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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

Power Train complaints

18 reports
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50,828 miles · Jul 31, 2009
Power Train

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND LOST THE DRIVE GEAR AND HAD TO DOWN SHIFT TO 2ND GEAR ALTHOUGH I OWNED AN AUTOMATIC CAR. I ONLY HAD A CAR WITH 50,000 MILES ON IT. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT COULD BE MY TRANSMISSION ALREADY. I WAS ABLE TO UP SHIFT TO DRIVE BUT ONLY AFTER GOING INTO 2. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY UNCLES HOUSE, HE SAID THE TRANSMISSI…

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I WAS DRIVING MY CAR AND LOST THE DRIVE GEAR AND HAD TO DOWN SHIFT TO 2ND GEAR ALTHOUGH I OWNED AN AUTOMATIC CAR. I ONLY HAD A CAR WITH 50,000 MILES ON IT. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT COULD BE MY TRANSMISSION ALREADY. I WAS ABLE TO UP SHIFT TO DRIVE BUT ONLY AFTER GOING INTO 2. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY UNCLES HOUSE, HE SAID THE TRANSMISSION WAS LIKELY GONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10278847

Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2009
Power Train

I HAVE A 2005 GMC ENVOY. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY SHIFT LEVER; IT GOES IN PARK AND STAYS THERE FOR ABOUT THREE MINUTES BEFORE IT RELEASES THE KEY (TO BE TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION). WHEN I START THE TRUCK, IT WILL NOT GO INTO ANY GEAR FOR ABOUT THREE MINUTES, THEN I HEAR A CLICK WHICH THEN RELEASE THE SHIFT SO IT CAN BE MOVED…

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I HAVE A 2005 GMC ENVOY. I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY SHIFT LEVER; IT GOES IN PARK AND STAYS THERE FOR ABOUT THREE MINUTES BEFORE IT RELEASES THE KEY (TO BE TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION). WHEN I START THE TRUCK, IT WILL NOT GO INTO ANY GEAR FOR ABOUT THREE MINUTES, THEN I HEAR A CLICK WHICH THEN RELEASE THE SHIFT SO IT CAN BE MOVED INTO ANOTHER GEAR. IT BEGAN ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO AND HAS GOTTEN WORST OVER TIME. ONCE IN ANY GEAR ACCEPT PARK IT CAN BE SHIFTED TO ANOTHER GEAR WITHOUT ANY STRAIN. THE CONSEQUENCE OF THIS PROBLEM IS NOT BEING ABLE TO GET OUT THE VEHICLE WITH MY KEY ONCE IN PARK UNTIL AFTER THE LEVER CABLE "SNAPS IN PLACE." I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DO MUCH OF ANYTHING ABOUT IT THUS FAR DUE TO FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261895

49,000 miles · Dec 1, 2008
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH IN THE RAIN WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE ON ITS OWN. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF. WHEN THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, IT WOUL…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH IN THE RAIN WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE ON ITS OWN. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO REV. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED OFF. WHEN THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTED INTO DRIVE, IT WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO THIRD OR FOURTH GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL THE DEALER TO FIND OUT THE DIAGNOSIS OF THE FAILURE AND THEN CALL THE CONTACT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 49,000. UPDATED 01/08/09 *BF UPDATED 01/09/09 *JB

NHTSA ODI #10250234

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2007
Power Train

TRANSMISSION FAILURE, MECHANIC CAN NOT FIND WHAT THE CAUSE IS FROM, GMAC SENT A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO THE MECHANIC THAT STATES THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN SEEN WITH THESE VEHICLES, NO GUARANTEE IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10208457

Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2007
Power Train

MY 2005 GMC ENVOY CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM OVER AND OVER. I'M TAKING IT IN AGAIN TODAY FOR THE 4TH TIME. IT LOSES POWER GOING UP HILLS. IT'S LIKE THE ENGINE IS STALLING, AND IT HAS ACTUALLY CUT OFF ON ME. THE FIRST 2 TIMES THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. SO IT DIDN'T GET FIXED. THE 3RD TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT …

