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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

Structure complaints

16 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2021
SteeringStructureVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

This suv made a loud sound, began to drift, in the rear, at hwy speeds before it tipped over and began to roll, ejecting my two minor sons from the passenger cab before it eventually landed on its side. the roof was molded in a triangular shape, preventing it from resting on the roof as it tilted back onto inside and remains a…

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This suv made a loud sound, began to drift, in the rear, at hwy speeds before it tipped over and began to roll, ejecting my two minor sons from the passenger cab before it eventually landed on its side. the roof was molded in a triangular shape, preventing it from resting on the roof as it tilted back onto inside and remains after the last roll The triangular shape was created in the metal after the stabilizing structures gave way almost immediately providing possibly no protection to the patrons inside the carrier cab of suv. demonstrating its inability protect its occupants.

NHTSA ODI #11423170

Mileage unknown · May 12, 2020
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY XL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE DOOR UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY AND BECAME AJAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR KNOB ACTUATED UP AND DOWN CONTINUALLY, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND AT SOME POINT EACH DOOR SWUNG OPEN WHILE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY XL. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE DOOR UNLOCKED INDEPENDENTLY AND BECAME AJAR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR KNOB ACTUATED UP AND DOWN CONTINUALLY, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AND AT SOME POINT EACH DOOR SWUNG OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED HOWEVER, THE DOOR CHIME REMAINED AUDIBLE CONTINUALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN OR WHILE REVERSING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE AFFECTED BOTH DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT AND REAR DOORS. ALSO INCLUDED IN THE FAILURE WAS THE REAR DOOR AND HATCH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V599000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE YEARS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL WERE 2006-2007. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FERMAN BUICK GMC - WESLEY CHAPEL (24252 FL-54, TAMPA, FL 33559, (813) 242-2800) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT DUE TO THE MANUFACTURED YEAR, THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT OBLIGATED TO OFFER A FREE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR MASTER SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO WATER INTRUSION INTO THE CIRCUIT WHICH CAUSED THE POLES TO BE RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THE MODEL YEAR GMC ENVOY XL SUBJECTED TO THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V599000 (VISIBILITY) WAS 2006-2007. THE CONTACT WAS OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *DT*JB

NHTSA ODI #11324310

91,450 miles · May 11, 2019
Structure

PARKED VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE AND WENT IN THE HOUSE. NEXT MORNING WENT TO USE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE REAR HATCH GLASS HAD EXPLODED. GLASS EVERYWHERE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN MOVED FOR OVER 12 HOURS. HAVE CALLED TO HAVE GLASS REPLACED BUT HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE TYPES OF VEHICLES. NOW AM C…

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PARKED VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE AND WENT IN THE HOUSE. NEXT MORNING WENT TO USE VEHICLE AND FOUND THAT THE REAR HATCH GLASS HAD EXPLODED. GLASS EVERYWHERE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN MOVED FOR OVER 12 HOURS. HAVE CALLED TO HAVE GLASS REPLACED BUT HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE TYPES OF VEHICLES. NOW AM CONCERNED THAT IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. MAJOR CONCERN IS IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN WHILE DRIVING AND HAVE MY GRAND CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT AND GET INJURED FROM FLYING GLASS.

NHTSA ODI #11206981

158,000 miles · Feb 13, 2019
Structure

FRONT WINDSHIELD LEAKS AND RUBBER/SEALANT IS WEAK IN SPOTS

NHTSA ODI #11179762

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2016
EngineStructureUnknown Or OtherCrashInjury

I HAD THREE CARS IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. I DID NOT SEE ANY BREAKL LIGHTS AND I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME PUSHING THE OTHER CARS TO HIT EACH OTHER. MY FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BAD ENOUGH TO DAMAGE THE RADIATOR AND DESTROY MY AC UNIT. I'M NOT SURE WHAT ELSE WAS DAMAGED. IT SENT THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME AND MYSELF…

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I HAD THREE CARS IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. I DID NOT SEE ANY BREAKL LIGHTS AND I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME PUSHING THE OTHER CARS TO HIT EACH OTHER. MY FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BAD ENOUGH TO DAMAGE THE RADIATOR AND DESTROY MY AC UNIT. I'M NOT SURE WHAT ELSE WAS DAMAGED. IT SENT THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME AND MYSELF TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. " MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ". MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING ON A CITY STREET.

NHTSA ODI #10908300

55 miles · May 15, 2015
Structure

WHILE DRIVING MY ENVOY REAR DOOR OPENED UP ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE DRIVING. I PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO CLOSE IT. IT WOULDN'T CLOSE, I HAD TO USE A BUNGY CORD TO KEEP IT CLOSED.

NHTSA ODI #10716605

110,000 miles · Oct 16, 2014
StructureSuspension

I WAS DOING PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE ON MY 2005 GMC ENVOY AND WHILE I HAD THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL OFF I HAD NOTICED A FAIRLY LARGE RUSTED HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE FRAME TO THE LEFT OF THE SHOCK TOWER. I COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT A 2005 VEHICLE HAD FRAME RUST THAT WENT CLEAR THROUGH THE VEHICLE. I HAVE A 1981 JEEP THAT I USE AS A FAR…

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I WAS DOING PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE ON MY 2005 GMC ENVOY AND WHILE I HAD THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL OFF I HAD NOTICED A FAIRLY LARGE RUSTED HOLE IN THE SIDE OF THE FRAME TO THE LEFT OF THE SHOCK TOWER. I COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT A 2005 VEHICLE HAD FRAME RUST THAT WENT CLEAR THROUGH THE VEHICLE. I HAVE A 1981 JEEP THAT I USE AS A FARM VEHICLE DOESN'T EVEN HAVE FRAME RUST THROUGH. I AM SURE THAT BEFORE THIS VEHICLE IS PAID OFF IT WILL HAVE A BROKEN FRAME SOON. I JUST CHECKED THE HOLE YESTERDAY AND IT IS GETTING LARGER. VERY POOR METAL USED IN THESE FRAMES. NOT SATISFIED. A FRAME OUGHT TO LAST LONGER THAN THAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10648127

