← 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

What owners actually said

1,466 reports
75,000 miles · Apr 16, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE READ INACCURATELY NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND/OR THE COMPUTER CHIP THAT CONTROLS THE FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER OFFERED TO COVER HA…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE READ INACCURATELY NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP AND/OR THE COMPUTER CHIP THAT CONTROLS THE FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER OFFERED TO COVER HALF THE COST OF THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000.

NHTSA ODI #10508436

92,000 miles · Apr 16, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

THE FUEL GUAGE FLUCTUATES BETWEEN EMPTY AND FULL AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508384

94,000 miles · Apr 15, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

GAS GAUGE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10508339

61,000 miles · Apr 11, 2013
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER FAILURE. SPEED PRESENTED BY GAUGE WAS INCREDIBLY INACCURATE. RATE OF SPEED WAS 20-30 MPH FASTER. FINALLY A TOTAL "LOCK-UP" OF INSTRUMENT. AT A STAND STILL GAUGE REPORTED 60MPH. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO GM THEY REFUSE TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES. REFUSED TO REPAIR. FURTHER RESEARCH SHOWED THOUSANDS OF REPORTS OF FAILUR…

Read full complaint

SPEEDOMETER FAILURE. SPEED PRESENTED BY GAUGE WAS INCREDIBLY INACCURATE. RATE OF SPEED WAS 20-30 MPH FASTER. FINALLY A TOTAL "LOCK-UP" OF INSTRUMENT. AT A STAND STILL GAUGE REPORTED 60MPH. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO GM THEY REFUSE TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES. REFUSED TO REPAIR. FURTHER RESEARCH SHOWED THOUSANDS OF REPORTS OF FAILURES OF SPEEDOMETERS. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE DIED AND OR CRASHED BECAUSE RATE OF SPEED WAS INACCURATE?? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10505916

26,000 miles · Apr 6, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineFuel System, Gasoline

PURCHASED 11/24/2008 ~20K MILES. WITHIN 5MONTHS A WHOLE HOST OF ISSUES STARTED, THE 1ST BEING THE FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING BY SHOWING FULL & ACTUALLY NOT (RAN OUT OF GAS TWICE) AND THEN SHOWING EMPTY AFTER FILLUP. 1WEEK LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED WORKING. ~ ONE YEAR LATER, DEC 2009 THE SPEEDOM…

Read full complaint

PURCHASED 11/24/2008 ~20K MILES. WITHIN 5MONTHS A WHOLE HOST OF ISSUES STARTED, THE 1ST BEING THE FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING BY SHOWING FULL & ACTUALLY NOT (RAN OUT OF GAS TWICE) AND THEN SHOWING EMPTY AFTER FILLUP. 1WEEK LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED WORKING. ~ ONE YEAR LATER, DEC 2009 THE SPEEDOMETER FLUCTUATED FROM WORKING PROPERLY TO ~50-55MPH BASE INSTEAD OF 0. AFTER A FEW DAYS, THE SPEEDOMETER DID ZERO-OUT BUT THEN DID NOT SHOW ANY SPEED BUT STAYED AT 0. ALONG WITH THE SPEEDOMETER ISSUE ARE THE HEADLIGHTS DIMMING SPORADICALLY. ALL OF THE ISSUES HAVE CONTINUED ON-OFF SINCE. MARCH 2012 THE WINDSHIELD RESERVOIR STARTED LEAKING/CRACKED. FEBRUARY 2013 HAD TUNEUP, BRAKES, AND THERMOSTAT REPLACED AND SINCE THEN ADD FRONT VENTS STOPPED WORKING PLUS SEVERE, SPORADIC, HIGH IDLE - DRIVING TO WORK (METROPOLITAN, DOWNTOWN, CAPITAL OF STATE-HIGH RUSH HOUR) THE HIGH REV STARTED AND ALL I WANTED WAS TO GET TO WORKPLACE PARKING LOT ~2MILES. 2BLCKS FR PKG LOT, I WAS BRAKING AT A LEFT, DBLTURN LIGHT WITH THE REV & BRAKES GRABBINGH/COUNTERACTING. I COME TO A FULL STOP BUT MY SUV REVS TO OVER 3RPMS & I THOUGHT THE TRBLZR WOULD BREAK FREE & CRASH INTO THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME! I HAVE A "CHRISTINE" CAR AND HATE THE FEELING OF DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT CHEVY WON'T RECALL/FIX AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO BUY ANYTHING ELSE CURRENTLY OR GET ALL THESE ISSUES REPAIRED. I PLACE MINE, MY KIDS AND PASSENGERS' LIVES & SAFETY INTO JEOPARDY EVERY TIME WE GET IN TO DRIVE/RIDE. I ONLY HAVE 78K MILES AND 1YR OF CAR PYMNTS LEFT. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVY AGAIN AND I WAS A DIEHARD CHEVY AND "BUY AMERICAN" CONSUMER. THIS VEHICLE IS A PIECE OF JUNK. MY NEXT PURCHASE WILL BE ANY VEHICLE THAT IS SAFE, WHOEVER THE MANUFACTURER MAY BE. CAN ANYTHING BE DONE TO HELP??? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10507369

