← New search

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 →

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
78,300 miles · Nov 13, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS CRACKED. HAD EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND GASKETS REPLACED. TOOK 5 WORKING DAYS TO FIX. CHECKED ON LINE AND FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE ENVOY AND TRAILER BLAZER 'S MANIFOLD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10435375

88,500 miles · Nov 7, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

I NOTICED THAT WHEN I FILLED UP THE TANK THE LIGHT CAME ON AS IF THE TANK WAS EMPTY. I ACTUALLY STOPPED WHEN I WAS PULLING OUT OF THE GAS STATION AND LOOKED AT MY RECEIPT AND QUESTIONED THE ATTENDANT. THE TANK WAS FULL. THE GAUGE WAS ERRATIC FROM THEN ON GOING FROM FULL TO EMPTY IN A MATTER OF TWO TO THREE MILES AND IT HAS B…

Read full complaint

I NOTICED THAT WHEN I FILLED UP THE TANK THE LIGHT CAME ON AS IF THE TANK WAS EMPTY. I ACTUALLY STOPPED WHEN I WAS PULLING OUT OF THE GAS STATION AND LOOKED AT MY RECEIPT AND QUESTIONED THE ATTENDANT. THE TANK WAS FULL. THE GAUGE WAS ERRATIC FROM THEN ON GOING FROM FULL TO EMPTY IN A MATTER OF TWO TO THREE MILES AND IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING REGULARLY. THE FUNNY THING WAS THAT I JUST GOT A LETTER FROM GMC ADVISING ME OF THIS PROBLEM AND MAGNANIMOUSLY OFFERING TO PAY FOR 50% OF THE COST. I COULDN'T BELIEVE THE TIMING. THINKING IT WAS A MINOR THING I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT AND FOUND OUT THAT I AM FACING A MINIMUM OF $600.00 FOR DROPPING MY GAS TANK AND CHECKING TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. SERIOUSLY!!!???? WHEN I RESEARCHED THIS IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A RAMPANT PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. WHY IS THIS NOT A RECALL?? WHY AM I BURDENED WITH THIS RIDICULOUS COST WHEN IT IS APPARENT THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS A FALSE READING ON THE GAS GAUGE COULD MAKE THE DRIVER THINK THEY HAVE A FULL TANK WHEN IN FACT IT IS EMPTY AN THE VEHICLE COULD STALL OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND CAUSE A HORRIFIC ACCIDENT. I WOULD LIKE TO ADD MY REQUEST FOR ACTION FROM GMC TO FIX THIS PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY AT THEIR EXPENSE - NOT THE CONSUMERS'. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10434758

90,000 miles · Oct 24, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

I THOUGHT MY VEHICLE HAD A UNIQUE PROBLEM, AFTER RECENTLY BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF BY GMC + THEIR DEALER, I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND REALIZE THE PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD. THE ELECTRONIC GAS GAUGE + NEEDLE STOPPED WORKING AT 90 000. I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THEY WOULD PAY FOR HALF THE REPAIR TO THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR AND I TOOK…

Read full complaint

I THOUGHT MY VEHICLE HAD A UNIQUE PROBLEM, AFTER RECENTLY BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF BY GMC + THEIR DEALER, I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND REALIZE THE PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD. THE ELECTRONIC GAS GAUGE + NEEDLE STOPPED WORKING AT 90 000. I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING THEY WOULD PAY FOR HALF THE REPAIR TO THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR AND I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED ON 10/20/11.WAITED ALL DAY AND WATCHED THE MECHANIC TEST DRIVE MY VEHICLE,I WAS WALKED TO THE CASHIER + PAID 146.14, PULLED OUT OF PARKING LOT AND THOUGHT THEY FORGOT TO RESET THE COMPUTER AS GAUGE + DASH WERE NOT WORKING.I IMMEDIATELY RETURNED AND WAS TOLD THE SENSOR WAS WORKING BUT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CLUSTER PANEL + THAT WOULD COST 900.00.THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD AND GMC SHOULD OWN UP TO THE DEFECT AND RECALL THE VEHICLES AFFECTED. I'VE RUN OUT OF GAS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH SMALL CHILDREN AT NIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10432547

