IllustrationTRANSMISSION FAILURE, MECHANIC CAN NOT FIND WHAT THE CAUSE IS FROM, GMAC SENT A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO THE MECHANIC THAT STATES THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN SEEN WITH THESE VEHICLES, NO GUARANTEE IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Envoy years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
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 reports2005 GMC ENVOY DOORS AND WINDOWS FAILED TO OPEN. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE DOORS AND WINDOWS FAILED TO OPEN. HE ALSO STATES THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WHEN HIS WIFE TRIED TO START IT. *KB
RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY RAN OUT ON MY 05 GMC ENVOY THE GAS GAUGE STARTED BEEPING WHEN YOU WOULD FILL UP THE TANK. THEN IT STARTED TO NOT READ FULL WHEN IT WAS FILLED. NOW IT NEVER READS FULL AND WHEN THE TANK IS HALF EMPTY THE LIGHT WILL COME ON. IT WILL ALWAYS BEEP WHEN I FIRST START IT. THIS UNIT SHOULD NOT HAVE WENT OUT AFTE…
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RIGHT AFTER THE WARRANTY RAN OUT ON MY 05 GMC ENVOY THE GAS GAUGE STARTED BEEPING WHEN YOU WOULD FILL UP THE TANK. THEN IT STARTED TO NOT READ FULL WHEN IT WAS FILLED. NOW IT NEVER READS FULL AND WHEN THE TANK IS HALF EMPTY THE LIGHT WILL COME ON. IT WILL ALWAYS BEEP WHEN I FIRST START IT. THIS UNIT SHOULD NOT HAVE WENT OUT AFTER 36,000 MILES. THIS IS A FAULTY UNIT AND I BELIEVE THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACE IT. IF I WAS TO REPLACE IT MYSELF IT WOULD COST ME OVER $500.00 . TERRIBLE PRODUCT TERRIBLE PRODUCT THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. *TR
AT VARIOUS TIME, ESPECIALLY WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INTERIOR LIGHTS DIM. GM KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM - TSBS 05-08-42-001 AND 06-06-03-004 BUT DOES NOT HAVE A FIX. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR UPDATED 10/23/07 *TR
MY 2005 GMC ENVOY CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM OVER AND OVER. I'M TAKING IT IN AGAIN TODAY FOR THE 4TH TIME. IT LOSES POWER GOING UP HILLS. IT'S LIKE THE ENGINE IS STALLING, AND IT HAS ACTUALLY CUT OFF ON ME. THE FIRST 2 TIMES THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. SO IT DIDN'T GET FIXED. THE 3RD TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT …
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MY 2005 GMC ENVOY CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM OVER AND OVER. I'M TAKING IT IN AGAIN TODAY FOR THE 4TH TIME. IT LOSES POWER GOING UP HILLS. IT'S LIKE THE ENGINE IS STALLING, AND IT HAS ACTUALLY CUT OFF ON ME. THE FIRST 2 TIMES THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. SO IT DIDN'T GET FIXED. THE 3RD TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FINALLY CAME ON. THEY SAID IT WAS THE OXYGEN SENSOR, AND CARBON BUILD UP ON THE FUEL SOLENOID. ONCE AGAIN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. THIS TIME I HAD ONSTAR DO A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE IS A POWER TRAIN SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. WHICH IS THE PART OF THE ENGINE SYSTEM THAT PROVIDES POWER TO MOVE THE VEHICLE. OBVIOUSLY THIS HAS BEEN THE PROBLEM ALL ALONG THAT THE DEALERSHIP CAN NOT SEEM TO FIX. OF COURSE THE GAS MILEAGE IS TERRIBLE DUE TO THIS SITUATION, AND WITH GAS PRICES THE WAY THEY ARE IT'S KILLING ME. *JB
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHEN THE GAS TANK WAS FULL. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FLOAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL, THE VEHICLE DRAMATICALLY DECELERATES AS IF THE ENGINE WAS STALLING. THE ENGINE AND OIL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANG…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. WHILE DRIVING UPHILL, THE VEHICLE DRAMATICALLY DECELERATES AS IF THE ENGINE WAS STALLING. THE ENGINE AND OIL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE, BUT THE OIL LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL DEALER FOUR TIMES AND THEY REPROGRAMMED THE P.C. ANOTHER DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE DRAGS WHEN TRAVELING UPHILL, WHICH WAS PROBABLY DUE TO THE CLUTCH FANS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK. AFTER ALL FOUR REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, HER VEHICLE CONTINUES TO EXPERIENCE THE SAME FAILURES. SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRED. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,809 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
REPORTED EARLIER GAS ODOMETER BROKE WHEN FUELING VEHICLE ON 2 SEPERATE OCCASSIONS, FIRST TIME FIXED, THEN AGAIN WHILE FUELING GAS, IT BROKE. FAILED TO MENTION MY PROBLEMS WITH THE SPEEDODOMETER. IT WAS FLUCTUATING ALL THE WAY UP, THEN ALL THE WAY DOWN IRRATICALLY BEFORE IT DROPPED DOWN TO THE MIDDLE. *JB
2005 GMC ENVOY - SINCE PURCHASE, THE HEADLIGHTS WILL DIM WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT; SEEMS TO HAPPEN AFTER FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE BATTERY GAUGE WILL DROP DOWN TO UNDER 11 VOLTS WHEN THIS OCCURS. THE DEALER HAS TIGHTENED THE GROUND CONNECTIONS AND REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR TWICE; AFTER RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER A TH…
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2005 GMC ENVOY - SINCE PURCHASE, THE HEADLIGHTS WILL DIM WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT; SEEMS TO HAPPEN AFTER FIRST STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE BATTERY GAUGE WILL DROP DOWN TO UNDER 11 VOLTS WHEN THIS OCCURS. THE DEALER HAS TIGHTENED THE GROUND CONNECTIONS AND REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR TWICE; AFTER RETURNING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER A THIRD TIME, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS "NORMAL". THE VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY WITH 50K MILES AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *JB
1) IN BOTH INSTANCES WHILE PUMPING FUEL. 2) GAS GAUGE BEGAN TO MOVE ERRATICALLY WHILE DRIVING. 3) FIRST TIME THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WAS REPLACED BY DEALER, THE SECOND INSTANCE WE WERE ADVISED TO USE FUEL ADDITIVE AND HIGHER GRADE OF GAS, NO DIFFERENCE HAS BEEN DETECTED. *TR
Official recalls
206V417000 · 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
2RQ17002 · 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.