IllustrationFUEL LEVEL SENSOR INSTALLED ON MODEL 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER VEHICLES IS DEFECTIVE AND COULD RESULT IN VEHICLE RUNNING OUT OF GAS. *TR
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 System, Gasoline complaints
435 reportsABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO, I STOPPED AT A LOCAL GAS STATION AND FILLED UP MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHEN I CRANK THE TRUCK, I NOTICED MY GAS LIGHT WAS ON EVEN AFTER I FULLY FILLED THE STOP. I WAS BAFFLED BY THIS KNOWING I'D JUST SPENT $50 FOR A FILL-UP AND I HAD BEGIN TO THINK THERE MAY HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY …
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ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO, I STOPPED AT A LOCAL GAS STATION AND FILLED UP MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHEN I CRANK THE TRUCK, I NOTICED MY GAS LIGHT WAS ON EVEN AFTER I FULLY FILLED THE STOP. I WAS BAFFLED BY THIS KNOWING I'D JUST SPENT $50 FOR A FILL-UP AND I HAD BEGIN TO THINK THERE MAY HAVE POSSIBLY BEEN SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY GAS TANK. I SEARCHED AND ASKED OTHER TRAILBLAZER OWNERS AND LEARNED THAT IT'S MY FUEL SENSOR THAT'S THE PROBLEM AS THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR VEHICLE. THIS SEEM TO BE A ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AN MODEL AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR CHEVROLET'S PROBLEM. *TR
I HAVE A '05 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER AND ABOUT A WEEK AGO MY GAS GAUGE START TO GO CRAZY. I FILL IT UP WITH GAS AND THE NEEDLE WENT TO EMPTY. IT START MOVING UP AND IT WENT BACK TO EMPTY AND STAY THERE. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE NOW AND WENT IT IS EMPTY OR NOT. PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS. I KNOW I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS P…
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I HAVE A '05 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER AND ABOUT A WEEK AGO MY GAS GAUGE START TO GO CRAZY. I FILL IT UP WITH GAS AND THE NEEDLE WENT TO EMPTY. IT START MOVING UP AND IT WENT BACK TO EMPTY AND STAY THERE. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE NOW AND WENT IT IS EMPTY OR NOT. PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS. I KNOW I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
GAS GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY EVEN THOUGH THERE IS FUEL IN THE TANK. LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN AFTER PUTTING GAS IN THE TANK! *TR
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER WITH A FUEL PROBLEM. I THINK IT'S THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THE FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY AT ALL TIMES EVEN AFTER AFULL FILL UP. WHEN I GOOGLED THIS QUESTION THE RESULTS I GOT WERE ASTOUNDING AT HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE WERE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT IF IT WERE A ONCE IN AWHILE THING THAT HAPPE…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER WITH A FUEL PROBLEM. I THINK IT'S THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. THE FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY AT ALL TIMES EVEN AFTER AFULL FILL UP. WHEN I GOOGLED THIS QUESTION THE RESULTS I GOT WERE ASTOUNDING AT HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE WERE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT IF IT WERE A ONCE IN AWHILE THING THAT HAPPENS NO BIG DEAL BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE SPOKEN TO 3 DIFFERENT AUTO MECHANICS AND EVEN THEY SAY IT CRAZY THAT'S THERE'S NO RECALL ON IT AS IT A MANUFACTURING PROBLEM. *TR
