IllustrationFRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR PANEL CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY.
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Envoy 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
280–25K
5925–50K
8750–75K
10775–100K
88100–150K
16150K+
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 reportsSERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT GOES ON AND OFF RANDOMLY. WHILE DRIVING THE SPEEDOMETER READS 0 OIL PRESSURE GUAGE READS NO PRESSURE, ALL GUAGES READ 0, THEN SPEEDOMETER READS RANDOM SPEEDS.
PROBLEM WITH BOTH HEADLIGHT LOW BEAM MALFUNCTION; GOING ON AND OFF. PROBLEM STARTED ON 1/10/16 AND CONTINUES UNTIL TODAY DESPITE REPLACING BOTH HEADLIGHT LOW BEAM FUSES AND RELAY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FLICKERED AND FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT AND FUSE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COUL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT FLICKERED AND FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT AND FUSE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,000.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AFTER DARK AND MY LOW BEAMS COMPLETELY WENT OUT. I COULD ONLY GET MY HIGH BEAMS TO WORK. CURRENTLY ONLY ONE LOW BEAM IS WORKING AND THE OTHER WILL NOT WORK EVEN AFTER CHANGING THE BULB OR THE FUSE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN ESPECIALLY HAVING A YOUNG CHILD. IT WAS VERY SCARY GOING DOWN…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AFTER DARK AND MY LOW BEAMS COMPLETELY WENT OUT. I COULD ONLY GET MY HIGH BEAMS TO WORK. CURRENTLY ONLY ONE LOW BEAM IS WORKING AND THE OTHER WILL NOT WORK EVEN AFTER CHANGING THE BULB OR THE FUSE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN ESPECIALLY HAVING A YOUNG CHILD. IT WAS VERY SCARY GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT NIGHT AND HAVE YOUR LIGHTS COMPLETELY JUST GO OUT. I HAVE NOTICED THAT THERE ARE ISSUES WITH 06-07 ENVOYS BUT I WANTED GM TO BE MADE AWARE THAT 2005 MODELS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED AS WELL.
WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 GMC ENVOY MY SPEEDOMETER WILL STOP WORKING AND REGISTER AS 0 MPH EVEN WHEN I AM MOVING. IT ALSO HAS SHOWN ME TRAVELLING AT A MUCH HIGHER SPEED AT TIMES. THERE ARE MANY ISSUES WITH THIS THAT I'VE FOUND WHILE SEARCHING THE WEB. IT IS UNNERVING AND DANGEROUS TO NOT KNOW THE SPEED YOU ARE TRAVELING. I HAVE …
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WHILE DRIVING MY 2005 GMC ENVOY MY SPEEDOMETER WILL STOP WORKING AND REGISTER AS 0 MPH EVEN WHEN I AM MOVING. IT ALSO HAS SHOWN ME TRAVELLING AT A MUCH HIGHER SPEED AT TIMES. THERE ARE MANY ISSUES WITH THIS THAT I'VE FOUND WHILE SEARCHING THE WEB. IT IS UNNERVING AND DANGEROUS TO NOT KNOW THE SPEED YOU ARE TRAVELING. I HAVE STARTED TO USE A GPS SYSTEM WHEN I DRIVE TO SHOW MY SPEED.
VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLS/STOPS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO LOWER THE WINDOW AND NOTICED THAT THE POWER SWITCH FROM THE WINDOW WAS HOT. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE POWER SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED A BURNING ODOR. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO LOWER THE WINDOW AND NOTICED THAT THE POWER SWITCH FROM THE WINDOW WAS HOT. THE CONTACT DISCONNECTED THE POWER SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO CALL NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,300.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, WATER FROM THE RAIN ENTERED THE DOOR MODULE RESULTING IN A SHORT IN THE CIRCUIT BOARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V406000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY). THE VEHICLE WAS TA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY. WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, WATER FROM THE RAIN ENTERED THE DOOR MODULE RESULTING IN A SHORT IN THE CIRCUIT BOARD. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V406000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CONTACT NEEDED A NOTICE THAT WAS ADDRESSED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,400.
THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY ANYMORE. THIS IS A RECURRING PROBLEM IN GMC ENVOYS, BUT GM WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE NOR FIX THE ISSUE. SPEEDOMETER CURRENTLY SHOWS I'M DOING 60 MPH WHILE PARKED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE DRIVERS DON'T REALLY KNOW HOW FAST THEY ARE GOING...... *TR
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.