Illustration2005 TRAILBLAZER ALTERNATOR VOLTAGE DIPS ALOT AS YOU DRIVE. RADIO DOES NOT WORK UNLESS IT IS 100DEG, THEN ONLY ONE SPEAKER WORKS. GAS GAUGE READS EMPTY AFTER I FILLED UP. IGNITION IS VERY HARD TO TURN, YOU HAVE TO KEEP INSERTING AND REMOVING KEY UNTIL IT FREES ITSELF. *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 reportsBURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE A/C. SPEED 4 AND 5 BOTH QUIT AND NOW THE WHOLE THING HAS STOPPED WORKING. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD TIME IS HAS BEEN REPLACED AND THE DEALER I TAKE IT TO TELL ME THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZERS. BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR IS BURNT OUT AND THE HARNESS (WHICH WOULD COST ABOUT $200). THEY …
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BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE A/C. SPEED 4 AND 5 BOTH QUIT AND NOW THE WHOLE THING HAS STOPPED WORKING. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD TIME IS HAS BEEN REPLACED AND THE DEALER I TAKE IT TO TELL ME THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZERS. BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR IS BURNT OUT AND THE HARNESS (WHICH WOULD COST ABOUT $200). THEY SAID THAT THIS WAS ANOTHER COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS CAR MODEL. *TR
SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2005 WAS ACTING UP AND THEN STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER...THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. AND IT IS AMAZING TO ME HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS, AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. MY HUSBAND HAS A 2005 CHEVY IMPALA AND HIS SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING AND HIS GAS GAUGE. WHY IS THIS CONTINUING …
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SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2005 WAS ACTING UP AND THEN STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER...THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. AND IT IS AMAZING TO ME HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS, AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. MY HUSBAND HAS A 2005 CHEVY IMPALA AND HIS SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING AND HIS GAS GAUGE. WHY IS THIS CONTINUING WITH CHEVROLET...SOMEONE NEEDS TO PUT A STOP TO THIS NONSENSE. OH...AND BY THE WAY I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE CLUSTER REPLACED JUST 2 YEARS AGO BECAUSE OF A WINDING NOISE AND THEN A YEAR LATER IT ACTS UP...HMMM...DID THEY REALLY REPLACE IT? TAKE A LOOK AT THIS WEBSITE FOR MORE COMPLAINTS: HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/CHEVROLET/TRAILBLAZER/2005/ELECTRICAL/SPEEDOMETER_GONE_HAYWIRE.SHTML. *TR
MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT 4X4 HAS A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL THAT RUNS THE AC/HEAT FAN. CHEVY ACKNOWLEGED THERE IS AN ISSUE AND HAVE CREATED A SERVICE BULLETIN ON HOW TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. BUT SAY IT IS UP TO THE CAR OWNERS TO PAY FOR THE FIX. THIS HAS CAUSED MY ELECTRICAL WIRES TO MELT TOGETHER AND I CAN SMELL THE SMEL…
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MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT 4X4 HAS A SHORT IN THE ELECTRICAL THAT RUNS THE AC/HEAT FAN. CHEVY ACKNOWLEGED THERE IS AN ISSUE AND HAVE CREATED A SERVICE BULLETIN ON HOW TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. BUT SAY IT IS UP TO THE CAR OWNERS TO PAY FOR THE FIX. THIS HAS CAUSED MY ELECTRICAL WIRES TO MELT TOGETHER AND I CAN SMELL THE SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC ALMOST EVERYTIME I DRIVE THE CAR AND HAVE ON THE HEAT FOR MORE THAN 10 MIN. I AM AFRAID MY CAR IS GOING TO CATCH ON FIRE. *TR
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS AND I HAVE TWO COMPLAINTS REGARDING PART DEFECTS THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. 1. THE SPEEDOMETER STICKS. I CAN BE DRIVING ALONG AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY SPEEDOMETER IS NOT MOVING AT ALL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS BEING THAT I HAVE NO CLUE HOW FAST OR SLOW I'M GOING. 2. THE FUEL LIGHT GAUGE/S…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS AND I HAVE TWO COMPLAINTS REGARDING PART DEFECTS THAT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED. 1. THE SPEEDOMETER STICKS. I CAN BE DRIVING ALONG AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY SPEEDOMETER IS NOT MOVING AT ALL. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS BEING THAT I HAVE NO CLUE HOW FAST OR SLOW I'M GOING. 2. THE FUEL LIGHT GAUGE/SENSOR JUST COMPLETED STOP WORKING. THE GAS NEEDLE DOES NOT MOVE AT ALL, I HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN THE TANK. THIS IS ALSO EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!. I HAVE MANY FRIENDS THAT OWN CHEVY TRAILBLAZERS WHO HAVE ENCOUNTERED THESE SAME ISSUES AND I FEEL THAT CHEVY SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO READ MANY BLOGS ONLINE WHERE TRAILBLAZER OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING OF THE SAME ISSUES SO THIS IS CLEARLY A PROBLEM FOR THOUSANDS OF TRAILBLAZER OWNERS. I HOPE THAT THIS COMPLAINT WILL HELP JUMP START AN INVESTIGATION OF THESE DEFECTS, BECAUSE IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM! I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL CHEVY DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT IT WILL BE $1,200 TO FIX THIS ISSUE.. THIS IS OUTRAGES BEING THAT THE PROBLEM IS SOMETHING THAT WAS CAUSED BY CHEVY. *TR
FUEL JUST STOPPED WORKING, DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND HEADLIGHTS START DIMMING GAUGES GO ALL OVER THE BOARD. PUT A NEW BATTERY IN, CHANGED THE ALTERNATOR AND IT CONTINUES TO DO THIS. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON FOR OXYGEN SENSOR HAD THAT REPLACED 1 YEAR AGO NEEDS REPLACED AGAIN. *TR
2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GOING HAYWIRE, SPEEDOMETER SAYING YOU ARE GOING 80MPH WHILE YOU ARE NOT EVEN MOVING. YOU HAVE TO GUESS ON HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING. *TR
FUEL GAUGE STARTED FUNCTIONING ERRATICALLY - WOULD GO FROM EMPTY TO FULL OR JUST START GOING BETWEEN FULL AND EMPTY FLOATING AROUND. EVENTUALLY IT JUST STAYED ON EMPTY EVEN WHEN I HAD JUST FILLED UP. FROM THE TIME THE PROBLEM STARTED TILL IT STOPPED WORKING WAS ONLY A MATTER OF WEEKS. NOW MY OIL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING ALSO. *TR
SPEEDOMETER SUDDENLY QUIT. AND WILL NOT READ OVER 25 MPH. LUCKILY CRUISE WAS SET SO I KNOW MY SPEED. ODOMETER STILL COUNTS CORRECTLY. ESTIMATES FOR REPLACEMENT OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ARE %500 AND UP. THIS IS A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE WITH OVER 1000 COMPLAINTS. *TR
2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER...SPEED/GAS/OIL/BASICALLY ALL GAUGES ARE MESSED UP...I SEE ONLINE THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS AS TO THIS ISSUE...THIS CAUSES A SAFETY ISSUE FOR MY KIDS AND MYSELF...IF I CAN'T DEPEND ON MY GAUGES THEN WHAT DO I DO... *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.