Illustration2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER 4X4 FUEL GAUGE NO MATTER HOW MUCH GAS YOU PUT IN IT WILL SHOW MAYBE FROM HALF TO WHATEVER THEN WHILE SITTING IT WILL DROP DOWN TO EMPTY AND LIGHTS WILL BLINK SHOWING EMPTY ON GAS,WHEN JUST PUT GAS IN THE VEHICLE. *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 reportsI OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LS AND THE FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATES AND READS THE TANK IS EMPTY WHEN IN FACT THE TANK IS FULL OF GAS. THUS THIS CAUSES A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS IS MY MAIN MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION FOR MY FAMILY AND I HAVE TO GUESS AT HOW MUCH FUEL MY VEHICLE ACTUALLY HAS AT ANY GIVEN TIME. …
Read full complaint
I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LS AND THE FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATES AND READS THE TANK IS EMPTY WHEN IN FACT THE TANK IS FULL OF GAS. THUS THIS CAUSES A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO THE FACT THAT THIS IS MY MAIN MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION FOR MY FAMILY AND I HAVE TO GUESS AT HOW MUCH FUEL MY VEHICLE ACTUALLY HAS AT ANY GIVEN TIME. THIS COULD RESULT IN ME EITHER RUNNING OUT OF FUEL AND STALL RANDOMLY AND BEING REAR-ENDED BY ANOTHER UNSUSPECTING DRIVER. *TR
I OWN A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER THAT IS EXPERIENCING VERY SLUGGISH ACCELERATION, TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING SMOOTHLY, AND RUNS VERY LOUDLY. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS WITH OTHER OWNERS OF THIS SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. *TR
JUST AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 29, 2008, I NOTICED THE ENGINE HAS ACCELERATED AND THE CAR SURGES FORWARD WHEN STOPPED. IF I DO NOT KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THERE IS A HIGH POTENTIAL OF SURGING INTO THE BACK OF A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. AN ACCIDENT HAS ALMOST HAPPENED MANY TIMES. I HAVE HAD IT LOOKED AT BY TH…
Read full complaint
JUST AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 29, 2008, I NOTICED THE ENGINE HAS ACCELERATED AND THE CAR SURGES FORWARD WHEN STOPPED. IF I DO NOT KEEP MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THERE IS A HIGH POTENTIAL OF SURGING INTO THE BACK OF A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. AN ACCIDENT HAS ALMOST HAPPENED MANY TIMES. I HAVE HAD IT LOOKED AT BY THE DEALER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM ON FEBRUARY 4,2009 AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NOT A PROBLEM. IT MOST LIKELY WILL "NOT BE A PROBLEM" UNTIL I REAR END SOMEONE WHILE STOPPED. THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN ON A REGULAR BASIS, A YEAR AND A HALF LATER. I WAS NOT AWARE I HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO REPORT UNTIL THE TOYOTA RECALL HAPPENED. I HAVE BEEN LIVING WITH IT, ANTICIPATING THE SURGE EVERY TIME I AM AT A STOP. *TR
TRAILBLAZER 2005 FUEL GAUGE FAILURE, SPEEDOMETER INTERMITTENT FAILURE, VEHICLE LUNGES AT IDOL OR SHUTS OFF APPROACHING STOP/BRAKE. ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENT. BEEN TO REPAIR AND INTERMITTENT PROBLEM NOT IDENTIFIED. FUEL SYSTEM FLUSHED. SPEEDOMETER ISSUE SAME. FUEL GAUGE CURRENTLY NOT WORKING PROPERLY, UNRELIABLE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS. THE HEADLIGHTS AND ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RANDOMLY DIMS AND GOES BACK TO NORMAL. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE. IT ALSO HAS A CHRONIC CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT WILL NOT RESET AND THE FUEL GAUGE HAS QUIT WORKING. *TR
SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING AT ABOUT 70,000 MILES, HEADLIGHT BURNED OUT AND FRIED THE WIRES, AIR CONDITIONING HAS NOT WORKED FOR 4 YEARS, CD PLAYER DOES NOT WORK, WINDING NOISE (FIXED ONCE WHEN VEHICLE WAS 1 YEAR OLD) WHEN DRIVING. *TR
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILED TWICE ON 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. *TR
FUEL GAUGE SENSOR ON A 2005 TRAILBLAZER HAS GONE OUT, FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY AT ALL TIME. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ESPECIALLY IF THE VEHICLE WERE TO RUN LOW ON FUEL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND BE HIT BY ANOTHER CAR FROM BEHIND. EVEN MORE DANGEROUS FOR THOSE WHO MAY BE USING THE VEHICLE TO TRAVEL SOMEWHERE FOR ME…
Read full complaint
FUEL GAUGE SENSOR ON A 2005 TRAILBLAZER HAS GONE OUT, FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY AT ALL TIME. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ESPECIALLY IF THE VEHICLE WERE TO RUN LOW ON FUEL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND BE HIT BY ANOTHER CAR FROM BEHIND. EVEN MORE DANGEROUS FOR THOSE WHO MAY BE USING THE VEHICLE TO TRAVEL SOMEWHERE FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AMONG GM VEHICLES AND YET THEY HAVE ISSUED NO RECALL AS OF YET. THERE IS A WEBSITE HERE; HTTP://WWW.TOPIX.COM/FORUM/AUTOS/CHEVROLET-TRAILBLAZER/TBDHFG6KHCMSPA4M1/P10 WITH OVER 200 TRAILBLAZER OWNERS WITH THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM AND I'M SURE THERE ARE MANY MANY MANY MORE. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN FILLING THE VEHICLE WITH GASOLINE FUEL, THE FUEL LEVEL INDICATOR WOULD READ FUEL LEVELS AT EMPTY. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 72,000.
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.