I'VE HAD MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER FOR 5 YRS NOW AND THE LAST 4 MONTHS THE FUEL GAUGE HAS BEEN ACTING UP. I FILL IT UP AND THE GAUGE STILL READS EMPTY. IT TAKES A FEW DAYS TO FINALLY GET THE READING RIGHT BUT AFTER A DAY OR SO IT GOES BACK TO EMPTY. BEING IN THE MILITARY AND HAVING THE VEHICLE AS THE PRIMARY FOR MY WIFE AND KIDS TIME …
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I'VE HAD MY 2005 TRAILBLAZER FOR 5 YRS NOW AND THE LAST 4 MONTHS THE FUEL GAUGE HAS BEEN ACTING UP. I FILL IT UP AND THE GAUGE STILL READS EMPTY. IT TAKES A FEW DAYS TO FINALLY GET THE READING RIGHT BUT AFTER A DAY OR SO IT GOES BACK TO EMPTY. BEING IN THE MILITARY AND HAVING THE VEHICLE AS THE PRIMARY FOR MY WIFE AND KIDS TIME IS LIMITED FOR HER TO TAKE IT WHILE I AM AWAY OVERSEAS. MY WIFE WAS AND KIDS WERE STRANDED ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CAME TO FINALLY CAME AROUND WITH FUEL. READING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OTHER CHEVY OWNERS THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THIS WILL BE MY LAST TIME PURCHASING A CHEVY. KEEPING TRACK OF MILEAGE IS RIDICULOUS, IN TODAY'S ECONOMY PURCHASING A GOOD PRODUCT IS PRIORITY ONE AND IT IS A SHAME THAT A GIANT CAR COMPANY CAN ADMIT THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM ON THERE HANDS. SAFETY SHOULD BE PRIORITY ONE!!!!! *TR
2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER FUEL GAUGE IS DEFECTIVE. I FILL UP MY TANK AND IT STILL SAYS EMPTY. *TR
2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED IT DIDN'T MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL WAS IN THE GAS TANK, THE GAUGE READ EMPTY AND THE AMBER WARNING LIGHT AND ALARM INTERMITTENTLY ENGAGED, EVEN WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL. THERE WAS NO WAY TO ACCURATELY CONFIRM HOW MUCH FUEL WAS IN…
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2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED IT DIDN'T MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL WAS IN THE GAS TANK, THE GAUGE READ EMPTY AND THE AMBER WARNING LIGHT AND ALARM INTERMITTENTLY ENGAGED, EVEN WHEN THE FUEL TANK WAS FULL. THERE WAS NO WAY TO ACCURATELY CONFIRM HOW MUCH FUEL WAS IN THE VEHICLE AT ANY GIVEN TIME. WHILE ENROUTE TO THE DEALER, THE CONSUMER RAN OUT OF GAS. THE CONSUMER FINALLY MADE IT TO THE DEALER AND UPON INSPECTION, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE FUEL SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED WHICH REQUIRED THE GAS TANK TO BE REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. *JB
2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER FUEL LEVEL SENSOR MALFUNCTION CAUSING GAS GAUGE LIGHT TO STAY ON ALL OF THE TIME. WIFE RAN OUT OF FUEL ON HIGHWAY. VERY DANGEROUS!!! *TR
1.) NO EVENTS TOOK PLACE DASHBOARD CLUSTER JUST FAILED. 2.) SPEEDOMETER, OIL GAGE, RPM, GAS GAUGE EVERYTHING WENT HAYWIRE, IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL SPEED... 3.) MY UNDERSTANDING IS THE DASH BOARD CLUSTER IS BAD, ITS 450-600 DOLLARS TO REPAIR, THERE HAS BEEN ALOT OF COMPLAINTS BUT NO RECALL YET? THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, THIS ISSUE…
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1.) NO EVENTS TOOK PLACE DASHBOARD CLUSTER JUST FAILED. 2.) SPEEDOMETER, OIL GAGE, RPM, GAS GAUGE EVERYTHING WENT HAYWIRE, IMPOSSIBLE TO TELL SPEED... 3.) MY UNDERSTANDING IS THE DASH BOARD CLUSTER IS BAD, ITS 450-600 DOLLARS TO REPAIR, THERE HAS BEEN ALOT OF COMPLAINTS BUT NO RECALL YET? THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, THIS ISSUE IS WELL DOCUMENTED AND KNOWN ABOUT... THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, THE SPEEDOMETER SHOULD WORK, THE INSTRUMENTS SHOULD WORK. *TR
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.