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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

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

164 reports
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92,000 miles · Jan 31, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

ON 1/31/2011 MY 2005 GMC ENVOY SHOWED MY GAS WAS DOWN TO A QUARTER OF A TANK. I STOPPED TO FILL UP BEFORE A SNOW STORM CAME IN AND PUT 16 GALLONS OF UNLEADED FUEL INTO MY TANK. IMMEDIATELY AFTER MY GAS GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY AND MY GAS LIGHT CAME ON. IT WENT UP TO A QUARTER OF A TANK AND THEN WENT BACK DOWN AGAIN. IT IS STILL SHOWI…

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ON 1/31/2011 MY 2005 GMC ENVOY SHOWED MY GAS WAS DOWN TO A QUARTER OF A TANK. I STOPPED TO FILL UP BEFORE A SNOW STORM CAME IN AND PUT 16 GALLONS OF UNLEADED FUEL INTO MY TANK. IMMEDIATELY AFTER MY GAS GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY AND MY GAS LIGHT CAME ON. IT WENT UP TO A QUARTER OF A TANK AND THEN WENT BACK DOWN AGAIN. IT IS STILL SHOWING EMPTY, WITH THE GAS LIGHT ON, AND I KNOW IT HAS A FULL TANK OF GAS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10379783

80,000 miles · Jan 20, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER FILLING HIS GAS TANK, HE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE GAVE AN INCORRECT READING; AT TIMES IT WOULD READ FULL AND ON OTHER OCCASIONS IT WOULD READ EMPTY WHEN HE FILLED UP THE TANK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILU…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER FILLING HIS GAS TANK, HE NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE GAVE AN INCORRECT READING; AT TIMES IT WOULD READ FULL AND ON OTHER OCCASIONS IT WOULD READ EMPTY WHEN HE FILLED UP THE TANK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER AND HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10377988

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

2005 GMC ENVOY THE FUEL GAGE READS "LOW FUEL" EVEN WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. I AM A MOTHER OF FOUR. I AM CONSTANTLY ON THE ROAD WITH MY CHILDREN. I AM VERY AFRAID OF RUNNING OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION OR BEING STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MY CHILDREN. I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR SOMEONE TO 'FIGURE …

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2005 GMC ENVOY THE FUEL GAGE READS "LOW FUEL" EVEN WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. I AM A MOTHER OF FOUR. I AM CONSTANTLY ON THE ROAD WITH MY CHILDREN. I AM VERY AFRAID OF RUNNING OUT OF GAS WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION OR BEING STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MY CHILDREN. I CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY FOR SOMEONE TO 'FIGURE OUT' WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. I FEEL GMC SHOULD FIGURE IT OUT AND FIX IT. I KNOW I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE DONE LOTS OF RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET AND I HAVE TALKED TO MANY OTHER ENVOY OWNERS IN MY TOWN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10377179

65,000 miles · Jan 15, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

2005 GMC ENVOY FUEL LIGHT REMAINS AT A STEADY LIGHT WHEN EITHER FUEL IS LOW OF FULL. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE NOVEMBER 2010. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10376806

Mileage unknown · Jan 4, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

2005 GMC ENVOY GAS GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY WITH LOW FUEL LIGHT ON EVEN WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10374646

59,201 miles · Dec 31, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY 2005 GMC ENVOY'S FUEL GAUGE HAS FAILED. IT NOW READS AS "EMPTY", NO MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK. TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THERE IS NO EASY OR INEXPENSIVE FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10373632

77,000 miles · Dec 16, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL GAUGE PROBLEMS....MY FUEL GAUGE HAS BEEN FLOATING FROM 1/2 A TANK TO EMPTY FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS AND NOW IT THE FUEL LIGHT JUST STAYS ON EVEN WHEN THERE IS GAS IN THE CAR. AFTER RUNNING FOR A WHILE THE GAUGE WILL SAY THERE IS GAS AND THEN IT WILL GO BACK DOWN TO EMPTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10370926

80,000 miles · Dec 14, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE FUEL TANK LEVEL SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE AND COULD RESULT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE RUNNING OUT OF FUEL, STALL, AND BEING REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT HAS A VARIABLE RESISTOR ATTACHED TO A FLOAT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. AS YOU USE FUEL, THE FLOAT CHANGES POSITION (DOWNWARDS) CAUSING THE VARIABLE RESISTOR TO …

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THE FUEL TANK LEVEL SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE AND COULD RESULT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE RUNNING OUT OF FUEL, STALL, AND BEING REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT HAS A VARIABLE RESISTOR ATTACHED TO A FLOAT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. AS YOU USE FUEL, THE FLOAT CHANGES POSITION (DOWNWARDS) CAUSING THE VARIABLE RESISTOR TO CHANGE VALUE. THE CHANGE IN RESISTANCE CAUSES A CHANGE IN THE VOLTAGE SENT TO THE FUEL GAGE. MY P0463 ERROR IS SAYING THAT THE VARIABLE RESISTOR IS SHOWING HIGH INPUT, INSTEAD OF A TYPICAL SMALL VALUE. THIS MEANS THAT THE VARIABLE RESISTOR OR SOMETHING ELSE INSIDE THE SENDER UNIT IS CAUSING THE ECM TO "SEE" AN INVALID VOLTAGE ON THE FUEL GAGE CIRCUIT. IF THE VOLTAGE IS TOO HIGH THEN THE RESISTANCE IS TOO HIGH. POSSIBLY A BAD CONNECTION BETWEEN THE ECU AND THE SENDER OR A GROUNDING PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10371391

Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL PUMP NOT READING GASOLINE LEVELS CAUSING THE GAUGE IN THE DASH NOT TO WORK AND BE ON EMPTY AT ALL TIMES. FUEL LIGHT ALSO STAYS ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10369997

80,000 miles · Nov 30, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineFuel System, Other

I OWN A 2005 GMC ENVOY THAT IS HAVING A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE GAS GAUGE AND THE SENDER UNIT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO COMES ON. APPARENTLY NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE ON THEIR GM SUVS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO FIX THESE KNOWN MANUFACTURER FAULTY WORKMANSHIP ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10368390

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.