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2005 GMC Envoy

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Envoy years

Owner complaints for the 2005 GMC Envoy are substantially higher than the model-year median of 22.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

385 reports with mileage · 103 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 183 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 164 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 45 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

27 crash reports14 fire reports22 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

183 reports
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70,000 miles · Oct 20, 2011
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline

THE FUEL GAGE STOPPED WORKING AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT STAYS ON. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF THE PORT TO CHECK ENGINE CODE DOES NOT WORK. THE INSIDE COURTESY LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING ONE BACK UP LIGHT WILL NOT WORK THE LEFT BRAKE LIGHT GETS NO POWER AND WON'T WORK. ONLY 3 OF THE 5 SPEED SETTINGS ON THE FAN WO…

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THE FUEL GAGE STOPPED WORKING AND THE LOW FUEL LIGHT STAYS ON. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF THE PORT TO CHECK ENGINE CODE DOES NOT WORK. THE INSIDE COURTESY LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING ONE BACK UP LIGHT WILL NOT WORK THE LEFT BRAKE LIGHT GETS NO POWER AND WON'T WORK. ONLY 3 OF THE 5 SPEED SETTINGS ON THE FAN WORK. GMC DEALER SAYS THEY CAN DO NOTHING, AND THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THESE PROBLEMS. HOWEVER I AM ABLE TO FIND THOUSANDS OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS ONLINE IN VARIOUS CONSUMER SITES. GMC WON'T EVEN RETURN MY CALLS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10432263

Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS REGULARLY BLINK IN AND OUT ON MY 2005 ENVOY. THERE HAVE EVEN BEEN TIMES WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS BLINK OFF AND ON FOR NO KNOWN REASON. HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES OVER THE LAST 3 OR 4 YEARS. SCARY STUFF! PLUS, I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. ONE FELLOW SAID HE TOOK I…

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THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS REGULARLY BLINK IN AND OUT ON MY 2005 ENVOY. THERE HAVE EVEN BEEN TIMES WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS BLINK OFF AND ON FOR NO KNOWN REASON. HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES OVER THE LAST 3 OR 4 YEARS. SCARY STUFF! PLUS, I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL FORUMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES. ONE FELLOW SAID HE TOOK IT INTO THE SHOP AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. RECALL - AND NOW THE PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS GAUGE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. MY HUSBAND WAS LAID OFF FROM HIS JOB AND WE CAN'T EVEN AFFORD THE 1/2 THAT GM IS OFFERING TO FIX THE THING IN THEIR RECALL. IF THEY KNEW IT WAS A FAILURE OF THEIR EQUIPMENT WHY ARE THEY NOT PAYING THE ENTIRE AMOUNT? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10432221

63,500 miles · Oct 16, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

2005 GMC ENVOY XL HAS SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE BATTERY AND TEMPERATURE GAUGES ARE READING OFF THE SCALE PAST THEIR MAXIMUM READINGS. IT SHOULD ALSO BE NOTED THAT THIS VEHICLE ALSO HAD ISSUES WITH THE FUEL GAUGE SENDING UNIT AND THE ENGINE THERMOSTAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10430426

62,000 miles · Oct 5, 2011
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE FUEL GAGE SENSOR FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE SENSORS WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE W…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER AND THE FUEL GAGE SENSOR FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE SENSORS WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000.

NHTSA ODI #10428799

Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineFuel System, Other

FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT GO ABOVE 1/8 TANK. SPEEDOMETER "STICKS" USUALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND WHEN STOPPED DOES NOT RETURN TO ZERO THEN WHEN VEHICLE IS MOVING AGAIN THE NEW SPEED IS ACCUMULATING ON "STUCK" SPEED. SOMETIMES SPEEDOMETER "STICKS" BEFORE REACHING STEADY SPEED AND WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED THE READING IS BELOW ZERO IN THIS …