70,140 miles · Mar 20, 2013
Air BagsStructureCrashInjury

THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON 2-15-2013 ON PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE SE DURING RUSH HOUR THE OTHER CAR DID NOT YIELD TO ONGOING TRAFFIC ON PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE AND DODGED OUT FROM A SIDE STREET AND HIT MY VEHICLE ON THE FRONT SIDE AND MY SON WHO IS 13 HEAD HIT THE DASHBOARD AND MY DAUGHTERS DOG FLEW FROM THE BACK SEAT UP TO THE FRONT. THE O…

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THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED ON 2-15-2013 ON PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE SE DURING RUSH HOUR THE OTHER CAR DID NOT YIELD TO ONGOING TRAFFIC ON PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE AND DODGED OUT FROM A SIDE STREET AND HIT MY VEHICLE ON THE FRONT SIDE AND MY SON WHO IS 13 HEAD HIT THE DASHBOARD AND MY DAUGHTERS DOG FLEW FROM THE BACK SEAT UP TO THE FRONT. THE OTHER VEHICLE AIRBAG DID DEPLOY BUT MINES DID NOT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10503799

94,000 miles · Jan 28, 2012
StructureVisibility

AT APPROXIMATELY 8 AM FRIDAY JANUARY 27TH I OPENED THE BACK HATCH OF MY GMC ENVOY. APPROXIMATELY 4-6 INCHES PULLING IT DOWN TO SHUT IT THE ENTIRE WINDOW SHATTERED ALL OVER ME, THE GROUND AND INSIDE MY CAR. I CALLED MY INSURANCE, PAID THE DEDUCTIBLE TO HAVE IT REPLACED, IT WAS FIXED AND THEN TODAY JANUARY 28TH, ONE DAY AFTER HAVI…

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AT APPROXIMATELY 8 AM FRIDAY JANUARY 27TH I OPENED THE BACK HATCH OF MY GMC ENVOY. APPROXIMATELY 4-6 INCHES PULLING IT DOWN TO SHUT IT THE ENTIRE WINDOW SHATTERED ALL OVER ME, THE GROUND AND INSIDE MY CAR. I CALLED MY INSURANCE, PAID THE DEDUCTIBLE TO HAVE IT REPLACED, IT WAS FIXED AND THEN TODAY JANUARY 28TH, ONE DAY AFTER HAVING IT REPLACED I WAS CLOSING THE DOOR AGAIN AND AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME POINT IN CLOSING IT COMPLETELY SHATTERED AGAIN. THIS IS TWICE IN TWO DAYS. I WAS TOLD THE FIRST TIME IT PROBABLY HAD TO DO WITH THE WEATHER BUT THE WEATHER WAS WARMER TODAY THAN YESTERDAY AND SEVERAL FORUMS HAVE SHOWN THIS PROBLEM OCCURRING IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A VEHICLE ISSUE VS A WEATHER ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10445713

180,000 miles · Dec 28, 2011
StructureVisibility

THE REAR WINDSHIELD OF MY 2005 GMC ENVOY XL EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON TODAY. I LIFTED THE FULL HATCH (NOT JUST THE WINDOW SECTION) TO PLACE ITEMS IN THE BACK THAT I HAD PURCHASED AT HOME DEPOT. I PLACED A CAN OF PAINT, ONE BAG, AND A BAG OF SAND IN THE BACK - NOTHING THAT WAS NEAR THE GLASS OF THE HATCH. I THEN CLOSED T…

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THE REAR WINDSHIELD OF MY 2005 GMC ENVOY XL EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON TODAY. I LIFTED THE FULL HATCH (NOT JUST THE WINDOW SECTION) TO PLACE ITEMS IN THE BACK THAT I HAD PURCHASED AT HOME DEPOT. I PLACED A CAN OF PAINT, ONE BAG, AND A BAG OF SAND IN THE BACK - NOTHING THAT WAS NEAR THE GLASS OF THE HATCH. I THEN CLOSED THE HATCH WITH ENOUGH FORCE FOR IT TO CLOSE SECURELY, BUT NOT WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE. AS I WALKED TO THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR TO ENTER THE CAR, I HEARD A LOUD POP THAT I THOUGHT WAS SOMEONE HITTING THE BACK OF MY CAR WITH THEIR VEHICLE. AS I WALKED AROUND TO THE BACK, MY REAR WINDOW WAS SHATTERED INTO A MILLION TINY PIECES. THERE WERE NO OBJECTS OR PEOPLE AROUND THE WINDOW CLOSE ENOUGH TO BREAK IT - IT JUST SHATTERED FOR NO REASON AT ALL! THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF ISSUES WITH REAR WINDSHIELDS, BUT I FOUND INFORMATION THAT DIFFERS ON LINE. FORTUNATELY, THE DEDUCTIBLE ON MY INSURANCE IS ONLY $200. HOWEVER, FOR OTHERS, I HAVE SEEN WHERE THEY HAVE HAD TO PAY UP TO $1500 OUT OF POCKET FOR THE EXPENSE BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO REPLACE THE WINDOW. THE COMPANY THAT IS COMING TO REPLACE IT SAID THE WINDOW ITSELF COSTS $937, NOT INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10441492

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.