NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
51 reportsClear category filter66,000 miles · Oct 3, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I HAVE BEEN HEARING A CLICKING NOISE AND MY CAR HAD BEGUN SOUNDING LIKE A JET ENGINE TAKING OFF FOR THE LAST 3 DAYS - VERY NOISY. I TOOK IT TO PEP BOYS WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE TRAILBLAZER TO BEGIN MAKING THIS NOISE SHORTLY AFTER 60K MILES. I WAS TOLD THE SERPENTINE BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, TENSIONER PU…
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I HAVE BEEN HEARING A CLICKING NOISE AND MY CAR HAD BEGUN SOUNDING LIKE A JET ENGINE TAKING OFF FOR THE LAST 3 DAYS - VERY NOISY. I TOOK IT TO PEP BOYS WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR THE TRAILBLAZER TO BEGIN MAKING THIS NOISE SHORTLY AFTER 60K MILES. I WAS TOLD THE SERPENTINE BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, TENSIONER PULLEY AND THE IDLER PULLEY. I HAD THE NEW PARTS INSTALLED. NONE OF MY WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASHBOARD SO I ASSUMED WAS WELL AS THERE WAS NO OTHER INDICATION THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG. DRIVING MY CAR WITHIN 24 HOURS OF BEING FIXED, THE FAN CLUTCH SEIZED AND MY WATER PUMP BURST CAUSING CAR TO OVERHEAT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WHERE MY CAR THEN STALLED PUTTING ME AND MY CHILDREN AT RISK FOR INJURY. THE CAR ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE IT WAS SMOKING SEVERELY. SOMEONE HELPED ME MOVE MY CAR OUT OF THE BUSY INTERSECTION AND I CALLED MY HUSBAND AND A TOW TRUCK TO COME GET THE CAR. WHEN I GOT HOME AND LOOKED UP THE PROBLEMS AGAIN ON THE DEALER WEBSITE, I FOUND HUNDREDS OF FORUMS WHERE THE FAN CLUTCH HAS BEEN MENTIONED AND THE WATER PUMP TOO. A FAN CLUTCH ACCORDING TO THE MECHANICS I SURVEYED STATED THEY SHOULD LAST AT LEAST 100K OR MORE. THIS HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO GM AND THEY IGNORE IT. IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. ADDITIONALLY, MY SPEEDOMETER HASN'T WORKED FOR AT LEAST A YEAR AND WHEN I CALLED CHEVY THEY WANTED TO CHARGE ME $700 TO REPLACE IT WHEN IT IS NOT MY ISSUES. I DIDN'T CAUSE IT. NOT KNOWING WHAT SPEED YOU ARE GOING IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD AND CAN CAUSE ACCIDENTS OR TICKETS.I AM ATTACHING A FORUM (THIS IS JUST ONE OF HUNDREDS I FOUND ONLINE)HTTP://WWW.EDMUNDS.COM/CHEVROLET/TRAILBLAZER/2004/CONSUMER-DISCUSSIONS.HTML WHERE PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME SAFETY ISSUES I AM AND GM HAS IGNORED THEM. MY CAR COULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE TODAY AND I HAD MY 4 YR OLD DAUGHTER WITH ME. NOT A POSITION I EVER WANT TO BE IN. PLEASE ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10428390
79,199 miles · Aug 15, 2011
Power Train
TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES ARE CORRODED AND LEAKING FLUID ALL AROUND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. THESE LINES WILL NEED REPLACED BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION FAILS. THE FRAME IS SOAKED WITH TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THIS IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD IF THE FLUID LEAKS ONTO THE EXHAUST OR CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10419518
77,349 miles · Jun 14, 2011
Power Train
2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED IN 2008 WITH ONLY 33,868 MILES ON IT. HAVE 78,158 ON VEHICLE NOW AND LAST MONTH HAD TO HAVE THE RADIATOR REPLACED AND TRANSMISSION REBUILT. THE PLACE THAT DID THE REPAIRS TOLD ME HE GETS ABOUT 3-5 TRAILBLAZERS A YEAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HE HAD 2 FOLKS CALL ABOUT THE SAME ISS…
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2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED IN 2008 WITH ONLY 33,868 MILES ON IT. HAVE 78,158 ON VEHICLE NOW AND LAST MONTH HAD TO HAVE THE RADIATOR REPLACED AND TRANSMISSION REBUILT. THE PLACE THAT DID THE REPAIRS TOLD ME HE GETS ABOUT 3-5 TRAILBLAZERS A YEAR WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HE HAD 2 FOLKS CALL ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE WHILE MINE WAS ON THE RACK. SEEMS THE RADIATOR DEVELOPS A SMALL LEAK IN THE SYSTEM THAT COOLS THE TRANS AND CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. HAD NO REAL ISSUES UNTIL LAST MONTH WHEN VEHICLE WOULD NOT COME OUT OF 3RD GEAR. COULD PUT AUTO TRANSMISSION IN TO 1 OR 2 AND THEN BE ABLE TO TAKE OFF FROM DEAD STOP AND SHIFT INTO DRIVE TO GET THE VEHICLE HOME AND THEN TO SHOP. HAVE LOOKED ONLINE TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND THERE HAS NOT, BUT APPEARS THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE. TOTAL COST FOR VEHICLE REPAIR WAS $2,814.17. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10406885
98,500 miles · Jun 11, 2011
Power Train
ACCELERATION SLUGGISH AT FIRST. THEN THE RPM'S WOULD INCREASE WITHOUT ANY ACCELERATION. FINALLY, WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF 2ND GEAR AND IF WENT ABOVE 30 THE RPM'S WOULD INCREASE WITHOUT ANYMORE POWER TO THE WHEELS. FOUND A TRANSMISSION HOSE BLOWN ALSO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10405968
