← New search

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 →

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

Seats complaints

5 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Jan 2, 2012
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolinePower Train

REPEAT PROBLEMS SINCE CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AT DEALERS. AIR /O2 SENSORS DEFECTIVE/REPLACED. DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP/FUEL SENSOR/ELECTRONIC GAS GAUGE; FLICKERING/DIMMING HEADLIGHTS; FREEZING/INABILITY TO CONTROL DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT AND CONTROLS. 1/4 OF FRONT INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS OUT; DRIVERS SIDE SEAT CONTROL LIGHTING 1/4 O…

Read full complaint

REPEAT PROBLEMS SINCE CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AT DEALERS. AIR /O2 SENSORS DEFECTIVE/REPLACED. DEFECTIVE FUEL PUMP/FUEL SENSOR/ELECTRONIC GAS GAUGE; FLICKERING/DIMMING HEADLIGHTS; FREEZING/INABILITY TO CONTROL DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT AND CONTROLS. 1/4 OF FRONT INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS OUT; DRIVERS SIDE SEAT CONTROL LIGHTING 1/4 OUT; CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND LOW FUEL LIGHT ON CONTINUOUSLY SINCE 1997. TIE RODS BOTH REPLACED AS WELL AS BOTH FRONT SWAY BARS. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING VEHICLE PURCHASE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD CONTINUOUSLY GO OFF. I WOULD CALL ONSTAR AT WHICH POINT I WAS TOLD TO TAKE CAR IN FOR REPAIR W/I 7-10 DAYS (OFTEN TOLD A PROBLEM W/POWERTRAIN OR TRANSMISSION) . AT DEALERS SERVICE DEPT, TOLD OVER AND OVER AGAIN AFTER TONS OF WORRY, CONCERN AND TIME SPENT, THAT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THIS CAR TENDS TO TRIP/TRIGGER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THEY WOULD JUST RESET IT SO AFTER AWHILE, I BEGAN TO DISREGARD THE LIGHT AS I WAS IN THE DEALERSHIP ALMOST WEEKLY. APPROX 2 YRS AFTER PURCHASE, FILLED UP GAS TANK AND FUEL LIGHT SHOWED "LOW FUEL". WENT BACK UP TO FULL, DROPPED TO 1/2 AND BACK TO EMPTY. WENT BACK TO FULL AFTER CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND CONTINUED TO DO THIS. AFTER ABOUT 2 WEEKS, CONSTANTLY STAYS AT EMPTY. CALLED REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD APPROX $700-800 TO DROP TANK AND REPLACE FUEL SENSOR WHICH I COULD NOT AFFORD AND BEGAN TO TRACK ODOMETER AND REFILL TANK AFTER 200 MILES DRIVEN AFTER FILL UP. HAVE BEEN DOING THIS FOR 5 YEARS. JAN 29,2011, I GO FOR EMISSION TEST. FAIL D/T LOW FUEL AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON. GO TO MECHANIC, APPROX $950 REPAIR. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF...AND BACK ON NEXT DAY. READ THOUSANDS OF POSTS ONLINE AND AM FINDING MANY, MANY ENVOY OWNERS EXPERIENCING SAME PROBLEMS AS MINE. THESE ARE SAFETY ISSUES AND GM SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL ON ENTIRE FUEL AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. PLEASE CALL FOR QUESTIONS/CLARIFICATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10442107

100,000 miles · Jul 14, 2010
Electrical SystemEquipmentExterior Lighting

OUT OF NOWHERE MY FRONT HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT. ITS NOT THE FUSE OR THE BULBS, BOTH FRONT LOW LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE HIGH BEAMS WORK. THERE IS NO POWER GOING TO THE LIGHTS AND I HAVE TO BUY A NEW SWITCH. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE ALMOST A YEAR AGO BECAUSE THE O RINGS WENT UP. THE GAS GAUGE IS BROKEN AND MY PASSENGER WINDOW …

Read full complaint

OUT OF NOWHERE MY FRONT HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT. ITS NOT THE FUSE OR THE BULBS, BOTH FRONT LOW LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE HIGH BEAMS WORK. THERE IS NO POWER GOING TO THE LIGHTS AND I HAVE TO BUY A NEW SWITCH. I ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE ALMOST A YEAR AGO BECAUSE THE O RINGS WENT UP. THE GAS GAUGE IS BROKEN AND MY PASSENGER WINDOW WILL NOT GO DOWN. I FEEL SO STUCK WITH THIS CAR! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10343261

Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2008
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting

I PURCHASED A 2005 GMC ENVOY IN SEPTEMBER 2005. IN THE PAST YEAR (SINCE JANUARY 2007, AT LEAST), I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE. THE FIRST PROBLEM IS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. EVERYTIME I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE THE HEADLIGHTS APPEAR TO DIM/FLICKER AND THEN RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS HAS RESULTED IN ONCOMING VEHICLES…

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED A 2005 GMC ENVOY IN SEPTEMBER 2005. IN THE PAST YEAR (SINCE JANUARY 2007, AT LEAST), I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY VEHICLE. THE FIRST PROBLEM IS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. EVERYTIME I HAVE DRIVEN THE VEHICLE THE HEADLIGHTS APPEAR TO DIM/FLICKER AND THEN RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS HAS RESULTED IN ONCOMING VEHICLES TURNING THEIR BRIGHT LIGHTS ON ME THINKING MY BRIGHTS ARE ON WHEN IN REALITY MY HEADLIGHTS ARE DIMMING AND THEN RETURNING TO NORMAL. THE SECOND PROBLEM CONCERNS THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. ANYTIME A CERTAIN WEIGHT LIMIT IS MET OR EXCEEDED THE AIRBAG SENSOR IS SUPPOSED TO SWITCH TO ON, BUT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN SOMEONE WAS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE AIRBAG SENSOR HASN'T RECOGNIZED IT. THIRD PROBLEM, DRIVER SIDE POWER SEAT FAILURE. THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL INSTANCES WHEN I HAVE TRIED TO MOVE THE DRIVER SEAT FORWARD, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. THE MOTOR SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GRINDING AND WANTED TO MOVE, BUT THE SEAT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. THE MOST EXTREME PROBLEM TO DATE HAS BEEN WITH THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTTING OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHILE IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING AND THEN NOT STARTING OR EVEN TURNING OVER AT ALL. EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR, AT LEAST, THE LAST MONTH WHEN I GO TO START THE VEHICLE IT FAILS TO START AND IT TAKES A MINIMUM OF 1 HOUR TO GET IT STARTED. ONE INSTANCE IN PARTICULAR WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WAS WHILE MY WIFE AND I WERE ON THE FREEWAY. WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND WE WERE FORCED TO PULL ONTO THE SHOULDER. WE SAT THERE FOR ALMOST AN HOUR IN TEMPERATURES OF 13 DEGREES TRYING TO GET THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THERE HAVE BEEN COUNTLESS COMPLAINTS AND REPORTS OF OTHER ENVOY OWNERS EXPERIENCING THESE SAME PROBLEMS. SOME DEALERS HAVE ACTUALLY SAID THAT THESE FAILURES/PROBLEMS ARE NORMAL!!!! WHAT!?!?! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?! SINCE WHEN IS IT CONSIDERED "NORMAL" WHEN SO MANY ENVOYS ARE DISPLAYING THESE SAME PROBLEMS? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10215726

212 miles · Aug 30, 2005
SeatsVisibility

2005 GMC ENVOY HAS DEVELOPED MULTIPLE PROBLEMS. *MR THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT SEAT SIDE COVER WAS COMING OFF AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WINDOW WAS INOPERATIVE. BOTH ISSUES WERE RECURRENT. *SC

NHTSA ODI #10135604

Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2005
SeatsVisibility

THE ONLY PROBLEM IS WITH THE MEMORY SEATS AND MIRRORS. ON PRIOR YEAR ENVOYS, WHEN YOU PRESSED THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE REMOTE, THE SEATS AND MIRRORS WOULD RECALL TO THAT DRIVERS POSITION. NOW YOU HAVE TO PUSH THE 1 OR 2 BUTTON ON THE DOOR, WHILE IN PARK, TO RECALL THE SEAT AND MIRROR POSITIONS. THERE IS NO TIE WITH THE REMOTE AN…

Read full complaint

THE ONLY PROBLEM IS WITH THE MEMORY SEATS AND MIRRORS. ON PRIOR YEAR ENVOYS, WHEN YOU PRESSED THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE REMOTE, THE SEATS AND MIRRORS WOULD RECALL TO THAT DRIVERS POSITION. NOW YOU HAVE TO PUSH THE 1 OR 2 BUTTON ON THE DOOR, WHILE IN PARK, TO RECALL THE SEAT AND MIRROR POSITIONS. THERE IS NO TIE WITH THE REMOTE AND THE MEMORY SEATS. I DON'T KNOW WHY GM WOULD DO AWAY WITH THIS FEATURE, BUT IT IS VERY INCONVENIENT AND IN MY OPINION - A BIG STEP BACKWARDS.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10114094

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.