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2005 GMC Envoy

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Envoy years

Owner complaints for the 2005 GMC Envoy are substantially higher than the model-year median of 22.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

385 reports with mileage · 103 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 183 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 164 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

27 crash reports14 fire reports22 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

183 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2008
Electrical System

PURCHASED A USED (HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN GMC EXEC'S) 2005 GMC ENVOY IN SEPTEMBER 2005. SINCE JANUARY 2007 WE HAVE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMING ON AND OFF WHILE WE'RE DRIVING, THE AIRBAG SENSOR SAYING OFF EVEN WHEN MY WIFE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, AND THE …

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PURCHASED A USED (HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN GMC EXEC'S) 2005 GMC ENVOY IN SEPTEMBER 2005. SINCE JANUARY 2007 WE HAVE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE HAD PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMING ON AND OFF WHILE WE'RE DRIVING, THE AIRBAG SENSOR SAYING OFF EVEN WHEN MY WIFE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, AND THE DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT WOULD MOVE UP, BUT WOULDN'T MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. HOWEVER, THE BIGGEST PROBLEM AND SAFETY ISSUE HAS BEEN THE VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING IT. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHERE WE HAVE BEEN ON BACK ROADS, RUSH-HOUR FREEWAY TRAFFIC, ETC. AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, LOST ALL POWER INCLUDING POWER STEERING AND YOU CAN'T PUMP THE BRAKES-YOU HAVE ONE SHOT TO HIT THE BRAKES. LAST THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2008 THIS HAPPENED TO US 5 TIMES IN ONE DAY!! MY WIFE WAS ON HER WAY HOME FROM A JOB INTERVIEW AND THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF ON HER 3 TIMES. THEN, IT SHUT OFF ON HER AGAIN WHEN SHE WAS DRIVING TO PICK ME UP FROM WORK. ON OUR WAY HOME IT SHUT OFF FOR THE 5TH TIME THAT DAY AND IT DID IT IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY, RUSH-HOUR TRAFFIC ON THE RAILROAD TRACKS! THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE FIXED. WE KEEP THIS CAR IN TIP-TOP SHAPE, PROPERLY MAINTAINED. IT IS BARELY 3 YEARS OLD AND HAVING THESE TYPES OF PROBLEMS IS NOT RIGHT. GM NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS ASAP. THIS NEEDS FIXED IMMEDIATELY...AND APPARENTLY THIS IS HAPPENING WITH A LOT OF, IF NOT ALL, ENVOYS. ONE ENVOY...THAT COULD BE A FLUKE, BUT MORE THAN ONE, EVEN JUST 2 IS A DUPLICATE PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10221882

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2008
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting

I PURCHASED A 2005 GMC ENVOY IN SEPTEMBER 2005. IN THE PAST YEAR (SINCE JANUARY 2007, AT LEAST), I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE. THE FIRST PROBLEM IS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. EVERYTIME I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE THE HEADLIGHTS APPEAR TO DIM/FLICKER AND THEN RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS HAS RESULTED IN ONCOMING VEHICLES…

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I PURCHASED A 2005 GMC ENVOY IN SEPTEMBER 2005. IN THE PAST YEAR (SINCE JANUARY 2007, AT LEAST), I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE. THE FIRST PROBLEM IS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. EVERYTIME I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE THE HEADLIGHTS APPEAR TO DIM/FLICKER AND THEN RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS HAS RESULTED IN ONCOMING VEHICLES TURNING THEIR BRIGHT LIGHTS ON ME THINKING MY BRIGHTS ARE ON WHEN IN REALITY MY HEADLIGHTS ARE DIMMING AND THEN RETURNING TO NORMAL. THE SECOND PROBLEM CONCERNS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. ANYTIME A CERTAIN WEIGHT LIMIT IS MET OR EXCEEDED THE AIRBAG SENSOR IS SUPPOSED TO SWITCH TO ON, BUT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE AIRBAG SENSOR HASN'T RECOGNIZED IT. THIRD PROBLEM, DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT FAILURE. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL INSTANCES WHEN I HAVE TRIED TO MOVE THE DRIVER SEAT FORWARD, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. THE MOTOR SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GRINDING AND WANTED TO MOVE, BUT THE SEAT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. THE MOST EXTREME PROBLEM TO DATE HAS BEEN WITH THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTTING OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND THEN NOT STARTING OR EVEN TURNING OVER AT ALL. EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR, AT LEAST, THE LAST MONTH WHEN I GO TO START THE VEHICLE IT FAILS TO START AND IT TAKES A MINIMUM OF 1 HOUR TO GET IT STARTED. ONE INSTANCE IN PARTICULAR WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WAS WHILE MY WIFE AND I WERE ON THE FREEWAY. WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND WE WERE FORCED TO PULL ONTO THE SHOULDER. WE SAT THERE FOR ALMOST AN HOUR IN TEMPERATURES OF 13 DEGREES TRYING TO GET THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THERE HAVE BEEN COUNTLESS COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS OF OTHER ENVOY OWNERS EXPERIENCING THESE SAME PROBLEMS. SOME DEALERS HAVE ACTUALLY SAID THAT THESE FAILURES/PROBLEMS ARE NORMAL!!!! WHAT!?!?! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?! SINCE WHEN IS IT CONSIDERED "NORMAL" WHEN SO MANY ENVOYS ARE DISPLAYING THESE SAME PROBLEMS? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10215726

