IllustrationFUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. *JS
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, Other complaints
95 reportsFAILURE TO GIVE AN ACCURATE READING OF AMOUNT OF FUEL. *JS
I FILLED MY GAS TANK FULL AND IT THEN THE GAS LIGHT COMES ON. I AM HAVING TO KEEP TRACK OF MY MILES SO THAT I DON'T RUN OUT OF GAS BECAUSE THE FUEL NEEDLE KEEPS GOING UP AND DOWN, NOT READING ACCURATELY. NOW EVERY SINGLE TIME THAT I PUT GAS IN THIS HAPPENS. VERY FRUSTRATING, ESPECIALLY WHEN I WANT TO TRAVEL OUT OF TOWN AND YO…
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I FILLED MY GAS TANK FULL AND IT THEN THE GAS LIGHT COMES ON. I AM HAVING TO KEEP TRACK OF MY MILES SO THAT I DON'T RUN OUT OF GAS BECAUSE THE FUEL NEEDLE KEEPS GOING UP AND DOWN, NOT READING ACCURATELY. NOW EVERY SINGLE TIME THAT I PUT GAS IN THIS HAPPENS. VERY FRUSTRATING, ESPECIALLY WHEN I WANT TO TRAVEL OUT OF TOWN AND YOU ARE NOT SURE WHEN YOU'LL SEE THE NEXT GAS STATION. ARE THERE ANY RECALLS ON THIS? *JS *KB
GAS GUAGE STOP WORKING. I RECENTLY RECEIVED A LETTER FROM GMC AKNOWLEDGING A SENSOR PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2005 GMC CARS BUT ONLY WILLING TO REIMBURSE 50% OF WHAT APPARENTLY IS THEIR FAULT. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT NEED TO BE FIX 100% BY GMC. STAND BEHIND YOUR PRODUCTS! *KB
2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PROBLEM WITH FUEL TANK SENSOR ISSUE *TGW
WE RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE HIGHWAY 20 MILES FROM A GAS STATION WITH KIDS IN THE CAR. THE GAS GAUGE IN OUR 05 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER WAS WRONG AND INDICATED WE HAD GAS IN THE TANK. *KB
WE ARE EXPERIENCING A DEFECTIVE GAS GAUGE--IT REGISTERS EMPTY OR IT MAY MOVE UP A BIT OR GO DOWN SOME. WE ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH FUEL WE ACTUALLY HAVE. I GO ON A TRIP OF 350 MILES ONE WAY EVERY MONTH TO VISIT MY MOTHER AND IT IS A CONSTANT WORRY. I AM SO AFRAID I WILL RUN OUT OF GAS ON THE TURNPIKE--WE JUST NEVER KN…
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WE ARE EXPERIENCING A DEFECTIVE GAS GAUGE--IT REGISTERS EMPTY OR IT MAY MOVE UP A BIT OR GO DOWN SOME. WE ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW MUCH FUEL WE ACTUALLY HAVE. I GO ON A TRIP OF 350 MILES ONE WAY EVERY MONTH TO VISIT MY MOTHER AND IT IS A CONSTANT WORRY. I AM SO AFRAID I WILL RUN OUT OF GAS ON THE TURNPIKE--WE JUST NEVER KNOW. WE DID GET A LETTER FROM GM SAYING THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM-INTERESTINGLY ENOUGH, THOUGH THEY WILL NOT PAY TO HAVE THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION AFFECTING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES FIXED--ONLY HALF, WHICH WE FEEL IS UNFAIR. THIS IS A PROBLEM AFFECTING A GREAT NUMBER OF PEOPLE, SIMPLY BY THE FACT THEY SENT THE LETTER--THEY NEED TO MAKE IT RIGHT BY PAYING FOR THE WHOLE REMEDY BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED AS A RESULT OF THIS FAULTY GAS GAUGE. WE WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST GM FOR THE FULL PAYMENT. *KB
MY FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK AND HAS NOT FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS. I READ THAT THERE HAS BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS TO YOUR ORGANIZATION REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. HAVE NOT FIXED BECAUSE THE COST WAS OVER $400. *KB
NON-FUNCTIONING FUEL GAUGE. *TR
GAS GAUGE QUIT WORKING. STEPPER MOTOR REPLACED, SUSPECTED FUEL SENSOR MALFUNCTION. SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON DEFECT IN THESE VEHICLES. *KB
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.