68,900 miles · Apr 1, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SHOWS THAT THE FUEL LEVEL READS EMPTY AFTER REFUELING TO CAPACITY. THE FUEL SENSOR LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. ONCE ON THE INTERSTATE FOR APPX 50 MILES THE LEVEL RESUMES. NO TELLING HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN TANK AFTER FILLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR NEEDS T…

Read full complaint

MY 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER SHOWS THAT THE FUEL LEVEL READS EMPTY AFTER REFUELING TO CAPACITY. THE FUEL SENSOR LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. ONCE ON THE INTERSTATE FOR APPX 50 MILES THE LEVEL RESUMES. NO TELLING HOW MUCH FUEL IS IN TANK AFTER FILLING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10505176

73,000 miles · Mar 31, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

I HAD JUST FILLED UP MY SUV, AND WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, MY FUEL GAUGE STARTED DROPPING WITHIN A MINUTES TIME, TO 3/4 TANK, 1/2 TANK, 1/4 TANK, THEN THE FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AND STATED I WAS ON EMPTY. I DIDN'T SMELL GASOLINE, BUT THE GAUGE THEN STARTED GOING BACK UP, THEN DOWN AND WENT HAYWIRE. AFTER SOME OF THE GAS WAS USED, IT WEN…

Read full complaint

I HAD JUST FILLED UP MY SUV, AND WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, MY FUEL GAUGE STARTED DROPPING WITHIN A MINUTES TIME, TO 3/4 TANK, 1/2 TANK, 1/4 TANK, THEN THE FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AND STATED I WAS ON EMPTY. I DIDN'T SMELL GASOLINE, BUT THE GAUGE THEN STARTED GOING BACK UP, THEN DOWN AND WENT HAYWIRE. AFTER SOME OF THE GAS WAS USED, IT WENT BACK UP TO ALMOST FULL, BUT AFTER A BIT, IT DROPPED BACK DOWN TO HALF TANK AGAIN. EVERY SUBSEQUENT TIME I FILL UP, THE GAUGE DOES THE SAME THING. ANOTHER INCIDENT THAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS IS THE HEAD LIGHTS DIM AND GET BRIGHTER. THIS DOESN'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, BUT AT LEAST THREE TIMES A WEEK. I DIDN'T THINK TOO MUCH ABOUT IT UNTIL I SAW OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE ABOUT THE SAME THING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10505166

76,000 miles · Mar 25, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK DISPLAYED A FUEL LEVEL READING OF EMPTY AFTER REFUELING TO CAPACITY. THE FUEL SENSOR LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MA…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK DISPLAYED A FUEL LEVEL READING OF EMPTY AFTER REFUELING TO CAPACITY. THE FUEL SENSOR LIGHT WAS ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.

