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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

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

435 reports
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86,000 miles · Jun 17, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

IMMEDIATELY AFTER FILLING THE GAS TANK THE GAS GAUGE WENT FROM SHOWING A FULL TANK TO SHOWING EMPTY AND THE GAS LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER A FEW MILES THE GAS GAUGE WAS SHOWING A HALF TANK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10598785

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SHOWS EMPTY WHEN VEHICLE IS FILLED UP, THIS LASTS UNTIL CLOSE TO A QUARTER TANK HAS BEEN USED; FREQUENCY: 100% OF THE TIME. CONTACTED PRIOR OWNER AND HE CONFIRMED IT HAD BEEN DOING IT OFF AND ON SINCE 2 YEAR OF OWNERSHIP BUT DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE. TOOK TO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND…

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MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SHOWS EMPTY WHEN VEHICLE IS FILLED UP, THIS LASTS UNTIL CLOSE TO A QUARTER TANK HAS BEEN USED; FREQUENCY: 100% OF THE TIME. CONTACTED PRIOR OWNER AND HE CONFIRMED IT HAD BEEN DOING IT OFF AND ON SINCE 2 YEAR OF OWNERSHIP BUT DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE. TOOK TO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND WAS TOLD ITS THE FUEL SENDING UNIT, A COMMON PROBLEM IN MY YEAR IN PARTICULAR. VEHICLE ALSO IS BEGINNING TO HAVE ISSUES WITH SHOWING CORRECT FUEL LEFT WHEN IT DROPS BELOW A QUARTER TANK, IT DOES NOT DROP CONSISTENTLY WHICH WOULD LEAD TO MY RUNNING OUT OF GAS IF I TRUSTED IT, TO DATE I FILL BEFORE IT GETS TO A QUARTER TANK TO AVOID THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10595711

2,500 miles · May 27, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE READ FULL AND IT WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES. HOWEVER, THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS NOTHI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE READ FULL AND IT WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES. HOWEVER, THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 41,363.

NHTSA ODI #10594293

48,000 miles · May 22, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR COULD POTENTIALLY FAIL PREMATURELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE CONCERN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 08/14/14*LJ UPDATED 8/29/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10593422

94,000 miles · Apr 28, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

MY FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY AFTER I FILL THE TANK WITH FUEL. AFTER DRIVING SOME DURATION OF TIME THE TANK WILL ONLY READ A QUARTER OF A TANK FULL. I FIND THIS TO BE A HAZARD BECAUSE I TRAVEL FOR LONG DISTANCE TRIPS AND YOU ARE UNABLE TO GET AN ACCURATE READING OF THE AMOUNT OF FUEL THAT IS IN YOUR TANK. I HAVE READ THIS TO BE AN I…

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MY FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY AFTER I FILL THE TANK WITH FUEL. AFTER DRIVING SOME DURATION OF TIME THE TANK WILL ONLY READ A QUARTER OF A TANK FULL. I FIND THIS TO BE A HAZARD BECAUSE I TRAVEL FOR LONG DISTANCE TRIPS AND YOU ARE UNABLE TO GET AN ACCURATE READING OF THE AMOUNT OF FUEL THAT IS IN YOUR TANK. I HAVE READ THIS TO BE AN ISSUE ON MULTIPLE DIFFERENT WEBSITES WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AND I BELIEVE THAT GMC SHOULD OFFER TO PAY FULL PRICE AND FIX THE ISSUE BECAUSE IT APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10585285

111,416 miles · Mar 31, 2014
EngineFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

PROBLEMS WITH MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER STARTED WITH A SERIES OF ENGINE LIGHTS, MISFIRING AND STALLING AT LOW SPEEDS AND UPON ACCELERATION. MY THERMOSTAT HAS BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF TIMES . I DO PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TO KEEP MY CAR IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. I'M A SINGLE PARENT I NEED MY CAR. MY ENTIRE DASHBOARD S…

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PROBLEMS WITH MY 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER STARTED WITH A SERIES OF ENGINE LIGHTS, MISFIRING AND STALLING AT LOW SPEEDS AND UPON ACCELERATION. MY THERMOSTAT HAS BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS AMOUNT OF TIMES . I DO PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE TO KEEP MY CAR IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. I'M A SINGLE PARENT I NEED MY CAR. MY ENTIRE DASHBOARD STOPPED WORKING AFTER GETTING STUCK ON AND OFF. THE FUEL GAUGE WAS LAST TO GO 3 DAYS AGO. I FILL UP MY TANK IT STILL READS EMPTY WITH THE LIGHT. MY TAILGATE DOOR THE LATCH LOCKS UP. I MANUALLY HAVE TO MOVE TO LATCH SO IT CLOSES. MY DOORS STICKING WHEN THE CAR IS UNLOCKED AND IT HARD TO GET OUT THE LOCKS DON'T UNLATCH THE FIRST TIME. MY CAR IS VERY NICE UNTIL U GET IN IT TO SEE EVERYTHING IS MALFUNCTIONING. I GUESS MY SPEED, GAS LEVEL AND THAT'S NOT COOL. I BEEN GOING THROUGH THESE SAME PROBLEMS SINCE 2011 AND IT'S 2014. THE FUEL GAUGE WAS THE LAST TO GO RECENTLY. WHEN I FILL UP MY TANK IT STILL READS EMPTY WITH THE INDICATOR LIGHT. MY REPAIR WAS $565 WE THOUGHT IT WAS EXHAUST LEAK AND HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE MANIFOLD IT WAS CRACKED... I ABSOLUTELY CAN'T AFFORD ANYTHING ELSE AND I NEED TIRES.PLEASE HELP I'M FURIOUS. . WHEN YOU PURCHASE A VEHICLE YOU EXPECT IT TO LAST. THAT DOESN'T. MY MECHANICS HAVE BEEN THE SAME SINCE DAY ONE AND HAVE GIVEN ME EVERY DISCOUNT AND WARRANTY . I WANT MY VEHICLE REPAIRED I CAN'T PHYSICALLY CAUSE THIS TYPE OF DAMAGE . IT'S INTERNAL AND NOT MY FAULT. I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR WITH THIS TEMPERAMENT . I HAVE HAD 4 CARS PREVIOUS TO THIS ONE AND THEY LASTED THROUGH THE YEARS UNTIL I DECIDED TO CHANGE CARS. EVERYONE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLE AS I DO . HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE? MANUFACTURERS SHOULD VALUE QUALITY NOT QUANTITY. I HAVE EVERY SINGLE DOCUMENT TO VERIFY THIS AS WELL AS MY MECHANICS. I WOULD LIKE MY VEHICLE REPAIRED AND TO BE REIMBURSED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10575963

