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2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Trailblazer years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer are substantially higher than the model-year median of 87.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

1,220 reports with mileage · 246 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 617 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 435 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 140 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

59 crash reports25 fire reports41 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

70 reports
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168,000 miles · Aug 3, 2026
Air BagsCrashInjury

The contact owned a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle crashed into the rear passenger side of a second vehicle. During the crash, no air bags in the vehicle deployed. The contact sustained neck, shoulders, and back injuries and was transported to the local hospita…

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The contact owned a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle crashed into the rear passenger side of a second vehicle. During the crash, no air bags in the vehicle deployed. The contact sustained neck, shoulders, and back injuries and was transported to the local hospital. A Police report was filed at the scene but was not available. The vehicle was towed to a local towing yard. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000

NHTSA ODI #11754385

Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2025
Air BagsCrash

My airbags didn’t go off in crash

NHTSA ODI #11668390

Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2024
Air BagsCrash

The airbags failed to deploy In a significant collision where hood, radiator, grill/number and both headlights were damaged. GM has been contacted and fail and refuse to do an inspection stating the issue is time barred to 10 years to original warranty of vehicle and are failing to acknowledge manufacturer defect or issue a reca…

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The airbags failed to deploy In a significant collision where hood, radiator, grill/number and both headlights were damaged. GM has been contacted and fail and refuse to do an inspection stating the issue is time barred to 10 years to original warranty of vehicle and are failing to acknowledge manufacturer defect or issue a recall. There were no warning signs/lights prior to notify that the airbags would fail to deploy in an accident. The vehicle has not inspected, even a request has been made on multiple occasions, with getting the runaround and claim closed. The lack of safety puts other drivers/owners of the 2005 Trailblazer and or similar vehicles at risk, at time they will need it the most to find out airbags are defective and will not work. Injuries and lives are at risk only for GM to run a cover up and not stand up to do what is right. Police report number [XXX] Adams Co Sheriff's Office, could not upload. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11578840

186,228 miles · Nov 29, 2023
Air BagsSeat Belts

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the seat belt pretensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…

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The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the seat belt pretensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 186,228.

NHTSA ODI #11557452

205,000 miles · Nov 8, 2022
Air BagsCrashInjury

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated she fell asleep while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle graced two trees, and crashed into the third tree on the front driver-side bumper. The contact stated no air bags were deployed. The contact sustained a fractured rib on her left side, a lesion on her…

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The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated she fell asleep while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle graced two trees, and crashed into the third tree on the front driver-side bumper. The contact stated no air bags were deployed. The contact sustained a fractured rib on her left side, a lesion on her right leg, and a lesion on her chest and abdomen due to the seat belt. The contact did seek medical attention. The police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The police towed the vehicle to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.

NHTSA ODI #11492695

Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2021
Air Bags

My husband was entering the highway and upon acceleration from roughly 35mph to roughly around 50mph (while taking the entrance slight right) all of the air bags deployed

NHTSA ODI #11428570

95,675 miles · Sep 21, 2020
Air Bags

CHECKING FOR RECALLED AIRBAG

NHTSA ODI #11360145

227,000 miles · Sep 30, 2019
Air Bags

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND WHAT AROUND CRAVE . THE SIDE AIRBAGS WHAT OFF. I DO NOT HIT ANY THING OR RUN OVER ANY THING

NHTSA ODI #11265263

117,873 miles · Apr 15, 2019
Air BagsSeat BeltsInjury

LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. ON 4 14 2019 WHILE DRIVING 65MPH ON 101 FREEWAY IN THOUSAND OAKS CALIFORNIA, A PICKUP TRUCK VEERED INTO MY LANE. WHEN I MOVED OVER TO AVOID THE PICKUP BOTH SIDE AIRBAGS WENT OFF WITH A BANG FILLING CAR WITH POWDERY CLOUD. MY LEFT EAR POPPED FROM THE LOUD BANG BUT I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF ON THE SHOULDER. CALLED 9…

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LUCKY TO BE ALIVE. ON 4 14 2019 WHILE DRIVING 65MPH ON 101 FREEWAY IN THOUSAND OAKS CALIFORNIA, A PICKUP TRUCK VEERED INTO MY LANE. WHEN I MOVED OVER TO AVOID THE PICKUP BOTH SIDE AIRBAGS WENT OFF WITH A BANG FILLING CAR WITH POWDERY CLOUD. MY LEFT EAR POPPED FROM THE LOUD BANG BUT I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF ON THE SHOULDER. CALLED 911 AND CA HIGHWAY PATROL CAME OUT AND DID A REPORT. BOTH OFFICERS HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE CAR AND THE CHP TOOK MULTIPLE PICTURES OF THE EXTERIOR. MILAGE ON THE CAR AT TIME OF ACCIDENT WAS 117,873 . CHP CUTAWAY THE AIRBAGS AND MY FATHER CAME OUT AND DROVE IT HOME AND THEN TO AUTO SHOP TO EVALUATE. SEAT BELT ALSO STOPPED WORKING NOW THAT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. REALLY TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE.

NHTSA ODI #11196449

100,090 miles · Jul 30, 2017
Air BagsCrashInjury

AIRBAG DID NOT WORK

NHTSA ODI #11011530

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.