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FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT GO ABOVE 1/8 TANK. SPEEDOMETER "STICKS" USUALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND WHEN STOPPED DOES NOT RETURN TO ZERO THEN WHEN VEHICLE IS MOVING AGAIN THE NEW SPEED IS ACCUMULATING ON "STUCK" SPEED. SOMETIMES SPEEDOMETER "STICKS" BEFORE REACHING STEADY SPEED AND WHEN VEHICLE IS STOPPED THE READING IS BELOW ZERO IN THIS SCENARIO WHEN THE VEHICLE IS MOVING AGAIN THE "REGISTERED" SPEED IS BELOW ACTUAL SPEED. AS I DRIVE 1,000 MILES A WEEK, IT IS QUITE IMPORTANT TO KNOW HOW MUCH FUEL I HAVE IN MY TANK AND OF COURSE HOW FAST I AM TRAVELING. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10426344

79,455 miles · Sep 19, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

MY FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING 8 MONTHS AGO, TOOK TO GMC DEALER FOR SERVICE ESTIMATE. SERVICE MANAGER SAID THESE FUEL GAUGES ALWAYS GO OUT ON ENVOYS AND THE COST TO REPAIR WAS $578.00 (PLUS TAX) - I CHOKED AND DID NOT GET REPAIRED. 3 MONTHS LATER AFTER TRYING TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THE FUEL GAUGE - IT BECAME A NIGHTMARE…

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MY FUEL GAUGE STOPPED WORKING 8 MONTHS AGO, TOOK TO GMC DEALER FOR SERVICE ESTIMATE. SERVICE MANAGER SAID THESE FUEL GAUGES ALWAYS GO OUT ON ENVOYS AND THE COST TO REPAIR WAS $578.00 (PLUS TAX) - I CHOKED AND DID NOT GET REPAIRED. 3 MONTHS LATER AFTER TRYING TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THE FUEL GAUGE - IT BECAME A NIGHTMARE TO KNOW IF WE HAD GAS IN THE VEHICLE OR NOT, I TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND THEY SAID "WE SEE THIS FUEL GAUGE PROBLEM ALL THE TIME ON THE ENVOYS"... THEY SAID THE GMC PARTS WERE A RIP-OFF AND EXPENSIVE, THEY WOULD HAVE TO USE GMC PARTS FOR THE FUEL GAUGE AND THEY QUOTED $408.00 (PLUS TAX) FOR THE REPAIR. THE SERVICE MANAGER FOR THE REPAIR SHOP SAID HE COULD NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THEY HAVE NOT HAD A RECALL ON THIS SINCE THEY HAVE SEEN HUNDREDS OF GMC'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. HE SAID WE MAY WANT TO WAIT ON THE REPAIR TO SEE IF GM HAS A RECALL. ON AUGUST 30, I RECEIVED A WRITTEN NOTIFICATION FROM GMC STATING AN ISSUE WITH ENVOYS AND THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR FAILURE PROBLEM; HOWEVER, GMC STATED THEY WOULD ONLY COVER 50% OF THE COST OF REPAIR. WHAT A JOKE, 50% OF A $600 REPAIR BILL FOR A PROBLEM THEY ADMIT IN WRITING IS A SCAM TO TRY AND GET AS MANY PEOPLE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR ($300) BEFORE THE GOV'T. MANDATES A RECALL. I CALLED GMC AND REQUESTED A 100% PAID REPAIR AND THEY REFUSED. I WILL BE GLAD TO FORWARD THE "FUEL SENSOR FAILURE" LETTER IF YOU NEED. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP? THE ARE SEVERAL HUNDRED THOUSAND OWNERS OF GMC ENVOYS THAT WOULD BE VERY APPRECIATIVE - THANK YOU IN ADVANCE... *TR *KB

NHTSA ODI #10426259

72,000 miles · Sep 14, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, OtherPower Train

THE WIPERS WERE THE FIRST TO GO. THAT NEEDED A CONTROL MODULE. THE TOUCH PADS FOR THE TAIL GATE WERE NEXT. FIRST THE DROP DOWN THEN THE SWING. THEN THE RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER DOOR INSIDE HANDLE STOPPED WORKING. THEN THE LEFT SIDE REAR DOOR OUTSIDE HANDLE DOESN'T WORK. THEN THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE DOESN'T WORK. THEN THE FUEL GAUGE D…