70,000 miles · Oct 20, 2011
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline

THE FUEL GAGE STOPPED WORKING AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT STAYS ON. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF THE PORT TO CHECK ENGINE CODE DOES NOT WORK. THE INSIDE COURTESY LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING ONE BACK UP LIGHT WILL NOT WORK THE LEFT BRAKE LIGHT GETS NO POWER AND WON'T WORK. ONLY 3 OF THE 5 SPEED SETTINGS ON THE FAN WO…

Read full complaint

THE FUEL GAGE STOPPED WORKING AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT STAYS ON. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF THE PORT TO CHECK ENGINE CODE DOES NOT WORK. THE INSIDE COURTESY LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING ONE BACK UP LIGHT WILL NOT WORK THE LEFT BRAKE LIGHT GETS NO POWER AND WON'T WORK. ONLY 3 OF THE 5 SPEED SETTINGS ON THE FAN WORK. GMC DEALER SAYS THEY CAN DO NOTHING, AND THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THESE PROBLEMS. HOWEVER I AM ABLE TO FIND THOUSANDS OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS ONLINE IN VARIOUS CONSUMER SITES. GMC WON'T EVEN RETURN MY CALLS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10432263

Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS REGULARLY BLINK IN AND OUT ON MY 2005 ENVOY. THERE HAVE EVEN BEEN TIMES WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS BLINK OFF AND ON FOR NO KNOWN REASON. HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES OVER THE LAST 3 OR 4 YEARS. SCARY STUFF! PLUS, I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. ONE FELLOW SAID HE TOOK I…

Read full complaint

THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS REGULARLY BLINK IN AND OUT ON MY 2005 ENVOY. THERE HAVE EVEN BEEN TIMES WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS BLINK OFF AND ON FOR NO KNOWN REASON. HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES OVER THE LAST 3 OR 4 YEARS. SCARY STUFF! PLUS, I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. ONE FELLOW SAID HE TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. RECALL - AND NOW THE PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS GAUGE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. MY HUSBAND WAS LAID OFF FROM HIS JOB AND WE CAN'T EVEN AFFORD THE 1/2 THAT GM IS OFFERING TO FIX THE THING IN THEIR RECALL. IF THEY KNEW IT WAS A FAILURE OF THEIR EQUIPMENT WHY ARE THEY NOT PAYING THE ENTIRE AMOUNT? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10432221

63,500 miles · Oct 16, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

2005 GMC ENVOY XL HAS SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE BATTERY AND TEMPERATURE GAUGES ARE READING OFF THE SCALE PAST THEIR MAXIMUM READINGS. IT SHOULD ALSO BE NOTED THAT THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAD ISSUES WITH THE FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT AND THE ENGINE THERMOSTAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10430426

94,608 miles · Oct 9, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

JULY 26, 2011 I FILLED MY VEHICLE UP WITH GAS AND NOTICED THAT MY GAS GAUGE SHOWED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS ON EMPTY....AFTER DRIVING IT FOR ABOUT AN HOUR THE GAS GAUGE STARTED WORKING PROPERLY. OVER THE NEXT MONTH IT CONTINUED TO DO THIS OFF AND ON. THEN I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM GMC STATING THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH …

Read full complaint

JULY 26, 2011 I FILLED MY VEHICLE UP WITH GAS AND NOTICED THAT MY GAS GAUGE SHOWED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS ON EMPTY....AFTER DRIVING IT FOR ABOUT AN HOUR THE GAS GAUGE STARTED WORKING PROPERLY. OVER THE NEXT MONTH IT CONTINUED TO DO THIS OFF AND ON. THEN I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM GMC STATING THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH 2005 GMC ENVOY'(WEIRD HOW THE LETTER APPEARED AS I WAS STARTING TO HAVE THE ISSUE) AND THAT THEY WOULD PAY 50% OF MY COST TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AT A GMC DEALERSHIP. WITHIN TWO WEEKS MY FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER. I NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS I DO OR DO NOT HAVE IN MY VEHICLE. WHAT IF I RUN OUT OF GAS IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC!! THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS !! GMC IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SHOULD CONSIDER IT A RECALL AND REPAIR THIS ISSUE AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10429226