60,000 miles · Jan 21, 2008
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONS SHOWING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE NEEDLE GETS STUCK FOR A MOMENT WHILE THE CAR SPEEDS UP. THE NEEDLE WILL ALSO STAY AT ONE SPEED WHILE THE CAR SLOWS DOWN, THUS GIVING NO TRUE READING OF SPEED AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10215599

38,000 miles · Dec 26, 2007
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING CORRECTLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10212871

Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2007
Electrical System

2005 GMC ENVOY DOORS AND WINDOWS FAILED TO OPEN. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DOORS AND WINDOWS FAILED TO OPEN. HE ALSO STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN HIS WIFE TRIED TO START IT. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10208366

66,000 miles · Aug 9, 2007
Electrical SystemFuel System, Other

REPORTED EARLIER GAS ODOMETER BROKE WHEN FUELING VEHICLE ON 2 SEPERATE OCCASSIONS, FIRST TIME FIXED, THEN AGAIN WHILE FUELING GAS, IT BROKE. FAILED TO MENTION MY PROBLEMS WITH THE SPEEDODOMETER. IT WAS FLUCTUATING ALL THE WAY UP, THEN ALL THE WAY DOWN IRRATICALLY BEFORE IT DROPPED DOWN TO THE MIDDLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10198983

1,000 miles · Jul 21, 2007
Electrical System

2005 GMC ENVOY - SINCE PURCHASE, THE HEADLIGHTS WILL DIM WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT; SEEMS TO HAPPEN AFTER FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE BATTERY GAUGE WILL DROP DOWN TO UNDER 11 VOLTS WHEN THIS OCCURS. THE DEALER HAS TIGHTENED THE GROUND CONNECTIONS AND REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR TWICE; AFTER RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER A TH…

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2005 GMC ENVOY - SINCE PURCHASE, THE HEADLIGHTS WILL DIM WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT; SEEMS TO HAPPEN AFTER FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE BATTERY GAUGE WILL DROP DOWN TO UNDER 11 VOLTS WHEN THIS OCCURS. THE DEALER HAS TIGHTENED THE GROUND CONNECTIONS AND REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR TWICE; AFTER RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER A THIRD TIME, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS "NORMAL". THE VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY WITH 50K MILES AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10197097

Mileage unknown · May 16, 2007
Electrical System

SINCE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN AUGUST OF 2005, I HAVE EXPERIENCED DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND HEADLIGHTS DIMMING AT INTERMITTENT TIMES. I REPORTED THIS TO THE DEALER ,WHERE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AT VARIOUS TIMES. EACH TIME IT WAS SERVICED, I AM TOLD THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO LOCATE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10190883

11,373 miles · Apr 15, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

VEHICLE HAS INTERMITTENT THROTTLE PROBLEM THAT CAUSES THE THROTTLE TO SURGE AND THE HEADLIGHTS TO GO DIM TO BRIGHT AND DASH LIGHTS TO GO DIM TO BRIGHT. THIS CONDITION HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY, AND THE DEALERSHIP STATES THERE IS NO PROBLEM. THIS CONDITION IS MOST DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING IN CONFINED SPACES SUCH AS PARKING LOTS. I…

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VEHICLE HAS INTERMITTENT THROTTLE PROBLEM THAT CAUSES THE THROTTLE TO SURGE AND THE HEADLIGHTS TO GO DIM TO BRIGHT AND DASH LIGHTS TO GO DIM TO BRIGHT. THIS CONDITION HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY, AND THE DEALERSHIP STATES THERE IS NO PROBLEM. THIS CONDITION IS MOST DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING IN CONFINED SPACES SUCH AS PARKING LOTS. I HAVE TAKEN THIS PROBLEM TO THE SELLING DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES SINCE JULY 2006 AND CONTINUE TO BE TOLD THERE WAS NO PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10187889

Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2007
Electrical System

THERE ARE 3 CONSISTENT PROBLEMS WITH MY 05 ENVOY. MY LIGHTS FLICKER AND BATTERY GAUGE GOES DOWN SUDDENLY THIS HAPPENS ABOUT ONCE A MONTH. UPON EXITING MY TRUCK I ALWAYS GET A HUGE SHOCK!! THE KNOBS ON THE SIDES OF MY FRONT SEATS KEEP COMING OFF, I HAVE HAD ONE REPLACED BEFORE NOW THEY ARE BOTH OFF AND MISSING, THEY MUST HAVE F…

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THERE ARE 3 CONSISTENT PROBLEMS WITH MY 05 ENVOY. MY LIGHTS FLICKER AND BATTERY GAUGE GOES DOWN SUDDENLY THIS HAPPENS ABOUT ONCE A MONTH. UPON EXITING MY TRUCK I ALWAYS GET A HUGE SHOCK!! THE KNOBS ON THE SIDES OF MY FRONT SEATS KEEP COMING OFF, I HAVE HAD ONE REPLACED BEFORE NOW THEY ARE BOTH OFF AND MISSING, THEY MUST HAVE FELL OUT THE DOOR ONE DAY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10185070

Official recalls

2

06V417000 · 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

2

RQ17002 · 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.