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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
31,657 miles · Jul 25, 2017
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine

MY SEAT COVERS WERE ORIGINALLY CLOTH BUT AT TIME OF PURCHASE THEY WERE REPLACED WITH LEATHER SEAT COVERINGS AND THERE IS RECALL #06V417000 HAS ME VERY CONCERNED.

NHTSA ODI #11010574

1 miles · Jul 18, 2017
Exterior Lighting

THE VEHICLES HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT AT NIGHT WILL DRIVING. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS, I AM A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS THE HEADLIGHT RELAY THAT IS OVERHEATING. THIS IS THE SAME GM PART THAT IS BEING RECALLED IN OTHER GM VEHICLES. GM PART # 15016745. SO WHY HAS IT NOT BEEN R…

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THE VEHICLES HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT AT NIGHT WILL DRIVING. I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 2 YEARS, I AM A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND I BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS THE HEADLIGHT RELAY THAT IS OVERHEATING. THIS IS THE SAME GM PART THAT IS BEING RECALLED IN OTHER GM VEHICLES. GM PART # 15016745. SO WHY HAS IT NOT BEEN RECALLED IN 05 . THE PROBLEM HAPPENS AT RANDOM THE LIGHT WILL GO OUT WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED IT DOES NOT MATTER.

NHTSA ODI #11006221

180,000 miles · Jul 12, 2017
Steering

I HAVE A 2005 GMC ENVOY DENALI 4X4 AND 'VE RUN OUT OF GAS 3 TIMES IN THE 4 YEARS OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE AND EVERY TIME THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKS MAKING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO BE MOVED FROM THE PLACE IT DECIDES TO FINALLY COME TO A REST AT- AND CAUSING NOTHING SHORT OF A GIANT SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOUR CAR IS STUCK IN THE M…

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I HAVE A 2005 GMC ENVOY DENALI 4X4 AND 'VE RUN OUT OF GAS 3 TIMES IN THE 4 YEARS OF OWNING THIS VEHICLE AND EVERY TIME THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKS MAKING THE VEHICLE UNABLE TO BE MOVED FROM THE PLACE IT DECIDES TO FINALLY COME TO A REST AT- AND CAUSING NOTHING SHORT OF A GIANT SAFETY ISSUE WHEN YOUR CAR IS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND YOU ARE NOT ONLY TRYING TO EXIT YOUR CAR BUT NOT CAUSE A COLLISION WHEN IT IS IN A BLIND SPOT OF A TURN OF OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD WHEN IT FINALLY COMES TO A STOP. I LIVE IN NH AND THERE ARE MANY MOUNTAIN LIKE AREAS AND IF IT EVER HAPPENED AT THE BOTTOM OF A HILL OR A WINDY MOUNTAIN ROAD I'D PROBABLY BE DEAD. LAST WEEK I HAD A FULL TANK AND WAS TURNING OUT OF MY WORK AND THE WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND I ENDED UP GOING UP OVER A CURB ONTO SOMEONES LAWN AND MISSING THEIR HOME BY A FEW FEET-NOT OKAY. I WAS GOING NO MORE THAN 20 MPH THIS TIME AND THE PREVIOUS TIMES WERE ON CITY ROADS ALL GOING BETWEEN 40-60 MPH.

NHTSA ODI #11004847

69,749 miles · May 14, 2017
Engine

RECEIVED A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAULT CODE THAT CAME UP WAS PO128 ( INSUFFICIENT AMBIENT TEMPERATURE - ECT ) UPON RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAULT ON THIS VEHICLE. IT IS GENERALLY CAUSED BY A "STICKING" COOLANT THERMOSTAT. THIS CONDITION ALSO RESULTS IN POOR HEATING …

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RECEIVED A "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAULT CODE THAT CAME UP WAS PO128 ( INSUFFICIENT AMBIENT TEMPERATURE - ECT ) UPON RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A COMMON FAULT ON THIS VEHICLE. IT IS GENERALLY CAUSED BY A "STICKING" COOLANT THERMOSTAT. THIS CONDITION ALSO RESULTS IN POOR HEATING POOR HEATING OF THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. IF THIS IS SUCH A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VEHICLE AS I HAVE FOUND. GM SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND CORRECT THE PROBLEM AT NO EXPENSE TO THE OWNER!

