AS EMPTY AND MY LIGHT WOULD COME ON. ABOUT 50 TO 75 MILES LATER IT WOULD LEVEL OUT TO BE CORRECT, BUT I WOULD ALSO RESET MY MILES JUST TO MAKE SURE. WITHIN THE LAST 2 MONTHS IT HAS COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. MY GAS LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME AND I CANNOT GET ACCURATE MILEAGE EITHER. AFTER RESETTING MY MILEAGE AND DRIVING I BELIEVED TO HAVE 75 MILES LEFT ON MY TANK WHICH WAS NOT TRUE. IT DID NOT SEEM TO BE SO MUCH OF A HASSLE UNTIL I BROKE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF TOWN, BECAUSE OUT OF GAS. IT IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING TO LEARN IT IS A WIDE SPREAD ISSUE AND THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ON THIS PART YET. I AM A MOTHER OF 4 CHILDREN AND FOR ME TO BREAK DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF TOWN IS A SCARY AND UNEASY THOUGHT. I RELY ON MY VEHICLE TO KEEP MYSELF AND FAMILY SAFE AND THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS MAJOR THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS AND PEOPLE WHO HAVE FIXED THIS ISSUE THEMSELVES, BUT I BELIEVE SINCE THIS IS A LARGE PROBLEM ALL OVER THAT IT NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF BY GM. *TR
2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONS, JERKS ALL OVER THE PLACE AND DOES NOT DISPLAY AN ACCURATE SPEED. SEEMS TO NOT RESET TO ZERO MPH WHEN STOPPED SO IT JUST KEEPS INCREASING. *TR
ON WAY HOME FROM GM SERVICE GARAGE WHERE I FOUND OUT I NEED A NEW DASHBOARD CLUSTER, THE RPMS GAGE STARTED GOING HAYWIRE. WELL IT STALLED 3 TIMES ON MY WAY HOME. I WAS ON A SMALL INCLINE THE FIRST TIME AND I APPLIED BRAKES AND IT WOULDN'T STOP NEEDED TO USE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE LUCKY NOBODY WAS BEHIND ME. *TR
THE GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING FIRST FOLLOWED BUY THE SPEEDOMETER AND THEN ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF AND ON. I COMPLAINED TO GM WAS TOLD THIS IS NATURAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE. I NOW HAVE 110,000 MILES ON IT BUT STARTED SOON AFTER EXTENDED WARRANTY RAN OUT AT 65,000 MILES. I WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE DRIVING WITH THESE DEFECTS DON'…
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THE GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING FIRST FOLLOWED BUY THE SPEEDOMETER AND THEN ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF AND ON. I COMPLAINED TO GM WAS TOLD THIS IS NATURAL WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE. I NOW HAVE 110,000 MILES ON IT BUT STARTED SOON AFTER EXTENDED WARRANTY RAN OUT AT 65,000 MILES. I WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE DRIVING WITH THESE DEFECTS DON'T HAVE $550-$600 FOR EACH ITEM. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT IT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THE SPEEDOMETER SHOWED HE WAS DRIVING 100 MPH WHEN HE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45-55 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SEEN BY THE DEALER OR A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THERE WAS ONE QUARTER GASOLINE IN THE FUEL TANK YET THE VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO THERE BEING NO FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR AND FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE DEALER DID NOT PERFORM …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THERE WAS ONE QUARTER GASOLINE IN THE FUEL TANK YET THE VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO THERE BEING NO FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR AND FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE DEALER DID NOT PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC BUT ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMMON AND WAS AWARE OF EXACTLY WHAT WOULD REMEDY THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 80,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. AFTER REFUELING HE NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGE READ EMPTY. HE BEGAN TO DRIVE AND THE FUEL GAUGE BEGAN TO DISPLAY A FUEL READING WHICH WAS NOT ACCURATE. THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR WHILE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. AFTER REFUELING HE NOTICED THE FUEL GAUGE READ EMPTY. HE BEGAN TO DRIVE AND THE FUEL GAUGE BEGAN TO DISPLAY A FUEL READING WHICH WAS NOT ACCURATE. THE FAILURE WOULD RECUR WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR WHILE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
FUEL GAUGE FAILURE, 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH ONLY 37,000 MILES. VEHICLE RUNS OUT OF GAS BECAUSE OF INACCURATE ERRATIC READINGS BEING SENT TO GAS GAUGE. THIS HOUSEHOLD HAS TWO DRIVERS AND THE PROBLEM IS MANIFESTED WHEN THE SECONDARY DRIVER RUNS OUT OF FUEL IN TRAFFIC CAUSING THE POTENTIAL FOR BOTH AN ACCIDENT OR MAJOR TR…
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FUEL GAUGE FAILURE, 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH ONLY 37,000 MILES. VEHICLE RUNS OUT OF GAS BECAUSE OF INACCURATE ERRATIC READINGS BEING SENT TO GAS GAUGE. THIS HOUSEHOLD HAS TWO DRIVERS AND THE PROBLEM IS MANIFESTED WHEN THE SECONDARY DRIVER RUNS OUT OF FUEL IN TRAFFIC CAUSING THE POTENTIAL FOR BOTH AN ACCIDENT OR MAJOR TRAFFIC JAM. INFORMATION ON THE WEB SUGGESTS THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR GM, BUT WAS NEVER ADDRESSED. THE EXPENSE TO REPAIR IS VERY HIGH. *TR
FILLED THE GAS TANK UP, FUEL LIGHT STAYED ON. CHEVY TRAILBLAZER 2005. *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.