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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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Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2009
Electrical System

ON OR ABOUT JULY 20TH, 2008 THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NOT COME ON ONCE TURNING THE KEY TO ACC, OR STARTING THE TRUCK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLICKERS WHEN STARTING AND WITHIN 10 SECONDS TURNS OFF. AT NO POINT IN TIME WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR DISTANCE WILL THE INSTRUMENT GAUGES OR LIGHTS COME ON. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS…

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ON OR ABOUT JULY 20TH, 2008 THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NOT COME ON ONCE TURNING THE KEY TO ACC, OR STARTING THE TRUCK. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLICKERS WHEN STARTING AND WITHIN 10 SECONDS TURNS OFF. AT NO POINT IN TIME WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR DISTANCE WILL THE INSTRUMENT GAUGES OR LIGHTS COME ON. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE FIXED IN ORDER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE PASS INSPECTION, AS THIS IS A FAULTY SYSTEM DUE TO THE MANUFACTURER AND NOT OPERATOR ERROR OR ABUSE THE FINANCIAL BURDEN SHOULD REST ON THE MAKER AND NOT THE END USER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10264201

55,000 miles · Mar 27, 2009
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10263237

68,000 miles · Mar 26, 2009
Electrical System

I OWN A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND THE SPEEDOMETER IS 10 TO 50 MPH FASTER THAN I AM ACTUALLY TRAVELING AND SOME TIMES IS SLOWER THAN ACTUAL SPEED TRAVELING. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THANKSGIVING 2008 ON LONG TRIPS. IN THE BEGINNING IT WOULD CORRECT ITSELF AND WORK PROPERLY TILL IT WAS ON A TRIP AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS THEN GO CR…

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I OWN A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND THE SPEEDOMETER IS 10 TO 50 MPH FASTER THAN I AM ACTUALLY TRAVELING AND SOME TIMES IS SLOWER THAN ACTUAL SPEED TRAVELING. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THANKSGIVING 2008 ON LONG TRIPS. IN THE BEGINNING IT WOULD CORRECT ITSELF AND WORK PROPERLY TILL IT WAS ON A TRIP AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS THEN GO CRAZY. NOW THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK FROM TIME TO TIME AND SPEEDOMETER NEVER GOES BACK TO ZERO IT STOPS AROUND 40 TO 60 MPH SITTING STILL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10263140

83,000 miles · Mar 24, 2009
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYS INACCURATE READINGS. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT WAS REFERRED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYS INACCURATE READINGS. HE IS IN THE PROCESS OF TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER, BUT WAS REFERRED BACK TO THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 83,000.

NHTSA ODI #10262886

31,000 miles · Mar 23, 2009
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER HAS STOPPED WORKING IN MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. VEHICLE HAS 31,000 MILES ON IT AND WILL READ THAT I AM GOING 120MPH WHEN IN FACT I AM NOT MOVING. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I AM TRAVELING AT ANY TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262846

69,400 miles · Mar 23, 2009
Electrical System

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER VIN#, I AM HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE SPEEDOMETER STICKING, NOT WORKING, SHOWING 120 MPH WHEN I AM COMPLETELY STOPPED. I CONTACTED MY GM DEALER & WAS TOLD THAT GM WAS NOT COVERING THE 2005 TRAIL BLAZER, BUT WAS COVERING 2003, 2004 GM TAHOE, SILVERADO & OTHER TRUCKS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM & THE SAME IN…

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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER VIN#, I AM HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE SPEEDOMETER STICKING, NOT WORKING, SHOWING 120 MPH WHEN I AM COMPLETELY STOPPED. I CONTACTED MY GM DEALER & WAS TOLD THAT GM WAS NOT COVERING THE 2005 TRAIL BLAZER, BUT WAS COVERING 2003, 2004 GM TAHOE, SILVERADO & OTHER TRUCKS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM & THE SAME INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL. I CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR A RESOLUTION ON 3-11-09 I TALKED WITH JOE SANDERS. ON 3-12 A DISTRICT SPECIALIST'S CONTACTED ME & ASSIGNED A SERVICE REQUEST NUMBER 71-708713901. ON 3-23-09 I TALKED WITH JENVIVE & SHE INDICATED MY CASE HAD BEEN REVIEWED & DENIED REPAIR BECAUSE GM WAS NOT COVERING THIS ISSUE IN THIS MODEL. SHE SAID TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR & HOLD ONTO RECEIPTS THAT GM MY COVER THE COSTS IN THE FUTURE. I ASKED FOR HER SUPERVISOR & TALKED WITH ERIN MATA & SHE DENIED MY REQUEST FOR GM TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THEY WERE COVERING THE SAME PART PROBLEM IN EARLIER MODELS, BUT NOT IN THE 2005 TRAIL BLAZER. MY COMPLAINT IS THAT GM SHOULD COVER THE ISSUE IN LATER MODELS, WHEN THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE SAME INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANELS. ANY HELP YOU CAN PROVIDE WOULD BE APPRECIATED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262802

