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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
48,000 miles · Jul 21, 2009
Suspension

REAR SUSPENSION ON MY 2005 GMC ENVOY DENALI HAS AN AIR LOAD LEVELING SYSTEM. IT CONTINUOUSLY DEFLATES. MANUFACTURES OWNERS MANUAL SAYS AFTER 3 DAYS OF NON-USE WILL IT DEFLATE. WHILE DRIVING, THE AIR COMPRESSOR STARTS INTERMITTENTLY TO INFLATE IT BACK UP. THIS STARTED IN OCTOBER OF 2008, AND CONTINUES TO THIS DAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10277614

40,000 miles · Jul 6, 2009
Electrical System

THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2005 GMC ENVOY XL STARTED ACTING ERRATICALLY AND AT ANY TIME CAN SHOW THAT I'M DOING 70 WHEN I AM STOPPED, BE PEGGED, OR SOMETIMES IT WORKS. I HAVE TO USE MY GPS TO DETERMINE MY SPEED. I TOOK IT TO A GM DEALER TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THIS ISSUE BECAUSE I HAD HEARD THAT THERE WAS FOR VEHICLE…

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THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2005 GMC ENVOY XL STARTED ACTING ERRATICALLY AND AT ANY TIME CAN SHOW THAT I'M DOING 70 WHEN I AM STOPPED, BE PEGGED, OR SOMETIMES IT WORKS. I HAVE TO USE MY GPS TO DETERMINE MY SPEED. I TOOK IT TO A GM DEALER TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THIS ISSUE BECAUSE I HAD HEARD THAT THERE WAS FOR VEHICLES UP TO 7 YEARS OLD OR UP TO 70,000 MILES. THE DEALER TOLD ME THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND THAT IT WOULD COST $400 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE GAUGE CLUSTER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10275910

52,000 miles · Jun 25, 2009
Electrical System

PROBLEM JUST STARTED WITH NO WARNING. SPEEDOMETER READS 60 MPH WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED WITH ENGINE OFF. WHEN YOU CRANK THE VEHICLE. SPEEDOMETER INDICATOR DROPS DOWN APPROX. 5 MPH (55 MPH) THEN WHEN YOU DRIVE THE VEHICLE THE SPEEDOMETER INDICATOR (NEEDLE) GOES PAST THE 120 READING ON THE SPEEDOMETER. I FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS…

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PROBLEM JUST STARTED WITH NO WARNING. SPEEDOMETER READS 60 MPH WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED WITH ENGINE OFF. WHEN YOU CRANK THE VEHICLE. SPEEDOMETER INDICATOR DROPS DOWN APPROX. 5 MPH (55 MPH) THEN WHEN YOU DRIVE THE VEHICLE THE SPEEDOMETER INDICATOR (NEEDLE) GOES PAST THE 120 READING ON THE SPEEDOMETER. I FEEL THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOU CANNOT DETERMINE THE TRUE SPEED VEHICLE IS REALLY GOING . VEHICLE ODOMETER AND TRIP ODOMETER ARE NOT AFFECTED (CHECKED BY MILE MARKER ON INTERSTATE). FAILURE IS CONSISTENCE . OCCURS EVERYTIME VEHICLE IS OPERATED. NOTIFIED DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID (NO RECALL) . VEHICLE HAS APPROX 52,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10274907

30,000 miles · Jun 24, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

BRAKELIGHT MOLDING ABOVE REAR LIFTGATE/WINDOW FLEW OFF ON HIGHWAY FOR UNKNOWN CAUSE IN 2/08. 6/09 - REAR LIFTGATE/WINDOW SHATTERED UPON OPENING LIFTGATE - BRAKELIGHT MOLDING OFF AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10274883

58,000 miles · Jun 20, 2009
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE ENVOY BEGAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS AT APPROXIMATELY 58, 000 MILES WHEN THE GAS TANK BEGAN READING EMPTY NO MATTER HOW MUCH GAS WAS IN THE TANK. EVENTUALLY, AFTER MUCH COMPLAINING TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP THEY STATED THEY WOULD ONLY REPAIR THE PROBLEM IF I PAID FOR HALF OF THE REPAIRS. I REFUSED. LATER, …