84,462 miles · Oct 7, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

LET ME START LIKE THIS. MY FAMILY INCLUDING MY GRANDFATHER ALWAYS HAD CHEVROLET OR GMC CARS. I WAS RAISED LEARNING HOW STRONG THEY WERE, SMOOTH DRIVING AND EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE. I BOUGHT A CHEVY TRAILBLAZER 2002 IN 2006 WHICH I LOVED, BUT UNFORTUNATELY SOMEBODY HAD CRASHED AND AFTER FIXING I SOLD. NEXT, I DECIDED TO BUY AN ENVO…

Read full complaint

LET ME START LIKE THIS. MY FAMILY INCLUDING MY GRANDFATHER ALWAYS HAD CHEVROLET OR GMC CARS. I WAS RAISED LEARNING HOW STRONG THEY WERE, SMOOTH DRIVING AND EXTREMELY COMFORTABLE. I BOUGHT A CHEVY TRAILBLAZER 2002 IN 2006 WHICH I LOVED, BUT UNFORTUNATELY SOMEBODY HAD CRASHED AND AFTER FIXING I SOLD. NEXT, I DECIDED TO BUY AN ENVOY SLT V6 2005 WITH 27KMILES IN 2008, WHICH I HAVE UNTIL TODAY AND I LOVE SO MUCH. SMOOTH DRIVE, COMFORTABLE, POWERFUL, GREAT LOOKING, SPACIOUS AND GREAT ENGINE. AS MY GRANDFATHER USED TO SAY, "SON ALWAYS HAVE A NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND THIS CAR WILL LAST FOREVER". I NEVER HAD ANY SERIOUS PROBLEM, EXCEPT NOW THAT THE FUEL SENSOR LEVEL IS DEAD AND I HAVE THE CHIME ALWAYS SIGNALIZING LOW FUEL EVEN IF I FILL OUT THE TANK. WELL I WAIT FOR MORE THAN 3 MONTHS FILLING OUT THE TANK AND TRACKING THE MILEAGE. 2 WEEKS AGO I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM GMC WITH MY VIN NUMBER STANDING THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT THEY FIND OUT AND THEY ARE WILLING TO PAY 50% OF THE COST. I DID CALL THEM IN FACT TO KNOW THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE LETTER AND THEY CONFIRM THE ISSUE RECOMMENDING TO TAKE TO THE DEALER. I DID, AND THIS PROBLEM HAS A COST EQUIVALENT OF ALMOST A THOUSAND, WHICH WITH 50% OF DISCOUNT WITH THE LETTER WILL BE CLOSE TO FIVE HUNDRED. GMC IS AVOIDING HAVING THIS PAID 100% SINCE IT'S A RECOGNIZED AND IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. I REFUSE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT IT'S A MANUFACTURING DEFECT PART. MY CAR HAS 86K MILES TODAY AND ITS STILL WITH THE PROBLEM. I CALLED GMC MORE THAN 3 TIMES AND THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS THE SAME "WE'LL PAY 50% OF THE TOTAL COST". THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!! I WANT THIS SOLVED. IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE !!! I WANT THIS PAID 100%. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10429135

62,000 miles · Oct 5, 2011
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE FUEL GAGE SENSOR FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE SENSORS WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE W…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE FUEL GAGE SENSOR FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE SENSORS WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

NHTSA ODI #10428799

48,300 miles · Sep 20, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE FUEL GAUGE IN MY 2005 ENVOY XL GOES TO LOW FUEL ANYTIME AFTER 1/4 TANK LEFT. AFTER FILLING UP, IT WILL READ LOW FUEL FOR ABOUT 15 MILES. IT THEN FLUCTUATES FOR AWHILE BEFORE SETTLING ON WHAT I HOPE IS AN ACCURATE READING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10426485

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.