50,000 miles · Mar 17, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

MULTIPLE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED WORKING. THEY INCLUDE: FUEL GAUGE, SPEEDOMETER, VOLTMETER, AND TACHOMETER. THE FIRST TO GO OUT WAS THE FUEL GAUGE. THEN SPEEDOMETER, FOLLOWED BY THE VOLTMETER AND THE TACHOMETER ABOUT THE SAME TIME. CHEVY HAS FIXED THE FUEL GAUGE ISSUE BY RECALL. BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED THE OTHER GA…

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MULTIPLE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED WORKING. THEY INCLUDE: FUEL GAUGE, SPEEDOMETER, VOLTMETER, AND TACHOMETER. THE FIRST TO GO OUT WAS THE FUEL GAUGE. THEN SPEEDOMETER, FOLLOWED BY THE VOLTMETER AND THE TACHOMETER ABOUT THE SAME TIME. CHEVY HAS FIXED THE FUEL GAUGE ISSUE BY RECALL. BUT HAS NOT ADDRESSED THE OTHER GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10572850

95,000 miles · Feb 25, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH MY FUEL GAUGE AND DASH READING FOR YEARS NOW. I THOUGHT IT WAS AN ISSUE WITH JUST MY TRUCK BUT IN READING OTHER COMPLAINTS IT SEEMS AS THERE IS AN ISSUE. I BOUGHT MY TRUCK NEW AND CURRENTLY HAVE 178,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS TOLD BYTHE DEALER THAT THE GAS GAUGE ISSUE WOULD NOT BE COVERED AS IT'S 10 YEARS OR 1…

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I HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH MY FUEL GAUGE AND DASH READING FOR YEARS NOW. I THOUGHT IT WAS AN ISSUE WITH JUST MY TRUCK BUT IN READING OTHER COMPLAINTS IT SEEMS AS THERE IS AN ISSUE. I BOUGHT MY TRUCK NEW AND CURRENTLY HAVE 178,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS TOLD BYTHE DEALER THAT THE GAS GAUGE ISSUE WOULD NOT BE COVERED AS IT'S 10 YEARS OR 120,000 WHICH EVERY CAME FIRST. MY DASH BOARD HAS NOT BEEN WORKING FOR SOME TIME FIRST IT WAS THE SPEEDOMETER AND THEN THE OIL AND OTHER'S COMPONENTS SOON FOLLOWED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10565760

170,784 miles · Feb 9, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE YESTERDAY FROM A DEALERSHIP. THEY FILLED THE GAS TANK UP BEFORE I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT BECAUSE, THEY SAID, "THE GAS GAUGE ISN'T WORKING." I WAS LOOKING UP WHAT IT COULD BE AND NOTICED THERE WAS A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH COMPLAINTS OF THIS, 668 PEOPLE. I SUPPOSE I'M THE 669TH PERSON. THERE WASN'T A RECALL…

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I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE YESTERDAY FROM A DEALERSHIP. THEY FILLED THE GAS TANK UP BEFORE I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT BECAUSE, THEY SAID, "THE GAS GAUGE ISN'T WORKING." I WAS LOOKING UP WHAT IT COULD BE AND NOTICED THERE WAS A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH COMPLAINTS OF THIS, 668 PEOPLE. I SUPPOSE I'M THE 669TH PERSON. THERE WASN'T A RECALL THAT I COULD FIND, BUT INVESTIGATIONS WERE BEING DONE? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10563601

110,000 miles · Feb 2, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline

VEHICLE'S HEADLAMPS WILL POWER SURGE, DIM WHILE DRIVING PERIODICALLY. FUEL SENSOR SHOWED CONSTANT EMPTY UNTIL REPAIRED BY THE RECALL. VEHICLE WILL OCCASIONALLY SURGE FORWARD REVVING ON IT'S OWN AT RANDOM TIMES. THE BLOWER RESISTOR PACK HAS BURNT UP TWICE, THE BLOWER MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED AS WELL AS THE MELTED WIRES.NOW THE VEH…

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VEHICLE'S HEADLAMPS WILL POWER SURGE, DIM WHILE DRIVING PERIODICALLY. FUEL SENSOR SHOWED CONSTANT EMPTY UNTIL REPAIRED BY THE RECALL. VEHICLE WILL OCCASIONALLY SURGE FORWARD REVVING ON IT'S OWN AT RANDOM TIMES. THE BLOWER RESISTOR PACK HAS BURNT UP TWICE, THE BLOWER MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED AS WELL AS THE MELTED WIRES.NOW THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. THE POWER WINDOWS, LOCKS, RADIO, DOME LIGHTS, DASH LIGHTS ARE INOPERATIVE AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ATTEMPT TO TURN OVER. SEEMS LIKE THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD A LOT OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10562536

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.