← 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

Visibility complaints

35 reports
Clear category filter
58,000 miles · Jul 22, 2009
StructureVisibility

NO REAL EVENTS, THE HINGE BECAME UNGLUED FROM THE REAR WINDOW, CAUSING THE WINDOW TO BECOME UNHOOKED FROM THE BODY OF THE TRAILBLAZER. BECAUSE THIS THEN RAISES THE WINDOW ABOVE THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE THE WIND CAN CATCH IT AND PULL IT COMPLETELY OFF THE VEHICLE WHEN TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10277996

65,000 miles · Feb 4, 2009
Vehicle Speed ControlVisibility

2005 TRAILBLAZER: 1) SPEEDOMETER WOULD READ WRONG SPEED WHILE DRIVING, NEEDLE WOULD MAX OR ZERO OUT WHILE DRIVING, AND NOW IS COMPLETELY NOT WORKING; CAN NOT DETERMINE CORRECT SPEED WHICH COULD LEAD TO TICKET OR ACCIDENT. 2) WIPERS STAY ON WITH SWITCH IN THE OFF POSITION, MUST PULL FUSE TO STOP THEM; WIPERS ARE DISTRACTION GOING…

Read full complaint

2005 TRAILBLAZER: 1) SPEEDOMETER WOULD READ WRONG SPEED WHILE DRIVING, NEEDLE WOULD MAX OR ZERO OUT WHILE DRIVING, AND NOW IS COMPLETELY NOT WORKING; CAN NOT DETERMINE CORRECT SPEED WHICH COULD LEAD TO TICKET OR ACCIDENT. 2) WIPERS STAY ON WITH SWITCH IN THE OFF POSITION, MUST PULL FUSE TO STOP THEM; WIPERS ARE DISTRACTION GOING ACROSS DRY WINDOW OR MUST STOP TO PUT FUSE IN IF WEATHER REQUIRES. CURRENTLY VEHICLE IS IN SHOP FOR REPAIR. FIRST REPLACEMENT PART FOR WIPERS DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM. THROUGH VIEWING OTHER INTERNET COMMENTS THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM. IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE AN UNEXPECTED DRIVER IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DO TO THESE ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10257495

Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2008
VisibilityFire

BLOWER MOTORS NOT WORKING, REPLACING THE PART, AND FINDING THE WIRING IS MELTED AND SHORTING OUT ON THE HEATER CONTROL MODULE RIGHT SIDE OR REFERRED TO AS THE RESISTOR. THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ON THIS PART, BUT WE HAVE FOUND SEVERAL VEHICLES WITH THIS PART HAVE THE SAME ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS WHICH ARE CAUSING OTHER MALFUNCTIO…

Read full complaint

BLOWER MOTORS NOT WORKING, REPLACING THE PART, AND FINDING THE WIRING IS MELTED AND SHORTING OUT ON THE HEATER CONTROL MODULE RIGHT SIDE OR REFERRED TO AS THE RESISTOR. THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL ON THIS PART, BUT WE HAVE FOUND SEVERAL VEHICLES WITH THIS PART HAVE THE SAME ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS WHICH ARE CAUSING OTHER MALFUNCTIONS IN THE VEHICLE. TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM THEY NEED TO UPDATE THE HEATER CONTROL MODULE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OR REFERRED TO AS THE RESISTOR. THIS IS THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10249182

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

29,723 miles · Mar 12, 2008
Visibility

FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW STUCK IN DOWN POSITION. WOULD NOT ROLL UP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10220919

67,000 miles · Aug 17, 2007
Visibility

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. SHE NOTICED THAT THE ADHESIVE THAT HELD THE REAR WINDOW IN PLACE CAME LOOSE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WHEN THEY ATTEMPTED TO OPEN IT THE GLASS SHATTERED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT AT THEIR COST. THE CONTACT FELT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLU…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. SHE NOTICED THAT THE ADHESIVE THAT HELD THE REAR WINDOW IN PLACE CAME LOOSE. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WHEN THEY ATTEMPTED TO OPEN IT THE GLASS SHATTERED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT AT THEIR COST. THE CONTACT FELT THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS PART OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN# 05V035000 (VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 67,000.