NHTSA ODI #10985652

50,900 miles · May 5, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System

FUEL GAUGE IS ERRATIC. AFTER I FILL UP THE TANK, THE FUEL WARNING LIGHT COMES ON, THE GAUGE IS ON EMPTY AND THE MESSAGE "LOW FUEL" DISPLAYS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET AND ON THE HIGHWAY.

NHTSA ODI #10983628

129,872 miles · Mar 29, 2017
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER, FUEL, AND OIL GAUGES FLUCTUATED AND INCORRECTLY REPORTED THE SPEED, FUEL QUANTITY, AND OIL QUANTITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE F…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER, FUEL, AND OIL GAUGES FLUCTUATED AND INCORRECTLY REPORTED THE SPEED, FUEL QUANTITY, AND OIL QUANTITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,872.

NHTSA ODI #10969280

149,000 miles · Feb 21, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I'VE HAD MY 2005 ENVOY FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND HAD MY HEADLIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND FREWAY. ON ONE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY AY NIGHT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT COMPLETELY FOR A FEW SECONDS. I WAS SO SCARED WSS REALLY GLAD FOR NO ONE BEHIND ME OR ON COMING TRAFFIC. ON ANOTHER OCCASSIO…

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I'VE HAD MY 2005 ENVOY FOR A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AND HAD MY HEADLIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND FREWAY. ON ONE OCCASION WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY AY NIGHT THE LIGHTS WENT OUT COMPLETELY FOR A FEW SECONDS. I WAS SO SCARED WSS REALLY GLAD FOR NO ONE BEHIND ME OR ON COMING TRAFFIC. ON ANOTHER OCCASSION I HAD TO PULL OVER ON CITY STREET AS MY LIGHTS WERE GOING ON AND OFF AND I COULD SEE THE CAR AHEAD WAS A COP AND I DIDNT WANT HIM TO THINK I WAS FLASHING FOR HELP ESPECIALLY AT 2 IN THE MORNING. IVE ALSO HAD TO EXIT THE FREEWAY BECAUSE MY LIGHTS STARTED GOING ON AND OFF AND ON AND WASNT SURE IF THEY WOULD JUST GO OUT COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND SINCE IT WAS NIGHT TIME I DIDNT WANT TO TAKE THE CHANCE OF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT AND HURTING SOMEONE ELSE OR MYSELF. I HAVE A TEENAGE DAUGHTER AND AM AFRAID TO TRANSPORT HER AND HER FRIENDS IN MY CAR.

NHTSA ODI #10956023

100,000 miles · Sep 23, 2016
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V599000 (VISIBILITY). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10908917

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2016
EngineStructureUnknown Or OtherCrashInjury

I HAD THREE CARS IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. I DID NOT SEE ANY BREAKL LIGHTS AND I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME PUSHING THE OTHER CARS TO HIT EACH OTHER. MY FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BAD ENOUGH TO DAMAGE THE RADIATOR AND DESTROY MY AC UNIT. I'M NOT SURE WHAT ELSE WAS DAMAGED. IT SENT THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME AND MYSELF…

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I HAD THREE CARS IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED. I DID NOT SEE ANY BREAKL LIGHTS AND I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME PUSHING THE OTHER CARS TO HIT EACH OTHER. MY FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BAD ENOUGH TO DAMAGE THE RADIATOR AND DESTROY MY AC UNIT. I'M NOT SURE WHAT ELSE WAS DAMAGED. IT SENT THE PERSON IN FRONT OF ME AND MYSELF TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. " MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ". MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING ON A CITY STREET.

NHTSA ODI #10908300

58,000 miles · Sep 2, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMALLY STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.

NHTSA ODI #10903290

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.