IllustrationFuel gauge intermittently reports empty when vehicle was just fully filled with fuel
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
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
95 reportsMY 15 YR OLD DRIVER IN TRAINING,, was leaving town with myself and her father the engine just stopped running causing us to lose all movement of car had to coast to the side of highway { busy with semis} had to call tow truck to come get it ,, it wouldn't start after trying a few times . and also the seat belts lock tight an…
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MY 15 YR OLD DRIVER IN TRAINING,, was leaving town with myself and her father the engine just stopped running causing us to lose all movement of car had to coast to the side of highway { busy with semis} had to call tow truck to come get it ,, it wouldn't start after trying a few times . and also the seat belts lock tight and will not give when pulled on them leaving you strapped tight in the seat you have to unhook them to release them .. very uncomfortable when you traveling
FUEL GAUGE DROPS TO EMPTY CONSTANTLY, EVEN WHERE THERE IS HALF A TANK. ONLY 5-10% OF THE TIME IT SHOWS HOW MUCH FUEL THERE REALLY IS. THIS HAPPENS WHILE TRAVELING AND WHILE STOPPED.
THE GAS GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY EVEN AFTER THE TANK IS FILLED. OTHER 2005 TRAILBLAZER MODELS HAVE HAD A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE REGARDING THE GAS GAUGE AND SENSOR BUT MY MODEL DID NOT. IT ALSO CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AFTER PUTTING FUEL IN THE GAS TANK. THE GAS GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY AT ALL TIMES ( WHEN YOUR MOVING, AND STATIO…
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THE GAS GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY EVEN AFTER THE TANK IS FILLED. OTHER 2005 TRAILBLAZER MODELS HAVE HAD A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE REGARDING THE GAS GAUGE AND SENSOR BUT MY MODEL DID NOT. IT ALSO CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AFTER PUTTING FUEL IN THE GAS TANK. THE GAS GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY AT ALL TIMES ( WHEN YOUR MOVING, AND STATIONARY). NOT ACCURATELY KNOWING HOW MUCH GAS IS THE VEHICLE CAN CAUSE YOU TO STALL OUT WHILE ON CITY STREETS OR ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING 60 MPH.
MY GAS GAUGE IS SITTING ON BOTTOM INSTEAD OF TOP WHERE IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IN MY CAR. AN I HAVE 2 SMALL KIDS AN ONE HAS A HEART CONDITION. AN I'M ON A FIXED INCOME. AN ALSO MY HEAD LIGHTS GO OFF AN ON ALL THE TIME DAY OR NIGHT. *TR
THE VEHICLE HAS AN IDLE ISSUE AND CUTS OFF ONCE YOU TURN THE AC ON. I HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY OVER TIME AND I READ I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THAT ISSUE.
I HAVE A 2005 TB LS, AND IT'S A POS. AS SOON AS I DROVE OFF THE LOT I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES. MY BRAKES PULSATE, GO TO THE FLOOR, GET STIFF AS A BOARD, BASICALLY THEY DON'T WORK. I HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES QUICKLY IN AN EFFORT TO AVOID A CRASH. I FILLED THE GAS TANK TO FULL, HUGE MISTAKE. THE MOMENT I DID THAT THE CHECK ENGINE…
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I HAVE A 2005 TB LS, AND IT'S A POS. AS SOON AS I DROVE OFF THE LOT I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT ISSUES. MY BRAKES PULSATE, GO TO THE FLOOR, GET STIFF AS A BOARD, BASICALLY THEY DON'T WORK. I HAVE TO PUMP THE BRAKES QUICKLY IN AN EFFORT TO AVOID A CRASH. I FILLED THE GAS TANK TO FULL, HUGE MISTAKE. THE MOMENT I DID THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS FLASHED AND SPORADIC IDLING. IT HAS A LOUD WHINE UNDER THE HOOD, FRONT TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD FLASHER RANDOMLY STOPPED WORKING. CAR WILL DIE IF I RUN THE A/C FOR MORE THEN 15 MINS. IT WILL PULL TO EITHER SIDE WHEN I APPLY MY BRAKES. I HAVE ALWAYS KEPT UP WITH PROPER MAINTENANCE, TUNE UP, ETC. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE, THAT SO MANY HAVE THE SAME [XXX] ISSUES AND YET CHEVY WILL NOT RECOGNIZE/TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OBVIOUS FLAWS AND LACK OF MECHANICAL KNOWLEDGE..I JUST WANT OUT OF THIS [XXX] LEASE AND A REPLACEMENT CAR!!! PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
I CAN'T TELL IF MY TANK IS FULL OR EMPTY
MY SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING MY GAS GAIGE STOPPED WORKING AND MY ODOMETER WENT OUT CANT SEE THE MILELAGE AND I DONT KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE TAKE,AND THE SPEED IS MOT WORKING.I REMEMBER A RECALL AWHILE AGO IF YOU HAD THE PROBLEM THEY SAID AND I DIDNT AT THAT TIME I THINK IT WAS 2011
THE GAS GAUGE STAYS ON EMPTY EVERY ONCE INAWHILE IT WILL MOVE BUT GOES RIGHT BACK TO E
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.