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 reports
155,000 miles · Feb 24, 2022
Steering
The contact's grandmother owns a 2005 GMC Envoy XL. The contact stated that his grandmother was driving 45 MPH and while slowing down to take a curve, the steering became very firm. She was able to safely pull off the road and turn off the vehicle. The contact said she heard a whining sound coming from the power steering pump an…
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The contact's grandmother owns a 2005 GMC Envoy XL. The contact stated that his grandmother was driving 45 MPH and while slowing down to take a curve, the steering became very firm. She was able to safely pull off the road and turn off the vehicle. The contact said she heard a whining sound coming from the power steering pump and then observed the power steering fluid in the engine compartment and power steering fluid on the road. The contact stated that she was unaware of any warning lights. The contact took the vehicle to a local service station and filled the power steering pump reservoir and drove the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the power steering fluid was still leaking from the vehicle. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V455000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
NHTSA ODI #11453882
Mileage unknown · Feb 23, 2022
Seat BeltsCrash
I just want to add to my recent complaint made December 2021 file number 11444000 when our left side brake failed to disengage completely causing the vehicle to vear left into 2 traffic light poles. recently have the front end rebuilt and noticed the seat belts needs to be replaced or rebuilt but the passenger side belt is retra…
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I just want to add to my recent complaint made December 2021 file number 11444000 when our left side brake failed to disengage completely causing the vehicle to vear left into 2 traffic light poles. recently have the front end rebuilt and noticed the seat belts needs to be replaced or rebuilt but the passenger side belt is retracted so hard I cant get it off the seat, it is crushing the seat basically and I see other complaints of this happening and almost suffocating the passenger. I was lucky my wife was not with or the belt would have pinned her in, the driver belt is stuck as it was when i removed it.
NHTSA ODI #11453586
Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2021
Air BagsCrash
I purchased my envoy from a used car lot with no warning lights and no apparent safety concerns about 2 yrs ago other then what appeared to be a replaced front bumper cover and the vehicle was repainted the same color white, since then the brakes have intermittently not disengaged on one side or the other I believe it's the fron…
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I purchased my envoy from a used car lot with no warning lights and no apparent safety concerns about 2 yrs ago other then what appeared to be a replaced front bumper cover and the vehicle was repainted the same color white, since then the brakes have intermittently not disengaged on one side or the other I believe it's the front brakes and seems to be worse after a longer drives and after bleeding the system the pedal would be firm and next day spongy feeling and going down rather far. Air bags did not deploy apon impact. It is available for inspiration although I am attempting to repair it after my accident the brakes are still as they were. I have tried both on as well as performance pads and rotors booster check valve and fluid replacement with no change. I was coming back from my daughter's dentist appointment it is 20 minutes away the roads were very slick with snow and sleet, I got off the hwy and coming through town I braked to slow from 45 to 35mph before crossing the intersection when I let off the brake the left side stayed engaged enough to cause the vehicle to pull to the left and I couldn't steer straight because of the snow and was forced to hit 2 traffic light posts in the center median. Usually on dry roads I can tap the pedal and keep it straight until the brakes released. I first noticed it changing pads when I 1st purchased it that the front tires spin harder while jaked up and when it continued I figured it was alignment or steering components worn but even after parts replaced a 2 alignments nothing changed, after my last alignment the technician said the brakes need to be bled and I told him the issue he was unsure the cause. I did not have any air bags deploy in this accident and the sensors were clearly effected as the bumper caved in the center. The vehicle also has had uneven ride height due to independent sensors in the rear. The vehicle now has a service airbag and service brakes light. Other owners have similar issues with their envoys
NHTSA ODI #11444000
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 · Feb 13, 2021
Exterior Lighting
DIM LIGHTS ARE FLICKERING NOT WANTING TO STAY ON
NHTSA ODI #11396094
79,462 miles · Jul 19, 2020
Electrical System
WHILE DRIVING IN A 40 MPH ZONE I GLANCED AT THE SPEEDOMETER AND IT READ 70 MPH! I IMMEDIATELY APPLIED THE BRAKES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN BEFORE I REALIZED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER INDICATION WAS INACCURATE. UPON COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THE SPEEDOMETER INDICATED 40 MPH. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE RESUMING NORMAL OPERATION…
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WHILE DRIVING IN A 40 MPH ZONE I GLANCED AT THE SPEEDOMETER AND IT READ 70 MPH! I IMMEDIATELY APPLIED THE BRAKES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN BEFORE I REALIZED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER INDICATION WAS INACCURATE. UPON COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP THE SPEEDOMETER INDICATED 40 MPH. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE RESUMING NORMAL OPERATION. SINCE THEN I HAVE NOTICED THE GAUGE "STICKING" WHEN LETTING OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL. THIS IS CREATING AN UN-SAFE CONDITION FOR MYSELF AS WELL AS THE OCCUPANTS OF THIS VEHICLE. I DO NOT KNOW WHEN THE SPEED INDICATION IS TRULY ACCURATE. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THIS IS A COMMON DEFECT ON THIS VEHICLE AS WELL AS OTHER GM MODELS MADE DURING THIS TIME FRAME. THERE SHOULD DEFINITELY BE A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OCCURS.