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MY 2005 GMC ENVOY CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM OVER AND OVER. I'M TAKING IT IN AGAIN TODAY FOR THE 4TH TIME. IT LOSES POWER GOING UP HILLS. IT'S LIKE THE ENGINE IS STALLING, AND IT HAS ACTUALLY CUT OFF ON ME. THE FIRST 2 TIMES THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. SO IT DIDN'T GET FIXED. THE 3RD TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FINALLY CAME ON. THEY SAID IT WAS THE OXYGEN SENSOR, AND CARBON BUILD UP ON THE FUEL SOLENOID. ONCE AGAIN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. THIS TIME I HAD ONSTAR DO A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE IS A POWER TRAIN SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. WHICH IS THE PART OF THE ENGINE SYSTEM THAT PROVIDES POWER TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. OBVIOUSLY THIS HAS BEEN THE PROBLEM ALL ALONG THAT THE DEALERSHIP CAN NOT SEEM TO FIX. OF COURSE THE GAS MILEAGE IS TERRIBLE DUE TO THIS SITUATION, AND WITH GAS PRICES THE WAY THEY ARE IT'S KILLING ME. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10204147

3,809 miles · Sep 17, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL, THE VEHICLE DRAMATICALLY DECELERATES AS IF THE ENGINE WAS STALLING. THE ENGINE AND OIL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANG…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL, THE VEHICLE DRAMATICALLY DECELERATES AS IF THE ENGINE WAS STALLING. THE ENGINE AND OIL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE, BUT THE OIL LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER FOUR TIMES AND THEY REPROGRAMMED THE P.C. ANOTHER DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE DRAGS WHEN TRAVELING UPHILL, WHICH WAS PROBABLY DUE TO THE CLUTCH FANS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK. AFTER ALL FOUR REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, HER VEHICLE CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME FAILURES. SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,809 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.

NHTSA ODI #10203265

32,000 miles · Feb 16, 2007
Power Train

TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2005 GMC ENVOY WITH 32000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 35 MPH ON MANY DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE SWITCHED INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE ON ITS OWN AND SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN IN THE PROCESS. THE CONTACT KEPT CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED IT ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED …

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TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2005 GMC ENVOY WITH 32000 FAILURE MILEAGE AT 35 MPH ON MANY DIFFERENT OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE SWITCHED INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE ON ITS OWN AND SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN IN THE PROCESS. THE CONTACT KEPT CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND PULLED IT ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, BUT NOTHING SEEMED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 41000.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10182789

30,000 miles · Apr 3, 2006
Power Train

WE PURCHASED OUR 2005 GMC ENVOY SLT IN DEC. 2004, WHICH CAME RIGHT OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR. WE HAD LOW FUEL ECONOMY BUT THOUGHT THIS WOULD GET BETTER WITH MORE MILES. AFTER 30,000 MILES OUR TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. AT NO TIME DID ANY INTERNAL SENSOR SYSTEM DETECT A PROBLEM AND WE DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING UNTIL IT WA…

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WE PURCHASED OUR 2005 GMC ENVOY SLT IN DEC. 2004, WHICH CAME RIGHT OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR. WE HAD LOW FUEL ECONOMY BUT THOUGHT THIS WOULD GET BETTER WITH MORE MILES. AFTER 30,000 MILES OUR TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. AT NO TIME DID ANY INTERNAL SENSOR SYSTEM DETECT A PROBLEM AND WE DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING UNTIL IT WAS TO LATE. WE TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER AND LUCKILY IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR REPAIR. ACCORDING TO MECHANIC THE PROBLEM WAS A SMALL O-RING WHICH WAS DAMAGED AT THE FACTORY AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION CAME FROM THE FACTORY THIS WAY. THEY DID REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION BUT NOW I ONLY HAVE A 12,000 MILE WARRANTY ON A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. WE FEEL THIS IS UNFAIR AS THE TRANSMISSION WAS DAMAGED AT THE FACTORY AND WAS NOT CAUSED BY ANYTHING WE DID. WE PAID A HEFTY SUM FOR THIS SUV AND NOW THE VALUE HAS DEPRECIATED EVEN MORE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. NOW WE FEEL WE HAVE A LEMON ON OUR HANDS AND NO WAY TO REMEDY THE SITUATION, NOT TO MENTION THE GAS WE WASTED AND THE TIME IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR APPROX. 2 WEEKS. WE THOUGHT WE WERE GETTING A RELIABLE VEHICLE!!! *JB

NHTSA ODI #10154438

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.