IllustrationTHE FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING THEN ALL THE OTHER GAUGES OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BEGAN INTERMITTENTLY THEN PERMANENTLY STOPPED WORKING. ASIDE FROM THE BATTERY GAUGE, THE LEAST IMPORTANT OF THEM ALL. *TR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Trailblazer years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
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 reportsSOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT NIGHT(AND DURING THE DAY), WITHIN (15-20 MINUTES INTO THE DRIVE) MY HEADLIGHTS GO OFF AND DO NOT COME BACK ON FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I USUALLY HAVE TO PULL OVER AND LET THE VEHICLE SIT FOR A PERIOD OF TIME(15-60 MINUTES). THIS ISSUE IS INTERMITTENT AND I CAN NOT PREDICT WH…
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SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT NIGHT(AND DURING THE DAY), WITHIN (15-20 MINUTES INTO THE DRIVE) MY HEADLIGHTS GO OFF AND DO NOT COME BACK ON FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I USUALLY HAVE TO PULL OVER AND LET THE VEHICLE SIT FOR A PERIOD OF TIME(15-60 MINUTES). THIS ISSUE IS INTERMITTENT AND I CAN NOT PREDICT WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN. BUT IT HAPPENS ENOUGH THAT THIS POSES A GREAT SAFETY RISK TO ME AND OTHER DRIVERS ON THE FREEWAY. *TR
IN 2007 WE HAD INSTALLED AN INTERNAL IGNITION SWITCH THEN AGAIN IN 2010 AND NOW AGAIN 2013. THE CAR WOULD JUST STOP AND NOTHING WOULD COME ON. THIS IS WHAT IS INSTALLED EACH TIME IT IS DONE, INSTALLED 15242754 SL-N-SWITCH INSTALLED 12177251 SL-N-FUSE
FIRST, FUEL GAUGE, THEN THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED WORKING. *JB
PLEASE CONSIDER A NEW REQUIREMENT FOR ALL NEW VEHICLES PRODUCED THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A REAR LIFTGATE/TAILGATE, SUCH AS CROSSOVERS, SUV'S AND MINI-VANS. THERE IS NO WAY TO OPEN THE GATE FROM THE INSIDE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A LATCH TO OPEN ALL GATES FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE IN CASE IT BECOMES THE ONLY WAY OUT IN CASE OF FIRE OR I…
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PLEASE CONSIDER A NEW REQUIREMENT FOR ALL NEW VEHICLES PRODUCED THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH A REAR LIFTGATE/TAILGATE, SUCH AS CROSSOVERS, SUV'S AND MINI-VANS. THERE IS NO WAY TO OPEN THE GATE FROM THE INSIDE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A LATCH TO OPEN ALL GATES FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE IN CASE IT BECOMES THE ONLY WAY OUT IN CASE OF FIRE OR IF SINKING IN WATER. *TR
THE WINDOW AND LOCK CONTROLS ON THE DRIVER DOOR HANDLE JUST STOPPED WORKING LEAVING MY WINDOW OPEN. IT IS NOT A FUSE. I BEGAN LOOKING FOR OTHER ISSUES ONLINE AND HAVE COME ACROSS THIS ISSUE ON EARLIER MODEL TRAILBLAZERS. I AM IN A COLD CLIMATE AS THE OTHER RECALL IS APPLICABLE TO. *TR
FUEL GAUGE SAYS EMPTY NO MATTER HOW MUCH FUEL YOU PUT IN ALSO ABS/BRAKE SERVICE INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON. *TR
I WAS DRIVING DURING SUMMER TIME AND MY FUEL GAGE WENT FROM FULL TO EMPTY FOR NO REASON. I HAD JUST FILLED UP, SO I KNEW THERE WAS GAS IN THE TANK. IT HAS SINCE GIVEN ME RANDOM READINGS. IF I LET THE GAS LEVEL FALL BELOW 3/4 OF A TANK. IT WILL GO TO EMPTY EVEN IF I FILLED THE TANK. IT DOES WORK RANDOMLY SOMETIMES. *TR
MY SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING ONE DAY, AND HASN'T WORKED SINCE. WHILE DRIVING IT WILL SAY I'M GOING THE SPEED LIMIT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN ITS DROPS TO 0 MPH, OR SAY I'M DRIVING 30 MPH. MY SPEEDOMETER IS NEVER ACCURATE. I WENT HAD IT CHECKED WITH THE CHEVROLET DEALER SHIP AND THEY STATED I NEED A NEW SPEED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND IT W…
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MY SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING ONE DAY, AND HASN'T WORKED SINCE. WHILE DRIVING IT WILL SAY I'M GOING THE SPEED LIMIT AND ALL OF A SUDDEN ITS DROPS TO 0 MPH, OR SAY I'M DRIVING 30 MPH. MY SPEEDOMETER IS NEVER ACCURATE. I WENT HAD IT CHECKED WITH THE CHEVROLET DEALER SHIP AND THEY STATED I NEED A NEW SPEED INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND IT WOULD COST ME $518.00 JUST FOR THE PART, NOT INCLUDING THE LABOR. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS STILL ON 55 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLAC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS STILL ON 55 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.
Official recalls
206V417000 · 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
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.