IllustrationFUEL LIGHT STAYS ON CONSTANTLY & FUEL GAUGE ALWAYS SHOWING EMPTY WHEN VEHICLE RUNNING IN MOTION OR STATIONARY
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Envoy 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
280–25K
5925–50K
8750–75K
10775–100K
88100–150K
16150K+
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 reportsI HAD JUST DROVE MY TRUCK THE NIGHT BEFORE HEADLIGHTS WORKED FINE. I WENT TO LEAVE THE NEXT NIGHT AND NO HEADLIGHTS AT ALL. SO VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN I REALIZED I HAD NO HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH MY BRIGHTS ON AT NIGHT. I HAVE NO REGULAR HEADLIGHTS AT ALL. THEN MY PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW JUST QUIT WORKING AS WELL.
MY 2005 GMC ENVOY XL HAS THE SAME RECALLED MASTER WINDOW SWITCH UNITS AS OTHER RECALLS, BOTH SIDES FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS BURNT WITH A BAD SMELL AS I WAS DRIVING. WHY? WHY IS MY VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL WHEN EVERYTHING IS THE SAME AS OTHER RECALLED VEHICLES ?? I WAS DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY WHEN I NOTICED …
Read full complaint
MY 2005 GMC ENVOY XL HAS THE SAME RECALLED MASTER WINDOW SWITCH UNITS AS OTHER RECALLS, BOTH SIDES FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS BURNT WITH A BAD SMELL AS I WAS DRIVING. WHY? WHY IS MY VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL WHEN EVERYTHING IS THE SAME AS OTHER RECALLED VEHICLES ?? I WAS DRIVING ON THE PARKWAY WHEN I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL WITH NOWHERE TO PULL OVER FOR A FEW MILES IN GREAT PANIC WITH CARS GOING PAST ME AT 65 MPH PLUS AS I WAS BEING CAUTIOUS TO GET TO AN EXIT SO I COULD FIGURE OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. IT WAS THE DOOR SWITCH SO I LIFTED IT OUT OF THE DOOR AND UNPLUGGED IT SO I COULD CONTINUE MY TRIP. SCARY SITUATION . PLUS MY MECHANIC CAN'T GET THE ANSWER IF JUST REPLACING THE SWITCH WILL MAKE IT WORK OR DOES IT NEED PROGRAMMED INTO THE COMPUTER ?
SUV DIES AND WON'T START BACK UNTIL IT COOLS DOWN. I WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH ON A FIVE LANE HIGHWAY AND THE VEHICLE JUST DIED. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND IT COULDN'T BE DIAGNOSED.
MY SEAT COVERS WERE ORIGINALLY CLOTH BUT AT TIME OF PURCHASE THEY WERE REPLACED WITH LEATHER SEAT COVERINGS AND THERE IS RECALL #06V417000 HAS ME VERY CONCERNED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER, FUEL, AND OIL GAUGES FLUCTUATED AND INCORRECTLY REPORTED THE SPEED, FUEL QUANTITY, AND OIL QUANTITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE F…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER, FUEL, AND OIL GAUGES FLUCTUATED AND INCORRECTLY REPORTED THE SPEED, FUEL QUANTITY, AND OIL QUANTITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,872.
I'VE HAD MY 2005 ENVOY FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND HAD MY HEADLIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND FREWAY. ON ONE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY AY NIGHT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT COMPLETELY FOR A FEW SECONDS. I WAS SO SCARED WSS REALLY GLAD FOR NO ONE BEHIND ME OR ON COMING TRAFFIC. ON ANOTHER OCCASSIO…
Read full complaint
I'VE HAD MY 2005 ENVOY FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND HAD MY HEADLIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND FREWAY. ON ONE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY AY NIGHT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT COMPLETELY FOR A FEW SECONDS. I WAS SO SCARED WSS REALLY GLAD FOR NO ONE BEHIND ME OR ON COMING TRAFFIC. ON ANOTHER OCCASSION I HAD TO PULL OVER ON CITY STREET AS MY LIGHTS WERE GOING ON AND OFF AND I COULD SEE THE CAR AHEAD WAS A COP AND I DIDNT WANT HIM TO THINK I WAS FLASHING FOR HELP ESPECIALLY AT 2 IN THE MORNING. IVE ALSO HAD TO EXIT THE FREEWAY BECAUSE MY LIGHTS STARTED GOING ON AND OFF AND ON AND WASNT SURE IF THEY WOULD JUST GO OUT COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND SINCE IT WAS NIGHT TIME I DIDNT WANT TO TAKE THE CHANCE OF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND HURTING SOMEONE ELSE OR MYSELF. I HAVE A TEENAGE DAUGHTER AND AM AFRAID TO TRANSPORT HER AND HER FRIENDS IN MY CAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY STALLED MORE THAN THREE TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
CAR WAS PARKED FOR 10 MINUTES WHEN WE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE INTERIOR UPON OPENING THE CAR DOOR WE REALIZED THE DASHBOARD WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
READING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS THAT COMPARE TO MINE THE FUEL GAUGE, OIL GAUGES, AIR CONDITIONER ARE ALL MALFUNCTIONING IN MY CAR AND I'M VERY UPSET BECAUSE ALL OF THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I PURCHASED MY CAR BRAND NEW IN 2005 AND I WILL NEVER BUY A GMC CAR AGAIN FOR THIS REASON IT'S ONE THING TO RECALL REPAIR PARTS THAT WERE …
Read full complaint
READING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS THAT COMPARE TO MINE THE FUEL GAUGE, OIL GAUGES, AIR CONDITIONER ARE ALL MALFUNCTIONING IN MY CAR AND I'M VERY UPSET BECAUSE ALL OF THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I PURCHASED MY CAR BRAND NEW IN 2005 AND I WILL NEVER BUY A GMC CAR AGAIN FOR THIS REASON IT'S ONE THING TO RECALL REPAIR PARTS THAT WERE BROKEN THAT TO REPAIR MALFUNCTION PARTS. VERY DISAPPOINTED. IN SHORT MY GAUGES DON'T WORK, MY AIR CONDITIONER ONLY WORKS ON ONE SIDE AND NOW MY HEADLIGHTS LOW BEAN DON'T WORK. GMC NEEDS TO RECALL AND REPAIR.
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.