IllustrationTHE SPEEDOMETER WON'T GO BACK TO ZERO AND STICKS MAKING IT LOOK LIKE YOU ARE GOING 90-120 MPH. IT COST $450 TO GET THE CLUSTER PANEL REPLACED AND SHOULD BE UNDER THE RECALL ALONG WITH THE CHEVROLET TRUCKS. *TR
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Trailblazer 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
950–25K
18325–50K
37350–75K
28875–100K
224100–150K
57150K+
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
Electrical System complaints
617 reportsSINCE JUNE 2010, THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAS NOT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. REGARDLESS OF THE ACTUAL FUEL LEVEL, IT READS AT 1/4 TANK OR BELOW, WHICH CAUSES ME TO RELY ON MY TRIP ODOMETER TO ESTIMATE MY CURRENT FUEL LEVELS. I HAVE CHECKED WITH THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS, AND THEY ARE CHARGING BETWEEN $50…
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SINCE JUNE 2010, THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAS NOT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY. REGARDLESS OF THE ACTUAL FUEL LEVEL, IT READS AT 1/4 TANK OR BELOW, WHICH CAUSES ME TO RELY ON MY TRIP ODOMETER TO ESTIMATE MY CURRENT FUEL LEVELS. I HAVE CHECKED WITH THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS, AND THEY ARE CHARGING BETWEEN $500 - $800 TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM! AS THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF TWO GM VEHICLES AND THE DAUGHTER AND GRANDDAUGHTER OF GENERAL MOTORS RETIREES', I AM SORELY DISAPPOINTED IN GENERAL MOTORS REFUSAL TO ADMIT THE FAILURE OF THE FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM THAT HAS AFFECTED THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES.
MY RPM GAUGES STARTED MESSING UP NEED MY SPEEDOMETER STARTED NEXT. THEY STARTED STICKING AND JUMPING UP. MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER ONLY HAS 47,000 MILES ON IT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON ALL THE TIME. HAS BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY SO I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT IT GOING ON WITH IT!
2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER, THE SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING AND ALSO THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTIONED AND NO LONGER DISPLAY THE CORRECT INFORMATION. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED BY THE DEALER BUT NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAI…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTIONED AND NO LONGER DISPLAY THE CORRECT INFORMATION. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED BY THE DEALER BUT NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
SPEED-O-METER ERRATIC AND DOES NOT REGISTER PROPERLY. SOMETIMES DOES NOT WORK AT ALL. HAS RESULTED IN BEING STOPPED AND TICKETED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT FOR SPEEDING. *TR
I BOUGHT A TRAILBLAZER 2005 THE HEATER RESISTER WIRE HARNESS HAS MELTED WIRES,AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD STICK AFTER 20 MILES OF DRIVING. HAD NO IDEA HOW FAST I WAS GOING AND THE MELTED WIRES ARE PLAIN DANGEROUS. I'VE READ MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THEM. I WAS DOING OVE…
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I BOUGHT A TRAILBLAZER 2005 THE HEATER RESISTER WIRE HARNESS HAS MELTED WIRES,AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD STICK AFTER 20 MILES OF DRIVING. HAD NO IDEA HOW FAST I WAS GOING AND THE MELTED WIRES ARE PLAIN DANGEROUS. I'VE READ MANY MANY COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS YET NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT THEM. I WAS DOING OVER 100 MPH BEFORE I REALIZED THE SPEEDOMETER WASN'T READING CORRECTLY IT SAID 72 MPH. I'VE READ MANY PEOPLE SMELL SMOKE WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS MELTS. COULD EASILY START A FIRE .. BOTH SEEM VERY DANGEROUS TO ME AND I CANT BELIEVE THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED THEM YET..ARE WE WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO GET KILLED FIRST?? I'VE NEVER FILED A COMPLAINT LIKE THIS BEFORE AND I HAVE NO IDEA IF IT HELPS,BUT I NEEDED TO TRY SOMETHING. THANK YOU *TR
WE JUST PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS 4WD, WE HAVE HAD IT FOR FOUR DAYS AND TODAY THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING, IT HAS WOUND ALL THE WAY AROUND, WE PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR IN THE ATTEMPT TO RESET IT. WE HAD TO DRIVE ALL THE WAY HOME WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO TELL AT WHAT SPEED WE WERE DRIVING, WHICH IS HI…
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WE JUST PURCHASED A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS 4WD, WE HAVE HAD IT FOR FOUR DAYS AND TODAY THE SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING, IT HAS WOUND ALL THE WAY AROUND, WE PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR IN THE ATTEMPT TO RESET IT. WE HAD TO DRIVE ALL THE WAY HOME WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO TELL AT WHAT SPEED WE WERE DRIVING, WHICH IS HIGHLY UNSAFE. IN MY BELIEF THIS IS MISLEADING INFORMATION, BY NOT KNOWING HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING. *TR
OVER THE PAST YEAR I HAVE A VARIETY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY BLAZER. THE GAS GAUGE HAS STOPPED WORKING, INDICATING THAT IT IS LOW ON FUEL OR EMPTY AND MY SPEEDOMETER IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. I HAVE HAD TO PUSH ALL THE WAY ON THE GAS PEDAL AT TIMES TO GET THE CAR TO GO. VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN MERGING ONTO HIGHWAYS/FR…
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OVER THE PAST YEAR I HAVE A VARIETY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH MY BLAZER. THE GAS GAUGE HAS STOPPED WORKING, INDICATING THAT IT IS LOW ON FUEL OR EMPTY AND MY SPEEDOMETER IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. I HAVE HAD TO PUSH ALL THE WAY ON THE GAS PEDAL AT TIMES TO GET THE CAR TO GO. VERY DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN MERGING ONTO HIGHWAYS/FREEWAYS. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY AGAIN! *TR
MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. THIS STARTED AS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO CORRELATION BETWEEN OUTSIDE TEMPS AND WHEN IT WORKS. WHEN IT DOES WORK IT DISPLAYS INACCURATE SPEEDS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A CONSISTENT PROBLEM IN 2005 TRAILBLAZERS BASED A AN IN…
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MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. THIS STARTED AS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM AND HAS PROGRESSIVELY GOTTEN WORSE. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO CORRELATION BETWEEN OUTSIDE TEMPS AND WHEN IT WORKS. WHEN IT DOES WORK IT DISPLAYS INACCURATE SPEEDS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A CONSISTENT PROBLEM IN 2005 TRAILBLAZERS BASED A AN INTERNET SEARCH FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. *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.