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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
64,900 miles · Dec 30, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control

2005 GMC ENVOY XL 64,900 MILES. SPEEDOMETER ERRATIC OPERATION. SINCE FIRST INCIDENT, SYMPTOMS UNDER VARYING DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE; SPEEDOMETER ERRONEOUSLY INDICATES TOO LOW A SPEED, SPEEDOMETER INDICATES TOO HIGH A SPEED, SPEEDOMETER INDICATION STICKS AT A FIXED SPEED WITH CHANGING VEHICLE SPEED.

NHTSA ODI #10374211

139,000 miles · Dec 28, 2010
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER STUCK AT 60MPH WHILE TRAVELING. DIDN'T MATTER IF STOPPED, ACCELERATING, DECELERATING, OR TURNING VEHICLE OFF. TURNING OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTING IT SEEMED TO CAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER TO DECREASE, SOME, FINALLY GETTING IT TO REGISTER 20MPH. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING THE SPEEDOMETER STILL REGISTERED 20 …

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SPEEDOMETER STUCK AT 60MPH WHILE TRAVELING. DIDN'T MATTER IF STOPPED, ACCELERATING, DECELERATING, OR TURNING VEHICLE OFF. TURNING OFF THE CAR AND RESTARTING IT SEEMED TO CAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER TO DECREASE, SOME, FINALLY GETTING IT TO REGISTER 20MPH. UPON RESTARTING THE VEHICLE IN THE MORNING THE SPEEDOMETER STILL REGISTERED 20 MPH AND UPON ACCELERATION THE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATED FINALLY SETTLING AT 80MPH. WE WERE UNABLE TO TELL HOW FAST WE REALLY ARE TRAVELING BECAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER IS WACKO. STOPPING AND TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HELP. THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT RESET TO ZERO IT IS NOW STUCK AT 80MPH. OUR LOCAL GM DEALER ADVISED THAT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED BUT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY TO 75,000 MILES WAS OFFERED ON THE VEHICLE FOR THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. OUR VEHICLE IS OVER THE MILEAGE FOR THE WARRANTY. GM IS AWARE THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH WACKO SPEEDOMETERS HENCE THE WARRANTY EXTENSION. ONE WOULD ASSUME BEING ABLE TO MONITOR ONES SPEED IN A VEHICLE IS AN IMPORTANT SAFETY CONCERN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10373152

77,000 miles · Dec 16, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL GAUGE PROBLEMS....MY FUEL GAUGE HAS BEEN FLOATING FROM 1/2 A TANK TO EMPTY FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS AND NOW IT THE FUEL LIGHT JUST STAYS ON EVEN WHEN THERE IS GAS IN THE CAR. AFTER RUNNING FOR A WHILE THE GAUGE WILL SAY THERE IS GAS AND THEN IT WILL GO BACK DOWN TO EMPTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10370926

80,000 miles · Dec 14, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE FUEL TANK LEVEL SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE AND COULD RESULT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE RUNNING OUT OF FUEL, STALL, AND BEING REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT HAS A VARIABLE RESISTOR ATTACHED TO A FLOAT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. AS YOU USE FUEL, THE FLOAT CHANGES POSITION (DOWNWARDS) CAUSING THE VARIABLE RESISTOR TO …

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THE FUEL TANK LEVEL SENSOR IS DEFECTIVE AND COULD RESULT IN A SUBJECT VEHICLE RUNNING OUT OF FUEL, STALL, AND BEING REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT HAS A VARIABLE RESISTOR ATTACHED TO A FLOAT INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. AS YOU USE FUEL, THE FLOAT CHANGES POSITION (DOWNWARDS) CAUSING THE VARIABLE RESISTOR TO CHANGE VALUE. THE CHANGE IN RESISTANCE CAUSES A CHANGE IN THE VOLTAGE SENT TO THE FUEL GAGE. MY P0463 ERROR IS SAYING THAT THE VARIABLE RESISTOR IS SHOWING HIGH INPUT, INSTEAD OF A TYPICAL SMALL VALUE. THIS MEANS THAT THE VARIABLE RESISTOR OR SOMETHING ELSE INSIDE THE SENDER UNIT IS CAUSING THE ECM TO "SEE" AN INVALID VOLTAGE ON THE FUEL GAGE CIRCUIT. IF THE VOLTAGE IS TOO HIGH THEN THE RESISTANCE IS TOO HIGH. POSSIBLY A BAD CONNECTION BETWEEN THE ECU AND THE SENDER OR A GROUNDING PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10371391

Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL PUMP NOT READING GASOLINE LEVELS CAUSING THE GAUGE IN THE DASH NOT TO WORK AND BE ON EMPTY AT ALL TIMES. FUEL LIGHT ALSO STAYS ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10369997

80,000 miles · Nov 30, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineFuel System, Other

I OWN A 2005 GMC ENVOY THAT IS HAVING A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE GAS GAUGE AND THE SENDER UNIT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO COMES ON. APPARENTLY NUMEROUS CUSTOMERS HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS SAME ISSUE ON THEIR GM SUVS. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL TO FIX THESE KNOWN MANUFACTURER FAULTY WORKMANSHIP ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10368390

60,000 miles · Nov 24, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

I'M HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2005 GMC ENVOY. I CAN REGISTER 1/4 A TANK BUT THE MINUTE I FILL, THE GAUGE DROPS BELOW EMPTY AND THE FUEL LIGHT COMES ON. I HAVE TO DRIVE AT LEAST 25 MILES TO HAVE IT REGISTER EVEN A 1/4 OF A TANK AND A FULL 70-85 MILES FOR THE GAUGE TO GET TO SHOW A MORE ACCURATE LEVEL. THE ME…

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I'M HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE FUEL GAUGE ON MY 2005 GMC ENVOY. I CAN REGISTER 1/4 A TANK BUT THE MINUTE I FILL, THE GAUGE DROPS BELOW EMPTY AND THE FUEL LIGHT COMES ON. I HAVE TO DRIVE AT LEAST 25 MILES TO HAVE IT REGISTER EVEN A 1/4 OF A TANK AND A FULL 70-85 MILES FOR THE GAUGE TO GET TO SHOW A MORE ACCURATE LEVEL. THE MECHANIC I WENT TO ADMITTED IT WAS THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR CAUSING THE ISSUE BUT ADVISED ME THAT I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FUEL PUMP. HE QUOTED $505 FOR THE FUEL PUMP AND AN ADDITIONAL $360 FOR THE LABOR ITS NOT FIXED I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY, WHAT HAPPENS IF I RUN OUT OF FUEL ON THE HIGHWAY OR ON A TIGHT TURN ON A HILL AND THE CAR SHUTS DOWN AND THE STEERING LOCKS? I'VE READ 1000'S OF COMPLAINTS AND HORROR STORIES ABOUT THIS AND NO RECALL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10367345

56,000 miles · Nov 16, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

DEFECTIVE GAS GAUGE IN 2005 ENVOY, ONLY HAS 56,000 MILES ON IT. GAUGE BOUNCES ERRATICALLY, AND EVEN AFTER FILLING UP THE TANK THE GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY. PROBLEM JUST STARTED LAST WEEK AND NOW HAPPENS DAILY - THERE IS NO RELIABLE WAY TO TELL HOW MUCH GAS I ACTUALLY HAVE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, BUT I NOTICED …

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DEFECTIVE GAS GAUGE IN 2005 ENVOY, ONLY HAS 56,000 MILES ON IT. GAUGE BOUNCES ERRATICALLY, AND EVEN AFTER FILLING UP THE TANK THE GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY. PROBLEM JUST STARTED LAST WEEK AND NOW HAPPENS DAILY - THERE IS NO RELIABLE WAY TO TELL HOW MUCH GAS I ACTUALLY HAVE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, BUT I NOTICED ON THE INTERNET THAT THIS IS A WIDE-SPREAD PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10366424

25,000 miles · Nov 12, 2010
Fuel System, Other

ONE DAY I FILLED UP MY GAS GAGE AND IT READ EMPTY WHEN I DROVE AWAY. IT HAS READ EMPTY EVER SINCE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF MOVING SLIGHTLY ABOVE E FOR A FEW MIN SHORTLY AFTER FILLING TANK. THIS HAPPENED IN FEB 07 AND I JUST HAVE NOT HAD THE MONEY TO DROP ON A GAS GAGE SO I CALCULATE MY MILES WHICH IS EXTREMELY INCONVENIENT AND I HA…

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ONE DAY I FILLED UP MY GAS GAGE AND IT READ EMPTY WHEN I DROVE AWAY. IT HAS READ EMPTY EVER SINCE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF MOVING SLIGHTLY ABOVE E FOR A FEW MIN SHORTLY AFTER FILLING TANK. THIS HAPPENED IN FEB 07 AND I JUST HAVE NOT HAD THE MONEY TO DROP ON A GAS GAGE SO I CALCULATE MY MILES WHICH IS EXTREMELY INCONVENIENT AND I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10365446

73,000 miles · Nov 12, 2010
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY XL. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 85 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE F…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY XL. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 85 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 73,000.

NHTSA ODI #10365427

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.