NHTSA ODI #10504385

102,000 miles · Mar 22, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH STOP LIGHT ABOVE THE LIFT GATE FRACTURED DUE TO ICE IN THE WINTER. THE PART SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND SOMEONE RAN OVER THE PIECE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE HIGH STOP LIGHT NEEDED TO BE RE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH STOP LIGHT ABOVE THE LIFT GATE FRACTURED DUE TO ICE IN THE WINTER. THE PART SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE AND SOMEONE RAN OVER THE PIECE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE HIGH STOP LIGHT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504095

60,000 miles · Mar 21, 2013
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

I PURCHASED MY '05 TRAILBLAZER NEW OFF THE LOT NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS UNTIL THE SPEED ODOMETER STOPPED WORKING. COUPLE YEARS LATER MY OIL & GAS GAGE STOPPED WORKING. I BASED MY SPEED OFF MY RPM & CALCULATE MY GAS MILEAGE AFTER EACH FILL UP. NOW MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE DIMMING & I'VE NOTICED ON MANY OCCASIONS MY HEADLIGHTS FLICKE…

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED MY '05 TRAILBLAZER NEW OFF THE LOT NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS UNTIL THE SPEED ODOMETER STOPPED WORKING. COUPLE YEARS LATER MY OIL & GAS GAGE STOPPED WORKING. I BASED MY SPEED OFF MY RPM & CALCULATE MY GAS MILEAGE AFTER EACH FILL UP. NOW MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE DIMMING & I'VE NOTICED ON MANY OCCASIONS MY HEADLIGHTS FLICKER...I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY TWICE & THE WATER PUMP TWICE. NOW WHEN MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR THIS OTHER LITTLE CHK GAGE LIGHT COMES ON, I DON'T KNOW IF A MALFUNCTION OF IF SOMETHING IS TRULY WRONG. NOW IT'S RUNNING ROUGH, ACTS AS IF IT WANTS TO CUT OFF. THEY HAVE CHECKED ALL THAT THEY CAN BUT BECAUSE THE CHK ENGINE LIGHT ISN'T ON, THERE'S NO WAY FOR THEM TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. AND UNFORTUNATELY, WHEN THE MECHANIC RIDES WITH ME OF COURSE THE CAR WON'T DO IT...AND ALTHOUGH, THESE ARE SEPARATE ISSUES I CAN'T WONDER IF REPLACING THE BATTERY IS CONNECTED THE SAME SYSTEM AS THE DASHBOARD. I'VE BEEN TOLD BY 2 DIFFER MECHANICS IT WOULD COST UP TO $600 TO REPLACE THE WHOLE SYSTEM. BUT AFTER READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS, MANY HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AS ME I CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER IF THIS PROBLEM COULD OR SHOULD BE ON A RECALL & IF NOT, WHY? IF YOU VIEW THE COMPLAINTS WHY NOT LOOK INTO THE VERY PRESENT & PERSISTENT PROBLEM! ITS VERY FRUSTRATING & AGGRAVATING TO PLAY A GUESSING GAME WHEN YOUR UP & DOWN A HIGHWAY DAILY! NOT TO MENTION A SAFETY HAZARD! SURELY, YOUR COMPANY ISN'T SO MONEY HUNGRY THAT YOU CAN'T TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOU PRODUCT & OFFER TO PAY FOR SOME OR ALL THE COSTS TO REPAIR! I'M A SINGLE MOTHER OF 3 & I WAS BLESSED ENOUGH TO PAY MY CAR OFF A YEAR AGO BUT I'VE PAID MORE IN REPAIR COSTS & STRESSING WHETHER OR NOT I'LL MAKE IT SAFELY TO & FROM MY DESTINATION! I NEVER HAD THIS MANY ISSUES WITH MY GRAND JEEP CHEROKEE. I AM TRULY DISAPPOINTED IN YOUR VEHICLE... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10503996

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.