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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

What owners actually said

488 reports
81,800 miles · Jun 16, 2012
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2005 GMC ENVOY HAS STOPPED WORKING PROPERLY & ALSO THE THERMOSTAT GAUGE & THE GAS GAUGE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM AMONG ENVOY OWNER'S & IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDS TO BE RECALLED & REPLACED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10461965

100,000 miles · Jun 6, 2012
Exterior Lighting

THE REAR LIGHT, LOCATED AT THE TOP OF THE VEHICLE SNAPPED OFF WHILE TRAVELING AT A SPEED OF 55 MPH. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT AS RESULT, BUT VERY EASILY COULD HAVE CREATED ONE. WOULD LIKE FOR GMC TO COVER THE COST TO REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10460785

105,000 miles · Jun 6, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System

THE GAS GAUGE ON THIS VEHICLE IS OFF. ON TWO SEPARATE INCIDENCES WHEN THE GAS GAUGE IS JUST ABOVE THE RED EMPTY INDICATOR, THE VEHICLE ACTS LIKE IT IS RUNNING OUT OF GAS. THIS IS DEMONSTRATED BY DIFFICULTY EXCEL-ORATING AFTER STOPPING, OR GOING UP HILL. THEN 15-20 MILES LATER THE GAS LIGHT COMES ON AND THE VEHICLE IS STRUGGLIN…

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THE GAS GAUGE ON THIS VEHICLE IS OFF. ON TWO SEPARATE INCIDENCES WHEN THE GAS GAUGE IS JUST ABOVE THE RED EMPTY INDICATOR, THE VEHICLE ACTS LIKE IT IS RUNNING OUT OF GAS. THIS IS DEMONSTRATED BY DIFFICULTY EXCEL-ORATING AFTER STOPPING, OR GOING UP HILL. THEN 15-20 MILES LATER THE GAS LIGHT COMES ON AND THE VEHICLE IS STRUGGLING TO GO BECAUSE IT IS LITERALLY RUNNING ON EMPTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10460784

90,000 miles · May 27, 2012
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

WHILE DRIVING SPEED CONTROL GOES BACK AND FORTH. ALSO WHEN COME TO STOP IT STAYS STUCK? FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT PROPERLY DISPLAY CORRECT AMOUT OF FUEL IN TANK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10459764

Mileage unknown · May 25, 2012
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

FUEL GAUGES IS SHOWING EMPTY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FULL OF GASOLINE. ODOMETER IS NOT READING THE CORRECT SPEED. TEMPERATURE GAUGE IS MALFUNCTIONING. ON GOOGLE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS IS WIDELY KNOWN. WHAT IS GMC DOING TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES? THE TAX PAYERS HELP BAIL OUT GMC AND NOW WE ARE NOT BEING TREATED UNFAIRLY WHE…

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FUEL GAUGES IS SHOWING EMPTY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS FULL OF GASOLINE. ODOMETER IS NOT READING THE CORRECT SPEED. TEMPERATURE GAUGE IS MALFUNCTIONING. ON GOOGLE SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS IS WIDELY KNOWN. WHAT IS GMC DOING TO RESOLVE THESE ISSUES? THE TAX PAYERS HELP BAIL OUT GMC AND NOW WE ARE NOT BEING TREATED UNFAIRLY WHERE IS OUR JUSTICE? PLEASE HELP, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10459686

69,700 miles · May 17, 2012
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO STEER ON ITS OWN TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BEARING, THE OUTER TIE RODS, AND THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO STEER ON ITS OWN TO THE LEFT AND RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL BEARING, THE OUTER TIE RODS, AND THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE TIE ROD AND THE WHEEL BEARING WERE REPLACED. ALSO, WHENEVER THE CONTACT DROVE OVER AN UNEVEN SURFACE OR TURNED, A CLUNKING SOUND COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO FURTHER REPAIRS PERFORMED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,700.

NHTSA ODI #10458848

95,000 miles · May 15, 2012
Fuel System, Other

GAS GAUGE INTERMITTENT. NEVER GIVING A CONSISTANT READING WITH NEEDLE MOVING ALL OVER THE PLACE ON GAUGE. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10458617

Mileage unknown · May 1, 2012
Fuel System, Other

FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY OR FUEL LEVEL LOW AND I JUST FILLED UP! *JS

NHTSA ODI #10457045

94,500 miles · Apr 25, 2012
Electrical System

I JUST BOUGHT MY CAR FROM A PRIVATE PARTY ON MONDAY 4/23/12. MY SPEEDOMETER WAS STUCK ON 80 MPH YESTERDAY WHEN IT WAS IN PARK AND WHEN I DROVE IT. NOW TODAY IS IS STUCK AT 120 MPH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10456470

40,500 miles · Apr 23, 2012
Electrical SystemVisibility

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT STOP WIPING WHEN CONTROL IS MOVED TO STOP. MUST STOP VEHICLE, TURN IGNITION OFF IN ORDER TO TURN THE WIPERS OFF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10456198

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.