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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

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

44 reports
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65 miles · Sep 25, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHIFT FUNNY AFTER A LONG ROAD TRIP. IT DID THIS ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY. WE GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND PULLED INTO OUR TOWN AND THE CAR WAS HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING. WE BARELY MADE IT TO OUR HOUSE AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING. WE WENT TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT OVER HEATED LESS …

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ALL OF A SUDDEN THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SHIFT FUNNY AFTER A LONG ROAD TRIP. IT DID THIS ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY. WE GOT OFF THE HIGHWAY AND PULLED INTO OUR TOWN AND THE CAR WAS HAVING PROBLEMS SHIFTING. WE BARELY MADE IT TO OUR HOUSE AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS LEAKING. WE WENT TO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT OVER HEATED LESS THAN A MILE FROM THE HOUSE. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE RADIATOR DETERIORATED AND SENT ANTI-FREEZE INTO THE TRANSMISSION WHICH DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10169173

Mileage unknown · Apr 18, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

WHEN I BROUGHT THIS CAR IT STARTED TO GIVE ME PROBLEMS. WHAT TYPE OF PROBLEMS YOU ASK PROBLEMS WITH THE MOTOR AND INJECTIONS. I CALLED MANY TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP I TALKED TO A GUY NAMED HENRY PALACIOS AND HE NEVER GAVE ME A SOLUTION TO MY PROBLEM. I HAD FULL COVER ON MY VEHICLE BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT IT DIDN'T COVER THE PROBLE…

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WHEN I BROUGHT THIS CAR IT STARTED TO GIVE ME PROBLEMS. WHAT TYPE OF PROBLEMS YOU ASK PROBLEMS WITH THE MOTOR AND INJECTIONS. I CALLED MANY TIMES TO THE DEALERSHIP I TALKED TO A GUY NAMED HENRY PALACIOS AND HE NEVER GAVE ME A SOLUTION TO MY PROBLEM. I HAD FULL COVER ON MY VEHICLE BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT IT DIDN'T COVER THE PROBLEMS THAT MY CAR HAD. THE SAME DATE THAT I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE I WENT OUT OF TOWN AND THE CAR COMPLETELY STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10155627

Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicCrash

MY CHEVY TRAILBLAZER 2005 HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS NOT MUCH AFTER OF LEASING THE SUV ON 3/25/05. NOT SURE WHAT DAY WAS WHEN I GOT INTO THE ACCIDENT IN AUGUST BUT IT WAS CAUSE DO TO THE BRAKES. WHEN BACKING UP, I HIT INTO MY BROTHER'S TRUCK AND I COULDN'T STOP SO I KEPT ON SMASHING MORE INTO MY BROTHER'S TRUCK. NOT LATELY I AM…

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MY CHEVY TRAILBLAZER 2005 HAS BEEN GIVING ME PROBLEMS NOT MUCH AFTER OF LEASING THE SUV ON 3/25/05. NOT SURE WHAT DAY WAS WHEN I GOT INTO THE ACCIDENT IN AUGUST BUT IT WAS CAUSE DO TO THE BRAKES. WHEN BACKING UP, I HIT INTO MY BROTHER'S TRUCK AND I COULDN'T STOP SO I KEPT ON SMASHING MORE INTO MY BROTHER'S TRUCK. NOT LATELY I AM HAVING ELETRICAL PROBLEMS TOO. MY ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND WHEN IT DOES THE WHOLE SUV SHAKES BADLY. DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE HAPPENING. I JUST WANT TO GET OUT OF THIS LEASE AND LIVE! *NM

NHTSA ODI #10142483

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingInjury

DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TAIL PIPE IS TO SHARP ON THE 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONSUMER'SSON HAD FELL AND SLID UNDER THE TRUCK AND CUT HIS LEG ON THE TAIL PIPE. HE HAD 18 STITCHES IN HIS LEG. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED GM ABOUT THE DESIGN OF THE TAIL PIPE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED , AND THEY TOLD HI…

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DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TAIL PIPE IS TO SHARP ON THE 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONSUMER'SSON HAD FELL AND SLID UNDER THE TRUCK AND CUT HIS LEG ON THE TAIL PIPE. HE HAD 18 STITCHES IN HIS LEG. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT CONTACTED GM ABOUT THE DESIGN OF THE TAIL PIPE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN CONTACTED , AND THEY TOLD HIM TO LOOK IN THE BACK OF THE OWNER'S MANUAL AND CALL THEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10138682

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.