NHTSA ODI #11340209
Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2020
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNDISCLOSED SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO OFF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNDISCLOSED SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO OFFER ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11330395
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
160,000 miles · May 11, 2020
Unknown Or OtherInjury
I STARTING SMELLING A SWEET SMELL IN THE CABIN. A LEAK WAS APPARENT THAT DRIPPED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CABIN TO THE MUFFLER LATER ON TO THE PAVEMENT. THE LEAK WAS DISCOVERED ON A LINE THAT RAN TO THE RIGHT REAR SIDE. ANTI FREEZE WAS LEAKING AND I WAS GETTING REALLY SICK, NOT EVEN DR'S COULD FIGURE IT OUT. TOOK A GREAT MECHANIC …
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I STARTING SMELLING A SWEET SMELL IN THE CABIN. A LEAK WAS APPARENT THAT DRIPPED FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CABIN TO THE MUFFLER LATER ON TO THE PAVEMENT. THE LEAK WAS DISCOVERED ON A LINE THAT RAN TO THE RIGHT REAR SIDE. ANTI FREEZE WAS LEAKING AND I WAS GETTING REALLY SICK, NOT EVEN DR'S COULD FIGURE IT OUT. TOOK A GREAT MECHANIC CALLED [XXX] IN NATIONAL CITY, CA; AFTER SO MANY MISSED IT. THANK GOD INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11324177
100,000 miles · Mar 12, 2020
Air BagsInjury
WHILE PROCEEDING TO TAKE A LEFT TURN AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT A T INTERSECTION BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON THEIR OWN. THIS SCARED MY WIFE TO DEATH! IT CAUSED HER TO BUMP THE CURB WITH ONE IF THE TIRES ONLY, NO ACCIDENT. THANKFULLY SHE WAS OFF WORK AND THE KIDS WERE ALREADY AT SCHOOL AND NOT …
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WHILE PROCEEDING TO TAKE A LEFT TURN AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT A T INTERSECTION BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON THEIR OWN. THIS SCARED MY WIFE TO DEATH! IT CAUSED HER TO BUMP THE CURB WITH ONE IF THE TIRES ONLY, NO ACCIDENT. THANKFULLY SHE WAS OFF WORK AND THE KIDS WERE ALREADY AT SCHOOL AND NOT WITH HER AT THE TIME! I CALLED GM IMMEDIATELY AND REPORTED THIS. AN INVESTIGATION WAS CONDUCTED AND LASTED ABOUT 2 MONTHS. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE FINDINGS WERE CONFIDENTIAL AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE REPAIRING MY VEHICLE! YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME. MY WIFE SUFFERED A MINOR HEAD INJURY, SCARE OF HER LIFE NOT TO MENTION WE WERE NOT PROVIDED WITH A RENTAL, COMMUNICATIONS WERE POOR AT BEST WITH OUR CAR WORKER AT GM. SHE WAS EVEN OUT SICK FOR A WEEK, IT TOOK ME 4 DAYS FOR SOMEONE TO FINALLY TELL ME THAT. THE ENVOY IS A 2005 AND WAS BOUGHT NEW AND HAS BEEN WITH OUR FAMILY EVER SINCE. LOW MILEAGE JUST TURNING 100K. VERY WELL CARED FOR. I AM FLOORED THAT GM IS NOT REPAIRING OUR BABY! I HAVE SEEN MANY REPORTS OF THE SAME ONLINE. I TRULY FEEL GM IS DECEIVING THE PUBLIC TO A BIGGER PROBLEM. HENCE THE REASON THEY STATED THE FINDINGS ARE CONFIDENTIAL. I JUST WANTED OUR BABY REPAIRED.
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.
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.
2005 GMC Envoy Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year