NHTSA ODI #10199892

14,000 miles · Dec 22, 2006
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility

NIGHT DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES THE VEHICLE A CHEVROLET TRAILBLZER LS 2005 HAS A PROBLEM THAT RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS. THE TRAILBLAZER DECIDES TO DO THIS TOTALLY ON ITS OWN AT RANDOM. THIS CAUSES A POTENTIALLY DEADLY SITUATION WHEN ON THE INTERSTATE AND YOUR HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AND DECIDE …

Read full complaint

NIGHT DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES THE VEHICLE A CHEVROLET TRAILBLZER LS 2005 HAS A PROBLEM THAT RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF THE HEADLIGHTS AND DASHBOARD LIGHTS. THE TRAILBLAZER DECIDES TO DO THIS TOTALLY ON ITS OWN AT RANDOM. THIS CAUSES A POTENTIALLY DEADLY SITUATION WHEN ON THE INTERSTATE AND YOUR HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AND DECIDE TO COME BACK ON AT RANDOM INTERVALS MAYBE APROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 SECONDS APART. SEVERAL ATTEMPS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP TO GET THE PROBLEM REPAIRED. THEIR COMMENT IS THAT THEY EITHER CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM OR THEIR IS A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT EXPLAINS THE ISSUE. I HAVE DONE THE PROCEDURES THAT THE DEALERSHIP DESCRIBED IN THE SERVICE BULLETINS WITH NO SUCCESS. CURRENTLY MY TRAILBLAZER IS BEING REPAIRED ONCE AGAIN AT TERRY LEE CHEVROLET AS OF 12-19-06. THE LAST TIME THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN FOR REPAIR TERRY LEE CHEVROLET REPLACED WHAT THEY HAD THOUGH WAS A FAULTY BODY CONTROL MODULE. REPLACING THIS MODULE OBVIOUSLY DID NOT RECTIFY THE PROBLEM AND ON THURSDAY 12-14-06 THE PROBLEM ONCE AGAIN RETURNED. SINCE THE VEHICLE IS USED TO TRANSPORT MY CHILDEREN AND WIFE WHO HAVE BEEN DRIVING PRIMARILY AT NIGHT. I HAVE BECOME SKEPTICAL ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT THE VEHICLE IS SAFE TO ACTUALLY DRIVE AT NIGHT BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THE LIGHTS WILL DECIDE TO TURN OFF BY THEMSELVES AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE THEM TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10176786

27,000 miles · Jul 25, 2006
Visibility

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, WHILE WASHING THE VEHICLE, WATER LEAKED THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD MOLDING. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL # 05V035000 WHICH PERTAINS TO THE VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

NHTSA ODI #10163386

34,500 miles · Jun 13, 2006
Exterior LightingVisibility

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS DIM AND FLICKER ON AND OFF. THIS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FRONT PASSENGER POWER WINDOW RUBS AGAINST THE DOOR FRAME AND INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO CLOSE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR; HOWEVER NO FURTHER INSPECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE M…

Read full complaint

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS DIM AND FLICKER ON AND OFF. THIS OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE FRONT PASSENGER POWER WINDOW RUBS AGAINST THE DOOR FRAME AND INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO CLOSE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR; HOWEVER NO FURTHER INSPECTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.

NHTSA ODI #10159707

Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2006
Visibility

OUR NEW SUV (GSA VEHICLE) HAS A WINDSHIELD THAT SLOPES AT TO STEEP OF AN ANGLE. THE REARVIEW MIRROR IS STUCK ON THE GLASS ALMOST IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD SEVERELY COMPROMISING MY FORWARD TO RIGHT SIDE VISIBILITY. WHAT WERE THE ENGINEERS THINKING? ALSO, THE VEHICLE LACKS POWER WINDOW SAFETY SWITCHES THAT COULD CHOKE A …

Read full complaint

OUR NEW SUV (GSA VEHICLE) HAS A WINDSHIELD THAT SLOPES AT TO STEEP OF AN ANGLE. THE REARVIEW MIRROR IS STUCK ON THE GLASS ALMOST IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD SEVERELY COMPROMISING MY FORWARD TO RIGHT SIDE VISIBILITY. WHAT WERE THE ENGINEERS THINKING? ALSO, THE VEHICLE LACKS POWER WINDOW SAFETY SWITCHES THAT COULD CHOKE A CHILD IF THEY STOOD ON THEM WITH THEIR HEAD OUT THE WINDOW. I THOUGHT THESE SWITCHES WERE OUTLAWED YEARS AGO? *NM

NHTSA ODI #10151551

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.