The contact owned a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle crashed into the rear passenger side of a second vehicle. During the crash, no air bags in the vehicle deployed. The contact sustained neck, shoulders, and back injuries and was transported to the local hospital. A Police report was filed at the scene but was not available. The vehicle was towed to a local towing yard. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 168,000
The worst 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical617
- Fuel system611
- Lights143
- Acceleration76
- Engine74
- Airbags70
- Transmission51
- Visibility45
- Brakes29
- Body27
- Steering20
- Seat belts12
- Tires11
- Driver assistance8
- Suspension7
- Seats6
- Locks4
- Wheels3
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Fuel gauge 568Headlights 182Stalling 85Check engine light 58No deployment 33Fuel pump 31Fire or smoke 20Adaptive cruise 16Won't start 16Door locks 15Jerking 15ABS 12Wipers 11Transmission failure 10Airbag light 8Overheating 8Fuel smell 7Engine failure 6Loss of power 6Sudden acceleration 6Tire blowout 6Power steering loss 5Warning lights 5Whining noise 5
Recalls 2
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 06V417000 · Recall details
Visibility: windshield
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
Recall number 05V035000 · Recall details
See all 2 recalls for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Defect investigations
Loss of 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 the federal safety agency 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 under the identification numbers in the attached document.
RQ17002
Fuel Level Gauge System Failure
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.
DP10001
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 672
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Electrical system
- Unknown or other
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field...
- Unknown or other
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding...
2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L 6‑cyl | RWD | 13-14 | 18-20 | 15-16 |
| 4.2L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 12-14 | 17-19 | 14-16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 19 | 15 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 18 | 15 |
What 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes failed to operate as needed and the vehicle nearly crashed. Additionally, the contact reported that the rear of the vehicle lifted significantly and made a popping sound while driving. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with brake line failures, ABS malfunction, and severe structural deterioration of the undercarriage and the sub frame. The contact had recently purchased the vehicle and was informed that the vehicle was in good condition. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,124.
Fuel gauge intermittently reports empty when vehicle was just fully filled with fuel
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield wipers activated unintendedly, and the washer fluid was continuously sprayed on the windshield. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed with the windshield wiper control module failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 04V046000 (Visibility), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was filed, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 151,000.
My airbags didn’t go off in crash
The airbags failed to deploy In a significant collision where hood, radiator, grill/number and both headlights were damaged. GM has been contacted and fail and refuse to do an inspection stating the issue is time barred to 10 years to original warranty of vehicle and are failing to acknowledge manufacturer defect or issue a recall. There were no warning signs/lights prior to notify that the airbags would fail to deploy in an accident. The vehicle has not inspected, even a request has been made on multiple occasions, with getting the runaround and claim closed. The lack of safety puts other drivers/owners of the 2005 Trailblazer and or similar vehicles at risk, at time they will need it the most to find out airbags are defective and will not work. Injuries and lives are at risk only for GM to run a cover up and not stand up to do what is right. Police report number [XXX] Adams Co Sheriff's Office, could not upload. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the seat belt pretensioner needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 186,228.
For several years the low beam headlights would go off and on intermittently. Now, they are mostly off which means I cannot drive my vehicle at night anymore unless I want to blind people or get stopped. I have changed headlamps, relays and fuses to no avail. Now, I see that many others with the same make and model SUV have been having the same issue but no recalls have been issued for this year model. This is a major safety issue when we have to drive with the high beams on and when the lights go off unexpectedly. If you will issue a recall for one year model having a particular issue, why would you not do the same with all year models having the same issue? Come on chevrolet and the federal safety agency, let's get this problem solved to save some lives. It is very scary to be driving and have your headlights go out and a major pain to have to be sure you are home by dark or not be able to go out after dark because your headlamps are or may stop working.
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated she fell asleep while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle graced two trees, and crashed into the third tree on the front driver-side bumper. The contact stated no air bags were deployed. The contact sustained a fractured rib on her left side, a lesion on her right leg, and a lesion on her chest and abdomen due to the seat belt. The contact did seek medical attention. The police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The police towed the vehicle to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.
MY 15 YR OLD DRIVER IN TRAINING,, was leaving town with myself and her father the engine just stopped running causing us to lose all movement of car had to coast to the side of highway { busy with semis} had to call tow truck to come get it ,, it wouldn't start after trying a few times . and also the seat belts lock tight and will not give when pulled on them leaving you strapped tight in the seat you have to unhook them to release them .. very uncomfortable when you traveling
Compare the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer reliable?
Owners have filed 1,466 complaints about the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 7.3 times a typical Trailblazer model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer year score?
The 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer scores 5 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
Electrical system, with 617 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles. Next is fuel system (611).
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer have?
2 recalls, covering air bags and visibility.
What year does the Chevrolet Trailblazer have the most electrical problems?
The Chevrolet Trailblazer model years with the most electrical complaints are 2004 (627 complaints), 2005 (617 complaints) and 2003 (285 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer get?
Official estimates for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer range from 14 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.2L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 13-14 city and 18-20 highway.
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