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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

Exterior Lighting complaints

140 reports
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120,000 miles · Aug 11, 2015
Exterior Lighting

THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER TURN OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH NO NOTICE. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED WAS ON LAWNDALE/7 MILE ROAD IN SAGINAW COUNTY MICHIGAN IN JUNE 2014. THE INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE, MOST RECENTLY ON 8/8/15 ON GREENWOOD ROAD IN ALGER MI. THE LOW BEAM LIG…

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THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER TURN OFF WHILE I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH NO NOTICE. THE FIRST TIME THIS OCCURRED WAS ON LAWNDALE/7 MILE ROAD IN SAGINAW COUNTY MICHIGAN IN JUNE 2014. THE INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE, MOST RECENTLY ON 8/8/15 ON GREENWOOD ROAD IN ALGER MI. THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS GO OUT FOR NO REASON AND CANNOT BE TURNED BACK ON. THE HIGH BEAM LIGHTS WILL WORK. THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS WILL LATER TURN ON ON THEIR OWN. IT GENERALLY TAKES SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE THIS HAPPENS. SEVERAL TIMES THIS HAS OCCURRED ON DARK, COUNTY ROADS WHICH INCREASE THE DANGER TO THE OCCUPANTS OF MY VEHICLE AND OTHER PASSENGERS ON THE ROAD. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND THEIR EXECUTIVE OFFICE AND WAS INFORMED THAT WHILE THE ISSUE IS A RECALL FOR THE 2006 MODEL YEAR, BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS BUILT IN JUNE 2005 IT IS NOT COVERED.

NHTSA ODI #10747922

74,000 miles · Aug 8, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel/propulsion System

LIGHTS GO OUT/DIM WHILE DRIVING. NO ADDITIONAL ELECTRICAL ITEMS IN USE-HEATER, AC, GPS, RADIO, CIGARETTE LIGHTER. DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE AFFECTED OR CAUSED BY SPEED, ACCELERATION, DECELERATION. FULE TANK WILL SOMETIMES REGISTER EMPTY WHILE MOSTLY FULL. DO NOT NOTICE PROBLEM DURING DAYLIGHT DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #10747230

117,000 miles · Aug 8, 2015
Exterior Lighting

THE DIM HEADLIGHTS WILL START FLASHING FOR NO APPARANT REASON.

NHTSA ODI #10747195

125,826 miles · Jun 24, 2015
Exterior Lighting

WHILE DRIVING HOME ONE NIGHT AROUND 9:30 PM FROM THE LOCAL WAL-MART, I TURNED OUT ONTO A HIGHWAY/PUBLIC STREET AND MY HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT. THEY WOULD NOT COME BACK ON NO MATTER WHAT I DID. I WENT HOME THINKING MY LIGHTS WERE COMPLETELY OUT BUT WHEN I PULLED INTO MY DRIVE AND HIT THE HIGH BEAMS THEY WORKED JUST FINE. MY LOW BEAM…

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WHILE DRIVING HOME ONE NIGHT AROUND 9:30 PM FROM THE LOCAL WAL-MART, I TURNED OUT ONTO A HIGHWAY/PUBLIC STREET AND MY HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT. THEY WOULD NOT COME BACK ON NO MATTER WHAT I DID. I WENT HOME THINKING MY LIGHTS WERE COMPLETELY OUT BUT WHEN I PULLED INTO MY DRIVE AND HIT THE HIGH BEAMS THEY WORKED JUST FINE. MY LOW BEAMS DID NOT COME BACK ON UNTIL EARLY THE NEXT MORNING. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10730220

108,000 miles · Jun 16, 2015
Exterior LightingFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED THE HEAD LIGHTS AND NOTICED THEY WERE MELTED ON THE INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED THE HEAD LIGHTS AND NOTICED THEY WERE MELTED ON THE INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.

NHTSA ODI #10725588

114,000 miles · Apr 13, 2015
Exterior Lighting

MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY NOW. THEY HAVE GONE OUT INTERMITTENTLY BEFORE, BUT THEY WOULD NOT COME ON AT ALL ON THURSDAY, APRIL 9TH, 2015, AND HAVE NOT COME ON SINCE THEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10705267

160,107 miles · Apr 10, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting

THE HEADLIGHTS WORK THEN SHUT OFF. (ON THE WAY TO WORK IN A DOWNPOUR, NO LESS) DASHBOARD LIGHTS PARTIALLY WORKING. (IF I GO OVER 40 MPG CAN'T TELL WHAT MY SPEED IS) WAS WORKING CORRECTLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS NOW NOTHING. I CHECKED FOR RECALLS AND THERE ARE RECALLS FOR 2006-20XX (NHTSA 14V755000 ) JUST WONDERING, AFTER FINDIN…

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THE HEADLIGHTS WORK THEN SHUT OFF. (ON THE WAY TO WORK IN A DOWNPOUR, NO LESS) DASHBOARD LIGHTS PARTIALLY WORKING. (IF I GO OVER 40 MPG CAN'T TELL WHAT MY SPEED IS) WAS WORKING CORRECTLY FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS NOW NOTHING. I CHECKED FOR RECALLS AND THERE ARE RECALLS FOR 2006-20XX (NHTSA 14V755000 ) JUST WONDERING, AFTER FINDING ON THE INTERNET, NUMEROUS 2005 OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM, WHY THIS MODEL WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS? I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A COMPLAINT ON THE POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM OF THE 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED AND INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ODI #10704878

98,000 miles · Mar 6, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting

MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE HEADLIGHTS WILL MALFUNCTION AND TURN ON AND OFF, AT RANDOM DRIVING SPEEDS UNDER MANY DIFFERENT CONDITIONS. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE TRAILBLAZER EVEN AFTER THIS OCCURRED. JUST NOT AS OFTEN. IF THE HEATER WAS ON WHILE DRIVING AND THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD SHORT THE HEATER WOULD STOP AND THEN TURN BACK …

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MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE HEADLIGHTS WILL MALFUNCTION AND TURN ON AND OFF, AT RANDOM DRIVING SPEEDS UNDER MANY DIFFERENT CONDITIONS. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE TRAILBLAZER EVEN AFTER THIS OCCURRED. JUST NOT AS OFTEN. IF THE HEATER WAS ON WHILE DRIVING AND THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD SHORT THE HEATER WOULD STOP AND THEN TURN BACK ON. THE FAN TURNS ON AT RANDOM, FIRST IT TURNS ON WHEN DRIVING AT RANDOM TIMES. THE FAN WILL TURN ON AT RANDOM TIMES WITH A HIGHER SPEED AND SOUND. I HAVE HAD THE INSPECTION COMPLETED MULTIPLE TIMES WITH A MECHANIC RE-ASSURING THE ISSUE ALTHOUGH IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FREQUENTLY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME DUE TO COMPUTER ERROR AND IS A $500.00 FIX. THIS HAS ALL HAPPENED AND BEEN REPORTED WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM KENDAL MOTORS IN LEWISTON IDAHO. I FIND THAT THE AMOUNT OF WORK TO FIX THIS VEHICLE IS OVERWHELMING AND TO SEE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS UNDER 100.000 MILES IS FINANCIALLY DISTRESSING. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE FUEL PUMP PORTION REMOVED AND FIXED TWICE, I HAD TO PURCHASE A LOCKING CAP. THE STEREO REPEATEDLY JAMS WITH NEW CD'S EVEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10692428

72,000 miles · Feb 2, 2015
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED ON THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED ON THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

NHTSA ODI #10680695

70,000 miles · Jan 26, 2015
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED TO FLASH INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED TO FLASH INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10679024

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.