2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,466 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,000 milesMedian miles at failure

1,214 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel System, Gasoline367
020
Electrical System341
191
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel154
000
Fuel/Propulsion System77
110
Exterior Lighting75
010
Fuel System, Other58
000
Air Bags45
30029
Vehicle Speed Control39
200
Exterior Lighting › Headlights26
000
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System22
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal06V417000
Filed Oct 31, 2006794 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Visibility › Windshield05V035000
Filed Feb 3, 200517,815 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 3, 2026168,000 milesNE

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

Structure
Filed Apr 8, 2026109,124 milesWI

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/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 29, 2026SC

Fuel gauge intermittently reports empty when vehicle was just fully filled with fuel

Visibility
Filed Nov 24, 2025151,000 milesMN

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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 151,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jun 22, 2025WI

My airbags didn’t go off in crash

Air BagsCrash
Filed Mar 22, 2024IL

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)

Air Bags
Filed Nov 29, 2023186,228 milesIL

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.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 30, 2022OK

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 NHTSA, 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.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 8, 2022205,000 milesIN

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.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 17, 2022IL

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

EngineFire
Filed Feb 25, 202263,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that after his wife had parked the vehicle at a high school parking lot, a passerby heard a clicking noise and saw smoke coming from the vehicle before the vehicle caught-on fire. The fire started in the engine compartment. The fire department was contacted and arrived and extinguished the fire. The contact was unaware if a fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to a holding lot. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 63,000.

Suspension
Filed Feb 14, 2022VA

Rear frame rail rust through at control arm mount locations on both driver and passenger side. In addition frame from suspension mount forward approx 2feet rust through. Vehicle was kept washed and has no other rust issues except for frame. I’ve learned that this was an issue from 2003 to 2008 model years. This issue has been checked and verified thru a reputable garage

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 10, 2022208,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH with a fully loaded pull behind 6X12 U-Haul trailer hitched to the vehicle on the highway, a tractor trailer drove by at 70 MPH, and the wake turbulence from the tractor trailer caused the U-Haul trailer to fishtail, the vehicle and trailer did a 180-degree skid, spun around, and then jackknifed; causing damages to the U-Haul trailer and the vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. The contact was concerned about the safety of the design of the U-Haul trailer. The contact stated that the U-Hauler trailer was not designed with the proper wheel and axle configuration which caused the trailer to be unsafe while driving over bumps or depressions on the roadway. The contact stated that he was advised by the South Carolina State Patrol to file a Collision Report. The contact had not yet contacted U-Haul to report the failure. The vehicle was still drivable and was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The vehicle manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 208,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 10, 2021MN

My husband was entering the highway and upon acceleration from roughly 35mph to roughly around 50mph (while taking the entrance slight right) all of the air bags deployed

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 16, 2021NC

My lights come on and turns off at night sometimes and now My right low beams stopped working. I noticed when I was getting in my car at night.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 11, 2021PA

THE GAUGES DON'T WORK PROPERLY AND WHEN THE GAUGES ARE TAPPED THE TRAILBLAZER STALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 12, 202080,000 milesCA

I OWN A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER (BOUGHT NEW) WITH APPROXIMATELY 79,000 MILES. THE FUEL GAUGE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED INDICATING I AM LOW ON FUEL HOWEVER MY GAS TANK IS FULL. I NOTICED THE PROBLEM AFTER FILLING MY TANK (NO LIGHT ON AT THE TIME). AFTER FILLING THE TANK, THE FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE GAS GAUGE BOUNCED BACK AND FORTH FROM QUARTER TANK TO HALF TANK AND NOW THE LIGHT STAYS ON WITH GAUGE SHOWING EMPTY. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE OR RECOMMEND ANY POSSIBLE ACTION TO TAKE.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 2, 2020168 milesMN

MOST RECENT, I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY HEAD LIGHTS GO OUT. NOTHING ELSE, JUST THE MAIN HEAD LIGHTS. ALL.OTJER LIGHTS STAY ON. HIGH BEAMS WORK, PARKING LIGHTS STAY ON. THIS IS NOT SAFE!!!

Electrical System
Filed Nov 4, 202019,000 milesAL

LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF SETTING STILL

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 24, 2020149,000 milesSC

FUEL GAUGE DROPS TO EMPTY CONSTANTLY, EVEN WHERE THERE IS HALF A TANK. ONLY 5-10% OF THE TIME IT SHOWS HOW MUCH FUEL THERE REALLY IS. THIS HAPPENS WHILE TRAVELING AND WHILE STOPPED.

20 of 1,466 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20267100Routine
202521100Routine
202433100Routine
202367010Routine
2022108100Routine
2021193430Routine
20141000Routine
200927000Routine
20081930110Routine
20077325564Fatalities reported
20061,10885914Fatalities reported
2005 — this page1,4662251Fatalities reported
20041,0812314Fatalities reported
20039018142Fatalities reported
20021,14913354Fatalities reported
200120000Routine
200026010Routine
19994000Routine

Compare every Trailblazer year →

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 31, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.