VehicleVerdict

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,904 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 15.5 times the median Trailblazer year — the 2005 model ranks #1 of 18 Trailblazer years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 68 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 630 reports (33% of the total).

1,904

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

77

Crash-involved

33

Fires reported

68

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Trailblazer years?

Trailblazer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted1,904 complaints1999: 7 complaints2000: 32 complaints2001: 29 complaints2002: 1,573 complaints2003: 1,160 complaints2004: 1,302 complaints2005: 1,904 complaints2006: 1,440 complaints2007: 965 complaints2008: 263 complaints2009: 37 complaints2014: 2 complaints2021: 259 complaints2022: 159 complaints2023: 86 complaints2024: 50 complaints2025: 31 complaints2026: 6 complaints
Trailblazer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trailblazer years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System63033%
Fuel System62833%
Lighting1548%
Speed Control764%
Engine754%
Airbags704%
Transmission513%
Visibility & Wipers462%
Other462%
Brakes302%
Body & Structure292%
Steering201%
Tires & Wheels141%
Seat Belts121%
Suspension70%
Seats60%
Latches & Locks50%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)30%
Child Seat20%

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06V417000AirbagsOctober 31, 2006 · 794 units

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.

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.

05V035000Visibility & WipersFebruary 3, 2005 · 17,815 units

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE AIR CONDITIONER THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE RESISTOR AND CONNECTOR WAS REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 3, 2010 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP IN THE TANK BECAME HOT ENOUGH TO DETERIORATE THE INSULATION ON THE WIRES. AS A RESULT, THE FUEL GATE UNIT MALFUNCTIONED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE FAILURE AT $350, WHICH IS HALF OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · January 2, 2009 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED THE HEAD LIGHTS AND NOTICED THEY WERE MELTED ON THE INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 15, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP WITH HER FOOT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO CRASH INTO THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF HER CAUSING LIMITED DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · May 8, 2010 · crash

“WE WERE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 94 IN NORTH DAKOTA AND WE HEARD A POP. BY THE TIME WE PULLED OVER THERE WERE FLAMES UP TO THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVERS DOOR. WE QUICKLY GOT OUT. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. DATE OF ACCIDENT WAS 10/31/2014. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 31, 2013 · fire

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer — common questions

Is the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,904 complaints put the 2005 model at #1 of 18 Trailblazer years. It is one of the Trailblazer years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Trailblazer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (630 complaints), fuel system (628 complaints), lighting (154 complaints).

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Trailblazer years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Trailblazer years to avoid are 2005, 2002, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2021. The cleanest record among Trailblazer years belongs to 2014.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.