DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEED THE HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. UPON INSPECTION THE DEALERSHIP WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE CAUSE.
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
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.
What owners actually said
488 reportsWE PURCHASED OUR 2005 GMC ENVOY SLT IN DEC. 2004, WHICH CAME RIGHT OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR. WE HAD LOW FUEL ECONOMY BUT THOUGHT THIS WOULD GET BETTER WITH MORE MILES. AFTER 30,000 MILES OUR TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. AT NO TIME DID ANY INTERNAL SENSOR SYSTEM DETECT A PROBLEM AND WE DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING UNTIL IT WA…
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WE PURCHASED OUR 2005 GMC ENVOY SLT IN DEC. 2004, WHICH CAME RIGHT OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR. WE HAD LOW FUEL ECONOMY BUT THOUGHT THIS WOULD GET BETTER WITH MORE MILES. AFTER 30,000 MILES OUR TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. AT NO TIME DID ANY INTERNAL SENSOR SYSTEM DETECT A PROBLEM AND WE DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING UNTIL IT WAS TO LATE. WE TOOK IT BACK TO DEALER AND LUCKILY IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR REPAIR. ACCORDING TO MECHANIC THE PROBLEM WAS A SMALL O-RING WHICH WAS DAMAGED AT THE FACTORY AND THAT THE TRANSMISSION CAME FROM THE FACTORY THIS WAY. THEY DID REBUILD THE TRANSMISSION BUT NOW I ONLY HAVE A 12,000 MILE WARRANTY ON A REBUILT TRANSMISSION. WE FEEL THIS IS UNFAIR AS THE TRANSMISSION WAS DAMAGED AT THE FACTORY AND WAS NOT CAUSED BY ANYTHING WE DID. WE PAID A HEFTY SUM FOR THIS SUV AND NOW THE VALUE HAS DEPRECIATED EVEN MORE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. NOW WE FEEL WE HAVE A LEMON ON OUR HANDS AND NO WAY TO REMEDY THE SITUATION, NOT TO MENTION THE GAS WE WASTED AND THE TIME IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR APPROX. 2 WEEKS. WE THOUGHT WE WERE GETTING A RELIABLE VEHICLE!!! *JB
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED, THE ENGINE STALLS AND OPERATES AT A REDUCED SPEED. ADDITIONALLY, THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY WORK AT NIGHT AND THE GAS GAUGE PROVIDES AN INCORRECT DISPLAY OF THE PROPER FUEL LEVEL. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, THE DEALER WAS UN…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING UPHILL AT NO PARTICULAR SPEED, THE ENGINE STALLS AND OPERATES AT A REDUCED SPEED. ADDITIONALLY, THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY WORK AT NIGHT AND THE GAS GAUGE PROVIDES AN INCORRECT DISPLAY OF THE PROPER FUEL LEVEL. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER STATED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS FAULTY. THE LEFT FRONT WINDOW DROPPED THE LIGHTS BECAME DIM AND THE BATTERY FAILED. UPDATED 04/06/06. *JB
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ENTERING THE FREEWAY ON RAMP. THE RAMP IS CONTROLLED BY A SIGNAL AND I WAS WAITING MY TURN WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED. I WAS COASTING DOWNHILL INTO ANOTHER CAR WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. I BUMPED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME DAMAGING THE FRONT GRILL AND HOOD OF MY CAR. SUBMITTED THE CAR…
