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
What owners actually said
1,466 reports
63,000 miles · Feb 25, 2022
EngineFire
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that after his wife had parked the vehicle at a high school parking lot, a passerby heard a clicking noise and saw smoke coming from the vehicle before the vehicle caught-on fire. The fire started in the engine compartment. The fire department was contacted and ar…
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The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that after his wife had parked the vehicle at a high school parking lot, a passerby heard a clicking noise and saw smoke coming from the vehicle before the vehicle caught-on fire. The fire started in the engine compartment. The fire department was contacted and arrived and extinguished the fire. The contact was unaware if a fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to a holding lot. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 63,000.
NHTSA ODI #11454043
Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2022
StructureSuspension
Rear frame rail rust through at control arm mount locations on both driver and passenger side. In addition frame from suspension mount forward approx 2feet rust through. Vehicle was kept washed and has no other rust issues except for frame. I’ve learned that this was an issue from 2003 to 2008 model years. This issue has been ch…
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Rear frame rail rust through at control arm mount locations on both driver and passenger side. In addition frame from suspension mount forward approx 2feet rust through. Vehicle was kept washed and has no other rust issues except for frame. I’ve learned that this was an issue from 2003 to 2008 model years. This issue has been checked and verified thru a reputable garage
NHTSA ODI #11452002
208,000 miles · Feb 10, 2022
Structure
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH with a fully loaded pull behind 6X12 U-Haul trailer hitched to the vehicle on the highway, a tractor trailer drove by at 70 MPH, and the wake turbulence from the tractor trailer caused the U-Haul trailer to fishtail, the vehicle and trailer di…
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The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH with a fully loaded pull behind 6X12 U-Haul trailer hitched to the vehicle on the highway, a tractor trailer drove by at 70 MPH, and the wake turbulence from the tractor trailer caused the U-Haul trailer to fishtail, the vehicle and trailer did a 180-degree skid, spun around, and then jackknifed; causing damages to the U-Haul trailer and the vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. The contact was concerned about the safety of the design of the U-Haul trailer. The contact stated that the U-Hauler trailer was not designed with the proper wheel and axle configuration which caused the trailer to be unsafe while driving over bumps or depressions on the roadway. The contact stated that he was advised by the South Carolina State Patrol to file a Collision Report. The contact had not yet contacted U-Haul to report the failure. The vehicle was still drivable and was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The vehicle manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 208,000.
NHTSA ODI #11451416
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2021
Air Bags
My husband was entering the highway and upon acceleration from roughly 35mph to roughly around 50mph (while taking the entrance slight right) all of the air bags deployed
NHTSA ODI #11428570
Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2021
Exterior Lighting
My lights come on and turns off at night sometimes and now My right low beams stopped working. I noticed when I was getting in my car at night.
NHTSA ODI #11421187
Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2021
Electrical System
THE GAUGES DON'T WORK PROPERLY AND WHEN THE GAUGES ARE TAPPED THE TRAILBLAZER STALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY.
NHTSA ODI #11387505
80,000 miles · Dec 12, 2020
Electrical System
I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER (BOUGHT NEW) WITH APPROXIMATELY 79,000 MILES. THE FUEL GAUGE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED INDICATING I AM LOW ON FUEL HOWEVER MY GAS TANK IS FULL. I NOTICED THE PROBLEM AFTER FILLING MY TANK (NO LIGHT ON AT THE TIME). AFTER FILLING THE TANK, THE FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE GAS GAUGE BOUNCED BACK AND FO…
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I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER (BOUGHT NEW) WITH APPROXIMATELY 79,000 MILES. THE FUEL GAUGE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED INDICATING I AM LOW ON FUEL HOWEVER MY GAS TANK IS FULL. I NOTICED THE PROBLEM AFTER FILLING MY TANK (NO LIGHT ON AT THE TIME). AFTER FILLING THE TANK, THE FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE GAS GAUGE BOUNCED BACK AND FORTH FROM QUARTER TANK TO HALF TANK AND NOW THE LIGHT STAYS ON WITH GAUGE SHOWING EMPTY. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE OR RECOMMEND ANY POSSIBLE ACTION TO TAKE.
NHTSA ODI #11383168
168 miles · Dec 2, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
MOST RECENT, I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY HEAD LIGHTS GO OUT. NOTHING ELSE, JUST THE MAIN HEAD LIGHTS. ALL.OTJER LIGHTS STAY ON. HIGH BEAMS WORK, PARKING LIGHTS STAY ON. THIS IS NOT SAFE!!!
NHTSA ODI #11377582
19,000 miles · Nov 4, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF SETTING STILL
NHTSA ODI #11373057
149,000 miles · Oct 24, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System
FUEL GAUGE DROPS TO EMPTY CONSTANTLY, EVEN WHERE THERE IS HALF A TANK. ONLY 5-10% OF THE TIME IT SHOWS HOW MUCH FUEL THERE REALLY IS. THIS HAPPENS WHILE TRAVELING AND WHILE STOPPED.
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.
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.
2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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