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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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45,300 miles · Dec 30, 2008
Electrical SystemExterior LightingInterior Lighting

MY HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS FLICKER WHILE DRIVING. ALSO WHILE DRIVING MY LIGHTS WILL DIM AND THE BLOWER FOR HEAT & A/C WILL SLOW AND THEN PICK UP TO NORMAL SPEED AGAIN. IT ALSO REVS BY ITSELF, EVEN IN PARK AND WILL GO FORWARD SLIGHTLY WHEN IT DOES SURGE. THESE PROBLEMS ONLY STARTED AFTER THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. I THIN…

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MY HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS FLICKER WHILE DRIVING. ALSO WHILE DRIVING MY LIGHTS WILL DIM AND THE BLOWER FOR HEAT & A/C WILL SLOW AND THEN PICK UP TO NORMAL SPEED AGAIN. IT ALSO REVS BY ITSELF, EVEN IN PARK AND WILL GO FORWARD SLIGHTLY WHEN IT DOES SURGE. THESE PROBLEMS ONLY STARTED AFTER THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. I THINK IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO HAVE LIGHTS FLICKERING AND ENGINE SURGES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10253311

57,540 miles · Dec 30, 2008
Electrical System

SUDDEN SPEEDOMETER FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10253295

67,200 miles · Dec 24, 2008
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER SHOWS WRONG SPEED WHILE DRIVING. IT CORRECTS ITSELF AFTER 2-3 DAYS. USUALLY OCCURS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10252766

69,296 miles · Dec 23, 2008
Electrical System

MY SPEEDOMETER IS NOT READING TO CORRECT SPEED ON THE CHEVY TRAILBLAZER FROM 2005. IT IS UP AND DOWN AND WHEN PARKED COULD BE AT ZERO OR 15 MPH...IT IS ALWAYS CHANGING. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU ARE ON THE HIGHWAY OR TRYING WATCH YOUR SPEED IN A NEIGHBORHOOD. I HAVE SEEN LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IT SHOULD…

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MY SPEEDOMETER IS NOT READING TO CORRECT SPEED ON THE CHEVY TRAILBLAZER FROM 2005. IT IS UP AND DOWN AND WHEN PARKED COULD BE AT ZERO OR 15 MPH...IT IS ALWAYS CHANGING. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF YOU ARE ON THE HIGHWAY OR TRYING WATCH YOUR SPEED IN A NEIGHBORHOOD. I HAVE SEEN LOTS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. IT SHOULD BE FIXED BY GM SINCE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I AM TAKING THIS BACK TO THE DEALER TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO, BUT I PROBABLY CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX IT ANY TIME SOON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10252661

70,000 miles · Dec 14, 2008
Electrical System

HEADLIGHTS, DASHLIGHT DIM, BATTERY GAUGE JUMP. THE HEADLIGHTS, DASHLIGHTS AND ALL POWER DIMS OR CUTS OUT WHEN LETTING OFF THE GAS. WHEN IN THE GAS IT WORKS FIN. WHEN I LET OFF EVERYTHING STARTS DIMMING AND CUTTING OUT. AT NIGHT TIME PEOPLE IN FRONT OF ME THINK I'M WANTING THEM TO PULL OVER BECAUSE THE LIGHT FLASH LIKE A POLICE C…

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HEADLIGHTS, DASHLIGHT DIM, BATTERY GAUGE JUMP. THE HEADLIGHTS, DASHLIGHTS AND ALL POWER DIMS OR CUTS OUT WHEN LETTING OFF THE GAS. WHEN IN THE GAS IT WORKS FIN. WHEN I LET OFF EVERYTHING STARTS DIMMING AND CUTTING OUT. AT NIGHT TIME PEOPLE IN FRONT OF ME THINK I'M WANTING THEM TO PULL OVER BECAUSE THE LIGHT FLASH LIKE A POLICE CARS WOULD. I SEE MANY OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS IN MSG BOARDS AND THE DEALERSHIPS KNOW OF THE PROBLEM BUT HAVE NO FIX. THEY TELL YOU TO DEAL WITH IT. I THINK ITS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE AND NEED TO BE ADDRESSES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10251731

33,258 miles · Dec 12, 2008
Electrical System

I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER AND SUDDENLY THE SPEEDOMETER BEGAN STICKING, AND NOT WORKING, THEN WORKING AGAIN. UNFORTUNATELY WHEN IT DOES WORK, IT DOES NOT TELL YOU THE CORRECT SPEED THAT YOU ARE TRAVELING AT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED TO GENERAL MOTORS. IT CONTINUOUSLY WORKS THEN STOP, …

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I RECENTLY BOUGHT A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER AND SUDDENLY THE SPEEDOMETER BEGAN STICKING, AND NOT WORKING, THEN WORKING AGAIN. UNFORTUNATELY WHEN IT DOES WORK, IT DOES NOT TELL YOU THE CORRECT SPEED THAT YOU ARE TRAVELING AT. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED TO GENERAL MOTORS. IT CONTINUOUSLY WORKS THEN STOP, AND DISPLAYS INACCURATE SPEEDS. LOOKING AT THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE THERE ARE NUMEROUS PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10251575

200 miles · Dec 10, 2008
Electrical System

THE HEADLIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS AND DOME LIGHTS ALL FLICKER INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE NOV 2004 WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK. RECENTLY I'VE NOTICED THE BATTERY GAUGE FLUCTUATE RATHER WILDLY WHEN THIS PROBLEM IS OCCURRING. IN MY CASE, THERE SEEMS TO BE A CONNECTION TO THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE. HOWEVER, GIVEN THE INTE…

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THE HEADLIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS AND DOME LIGHTS ALL FLICKER INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM SINCE NOV 2004 WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK. RECENTLY I'VE NOTICED THE BATTERY GAUGE FLUCTUATE RATHER WILDLY WHEN THIS PROBLEM IS OCCURRING. IN MY CASE, THERE SEEMS TO BE A CONNECTION TO THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE. HOWEVER, GIVEN THE INTERMITTENT NATURE OF THE PROBLEM I CAN'T BE CERTAIN. I HAVE NOTICED THE PROBLEM MORE WHEN THE TEMPS ARE AROUND 35-45F. THE DEALER HAS SEEN THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE PROBLEM AND STILL CAN'T DETERMINE THE ISSUE. THE BIG PROBLEM IS THEY HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE CONDITION. THE TRUCK NOW HAS 75000 MILES AND IS 4 YEARS OLD. THE FLICKERING/FLASHING HAS GOTTEN MUCH WORSE. ON DEC 2, 2008 THE FLICKERING WAS MORE AKIN TO OUTRIGHT FLASHING. OTHER DRIVERS BEING NOTICEABLY AFFECTED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10251278

70,200 miles · Dec 6, 2008
Electrical System

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, MY SPEEDOMETER SUDDENLY WENT TO 90 MPH. I STOPPED AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. AFTERWARDS, THE SPEEDOMETER HAS STEADILY INCREASED TO THE POINT WHERE IT BEGINS AT 100 MPH. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I AM REALLY GOING! I HAVE NOT REPLACED ANY PARTS AS THIS HAPPENED LAST NIGHT. MOREOVER, I UNDER…

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WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, MY SPEEDOMETER SUDDENLY WENT TO 90 MPH. I STOPPED AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. AFTERWARDS, THE SPEEDOMETER HAS STEADILY INCREASED TO THE POINT WHERE IT BEGINS AT 100 MPH. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW FAST I AM REALLY GOING! I HAVE NOT REPLACED ANY PARTS AS THIS HAPPENED LAST NIGHT. MOREOVER, I UNDERSTAND THE COST OF REPAIR TO BE RATHER EXCESSIVE AT ~$500. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10250929

45,000 miles · Dec 3, 2008
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MALFUNCTIONING. SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER AND OIL PRESSURE GAUGES ARE INACCURATE. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE FUEL SENSOR/SENDING UNIT BEFORE VEHICLE REACHED 50,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10250644

80,000 miles · Nov 30, 2008
Electrical System

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. MY SPEEDOMETER HAS FAILED. MY FUEL GAUGE HAD FAILED A FEW MONTHS AGO. MY DOORS LOCK BY THEMSELVES EVEN WHEN YOU ARE OUT OF THE VEHICLE. A COUPLE OF TIMES AWAY ON A TRIP AND LOCKED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. MY LIGHTS FLICKER AT NIGHT TO ALMOST OFF. CHEVROLET SAID THEY DON'T SEE A PROBLEM HOWEVER IF YOU GET ON LINE Y…

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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. MY SPEEDOMETER HAS FAILED. MY FUEL GAUGE HAD FAILED A FEW MONTHS AGO. MY DOORS LOCK BY THEMSELVES EVEN WHEN YOU ARE OUT OF THE VEHICLE. A COUPLE OF TIMES AWAY ON A TRIP AND LOCKED OUT OF THE VEHICLE. MY LIGHTS FLICKER AT NIGHT TO ALMOST OFF. CHEVROLET SAID THEY DON'T SEE A PROBLEM HOWEVER IF YOU GET ON LINE YOU ARE ABLE TO CHECK MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE TRAILBLAZER OF THE SAME SITUATION. WHY DOES THE CONSUMER HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A PRODUCT WITH MANY FAILURES THAT SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10250167

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.