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I HAVE A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE ENVOY BEGAN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS AT APPROXIMATELY 58, 000 MILES WHEN THE GAS TANK BEGAN READING EMPTY NO MATTER HOW MUCH GAS WAS IN THE TANK. EVENTUALLY, AFTER MUCH COMPLAINING TO MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP THEY STATED THEY WOULD ONLY REPAIR THE PROBLEM IF I PAID FOR HALF OF THE REPAIRS. I REFUSED. LATER, AT APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES, MY SPEEDOMETER BEGAN MALFUNCTIONING. THE SPEEDOMETER WORKS INTERMITTENTLY, JUST RECENTLY IT WAS STUCK AT 120 MPH EVEN IN PARK. NOW, THE BATTERY GAUGE HAS BEGUN TO MALFUNCTION. THE BATTERY CHARGE RANGES FROM THE LOWEST TO THE HIGHEST WITH NO REAL RHYME OR REASON. IT IS APPARENT BY READING ON THE INTERNET FORUMS THAT THIS IS A MAJOR PRODUCT DEFECT AS IT HAPPENS TO MANY, MANY GMC OWNERS, ESPECIALLY 2002-2005 ENVOY OWNERS. I HAVE FILED COMPLAINTS WITH GMC DIRECTLY AND RECEIVED RESPONSES THAT ARE NOT SATISFACTORY. THESE ITEMS SHOULD BE A RECALL EFFORT AND REPAIRED BY GMC AS THEY ARE CLEARLY PRODUCT DEFAULT NOT JUST GENERAL WARE AND TEAR OF THE VEHICLE. THESE PROBLEMS ARE COSTLY AND PRESENT SAFETY ISSUES WHILE DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10274407

41,000 miles · Jun 16, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LOW FUEL LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT DROVE TO A GAS STATION TO FILL UP THE TANK; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY TAKE $10 WORTH OF FUEL. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LOW FUEL LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT DROVE TO A GAS STATION TO FILL UP THE TANK; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY TAKE $10 WORTH OF FUEL. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

NHTSA ODI #10273997

46,000 miles · Jun 12, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATES WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP SENSOR FAILED AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATES WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP SENSOR FAILED AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SHE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COSTS SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000. UPDATED 06/24/09. *LJ UPDATED 06/26/09.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10273626

70,000 miles · May 13, 2009
Fuel System, Other

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THIS INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LOW ON FUEL, BUT IN REALITY, THE VEHICLE WAS FULL OF GASOLINE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL, THE GAUGE WILL DISPLAY HALF OF A TANK.…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THIS INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LOW ON FUEL, BUT IN REALITY, THE VEHICLE WAS FULL OF GASOLINE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WHEN THE FUEL TANK IS FULL, THE GAUGE WILL DISPLAY HALF OF A TANK. WHEN HALF OF A TANK OF FUEL IS IN THE VEHICLE, THE GAUGE DISPLAYS THAT IT IS EMPTY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND NO REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ODI #10268627

54,027 miles · May 2, 2009
Electrical System

2005 GMC ENVOY HAS ERRATIC SPEEDOMETER. NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WHEN SPEEDOMETER KEEPS GETTING STUCK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10267541

56,000 miles · Apr 14, 2009
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

GAS GAUGE HAS NOT WORKED SINCE 2007. HEADLIGHTS AND SOME DASH LIGHTS AS WELL AS EXT TEMP GAUGE SOMETIMES FLICKER. NO POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM DEALER FOR GAS GAUGE. WAS INITIALLY TOLD HEADLIGHTS WERE SUPPOSED TO DO THIS, A "FEATURE". I ASKED THEM TO DOCUMENT THIS FOR ME, THEY SAID THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT. REPLACE BODY CONTROL MO…

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GAS GAUGE HAS NOT WORKED SINCE 2007. HEADLIGHTS AND SOME DASH LIGHTS AS WELL AS EXT TEMP GAUGE SOMETIMES FLICKER. NO POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM DEALER FOR GAS GAUGE. WAS INITIALLY TOLD HEADLIGHTS WERE SUPPOSED TO DO THIS, A "FEATURE". I ASKED THEM TO DOCUMENT THIS FOR ME, THEY SAID THEY WOULD LOOK AT IT. REPLACE BODY CONTROL MODULE, NO CHANGE. SAID IT COULD BE THIS OR THAT, BUT OUT OF WARRANTY AT MY EXPENSE. I TOLD THEM I WOULD PAY FOR IT, BUT IF IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM I WOULD NOT. THEY REFUSED TO WORK FURTHER ON IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10265211

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.