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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

Service Brakes complaints

9 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2022
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes

All the gages have stopped working correctly. They do not report proper information to driver . The electrical wiring to the rear wiper, license plate lights and rear hatch stopped working. The most dangerous thing is the ABS brake system dash lights and bell comes on every time the car is driven and the brake pedal goes to t…

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All the gages have stopped working correctly. They do not report proper information to driver . The electrical wiring to the rear wiper, license plate lights and rear hatch stopped working. The most dangerous thing is the ABS brake system dash lights and bell comes on every time the car is driven and the brake pedal goes to the floor when trying to stop.

NHTSA ODI #11459277

210,000 miles · May 21, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes

BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING; THE LIGHT BULBS WORK, BUT WHEN YOU PUSH IN THE BREAKS NEITHER BACK BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON. THE ONLY WORKING BREAK LIGHT IS THE MIDDLE TOP ONE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ODI #11209034

120,000 miles · Feb 1, 2016
Air BagsService BrakesSteeringCrashInjury

TAKATA RECALL, EARLY MORNING, MY POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING, SO I FILLED IT AND IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN, AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY ROAD TURNING ONTO MY OWN STREET, THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN ME CRASHING INTO A POLE, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, SO I FLEW INTO THE S…

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TAKATA RECALL, EARLY MORNING, MY POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING, SO I FILLED IT AND IT STARTED WORKING AGAIN, AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY ROAD TURNING ONTO MY OWN STREET, THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES FAILED RESULTING IN ME CRASHING INTO A POLE, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT DID NOT LOCK, SO I FLEW INTO THE STEERING WHEEL, BREAKING MY HAND. THE DAMAGE WAS SO SEVERE IT WAS CONSIDERED TOTALED.

NHTSA ODI #10823558

85,200 miles · Mar 14, 2015
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrash

ACCELERATING WHILE ENTERING A FREEWAY, TOOK FOOT OFF THE GAS AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. APPLIED BRAKE BUT VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO TRY AND SLOW DOWN AND AGAIN APPLIED BRAKE. VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPIN TO THE RIGHT AND WE HIT THE GUARD RAIL, HITTING THE PASSENGER REAR BUMPER AND THE D…

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ACCELERATING WHILE ENTERING A FREEWAY, TOOK FOOT OFF THE GAS AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. APPLIED BRAKE BUT VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE. PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL TO TRY AND SLOW DOWN AND AGAIN APPLIED BRAKE. VEHICLE BEGAN TO SPIN TO THE RIGHT AND WE HIT THE GUARD RAIL, HITTING THE PASSENGER REAR BUMPER AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT BUMPER. SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. CAR SPUN INTO THE MIDDLE TRAVEL LANE AND BEGAN TO SPIN AROUND. CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN AND WAS ABLE TO TURN CAR OFF. FORTUNATELY NO OTHER CARS WERE INVOLVED. AN OFF DUTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY STOPPED AND SAID HE NOTICED SMOKE AND THOUGHT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE BUT NO FIRE OCCURRED. WHEN STATE POLICE ARRIVED THEY ASKED US TO MOVE THE CAR TO THE BREAK DOWN LANE. WAS ABLE TO PUT CAR IN REVERSE AND BACKED CAR TO BREAKDOWN LANE. TRIED TO PUT CAR IN DRIVE BUT CAR WOULDN'T GO FORWARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10694250

18,661 miles · Nov 17, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesFire

WHEN I WENT OUT TO START MY CAR IT WOULDN'T START SO I TOOK THE KEY AND MY DAD MY BE I NEED A JUMP HE SAID NO IF THAT WAS THE CASE THE CAR WOULDN'T EVEN TURN OVER. I WENT BACK OUT TO TRY IT AGAIN BUT STILL NOTHING SO I BEGAN TO TURN THE KEY BACK AND FOURTH AND EVENTUALLY IT STARED. A FEW MINUTES THE CIGARETTE OUTLET CAUGHT ON F…

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WHEN I WENT OUT TO START MY CAR IT WOULDN'T START SO I TOOK THE KEY AND MY DAD MY BE I NEED A JUMP HE SAID NO IF THAT WAS THE CASE THE CAR WOULDN'T EVEN TURN OVER. I WENT BACK OUT TO TRY IT AGAIN BUT STILL NOTHING SO I BEGAN TO TURN THE KEY BACK AND FOURTH AND EVENTUALLY IT STARED. A FEW MINUTES THE CIGARETTE OUTLET CAUGHT ON FIRE SO I UNPLUGGED MY CAR CHARGER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10655355

77,000 miles · Sep 26, 2014
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ENVOY GMC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FATAL MAY RESULT IN A FATAL INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BOOT AND VACUUM SEAL NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED ADDITIONALLY THE VA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 ENVOY GMC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FATAL MAY RESULT IN A FATAL INJURY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BOOT AND VACUUM SEAL NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED ADDITIONALLY THE VACUUM BOOSTER ON THE BRAKE LINE AND CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.

NHTSA ODI #10639362

104,000 miles · Sep 5, 2014
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

THE SUV HAS SHUT OFF ON ME THREE TIMES IN THE LAST 2 1/2 YRS (THE TIME I HAVE OWNED IT. ) EACH TIME I WAS JUST DRIVING ON THE CITY STREETS GOING ABOUT 30 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF AND ALL LIGHTS, ETC JUST TURNED OFF. I AM CONCERNED WONDERING IF PERHAPS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 ENVOY IGNITION SWITCH …

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THE SUV HAS SHUT OFF ON ME THREE TIMES IN THE LAST 2 1/2 YRS (THE TIME I HAVE OWNED IT. ) EACH TIME I WAS JUST DRIVING ON THE CITY STREETS GOING ABOUT 30 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF AND ALL LIGHTS, ETC JUST TURNED OFF. I AM CONCERNED WONDERING IF PERHAPS THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 ENVOY IGNITION SWITCH AS WELL? NO, IT WAS NOT THE BATTERY OR ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE SERVICING OF THE SUV. I TAKE CARE OF THE VEHICLE AND I DON'T DRIVE 200 MILES A MONTH. I GUESS I AM LUCKY THAT EACH TIME I WAS NOT GONG FAST AND THE SUV JUST SLOWED DOWN AND CAME TO A STOP, ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HOWEVER THE 2ND TIME, I HAD 2 LITTLE GIRLS IN THE CAR WITH ME AND IT CONCERNED ME A GREAT DEAL.EACH TIME THE SUV STARTED BACK UP AND I WAS ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING AFTER ABOUT 2 MINUTES. WHAT IF I HAD BEEN GOING FASTER ? WHAT IF I HAD BEEN ON A HIGHWAY ETC. IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE IGNITION, PLEASE LETS FIX IT BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. I WILL MAKE SURE EVERYONE IN MY FAMILY KNOW ABOUT THE SHUT OFF PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH THE CAR. JUST IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS WHILE I AM DRIVING IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10630915

106,756 miles · Jul 14, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineService Brakes

FUEL LIGHT CAME ON, SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING, ENGINE CUT OFF. BEFORE THAT, THE MUFFLER STARTED MAKING RUMBLING NOISE. I HAD JUST FUELED THE VEHICLE. FINDINGS BY AAA: ABS BAD HAD TO BE REPLACED 1056$ AND REALIGNMENT. 2. EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND PIPE REPLACEMENT 400. DON'T KNOW ABOUT FUEL SYSTEM YET BRAKES /ABS IS 3RD TIME …

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FUEL LIGHT CAME ON, SPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING, ENGINE CUT OFF. BEFORE THAT, THE MUFFLER STARTED MAKING RUMBLING NOISE. I HAD JUST FUELED THE VEHICLE. FINDINGS BY AAA: ABS BAD HAD TO BE REPLACED 1056$ AND REALIGNMENT. 2. EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND PIPE REPLACEMENT 400. DON'T KNOW ABOUT FUEL SYSTEM YET BRAKES /ABS IS 3RD TIME SINCE BUYING THE CAR IN 2006. 2ND TIME FOR ENGINE ISSUES. CAR STARTED OVERHEATING ON BELTWAY THIS WEEK AND BLOWER MOTOR NOT WORKING RIGHT. ALSO HAVE ISSUES WITH WINDOW PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WONT WORK NOW AND REAR WIPER STOPPED WORKING. HOLY YOU KNOW! THINK I GOT A LEMON! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10610429

100,000 miles · May 15, 2014
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY DENALI XL. THE CONTACT STATED ABS AND SERVICE BRAKES LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON HER INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THE EBCM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED HOWEVER, ONLY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WOULD BE ABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS AND BECAU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC ENVOY DENALI XL. THE CONTACT STATED ABS AND SERVICE BRAKES LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON HER INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THE EBCM WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED HOWEVER, ONLY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WOULD BE ABLE TO PERFORM THE REPAIRS AND BECAUSE A SYSTEM UPDATE WOULD NEED TO BE REFORMED AS WELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED GMC DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER STATED THE PART WAS ON NATIONAL BACK ORDER AND IT WOULD BE UNKNOWN HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE REPRODUCE THE PART NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 123,000. RK

NHTSA ODI #10588559

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.