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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.

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
92,000 miles · Jul 31, 2011
Electrical System

2005 GMC ENVOY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL FAILURE... THE SPEEDOMETER AND GAS GAUGE QUIT WORKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10416381

124,500 miles · Jul 26, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A 2005 ENVOY, TODAY I WAS DRIVING GOING THE NORMAL SPEED AND GOT TO A STOP SIGN ALL A SUDDEN THE TRUCK STARTED REVVING UP ON ITS ON AND THEN WOULD STOP. THEN I BEGAN TO GIVE IT GAS AND TO MY SURPRISE IT DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH POWER TO GET UP A HILL.MINUTES LATER THE TRUCK BEGAN TO MOVE AS IF NOTHING WAS WRONG.I HAVE ONSTAR S…

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I HAVE A 2005 ENVOY, TODAY I WAS DRIVING GOING THE NORMAL SPEED AND GOT TO A STOP SIGN ALL A SUDDEN THE TRUCK STARTED REVVING UP ON ITS ON AND THEN WOULD STOP. THEN I BEGAN TO GIVE IT GAS AND TO MY SURPRISE IT DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH POWER TO GET UP A HILL.MINUTES LATER THE TRUCK BEGAN TO MOVE AS IF NOTHING WAS WRONG.I HAVE ONSTAR SO I CALLED FOR A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK, THEY STATED THAT THE COOLING SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE CHECKED , THE ANTIFREEZE MAY BE LOW AND CAN EFFECT THE WAY THE TRUCK IS PERFORMING.WELL AFTER GOING TO THE GAS STATION TO PURCHASE THE ANTIFREEZE THEN I START THE TRUCK AND IT BEGINS TO REV AGAIN ON ITS OWN AND SUDDENLY I CAN NOT MOVE...I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER....IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS ..IM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS IS DANGEROUS....I HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN......SOMEONE PLEASE ADVISE......I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS BEFORE.... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10415276

74,000 miles · Jul 24, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY HUSBAND FILLED THE ENVOY WITH GAS, AND WHEN WE DROVE OFF WE NOTICED THE GAS GAUGE WAS READING EMPTY. WE THOUGHT THAT MAYBE THE PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND WE HADN'T ACTUALLY PUMPED GAS, SO WE DROVE A FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD TO ANOTHER GAS STATION TO SEE IF WE COULD GET MORE GAS. WE WERE ONLY ABLE TO PUMP LESS THAN A GALLON, SO WE …

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MY HUSBAND FILLED THE ENVOY WITH GAS, AND WHEN WE DROVE OFF WE NOTICED THE GAS GAUGE WAS READING EMPTY. WE THOUGHT THAT MAYBE THE PUMP WAS DEFECTIVE AND WE HADN'T ACTUALLY PUMPED GAS, SO WE DROVE A FEW MILES DOWN THE ROAD TO ANOTHER GAS STATION TO SEE IF WE COULD GET MORE GAS. WE WERE ONLY ABLE TO PUMP LESS THAN A GALLON, SO WE FIGURED OUT THE GAUGE WASN'T READING CORRECTLY. AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 45 MINUTES THE GAUGE SLOWLY MOVED FROM EMPTY TO HALF FULL, WOULD DROP BACK TO EMPTY AT RANDOM POINTS (SOMETIMES WHILE STOPPED, SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING). EVER SINCE THIS TIME OUR GAUGE HAS FLUCTUATED WILDLY, READING EMPTY THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME, BUT OCCASIONALLY MOVING ABOUT FROM A QUARTER FULL TO HALF THEN BACK TO EMPTY. WE HAVE NOT ATTEMPTED A FIX AS WE CANNOT AFFORD ANYTHING EXTRA AT THIS POINT DUE TO MY HUSBAND BEING DIAGNOSED WITH A TERMINAL DISEASE AND THE RESULTING MEDICAL BILLS PILING UP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10414922

38,000 miles · Jul 24, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

GAS GAUGE FAILURE - IT'S A DANGEROUS SITUATION CAUSING STALLING , AFTER FILLING UP TANK GAUGE REGISTERS "EMPTY" , THEN WILL FLOAT BETWEEN 1/4 FULL AND EMPTY, FUEL LIGHT GOES ON , INDICATING I NEED GAS BUT I KNOW I HAVE JUST FILLED IT UP - *TR

NHTSA ODI #10414884

65,000 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineFuel System, Other

2005 GMC ENVOY - GAS GAUGE MALFUNCTION - THE GAS GAUGE WILL REGISTER EMPTY EVEN THOUGH YOU JUST FILLED UP THE TANK. AFTER YOU DRIVE FOR SEVERAL MILES IT STARTS TO REGISTER SLOWLY, BUT DOES NOT REGISTER ACCURATELY. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10414011

41,000 miles · Jul 21, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD DISPLAY AN EMPTY READING WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE SENSOR IN THE FUEL TANK WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD DISPLAY AN EMPTY READING WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE SENSOR IN THE FUEL TANK WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

NHTSA ODI #10413938

97,000 miles · Jul 20, 2011
Electrical System

THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT ACCURATELY RECORD THE SPEED WHILE TRAVELING FOR MY 2005, GMC, ENVOY, SLT MODEL. IT WILL INDICATE THAT I AM TRAVELING 20 MPH OR EVEN 0 WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND SEEMS TO INCREASE MY RPMS WHILE MALFUNCTIONING. THIS HAS CAUSED SEVERAL TICKETS AS I CAN NOT PERSONALLY TRACK HOW FAST/SLOW I AM GOING WHILE DRI…

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THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT ACCURATELY RECORD THE SPEED WHILE TRAVELING FOR MY 2005, GMC, ENVOY, SLT MODEL. IT WILL INDICATE THAT I AM TRAVELING 20 MPH OR EVEN 0 WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND SEEMS TO INCREASE MY RPMS WHILE MALFUNCTIONING. THIS HAS CAUSED SEVERAL TICKETS AS I CAN NOT PERSONALLY TRACK HOW FAST/SLOW I AM GOING WHILE DRIVING. THIS MALFUNCTION HAPPENS EVERYDAY. MY OIL GAUGE IS ALSO UNABLE TO READ, IT NEVER MOVES AND READS UNDER THE START OF THE METER (SOUTH) AT ALL TIMES, EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT STARTED. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10413743

90,000 miles · Jul 14, 2011
Exterior Lighting

OUT OF NOWHERE MY FRONT HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT. ITS NOT THE FUSE OR THE BULBS, BOTH FRONT LOW LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE HIGH BEAMS WORK. THERE IS NO POWER GOING TO THE LIGHTS AND I HAVE TO BUY A NEW SWITCH. THE GAS GAUGE IS BROKEN. THE ABS/BRAKE LIGHT IS ON. I FEEL SO STUCK WITH THIS CAR! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10412362

80,000 miles · Jul 12, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

I BOUGHT A 2005 GMC ENVOY USED BUT IN GOOD SHAPE. AFTER ABOUT 5000. MILES THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED TO READ 120 MPH. IT RESET ITSELF A COUPLE OF TIMES BUT NOW IT'S COMPLETELY STUCK AT THE 120. ALSO THE GAS GAUGE SOMETIMES WORKS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. I CAN FILL IT UP AND IT WILL DING AND THE LIGHT COMES ON AND IT WON'T SHOW A D…

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I BOUGHT A 2005 GMC ENVOY USED BUT IN GOOD SHAPE. AFTER ABOUT 5000. MILES THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED TO READ 120 MPH. IT RESET ITSELF A COUPLE OF TIMES BUT NOW IT'S COMPLETELY STUCK AT THE 120. ALSO THE GAS GAUGE SOMETIMES WORKS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. I CAN FILL IT UP AND IT WILL DING AND THE LIGHT COMES ON AND IT WON'T SHOW A DROP OF GAS ON THE GAUGE. THEN A DAY OR SO LATER IT WILL BE FINE. ALSO THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I REPLACED THE GAS CAP SINCE THE OWNERS MANUAL SAID IT COULD BE A FAULTY GAS CAP. IT HELPED FOR A FEW DAYS BUT IT'S BACK ON. AFTER READING ALL THESE REVIEWS AND COMPLAINTS I'M SORRY I BOUGHT IT. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO KEEP GETTING IT FIXED. IT COST A $100.00 FOR THE DEALER JUST TO HOOK IT UP SO THEY COULD TELL ME IT NEEDED A SPEEDOMETER HEAD.(?) THAT WILL ONLY COST $468.00. BUT THAT WON'T FIX THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR THE GAS GAUGE. I'M WORRIED THAT I'LL GET A TICKET BECAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER DOESN'T WORK OR RUN OUT OF GAS WHEN THE GAS GAUGE ISN'T WORKING. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10411951

83,500 miles · Jul 11, 2011
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 78 MPH THE SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO BE CITED BY A POLICE OFFICER FOR SPEEDING. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 78 MPH THE SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO BE CITED BY A POLICE OFFICER FOR SPEEDING. THE CONTACT TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS NOT REPLACED; HOWEVER, HE NOTICED NUMEROUS COMPLAINT REGARDING THE SPEEDOMETER FOR HIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL AND OTHER GM VEHICLES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,500.

NHTSA ODI #10411800

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.