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THE WIPERS WERE THE FIRST TO GO. THAT NEEDED A CONTROL MODULE. THE TOUCH PADS FOR THE TAIL GATE WERE NEXT. FIRST THE DROP DOWN THEN THE SWING. THEN THE RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER DOOR INSIDE HANDLE STOPPED WORKING. THEN THE LEFT SIDE REAR DOOR OUTSIDE HANDLE DOESN'T WORK. THEN THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE DOESN'T WORK. THEN THE FUEL GAUGE DOESN'T WORK. NOW THE PASSENGER'S WINDOW DOESN'T OPEN. 5TH SPEED ON THE HEATER STOPPED WORKING. WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH GMC? THAT IS A HIGH END VEHICLE AND AS SUCH SHOULD NOT BE PLAGUED WITH SUCH PROBLEMS. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10425433

Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED WITH APPROXIMATELY 24,000 MILES IN 2006. WITHIN A YEAR OF PURCHASING THE CAR THE CLUSTER PANEL (GAUGES) STOPPED WORKING. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THAT IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $700 TO REPAIR AS THE ENTIRE CLUSTER PANEL WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVE AND …

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I PURCHASED THIS CAR USED WITH APPROXIMATELY 24,000 MILES IN 2006. WITHIN A YEAR OF PURCHASING THE CAR THE CLUSTER PANEL (GAUGES) STOPPED WORKING. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THAT IT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $700 TO REPAIR AS THE ENTIRE CLUSTER PANEL WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVE AND REPLACED. AFTER TALKING WITH CO-WORKERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM; I LATER DISCOVERED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE BUT YOU HAD TO BE THE FIRST OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER HAVING THE CLUSTER PANEL REPAIRED, MY GAS GAUGE HAS STOPPED WORKING AND I AM TOLD THAT THE ENTIRE TANK HAS TO BE REMOVED FOR REPAIR AND THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE EITHER. THE WINDOW AND DOOR LOCK SYSTEM ON THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR ALSO IS NON-OPERATIONAL. THIS VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE SEVERAL MINOR ELECTRICAL ISSUES BUT I AM MOST DISTURBED BY THE FACT THAT AFTER SPENDING THE MONEY TO HAVE THE CLUSTER PANEL FIXED MY GAS GAUGE IS STILL NOT WORKING PROPERLY.

NHTSA ODI #10422110

70,000 miles · Aug 18, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, Other

GAS GAUGE AND SPEEDOMETER NO LONGER WORK. NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE CAR. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10420085

80,000 miles · Aug 4, 2011
Electrical System

THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2005 ENVOY IS NOLONGER WORKING...THE PROBLEM SEEM TO BE COMMON WITH ENVOY OWNERS BECAUSE WE HAVE AN ENTIRE FORUM ON IT I HAVE COMPLAINED TO GMC AND NO AVAIL...I TRIED TO TRADE THE CAR BUT WAS OFFERED WAY LESS THAN FAIR TRADE VALUE BECAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER IS NOT WORKING I HOPE I CAN GET SOME HELP FROM SOMEON…

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THE SPEEDOMETER ON MY 2005 ENVOY IS NOLONGER WORKING...THE PROBLEM SEEM TO BE COMMON WITH ENVOY OWNERS BECAUSE WE HAVE AN ENTIRE FORUM ON IT I HAVE COMPLAINED TO GMC AND NO AVAIL...I TRIED TO TRADE THE CAR BUT WAS OFFERED WAY LESS THAN FAIR TRADE VALUE BECAUSE THE SPEEDOMETER IS NOT WORKING I HOPE I CAN GET SOME HELP FROM SOMEONE..I CAN NOT AFFORD TO KEEP TAKING THE CAR BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALERSHIP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10417137

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.