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I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ENTERING THE FREEWAY ON RAMP. THE RAMP IS CONTROLLED BY A SIGNAL AND I WAS WAITING MY TURN WHEN THE ENGINE FAILED. I WAS COASTING DOWNHILL INTO ANOTHER CAR WHEN I HIT THE BRAKES AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES. I BUMPED THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME DAMAGING THE FRONT GRILL AND HOOD OF MY CAR. SUBMITTED THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR EVALUATION OF AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE. *JB
I TURNED ON THE DEFROSTER ON A COLD EVENING IN A GMC ENVOY I HAD RENTED FROM NATIONAL RENT A CAR. IT WAS, I BELIEVE, A 2005 MODEL. IT WAS A COLD NIGHT AND THE DEFROSTER HAD TO BE TURNED ON. WHILE DRIVING, FIVE MINUTES LATER, A LARGE "CRACK" WAS NOTED. THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED STARTING IN THE EXACT SHAPE OF THE CENTRAL DEFROSTER.…
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I TURNED ON THE DEFROSTER ON A COLD EVENING IN A GMC ENVOY I HAD RENTED FROM NATIONAL RENT A CAR. IT WAS, I BELIEVE, A 2005 MODEL. IT WAS A COLD NIGHT AND THE DEFROSTER HAD TO BE TURNED ON. WHILE DRIVING, FIVE MINUTES LATER, A LARGE "CRACK" WAS NOTED. THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED STARTING IN THE EXACT SHAPE OF THE CENTRAL DEFROSTER. THE SINGLE EXIT DEFROSTER IS A HAZARD AS HEAT IS TOO CONCENTRATED. *JB
I OWN A 2005 ENVOY - 7 MONTHS AFTER OWNING IT - WHILE DRIVING IN THE DARK ALL THE SUDDEN THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASH/RADIO/MIRROR LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON AND OFF. "LIKE A COP CAR" TO THE POINT WE PRESSED ON STAR-AFRAID THE CAR WAS GOING TO STALL ON BUSY/DARK FREEWAY. WHEN I CALLED A DEALER THEY SAID OH "THAT'S NORMAL" YOU HAD T…
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I OWN A 2005 ENVOY - 7 MONTHS AFTER OWNING IT - WHILE DRIVING IN THE DARK ALL THE SUDDEN THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASH/RADIO/MIRROR LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING ON AND OFF. "LIKE A COP CAR" TO THE POINT WE PRESSED ON STAR-AFRAID THE CAR WAS GOING TO STALL ON BUSY/DARK FREEWAY. WHEN I CALLED A DEALER THEY SAID OH "THAT'S NORMAL" YOU HAD TO MUCH RUNNING AND NEW CARS CAN NOT HANDLE "HEATER/RADIO ETC. "ITS NO BIG DEAL" > I CALLED ANOTHER DEALER AND THEY SAID NO-THIS IS A PROBLEM BRING THE CAR IN. ENDS UP THERE WAS A BULLETIN FOR THIS AND THE CHIP HAD TO BE UPDATED. VERY WRONG FOR THE ONE DEALER TO SAY NO BIG DEAL-WHEN THEY KNOW A UPDATE WAS OUT. *NM
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SURGES FORWARD. THIS OCCURS EVEN IF THE BRAKE PEDAL OR ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. THE DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND TRYING TO DETERMINE A REMEDY. UPDATED 04/11/06. *JB
(2005 ENVOY) ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO I NOTICED THAT MY HEADLIGHTS WERE DIMMING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT . THIS HAPPENED SPORADICALLY. WHEN THE LIGHTS DIM, THE HEAT SLOWS DOWN AS WELL. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS OCCASIONALLY DIM WHEN THIS HAPPENS, TOO. MY HUSBAND AND I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE BATTERY AND STARTED TO LOOK AT THE BATTERY GAGE, WHI…
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(2005 ENVOY) ABOUT 1 MONTH AGO I NOTICED THAT MY HEADLIGHTS WERE DIMMING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT . THIS HAPPENED SPORADICALLY. WHEN THE LIGHTS DIM, THE HEAT SLOWS DOWN AS WELL. THE INTERIOR LIGHTS OCCASIONALLY DIM WHEN THIS HAPPENS, TOO. MY HUSBAND AND I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE BATTERY AND STARTED TO LOOK AT THE BATTERY GAGE, WHILE ONE OF US KEPT AN EYE ON THE LIGHTS. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 7 TIMES OVER THE LAST MONTH. LAST WEEK IT HAPPENED ABOUT EVERY 2 MINUTES WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. VERY SCARY, AS I THOUGHT THE TRUCK WAS JUST GOING TO SHUT DOWN. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO MY GM DEALER AND THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK. THE BATTERY, ALTERNATOR AND WIRES WERE FINE. HE STATED THAT WITH NEW VEHICLES AND EVERYTHING THAT IS RUN IN THEM THIS IS NORMAL. ALTHOUGH HE ALSO STATED THAT HE HAS NEVER SEEN THIS PROBLEM BEFORE. THEIR COMPUTER TOLD THEM THAT NOTHING NEEDED TO BE FIXED. WE HAVE NO AFTERMARKET PRODUCTS IN THE VEHICLE AND THE ONLY THINGS RUNNING WERE THE HEAT AND RADIO. *NM
ON THE NIGHT OF SATURDAY (AT 9 P.M.), DECEMBER 10, 2005, I DROVE MY GMC ENVOY SLT TO MICHAEL'S. WHEN DRIVING THROUGH THE PARKING LOT, MY DAUGHTER AND I HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WE PARKED THE CAR, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, THEN TURNED THE VEHICLE ON AGAIN. SEVERAL ICONS THAT HAD NEVER BEEN DI…
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ON THE NIGHT OF SATURDAY (AT 9 P.M.), DECEMBER 10, 2005, I DROVE MY GMC ENVOY SLT TO MICHAEL'S. WHEN DRIVING THROUGH THE PARKING LOT, MY DAUGHTER AND I HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WE PARKED THE CAR, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, THEN TURNED THE VEHICLE ON AGAIN. SEVERAL ICONS THAT HAD NEVER BEEN DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD SCREEN APPEARED, AND MY VEHICLE'S CLOCK REFLECTED 12:00. THE CLOCK WAS SET FOR THE CORRECT TIME INITIALLY, AND NEVER TAMPERED . WE SHOPPED FOR 20 MINUTES AND RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, STARTED IT UP AND AGAIN SEVERAL ICONS APPEARED. THE CLOCK SAID 12:00 THOUGH IT WAS 9:30 P.M. WE DROVE THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORHOOD VIEWING SOME CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES. AS I PULLED ONTO OUR DRIVEWAY AND BEGAN BREAKING TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND AND PARK IT OUTSIDE OF OUR GARAGE, IT DID NOT RESPOND TO BREAKING. WHEN I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN HARDER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED AT THE SAME SPEED. I SCREAMED THAT WE WERE GOING TO HIT THE GARAGE DOOR, AND AT THAT MOMENT FELT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATE ALTHOUGH I HAD THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHED DOWN ALL THE WAY. IT SLAMMED THROUGH THE GARAGE DOOR, I QUICKLY SHIFTED INTO PARK AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. MY FRONT AND MY DAUGHTER'S FRONT PASSENGER DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED AND WE SMELLED GAS. MY HUSBAND CALLED 911 AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES RESPONDED. THEY DETERMINED IT SHOULD BE SAFE BUT ASKED THE FURNACE BE TURNED DOWN SO THAT IT WOULD NOT CAUSE ANY COMBUSTION AND TO KEEP THE AREA VENTILATED.. THE GARAGE DOOR WAS TOTALLY DEMOLISHED, AND DRYWALL DAMAGES IN SEVERAL SPOTS. A TECHNICIAN FROM OVERHEAD GARAGE DOORS REMOVED THE REMNANTS OF THE DOOR. MY DAUGHTER'S CAR HAD MINOR PAINT AND DENT DAMAGE AS IT WAS IN THE GARAGE ALREADY. GM'S ROADSIDE TOWING HAULED THE ENVOY ONTO A FLATBED TO TAKE TO THE DEALERSHIP. WE EXPLAINED THE ACCIDENT TO GM WHEN WE CONTACTED THEM FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE IS NOW AT OUR DEALERSHIP, ANDY MOHR, NOBLESVILLE, IN. *NM
CONSUMER 2005 GMC ENVOY HAS A DEFECT THAT CAN NOT BE REPAIRED. VEHICLE STALLED.*TS THE HAZARD LIGHTS CAME ON WHEN THE TURN SIGNAL WAS IN USE. THE DEALER REPLACED A BAD FLASHER. *JB
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.
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