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
118,852 miles · Dec 11, 2012
Electrical System
I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 55MPH AND THE SPEEDOMETER WAS INDICATING 120+MPH. THE SPEEDOMETER HAS BEEN STICKING AND INDICATING INCORRECT SPEED FOR ABOUT A MONTH. NORMALLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD AND THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS COLD. WHEN DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE WARMS UP, THE SPEEDOMETER EVENTUALLY CORRECTS ITSELF AFTER ST…
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I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 55MPH AND THE SPEEDOMETER WAS INDICATING 120+MPH. THE SPEEDOMETER HAS BEEN STICKING AND INDICATING INCORRECT SPEED FOR ABOUT A MONTH. NORMALLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS COLD AND THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS COLD. WHEN DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE WARMS UP, THE SPEEDOMETER EVENTUALLY CORRECTS ITSELF AFTER STOPPING AT A LIGHT AND SHUTTING THE ENGINE OFF AND BACK ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10488004
108,000 miles · Dec 11, 2012
Service Brakes
NOTE: THIS IS THE SECOND CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE FOR THIS VEHICLE ON SEPTEMBER 204 , 2012, WHILE ON A TRIP FROM HOUSTON TX TO WINONA MN, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A RANCH ROAD AND CAME TO A STOP TO LET A PASSENGER GET OUT AND OPEN A GATE. I DROVE THROUGH THE OPEN GATE AND PUT THE TRAILBLAZER IN PARK WHILE WAITING FOR THE GATE …
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NOTE: THIS IS THE SECOND CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE FOR THIS VEHICLE ON SEPTEMBER 204 , 2012, WHILE ON A TRIP FROM HOUSTON TX TO WINONA MN, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A RANCH ROAD AND CAME TO A STOP TO LET A PASSENGER GET OUT AND OPEN A GATE. I DROVE THROUGH THE OPEN GATE AND PUT THE TRAILBLAZER IN PARK WHILE WAITING FOR THE GATE TO BE CLOSED AND THE PASSENGER TO GET BACK IN THE VEHICLE. I THEN WENT TO APPLY THE BRAKES IN ORDER TO MOVE THE TRANSMISSION FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND, ONCE AGAIN, THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY, AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. A MECHANIC WAS CALLED OUT AND, HE TOO PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHICH HIT THE FLOOR WITH NO RESISTANCE OF ANY KIND. THERE WERE THREE EYEWITNESSES TO THIS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THIS MECHANIC REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND FOUND OUT THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY 05 TRAILBLAZER OWNER WHO HAS SUFFERED THROUGH CATASTROPHIC BRAKE FAILURE EVENTS. A LISTING OF INVESTIGATIONS IS GIVEN ON THIS WEBSITE: HTTP://WWW.FAQS.ORG/CAR/CHEVROLET-TRAILBLAZER-2005/SERVICE-BRAKES/. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10487994
105,000 miles · Dec 11, 2012
Air BagsService BrakesCrash
, I WAS APPROACHING A LINE OF CARS STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT. THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND I WAS DECELERATING AND MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. AS I BEGAN TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THEY FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL HIT THE FLOOR,WITH NO RESISTANCE, AND I RAN INTO THE BACK OF A STOPPED PICKUP TRUCK?.WATCHING IT ALL UNFOL…
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, I WAS APPROACHING A LINE OF CARS STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT. THE WEATHER WAS CLEAR AND I WAS DECELERATING AND MOVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH. AS I BEGAN TO APPLY THE BRAKES, THEY FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY. THE BRAKE PEDAL HIT THE FLOOR,WITH NO RESISTANCE, AND I RAN INTO THE BACK OF A STOPPED PICKUP TRUCK?.WATCHING IT ALL UNFOLD BEFORE MY EYES WHILE MY FOOT FRANTICALLY PUMPED THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHICH HIT THE FLOOR WITH EACH ATTEMPT. ALTHOUGH IT WAS A FRONT END COLLISION, THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10487993
100,000 miles · Dec 2, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System
FUEL GAUGE ALWAYS READS EMPTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10486726
112,045 miles · Dec 2, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System
I WAS REFUELING ON GAS, WHEN I STARTED THAT TRUCK BACK UP, MY FUEL INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON STATING THAT THE TRUCK WAS EMPTY OF FUEL. NOW MIND YOU I JUST PLACED $44.50 INTO THE GAS TANK WHICH AT THE TIME THE GAS PUMP CLICK TO LET ME KNOW THE TANK WAS FULL OF FUEL. IT TOOK ABOUT 2 DAYS FOR THE FUEL INDICATOR TO SHOW THE CORRECT AM…
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I WAS REFUELING ON GAS, WHEN I STARTED THAT TRUCK BACK UP, MY FUEL INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON STATING THAT THE TRUCK WAS EMPTY OF FUEL. NOW MIND YOU I JUST PLACED $44.50 INTO THE GAS TANK WHICH AT THE TIME THE GAS PUMP CLICK TO LET ME KNOW THE TANK WAS FULL OF FUEL. IT TOOK ABOUT 2 DAYS FOR THE FUEL INDICATOR TO SHOW THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE TRUCK. NOW EVER TIME I FILL UP THE FUEL INDICATOR LIGHT STATES IT IS EMPTY AFTER TURNING THE TRUCK BACK ON AND OFF ON THE FOURTH TIME THEN THE INDICATOR LIGHT WILL SHUT OFF AND FUEL GAUGE WILL SHOW THAT CORRECT AMOUNT OF GAS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10486715
58,000 miles · Nov 28, 2012
Electrical System
SPEEDOMETER SHOW 120 MPHS WHEN DRIVING 40 MPHS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10486394
78,887 miles · Nov 26, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System
FUEL GAUGE READS EMPTY, WITH THE LOW FUEL LIGHT ON, AFTER FILLING THE FUEL TANK. SOMETIMES, WHILE DRIVING OR AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE GAUGE NEEDLE MOVES UP AND READS NON-EMPTY AND THEN BACK TO EMPTY TRIGGERING THE LOW FUEL LIGHT AND THE LOW FUEL BELL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10486131
Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System
FUEL LIGHT CONTINUES TO REMAIN ON EMPTY EVEN AFTER I FILL UP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10484586
58,000 miles · Nov 8, 2012
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE PROVIDED AN ERRONEOUS FUEL LEVEL READING OF EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER,…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE PROVIDED AN ERRONEOUS FUEL LEVEL READING OF EMPTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH A FLUCTUATION OF THE FUEL LEVEL GAUGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,000.
NHTSA ODI #10483707
89,000 miles · Oct 22, 2012
EngineSteeringVehicle Speed Control
DUE TO A FAULTY GAS GAUGE THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED ON A HIGHWAY THREE MIILES AWAY FROM FUEL WITH CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE. *TR
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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