IllustrationTHE FUEL GAUGE READS FAULTY, WILL FILL UP THE TANK AND IT WILL SHOW AS EMPTY, THEN IT WILL SHOW 1/4 FULL AND NEEDLE WILL FLUCTUATE INTERMITTENTLY BETWEEN 1/4 TANK AND EMPTY. HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. *TR
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
What owners actually said
488 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ENVOY GMC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FATAL MAY RESULT IN A FATAL INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BOOT AND VACUUM SEAL NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED ADDITIONALLY THE VA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ENVOY GMC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FATAL MAY RESULT IN A FATAL INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BOOT AND VACUUM SEAL NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED ADDITIONALLY THE VACUUM BOOSTER ON THE BRAKE LINE AND CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP THE VEHICLE, IT STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MODULE BECAME INOPERABLE. WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY A LOT OF SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE PANEL CAUSING US TO PULL OVER, OPEN THE DOOR AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF. IT NEVER STARTED FIRE BUT HEAVY SMOKE CAME OUT FOR ABOUT 10 MINS AND LEFT A STRONG ELECTRICAL SMOKE ODOR FOR HOURS. WINDOW PANEL IS NOW COMPLETE…
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DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW MODULE BECAME INOPERABLE. WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY A LOT OF SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE PANEL CAUSING US TO PULL OVER, OPEN THE DOOR AND TURN THE ENGINE OFF. IT NEVER STARTED FIRE BUT HEAVY SMOKE CAME OUT FOR ABOUT 10 MINS AND LEFT A STRONG ELECTRICAL SMOKE ODOR FOR HOURS. WINDOW PANEL IS NOW COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. *TR
ON SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2011, I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT THAT WAS A HEAD ON CRASH. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND I SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES. ON SITE OF THE ACCIDENT MY BACK WAS HURTING SOME BUT DID NOT GO TO HOSPITAL UNTIL LATER THAT EVENING, AFTER THE ADRENALIN AND THE SHOCK WORE OFF. I NOW HAVE SEVER BACK PROBLEMS WITH A L…
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ON SEPTEMBER 16TH, 2011, I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT THAT WAS A HEAD ON CRASH. THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND I SUSTAINED BACK INJURIES. ON SITE OF THE ACCIDENT MY BACK WAS HURTING SOME BUT DID NOT GO TO HOSPITAL UNTIL LATER THAT EVENING, AFTER THE ADRENALIN AND THE SHOCK WORE OFF. I NOW HAVE SEVER BACK PROBLEMS WITH A LOT OF PAIN AND WAS DECLARED DISABLED IN 2012. AT THE TIME OF DOING RESEARCH I WAS TOLD BY ON-STAR, WHICH NEVER CAME ON, THAT IF MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY THEY WOULDN'T COME ON.. BUT, THE FRAME WAS BENT SO BAD THAT THEY TOTALED THE VEHICLE, WITH A LOT OF OTHER DAMAGE. THE WHOLE FRONT WAS DAMAGED, THE BUMPER WAS DESTROYED ALONG WITH DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR. AND WE COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
THE SUV HAS SHUT OFF ON ME THREE TIMES IN THE LAST 2 1/2 YRS (THE TIME I HAVE OWNED IT. ) EACH TIME I WAS JUST DRIVING ON THE CITY STREETS GOING ABOUT 30 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF AND ALL LIGHTS, ETC JUST TURNED OFF. I AM CONCERNED WONDERING IF PERHAPS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 ENVOY IGNITION SWITCH …
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THE SUV HAS SHUT OFF ON ME THREE TIMES IN THE LAST 2 1/2 YRS (THE TIME I HAVE OWNED IT. ) EACH TIME I WAS JUST DRIVING ON THE CITY STREETS GOING ABOUT 30 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF AND ALL LIGHTS, ETC JUST TURNED OFF. I AM CONCERNED WONDERING IF PERHAPS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 ENVOY IGNITION SWITCH AS WELL? NO, IT WAS NOT THE BATTERY OR ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE SERVICING OF THE SUV. I TAKE CARE OF THE VEHICLE AND I DON'T DRIVE 200 MILES A MONTH. I GUESS I AM LUCKY THAT EACH TIME I WAS NOT GONG FAST AND THE SUV JUST SLOWED DOWN AND CAME TO A STOP, ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HOWEVER THE 2ND TIME, I HAD 2 LITTLE GIRLS IN THE CAR WITH ME AND IT CONCERNED ME A GREAT DEAL.EACH TIME THE SUV STARTED BACK UP AND I WAS ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING AFTER ABOUT 2 MINUTES. WHAT IF I HAD BEEN GOING FASTER ? WHAT IF I HAD BEEN ON A HIGHWAY ETC. IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE IGNITION, PLEASE LETS FIX IT BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. I WILL MAKE SURE EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY KNOW ABOUT THE SHUT OFF PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH THE CAR. JUST IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS WHILE I AM DRIVING IT. *TR
2005 GMC ENVOY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CONCERNS THAT VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED, WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO, AND ALL THE LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. ACCORDING TO THE REPAIR …
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2005 GMC ENVOY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CONCERNS THAT VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED, WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH. THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO ZERO, AND ALL THE LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. ACCORDING TO THE REPAIR INVOICE, THE IGNITION SWITCH DROPPED OUT VOLTAGE. *JB
SPEEDOMETER IS STAYING ON100 MILES PER HOUR, WILL NOT MOVE OR GO BACK TO 0. ARE ALL GMC LIKE THIS. *TR
WHEN BACKING A SMALL TRAILER INTO GARAGE, DRIVER SAW FLAMES COMING FROM HOOD, DRIVER EXISTED VEHICLE WHICH SOON WAS ENGULFED. ENTIRE ENGINE AND COMPONENTS WERE TOTALED DUE TO FIRE LOSS. CAR A COMPLETE LOSS.
FUEL SENSORS AFFECTING PROPER READ OUT ON FUEL GAUGE. WINDOW AN DOOR LOCK SWITCHES ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. CLIPS ON HEADLIGHT AN GRILL ASSEMBLY CONSTANTLY COMING LOOSE.I HAVE CONTACTED GM. ABOUT WRONG FUEL READINGS THEY TOLD ME THE PROBLEM IS FUEL SENSORS IN THE TANK BUT WILL NOT …
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FUEL SENSORS AFFECTING PROPER READ OUT ON FUEL GAUGE. WINDOW AN DOOR LOCK SWITCHES ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. CLIPS ON HEADLIGHT AN GRILL ASSEMBLY CONSTANTLY COMING LOOSE.I HAVE CONTACTED GM. ABOUT WRONG FUEL READINGS THEY TOLD ME THE PROBLEM IS FUEL SENSORS IN THE TANK BUT WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIRS DUE TO CLOSED RECALL. THIS PROBLEM HAS RESULTED IN RUNNING OUT OF FUEL MULTIPLE TIMES. EVEN THOUGH THIS PROBLEM AND OTHER PROBLEMS HAS JUST RECENTLY STARTED.THE COST IS OVER 600.00 DOLLARS THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY..... *TR
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.