← New search

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 →

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

Latches/locks/linkages complaints

4 reports
Clear category filter
91,000 miles · Aug 12, 2014
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesVisibility

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE POWER DOOR LOCK AND WINDOW FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIR WA…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE POWER DOOR LOCK AND WINDOW FAILED TO ACTIVATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE MOST RECENT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.

NHTSA ODI #10621791

187,000 miles · Jun 6, 2014
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER DOOR LEFT REAR DOOR LATCH ON 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LS IS STUCK. THE DOOR WILL NOT SHUT! I HAVE READ ANOTHER COMPLAINT FOR THE VERY SAME REASON AND A VERY SIMILAR SITUATION TO THE EXT AND THERE IS A RECALL ON THE EXT BUT DOESN'T PERTAIN TO THE LS. I CAN'T SHUT MY DOOR BECAUSE THE LATCH WON'T CONNECT.…

Read full complaint

DRIVER'S SIDE PASSENGER DOOR LEFT REAR DOOR LATCH ON 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LS IS STUCK. THE DOOR WILL NOT SHUT! I HAVE READ ANOTHER COMPLAINT FOR THE VERY SAME REASON AND A VERY SIMILAR SITUATION TO THE EXT AND THERE IS A RECALL ON THE EXT BUT DOESN'T PERTAIN TO THE LS. I CAN'T SHUT MY DOOR BECAUSE THE LATCH WON'T CONNECT.I OPENED THE DOOR AND COULD NOT SHUT IT AFTER THAT BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T LATCH. WE HAVE LOOKED EVERYWHERE AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO LOCATE THE PART AT A REASONABLE PRICE. I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF SELLING IT, BUT BECAUSE OF THIS FAULTY DEFECT WE CANNOT SELL IT. WE HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET IT FIXED. NO ONE SEEMS TO HAVE THE PART AND WE CONTACTED DEALERSHIPS AND THEY LOOKED UP RECALLS BUT COULDN'T HELP US CAUSE OUR VIN NUMBER ISN'T COVERED. WHAT DO WE DO NOW?? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10596736

70 miles · Mar 14, 2008
Electrical SystemEquipmentLatches/locks/linkages

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLAMPS FLICKER OR DIM WHILE DRIVING, SIMILAR TO A POWER SURGE. THE DEALER WAS INITIALLY UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. WHEN THE FAILURE WAS ABLE TO BE DUPLICATED, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO MAKE A REPAIR. AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER OF 2007, T…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THE HEADLAMPS FLICKER OR DIM WHILE DRIVING, SIMILAR TO A POWER SURGE. THE DEALER WAS INITIALLY UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. WHEN THE FAILURE WAS ABLE TO BE DUPLICATED, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO MAKE A REPAIR. AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER OF 2007, THE STEERING COLUMN MADE A SPARKING SOUND AND THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE ONCE MORE. ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2007, THE RADIO AND ALL THE COMPONENTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED FOR THEM TO EVENTUALLY OPERATE AGAIN. IN ADDITION, THE DOME LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LATCHES WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE REAR HATCHBACK LATCH WAS REPLACED TWICE. WHEN THE KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION, THE KEY BUZZER WOULD CONTINUE TO SOUND. ON JANUARY 25, 2008, THE REAR WIPER MOTOR WAS REPLACED AND FAILED AGAIN ON MARCH 4, 2008. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 36,182 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70. UPDATED 4/2/08 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE EMBLEM ON THE REAR TAILGATE LOOSING COLOR, BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ARE WORN. UPDATED 04/02/08 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10221191

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2005
Latches/locks/linkages

WE RENTED A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER FROM ALAMO RENTAL IN CLEVELAND OHIO ON JULY 7, 2005. ON JULY 10 WE PARKED THE VEHICLE IN A VALET ZONE AND MY WIFE AND I STEPPED OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE TO REMOVE OUR DAUGHTER. I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE BUT LEFT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. WHEN WE CLOSED OUR DOORS THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED B…

Read full complaint

WE RENTED A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER FROM ALAMO RENTAL IN CLEVELAND OHIO ON JULY 7, 2005. ON JULY 10 WE PARKED THE VEHICLE IN A VALET ZONE AND MY WIFE AND I STEPPED OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE TO REMOVE OUR DAUGHTER. I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE BUT LEFT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION. WHEN WE CLOSED OUR DOORS THE DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED BEFORE WE COULD OPEN THE DOOR TO REMOVE OUR CHILD. WE WERE FORCED TO CALL 911. WHEN THE OFFICER COULD NOT UNLOCK THE VEHICLE AND A FOLLOW UP CALL TO THE LOCKSMITH REVEALED THAT THEY WERE STILL 30 MINUTES AWAY WE WERE FORCED TO BREAK THE REAR WINDOW TO GAIN ENTRY AND REMOVE OUR CHILD. WHEN WE RETURNED THE VEHICLE THE RENTAL AGENT WAS AWARE OF SIMILAR LOCKOUTS. WE HAVE OWNED BOTH TOYOTA'S AND VOLKSWAGENS THAT WILL AUTOMATICALLY LOCK THE 3 PASSENGER DOORS BUT REQUIRE THE DRIVER TO MANUAL LOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR OR TO USE THE KEY FOB WHILE STANDING OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. CONSEQUENTLY, WE ARE FURIOUS THAT GM WOULD INSTALL A SYSTEM THAT COULD INSTANTLY ENDANGER A CHILD ESPECIALLY ON A HOT SUMMER DAY.

NHTSA ODI #10128347

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.