IllustrationCRUISE CONTROL ON 2005 TRAILBLAZER WHEN THE RESUME IS PUSHED IT WILL GO WIDE OPEN UNTIL IT GETS BACK TO SPEED ,WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH IF IT WAS UNEXPECTED. *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 HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. THE FUEL GAUGE KEEPS SHOWING EMPTY WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. I ALMOST GOT INTO AND ACCIDENT ON THE BELTWAY TODAY BECAUSE MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF OF THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GLIDE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT KILLING ANYONE OR MYSELF. SOME FRIENDS FROM WORK BROUGHT ME SOME GAS WHICH GOT ME …
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. THE FUEL GAUGE KEEPS SHOWING EMPTY WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. I ALMOST GOT INTO AND ACCIDENT ON THE BELTWAY TODAY BECAUSE MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF OF THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GLIDE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT KILLING ANYONE OR MYSELF. SOME FRIENDS FROM WORK BROUGHT ME SOME GAS WHICH GOT ME HOME AS SOON AS I WAS A BLOCK AWAY FROM MY HOUSE THE CAR SHUT OFF AGAIN. AGAIN I HAD TO REFUEL JUST TO GET TO THE COMPLEX WHERE I LIVE. I HAD MY TWO CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND ONLY GOD KNOWS WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF I JUST SHUT DOWN AND I HAVE A SPEEDER BEHIND ME. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER CHEVY OWNERS VOICING THEIR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE. I HOPE THAT SOMEONE DOES NOT HAVE TO DIE FOR THEM TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT LIKE THE TOYOTA DEALERS. IS THEIR ANYWAY THAT CHEVY CAN BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THESE DEFECTS. CONCERNED PARENT. *TR
2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER FUEL GAUGE IS DEFECTIVE. I FILL UP MY TANK AND IT STILL SAYS EMPTY. *TR
2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT. *CW THE CONSUMER STATED EVEN THOUGH THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THERE IS AN OVERWHELMING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN THE DOORS ARE OPENED. *JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER REGISTERED A SPEED OF 120 MPH; ALTHOUGH SHE WAS DRIVING 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER (AS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER REGISTERED A SPEED OF 120 MPH; ALTHOUGH SHE WAS DRIVING 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER (AS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR EXPENSES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 79,369.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE INDICATED THERE WAS HALF A TANK OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE YET THE TANK WAS EMPTY. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY AND BECAUSE SHE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE EXACT AMO…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATE SPEEDS OF 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE INDICATED THERE WAS HALF A TANK OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE YET THE TANK WAS EMPTY. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY AND BECAUSE SHE WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE EXACT AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, SHE WOULD FILL THE TANK COMPLETELY WITHIN EVERY 200 MILES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC OR REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000. UPDATED 12/02/10 *BF UPDATED 12/07/10
2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED IT DIDN'T MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL WAS IN THE GAS TANK, THE GAUGE READ EMPTY AND THE AMBER WARNING LIGHT AND ALARM INTERMITTENTLY ENGAGED, EVEN WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL. THERE WAS NO WAY TO ACCURATELY CONFIRM HOW MUCH FUEL WAS IN…
Read full complaint
2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED IT DIDN'T MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL WAS IN THE GAS TANK, THE GAUGE READ EMPTY AND THE AMBER WARNING LIGHT AND ALARM INTERMITTENTLY ENGAGED, EVEN WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL. THERE WAS NO WAY TO ACCURATELY CONFIRM HOW MUCH FUEL WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT ANY GIVEN TIME. WHILE ENROUTE TO THE DEALER, THE CONSUMER RAN OUT OF GAS. THE CONSUMER FINALLY MADE IT TO THE DEALER AND UPON INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE FUEL SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WHICH REQUIRED THE GAS TANK TO BE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. *JB
2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER FUEL LEVEL SENSOR MALFUNCTION CAUSING GAS GAUGE LIGHT TO STAY ON ALL OF THE TIME. WIFE RAN OUT OF FUEL ON HIGHWAY. VERY DANGEROUS!!! *TR
1.) NO EVENTS TOOK PLACE DASHBOARD CLUSTER JUST FAILED. 2.) SPEEDOMETER, OIL GAGE, RPM, GAS GAUGE EVERYTHING WENT HAYWIRE, IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL SPEED... 3.) MY UNDERSTANDING IS THE DASH BOARD CLUSTER IS BAD, ITS 450-600 DOLLARS TO REPAIR, THERE HAS BEEN ALOT OF COMPLAINTS BUT NO RECALL YET? THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, THIS ISSUE…
Read full complaint
1.) NO EVENTS TOOK PLACE DASHBOARD CLUSTER JUST FAILED. 2.) SPEEDOMETER, OIL GAGE, RPM, GAS GAUGE EVERYTHING WENT HAYWIRE, IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL SPEED... 3.) MY UNDERSTANDING IS THE DASH BOARD CLUSTER IS BAD, ITS 450-600 DOLLARS TO REPAIR, THERE HAS BEEN ALOT OF COMPLAINTS BUT NO RECALL YET? THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, THIS ISSUE IS WELL DOCUMENTED AND KNOWN ABOUT... THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, THE SPEEDOMETER SHOULD WORK, THE INSTRUMENTS SHOULD WORK. *TR
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR STICKS AT EMPTY OR JUST AROUND 1/4 OF A TANK THEN FALLS BACK TO EMPTY AND LIGHT COMES ON. HAVE RESEARCHED AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A HIGHLY PREVALENT ISSUE ON '05 TRAILBLAZERS AT AROUND 50K MILES. *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.