RoadVitals

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
1,466
+1 complaint in 30 days
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
84
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
4
Reports on file since Jan 12, 2005

What this page shows

Our database holds 1,466 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 1,466 · page 1 of 59

Airbags
Filed Aug 3, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

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

NHTSA ID
11754385
Incident
May 2, 2026
Mileage
168,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 8, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11730050
Incident
Apr 8, 2026
Mileage
109,124 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jan 29, 2026

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

NHTSA ID
11714358
Incident
Jul 5, 2024
Visibility
Filed Nov 24, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11701214
Incident
Nov 24, 2025
Mileage
151,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jun 22, 2025
Crash reported

My airbags didn’t go off in crash

NHTSA ID
11668390
Incident
Jun 4, 2025
Airbags
Filed Mar 22, 2024
Crash reported

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)

NHTSA ID
11578840
Incident
Nov 26, 2023
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Nov 29, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11557452
Incident
Nov 29, 2023
Mileage
186,228 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Dec 30, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID
11499496
Incident
Dec 30, 2022
Airbags
Filed Nov 8, 2022
Crash reported1 injury reported

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.

NHTSA ID
11492695
Incident
Oct 29, 2022
Mileage
205,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jun 17, 2022

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

NHTSA ID
11469864
Incident
Jun 17, 2022
Engine
Filed Feb 25, 2022
Fire reported

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.

NHTSA ID
11454043
Incident
Feb 24, 2022
Mileage
63,000 mi
Body & structureSuspension
Filed Feb 14, 2022

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

NHTSA ID
11452002
Incident
Aug 21, 2021
Body & structure
Filed Feb 10, 2022

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.

NHTSA ID
11451416
Incident
Feb 1, 2022
Mileage
208,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Aug 10, 2021

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

NHTSA ID
11428570
Incident
Aug 10, 2021
Exterior lighting
Filed Jun 16, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID
11421187
Incident
Jun 15, 2021
Electrical
Filed Jan 11, 2021

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

NHTSA ID
11387505
Incident
Jan 6, 2021
Electrical
Filed Dec 12, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID
11383168
Incident
Dec 11, 2020
Mileage
80,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Dec 2, 2020

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!!!

NHTSA ID
11377582
Incident
Aug 29, 2020
Mileage
168 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Nov 4, 2020

LIGHTS GO ON AND OFF SETTING STILL

NHTSA ID
11373057
Incident
Oct 22, 2020
Mileage
19,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Oct 24, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID
11366240
Incident
Sep 5, 2020
Mileage
149,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Oct 7, 2020

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT NIGHT MY DIM LIGHTS WENT COMPLETELY OUT AND WOULD NOT COME BACK ON. I HAD TO DRIVE THE REMAINDER OF THE WAY WITH MY BRIGHT LIGHTS BLINDING CARS IN FRONT OF ME AND IN COMING. SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT THIS HAS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN.

NHTSA ID
11363281
Incident
Sep 16, 2020
Mileage
90,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Sep 21, 2020

CHECKING FOR RECALLED AIRBAG

NHTSA ID
11360145
Incident
Aug 20, 2020
Mileage
95,675 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 20, 2020

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY GOING STRAIGHT NO TURNS IN MY 05 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER GOING ABOUT 60MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A LOW CLICK SOUND AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE OR KEEP MY CURRENT SPEED IT WAS BEYOND UNSAFE SO I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY ENGINE RUNNING STILL I PUT IT IN EVERY GEAR TO SEE IF IT WOULD MOVE IT DID NOT I TRIED R,D,3,2&1 GEARS AND THE TRUCK ONLY REV'D UP AND DID NOT MOVE .IT WAS NO SIGNS OF THE TRANSMISSION GOING OUT OR GOING BAD IT STILL SHIFTED SMOOTH IT JUST WENT OUT ALL OF A SUDDEN ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH IS VERY DANGEROUS I FEEL LIKE THE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE CHEAPLY MADE .

NHTSA ID
11340524
Incident
Jul 18, 2020
Mileage
170,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jun 28, 2020

THE GAS GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY EVEN AFTER THE TANK IS FILLED. OTHER 2005 TRAILBLAZER MODELS HAVE HAD A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE REGARDING THE GAS GAUGE AND SENSOR BUT MY MODEL DID NOT. IT ALSO CAUSES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AFTER PUTTING FUEL IN THE GAS TANK. THE GAS GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY AT ALL TIMES ( WHEN YOUR MOVING, AND STATIONARY). NOT ACCURATELY KNOWING HOW MUCH GAS IS THE VEHICLE CAN CAUSE YOU TO STALL OUT WHILE ON CITY STREETS OR ON THE HIGHWAY DRIVING 60 MPH.

NHTSA ID
11331370
Incident
Jun 27, 2020
Fuel systemExterior lighting
Filed Jun 6, 2020

MY GAS GAUGE IS SITTING ON BOTTOM INSTEAD OF TOP WHERE IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE. I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH GAS IN MY CAR. AN I HAVE 2 SMALL KIDS AN ONE HAS A HEART CONDITION. AN I'M ON A FIXED INCOME. AN ALSO MY HEAD LIGHTS GO OFF AN ON ALL THE TIME DAY OR NIGHT. *TR

NHTSA ID
11327548
Incident
May 20, 2020

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Narrow this down by component

Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .