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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

Electrical System complaints

617 reports
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35,500 miles · Aug 2, 2010
Electrical System

THE SPEEDOMETER HAS FAILED AND IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR YEARS IN MANY CHEVY MODELS ESPECIALLY THE TRAILBLAZER. THEY WANT 800 DOLLARS TO FIX IT. ONLY HAVE 38900 MILES ON MY 2005. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10346859

70,000 miles · Jul 28, 2010
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE OIL GAUGE FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THE SPEED CONTROL SENOR HAD FAILED AND THE FAILURE WAS COMMON BUT WAS NOT RECALLED. IN ADDITION, THE SPEED CONTROL SENSOR ALSO CONTROLLED THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH NO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE OIL GAUGE FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THE SPEED CONTROL SENOR HAD FAILED AND THE FAILURE WAS COMMON BUT WAS NOT RECALLED. IN ADDITION, THE SPEED CONTROL SENSOR ALSO CONTROLLED THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED WITH NOT BEING ABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE OIL PRESSURE WAS DROPPING IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

NHTSA ODI #10345901

50,000 miles · Jul 22, 2010
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I REACHED 55,000 MILES ON MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAIZER. NOW, MY SPEEDOMETER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IT STICKS AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT EVEN MOVE OFF THE 0MPH. BETTER YET, MY HEAD LIGHTS ARE RANDOMLY TURNING OFF. THIS OCCURS AT LEAST ONE A DAY. I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND HOW CHEVY CAN TELL ME THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. UNFORTUNA…

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I REACHED 55,000 MILES ON MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAIZER. NOW, MY SPEEDOMETER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IT STICKS AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT EVEN MOVE OFF THE 0MPH. BETTER YET, MY HEAD LIGHTS ARE RANDOMLY TURNING OFF. THIS OCCURS AT LEAST ONE A DAY. I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND HOW CHEVY CAN TELL ME THIS IS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE. UNFORTUNATELY, I DO NOT LIVE IN A PLACE THAT HAST DAY LIGHT 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK AND AM FORCED TO DRIVE DURING THE NIGHT HOURS. IF MY LIGHTS ARE OUT AND AN ACCIDENT IS CAUSED, I WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. I'M SURE I WILL EVENTUALLYG ET PULLED OVER BY THE POLICE, IT'S JUST I HAVE BEEN LUCKY SO FAR. WHAT DO I EXPLAIN TO THE OFFICER, "SORRY MY LIGHTS ARE OUT AND NO, I DO NOT KNOW HOW FAST I WAS GOING?" THIS IS A JOKE! THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS POSTED ALL OVER THE INTERNET , YET CHEVY WILL NOT ADMIT TO THIS "CLUSTER" ISSUE BEING RELATED TO SAFETY? SO WHEN I GET TICKETS FROM THE POLICE, FAIL MY MASSACHUSETTS STATE INSPECTION AND MAYBE CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, DO I FORWARD ALL BILLS TO CHEVY? AND IF A LIFE IS LOST, HOW ARE THEY GOING TO RELACE THAT? WHY CAN'T THEY JUST RECALL THIS ISSUE BEFORE THIS HAPPENS, IF IT HASN'T ALREADY HAPPENED YET? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10344677

56,000 miles · Jul 22, 2010
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10344637

73,528 miles · Jul 20, 2010
Electrical System

THE SPEEDOMETER COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING AND NOW THE OIL GAUGE IS ALSO NOT WORKING. THIS IS DANGEROUS FOR ME AND MY CHILDREN SINCE I DO NOT KNOW HOW FAST OR SLOW I AM DRIVING. IT WILL COST AROUND $500 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10344234

Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2010
Electrical System

MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAS A MALFUNCTIONING SPEEDOMETER. IT RANDOMLY GOES UP TO VARIOUS SPEEDS AND SOMETIMES NO SPEED AT ALL, MEANING IT HANGS BETWEEN 120 AND 0. THIS PROBLEM USUALLY OCCURS TWO OR THREE TIMES A MONTH. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE AT TIMES I AM GUESSING MY SPEED AND MY CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS IN THE CAR…

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MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAS A MALFUNCTIONING SPEEDOMETER. IT RANDOMLY GOES UP TO VARIOUS SPEEDS AND SOMETIMES NO SPEED AT ALL, MEANING IT HANGS BETWEEN 120 AND 0. THIS PROBLEM USUALLY OCCURS TWO OR THREE TIMES A MONTH. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE AT TIMES I AM GUESSING MY SPEED AND MY CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS IN THE CAR WITH ME. CHEVROLET/GMC SHOULD HAVE ALREADY RECALLED THIS A LONG TIME AGO. THEY KNOW IT IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH ITS CONSUMERS, SO HOW CAN THEY NOT FIX SOMETHING THAT IS THEIR FAULT? I DON'T THINK THE BUYERS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING $500 OR MORE OUT OF POCKET TO FIX SOMETHING THAT IS HAPPENING TO EVERYONE'S VEHICLE. THAT IS NOT RIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10344173

50,000 miles · Jul 18, 2010
Electrical System

I'VE SEEN THE OTHER LISTINGS ALSO DESCRIBING THIS COMPLAINT, SAME SYMPTOMS. WITHOUT NOTICE, SPEEDOMETER WILL CEASE TO WORK CORRECTLY, SO YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOUR ACTUAL TRAVELING SPEED IT. THIS IS AN IMMENSE SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE SHARED MY CONCERNS WITH MY LAWYER AND IF A RECALL IS NOT ISSUED TO ALL THE CHEVY TRAILBLAZER OWNER…

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I'VE SEEN THE OTHER LISTINGS ALSO DESCRIBING THIS COMPLAINT, SAME SYMPTOMS. WITHOUT NOTICE, SPEEDOMETER WILL CEASE TO WORK CORRECTLY, SO YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOUR ACTUAL TRAVELING SPEED IT. THIS IS AN IMMENSE SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE SHARED MY CONCERNS WITH MY LAWYER AND IF A RECALL IS NOT ISSUED TO ALL THE CHEVY TRAILBLAZER OWNERS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT WILL COSTS GM MUCH MORE MONEY THAN A RECALL. IN JUST ONE GOOGLE SEARCH MANY COMPLAINTS WERE FOUND. EXAMPLE: [XXX] , AL, USA 2010FEB 12 TRAILBLAZER 3.2L V6 IT'S VERY HARD TO DRIVE A CAR WITHOUT THE SPEEDOMETER WORKING. I AM AFRAID THAT I COULD GET A SPEEDING TICKET AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ONE. MY SPEED SHOWS I AM DOING 120 MPH WHEN I START MY CAR. THIS IS A PAIN IN THE BUTT. I HAVE A 2005 TRAILBLAZER THE SPEEDOMETER WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. I HAVE OWNED BLAZERS SINCE 1984. I CAN'T BELIEVE CHEVY WONT BACK UP THE CONSUMER. IT WILL BE THE LAST CHEVY I EVER OWN.[XXX]WEST MONROE, NY, USA 2009DEC 15 TRAILBLAZER LS V6 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 61,000 MILES I WAS A CHEVY MAN INTIL I BOUGHT A 2005 TRAILBLAZER, NOW CHEVY CAN KISS MY [XXX]. HOW IN THE [XXX] DOES YOUR INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GO OUT AT 60,000 MILES AND ITS NOT ON RECALL AND TO TOP IT OFF ALL OF THE OTHER CHEVY'S SUV AND SOME OF THEIR TRUCKS ARE ON RECALL FOR THE VERY SAME THING? TELL ME PLEASE TELL ME THAT THAT IS NOT A BUNCH OF BULL. I WILL NEVER BY ANOTHER CHEVY AGAIN. ITS SAID THAT MY 96 DODGE DAKOTA RUNS BETTER THAN MY 2005 CHEVY. GO DODGE YOU CAN'T GO WRONG WITH THEM. SO NOW I'M A DODGE MAN, GOOD JOB CHEVY NORMANM FORT LEONARD WOOD, MO, USA 2010FEB 01 TRAILBLAZER SE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 89,000 MILES HAS ANYONE HEARD WHERE CHEVY STANDS ON THE ISSUE. I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS 450.00 TO FIX CHEVY SHOULD FIX [XXX] MI, USA 2010JAN 27 YOU REALLY NEED TO SEE THIS AS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SET FORTH A CONSEQUENCE OF RECALL TO GM TO FIX ALL THESE BOGUS SPEEDOMETERS. [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10343870

98,970 miles · Jul 11, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

FUEL SENDING UNIT FAILING. MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS POSTED ONLINE CONCERNING THE REPEATED FAILURE OF THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. GAUGE NEEDLE MOVES UP AND DOWN AND PRIMARILY REGISTERS EMPTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10342513

59,000 miles · Jul 4, 2010
Electrical System

CLUSTER PANEL GONE BAD. SPEEDOMETER WAS SHOWING 21 MPH WHILE I WAS STOPPED. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED WITH THE CLUSTER PANEL BEING BAD. GM HAS HAD OTHER RECALLS FOR SIMILAR PART AND THIS SHOULD BE NO EXCEPTION. 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER 59,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10341416

77,200 miles · Jun 29, 2010
Electrical System

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER (77,000) MILES. THE SPEEDOMETER AND TAC HAS GONE HAYWIRE. WE HAD A VERY WARM DAY AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE POINTER WAS AT 6:00 O CLOCK WHEN I STOP IT SHOWS THAT THE CAR IS GOING 110 MILES PER HOUR. MY TAC IS ALSO GOING WACKO. I HAVE BEEN READING THAT MAY OTHERS WITH TRAILBLAZERS HAVE THE …

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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER (77,000) MILES. THE SPEEDOMETER AND TAC HAS GONE HAYWIRE. WE HAD A VERY WARM DAY AND WHEN I STARTED THE CAR THE POINTER WAS AT 6:00 O CLOCK WHEN I STOP IT SHOWS THAT THE CAR IS GOING 110 MILES PER HOUR. MY TAC IS ALSO GOING WACKO. I HAVE BEEN READING THAT MAY OTHERS WITH TRAILBLAZERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I CALLED GM AND THEY TOLD ME THEY DID HAVE A RECALL ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WITH OTHER VEHICLES BUT NOT THE CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. THEY GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER[XXX] . THE APPROX COST FOR REPAIR IS $550.00. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10340667

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.