IllustrationI WAS PUTTING GAS IN MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER.. WHEN I LEFT THE GAS STATION THE EMPTY LIGHT STAYED ON.... NOW IT IS STUCK ON EMPTY. *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 reportsCHEVY TRAILBLAZER '05 FUEL GAUGE DEFECTIVE. CAUSES VEHICLE TO RUN OUT OF GAS, WHICH ON HIGHWAYS AND INTERSECTIONS IS A VITAL DANGER, NOT TO MENTION SINGLE WOMEN DRIVING AT NIGHT BEING STRANDED ON THE ROAD! JUST READ A BLOG, 388 POSTED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE FUEL SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE AND WE REQUEST A RECALL. *TR
GAS GAUGE ON MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER IS DEFECTIVE. IT STOPPED WORKING AT 55000 MILES AND THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP WANTS OVER $600 TO REPLACE. I'VE BEEN READING UP ON THIS AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS HAPPENING ALL OVER TO A LOT OF OWNERS. I HAVE NO WAY TO KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE AND HAVE RAN OUT ON THE INTERSTATE IN THE MIDDLE OF…
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GAS GAUGE ON MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER IS DEFECTIVE. IT STOPPED WORKING AT 55000 MILES AND THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP WANTS OVER $600 TO REPLACE. I'VE BEEN READING UP ON THIS AND HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS HAPPENING ALL OVER TO A LOT OF OWNERS. I HAVE NO WAY TO KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE AND HAVE RAN OUT ON THE INTERSTATE IN THE MIDDLE OF WINTER 4 MILES FROM NEAREST TOWN WITH LITTLE CELL PHONE COVERAGE. ONLY WAY I CAN GUESTIMATE WHEN TO PUT FUEL IN IS BY GOING BY THE TRIP ODOMETER. I COMMUTE OVER 400 MILES WEEKLY ON THE INTERSTATE BUT CAN'T AFFORD A $600 REPAIR BILL FOR SOMETHING I FEEL SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
FUEL GAUGE IN MY 05 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER JUST QUIT WORKING CAUSING ME TO RUN OUT OF FUEL ON THE FREEWAY. *TR
MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AT THIS MOMENT DUE TO MALFUNCTION IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL. FIRST MY GAS GAUGE WENT OUT 3 MONTHS AGO AND NOW MY SPEEDOMETER IS BROKEN - SHOWS I AM GOING 60 WHEN I AM AT A STOP OR IT MAY GO DOWN TO 30 AT TIMES. IT WILL COST $500 FOR THE CLUSTER AND $550 FOR THE FUEL SENSOR. …
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MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AT THIS MOMENT DUE TO MALFUNCTION IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL. FIRST MY GAS GAUGE WENT OUT 3 MONTHS AGO AND NOW MY SPEEDOMETER IS BROKEN - SHOWS I AM GOING 60 WHEN I AM AT A STOP OR IT MAY GO DOWN TO 30 AT TIMES. IT WILL COST $500 FOR THE CLUSTER AND $550 FOR THE FUEL SENSOR. I CALLED GM TO SEE IF THEY WILL PAY FOR REPAIRS BUT HAVE NOT HEARD A RESPONSE YET. *TR
WE WERE DRIVING ON I-85 IN VIRGINIA WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED RACING. WE LIMPED INTO A SERVICE STATION AT THE NEXT EXIT TO HAVE THE TRAILBLAZER LOOKED AT. WE ONLY HAD 1ST AND 2ND GEAR REMAINING ON OUR TRANSMISSION AND HAD TO HAVE THE SUV TOWED TO THE NEXT MAJOR CITY AND SPEND THE NIGHT UNTIL THE DEALERSHIP …
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WE WERE DRIVING ON I-85 IN VIRGINIA WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED RACING. WE LIMPED INTO A SERVICE STATION AT THE NEXT EXIT TO HAVE THE TRAILBLAZER LOOKED AT. WE ONLY HAD 1ST AND 2ND GEAR REMAINING ON OUR TRANSMISSION AND HAD TO HAVE THE SUV TOWED TO THE NEXT MAJOR CITY AND SPEND THE NIGHT UNTIL THE DEALERSHIP OPENED ON MONDAY. THE END RESULT IS THAT THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AT LESS THAN 64,000 MILES. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE TRANSMISSION HOUSING ESSENTIALLY DISINTEGRATED AND THERE WERE A LOT OF METAL FRAGMENTS INSIDE THE HOUSING WHICH WERE A MAJOR FACTOR IN THE TRANSMISSION FAILING. THIS LEVEL OF CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF A MAJOR DRIVE TRAIN COMPONENT SHOULD NOT OCCUR AT SO LOW A MILEAGE. WE, AS THE CONSUMER, WERE FORCED TO PAY $3200.00 FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION. PLUS THE COSTS OF HOTEL RENTAL AND A RENTAL VEHICLE TO RETURN HOME AND MISSING WORK TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. *TR
THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ON A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAS CEASED TO WORK CORRECTLY. THE SPEEDOMETER NO LONGER WORKS AT ALL AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAGE HAS FAILED AS WELL. THERE WAS NO OBVIOUS CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE AND THE PROBLEM IS CONTINUOUS, NOT INTERMITTENT. THE DEALER HAS SAID THAT CORRECTION IS BY REPLACEMENT OF THE WHOL…
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THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ON A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAS CEASED TO WORK CORRECTLY. THE SPEEDOMETER NO LONGER WORKS AT ALL AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAGE HAS FAILED AS WELL. THERE WAS NO OBVIOUS CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE AND THE PROBLEM IS CONTINUOUS, NOT INTERMITTENT. THE DEALER HAS SAID THAT CORRECTION IS BY REPLACEMENT OF THE WHOLE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER UNIT. *TR
CONTROL CLUSTER FAILURE FOR A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER, SPEEDOMETER WORKS ABOUT 15% OF THE TIME. *TR
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR INSTALLED ON MODEL 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER VEHICLES IS DEFECTIVE AND COULD RESULT IN VEHICLE RUNNING OUT OF GAS. *TR
ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO, I STOPPED AT A LOCAL GAS STATION AND FILLED UP MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHEN I CRANK THE TRUCK, I NOTICED MY GAS LIGHT WAS ON EVEN AFTER I FULLY FILLED THE STOP. I WAS BAFFLED BY THIS KNOWING I'D JUST SPENT $50 FOR A FILL-UP AND I HAD BEGIN TO THINK THERE MAY HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY …
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ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO, I STOPPED AT A LOCAL GAS STATION AND FILLED UP MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHEN I CRANK THE TRUCK, I NOTICED MY GAS LIGHT WAS ON EVEN AFTER I FULLY FILLED THE STOP. I WAS BAFFLED BY THIS KNOWING I'D JUST SPENT $50 FOR A FILL-UP AND I HAD BEGIN TO THINK THERE MAY HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY GAS TANK. I SEARCHED AND ASKED OTHER TRAILBLAZER OWNERS AND LEARNED THAT IT'S MY FUEL SENSOR THAT'S THE PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR VEHICLE. THIS SEEM TO BE A ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AN MODEL AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR CHEVROLET'S PROBLEM. *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.