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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

What owners actually said

1,466 reports
126,000 miles · Jun 13, 2014
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE HEAD LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING IT, THE LIGHTS RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOT…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE HEAD LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING IT, THE LIGHTS RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT PROBLEM.THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 126,000.

NHTSA ODI #10598129

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.…

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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

85,000 miles · Jun 6, 2014
Visibility/wiper

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BUT THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP CONTINUED TO OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT DISMISSED THE INITIAL INCIDENT. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND WORSEN. THE VEHICLE WA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BUT THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP CONTINUED TO OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT DISMISSED THE INITIAL INCIDENT. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED AND WORSEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

NHTSA ODI #10596591

95,000 miles · Jun 5, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

CLUSTER GAUGES ARE GOING OUT. THE SPEEDOMETER QUICK WORKING A FEW YEARS AGO AND IS INTERMITTENT AT BEST ON A DAILY BASIS. IT EITHER INDICATES A LESSER OR GREATER SPEED THAN ACTUAL OR JUST FALLS TO POINT STRAIGHT DOWN. I HAVE BEEN USING A MOUNTED GPS TO INDICATE SPEED. INITIAL REPAIR COST ESTIMATES WERE $500+ FOR THE PARTS SI…

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CLUSTER GAUGES ARE GOING OUT. THE SPEEDOMETER QUICK WORKING A FEW YEARS AGO AND IS INTERMITTENT AT BEST ON A DAILY BASIS. IT EITHER INDICATES A LESSER OR GREATER SPEED THAN ACTUAL OR JUST FALLS TO POINT STRAIGHT DOWN. I HAVE BEEN USING A MOUNTED GPS TO INDICATE SPEED. INITIAL REPAIR COST ESTIMATES WERE $500+ FOR THE PARTS SINCE THEY WILL ONLY REPLACE THE ENTIRE GAUGE CLUSTER. WITH LABOR, THE ESTIMATE WAS IN EXCESS OF $800. FUEL GAUGE IS NOW INOPERATIVE OR INTERMITTENT. WHEN I FILL THE TANK, THE FUEL GAUGE READS WAY PAST THE FULL LINE. HAVING TO RELY OF THE FUEL TO EMPTY AND THE FUEL USED COMPUTER INFORMATION ALONG WITH THE TRIP METER TO ESTIMATE FUEL. RECEIVED ANOTHER ESTIMATE FOR A MECHANIC TO PULL THE GAUGE CLUSTER AND REBUILD EACH INDIVIDUAL GAUGE MOTOR FOR AN ESTIMATE OF $500. BASED UPON THE NUMBER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME THING, THIS APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED BY GM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10596333

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SHOWS EMPTY WHEN VEHICLE IS FILLED UP, THIS LASTS UNTIL CLOSE TO A QUARTER TANK HAS BEEN USED; FREQUENCY: 100% OF THE TIME. CONTACTED PRIOR OWNER AND HE CONFIRMED IT HAD BEEN DOING IT OFF AND ON SINCE 2 YEAR OF OWNERSHIP BUT DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE. TOOK TO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND…

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MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SHOWS EMPTY WHEN VEHICLE IS FILLED UP, THIS LASTS UNTIL CLOSE TO A QUARTER TANK HAS BEEN USED; FREQUENCY: 100% OF THE TIME. CONTACTED PRIOR OWNER AND HE CONFIRMED IT HAD BEEN DOING IT OFF AND ON SINCE 2 YEAR OF OWNERSHIP BUT DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE. TOOK TO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND WAS TOLD ITS THE FUEL SENDING UNIT, A COMMON PROBLEM IN MY YEAR IN PARTICULAR. VEHICLE ALSO IS BEGINNING TO HAVE ISSUES WITH SHOWING CORRECT FUEL LEFT WHEN IT DROPS BELOW A QUARTER TANK, IT DOES NOT DROP CONSISTENTLY WHICH WOULD LEAD TO MY RUNNING OUT OF GAS IF I TRUSTED IT, TO DATE I FILL BEFORE IT GETS TO A QUARTER TANK TO AVOID THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10595711

120,000 miles · May 28, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAMS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HIGH BEAMS WERE ABLE TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAMS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HIGH BEAMS WERE ABLE TO FUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 122,000. UPDATED 8/11/14*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT, FOR NO REASON. UPDATED 08/26/14

NHTSA ODI #10594665

100,000 miles · May 28, 2014
Electrical SystemStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE FUNCTIONS OF THE DRIVER DOOR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL THE FUNCTIONS OF THE DRIVER DOOR HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

NHTSA ODI #10594570

2,500 miles · May 27, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE READ FULL AND IT WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES. HOWEVER, THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS NOTHI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE READ FULL AND IT WAS COMPLETELY EMPTY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES. HOWEVER, THE DEALER ADVISED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 41,363.

NHTSA ODI #10594293

75,000 miles · May 24, 2014
Electrical System

THE SPEED KEEPS CHANGING AND IT WILL NOT STAY ACCURATE AND ALL GAUGES KEEP MESSING UP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10593896

48,000 miles · May 22, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR COULD POTENTIALLY FAIL PREMATURELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE CONCERN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 08/14/14*LJ UPDATED 8/29/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10593422

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.