76,000 miles · Mar 13, 2009
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED IN HIS VEHICLE AND WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE RESISTANCE PIG TAIL (WIRING HARNESS), THE FUEL PUMP MODULE, AND THE CLUTCH ALSO FAILED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT MUST PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATED…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED IN HIS VEHICLE AND WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE RESISTANCE PIG TAIL (WIRING HARNESS), THE FUEL PUMP MODULE, AND THE CLUTCH ALSO FAILED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT MUST PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND IT CANNOT BE REPAIRED FOR FREE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000. 4/01/09 *NJ THE WATER PUMP, PULLEY AND SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 04/09/09. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10261746

49,000 miles · Mar 8, 2009
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. IT STARTED OUT 4 MONTHS AGO. FIRST IT WOULD STICK, THEN FREE ITSELF AND WORK FINE. NOW IT JUST STAYS AT ZERO. I LIVE IN MONTANA, AND WE HAVE MANY DIRT ROADS. I WAS DRIVING ALONG ONE DIRT ROAD LAST MONTH, AND I THOUGHT I WAS DRIVING AT A SAFE SPEED. A TURN CAME IN THE ROAD, AS I APPROACHED THE T…

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SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING. IT STARTED OUT 4 MONTHS AGO. FIRST IT WOULD STICK, THEN FREE ITSELF AND WORK FINE. NOW IT JUST STAYS AT ZERO. I LIVE IN MONTANA, AND WE HAVE MANY DIRT ROADS. I WAS DRIVING ALONG ONE DIRT ROAD LAST MONTH, AND I THOUGHT I WAS DRIVING AT A SAFE SPEED. A TURN CAME IN THE ROAD, AS I APPROACHED THE TURN, MY VEHICLE STARTED TO FISHTAIL, I ALMOST FLIPPED AND ROLLED DOWN THE HILL ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. I MANAGED TO CORRECT AND CONTINUE ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261092

48,000 miles · Mar 4, 2009
Electrical System

BOUGHT 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER IN MARCH 2008. ABOUT A MONTH AGO THE SPEEDOMETER ACTING UP. I WOULD BE GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD JUST STARTING DECLINING. ONCE I STOPPED AN PUT INTO TO PARK IT WOULD RESET ITSELF. THIS HAPPENED 3-4 TIMES AND THEN TODAY AS I WAS DRIVING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL I WAS GOING MAYBE 30M…

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BOUGHT 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER IN MARCH 2008. ABOUT A MONTH AGO THE SPEEDOMETER ACTING UP. I WOULD BE GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD JUST STARTING DECLINING. ONCE I STOPPED AN PUT INTO TO PARK IT WOULD RESET ITSELF. THIS HAPPENED 3-4 TIMES AND THEN TODAY AS I WAS DRIVING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL I WAS GOING MAYBE 30MPH, JUST PULLED OUT OF DRIVE WAY AND IT SAID I WAS GOING 110 MPH. THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE AND TO FIX THE PROBLEM YOU ARE LOOKING AT $400-$600. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10260741

43,000 miles · Mar 4, 2009
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSeats

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AT LEAST THREE TIMES IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. REPAIRS WERE MADE UNDER WARRANTY; HOWEVER, THE LAST FAILURE WAS THE CONTACT'S LIABILITY. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED AT LEAST THREE TIMES IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. REPAIRS WERE MADE UNDER WARRANTY; HOWEVER, THE LAST FAILURE WAS THE CONTACT'S LIABILITY. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS A PINCHED WIRE ISSUE WITH THAT PARTICULAR YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE THAT COULD AFFECT OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. THE DEALER MADE REPAIRS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN 48 HOURS. THE DEALER FOUND WIRING IN A DIFFERENT AREA THAT FAILED AND SUBSEQUENTLY CAUSED THE FAILURE OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. IN ADDITION, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKERED INTERMITTENTLY, BUT THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WIRING WOULD NOT CAUSE THAT PARTICULAR FAILURE. THE VIN WAS PROVIDED, BUT WAS NOT ACCEPTED BY THE SYSTEM. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 43,000.

NHTSA ODI #10260703

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.