115,000 miles · May 6, 2011
Power TrainCrash
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND SWERVED OFF OF THE ROAD. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE NEAR THE REAR END OF THE AXLE. THE FRONT DRIVE AXLE AND THE DRIVE TRAIN CONNECTED TO …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND SWERVED OFF OF THE ROAD. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING NOISE NEAR THE REAR END OF THE AXLE. THE FRONT DRIVE AXLE AND THE DRIVE TRAIN CONNECTED TO THE REAR AXLE WERE DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE AND IT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO OFFER HIM ANY ASSISTANCE WITH THE FAILURE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. UPDATED 06/17/11*LJ
NHTSA ODI #10399388
7,600 miles · Nov 22, 2010
Electrical SystemPower Train
05 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER SPEEDOMETER CLUSTER IS DEFECTIVE...RPM CONTINUES TO MALFUNCTION ALONG WITH SPEEDOMETER BREAKAGE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10367119
55,889 miles · Jul 21, 2010
Power Train
WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY TO FLORIDA FROM OHIO I FELT A BUDGE AND THEN HEARD THE VEHICLE SOUND LIKE IT WAS DOWN SHIFTING AND THE RPMS WERE HIGH. I PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND HEADED BACK HOME DOING 40 MPH SINCE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT PAST 2ND GEAR. ALSO THE VEHICLE SHIFTED GEARS HARSHLY. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALE…
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WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY TO FLORIDA FROM OHIO I FELT A BUDGE AND THEN HEARD THE VEHICLE SOUND LIKE IT WAS DOWN SHIFTING AND THE RPMS WERE HIGH. I PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND HEADED BACK HOME DOING 40 MPH SINCE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT PAST 2ND GEAR. ALSO THE VEHICLE SHIFTED GEARS HARSHLY. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD INFORMED ME THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION. I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE THIS SAME SUBJECT. I AM ASSUMING THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW WHERE TO REPORT SUCH INCIDENTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10344567
Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
I OWN A 2005 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER THAT IS EXPERIENCING VERY SLUGGISH ACCELERATION, TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING SMOOTHLY, AND RUNS VERY LOUDLY. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS WITH OTHER OWNERS OF THIS SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10336387
57,000 miles · Jun 4, 2010
Power Train
WENT TO DEALER FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION AND OIL CHANGE ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WAS TOLD THAT THE SENSORS ARE INDICATING THAT THERE IS MOISTURE GETTING INTO MY TRANSMISSION DUE TO A ISSUE WITH THE DIP STICK NOT SEALING PROPERLY. WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST $192.00 (PARTS AND LABOR) TO REPAIR. THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WA…
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WENT TO DEALER FOR VEHICLE INSPECTION AND OIL CHANGE ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WAS TOLD THAT THE SENSORS ARE INDICATING THAT THERE IS MOISTURE GETTING INTO MY TRANSMISSION DUE TO A ISSUE WITH THE DIP STICK NOT SEALING PROPERLY. WAS TOLD IT WOULD COST $192.00 (PARTS AND LABOR) TO REPAIR. THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, I WAS TOLD THAT IF MY TRANSMISSION DID GO OUT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM, AND MY VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER THE WARRANTY, THAT THE WARRANTY WOULD COVER A NEW TRANSMISSION. DOESN'T MAKE SENSE THAT IF THERE IS A DEFECT IN SUCH A MINOR PART AS THE DIP STICK SEAL, WHY THE WARRANTY WOULDN'T COVER THE REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10334541
75,000 miles · Jun 1, 2010
Power Train
I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH 75,000 MILES ON IT. WITH NO WARNING, MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THE CAR IS WELL CARED FOR AND REGULARLY SERVICED. OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED THAT I HAD NO POWER TRAIN WARRANTY, AND THAT THEY DO NOT REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. THE COST TO ME FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION WOULD BE $2720.31. *…
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I HAVE A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH 75,000 MILES ON IT. WITH NO WARNING, MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. THE CAR IS WELL CARED FOR AND REGULARLY SERVICED. OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP EXPLAINED THAT I HAD NO POWER TRAIN WARRANTY, AND THAT THEY DO NOT REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. THE COST TO ME FOR A NEW TRANSMISSION WOULD BE $2720.31. *TR UPDATED 10/27/10. *LJ
NHTSA ODI #10334082
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.