NHTSA vehicle safety data

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,461 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Chevrolet dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer owner complaints

Owners have filed 1,461 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer, describing incidents dated September 22, 2004 to May 2, 2026.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 615 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 609 complaints
Exterior Lighting 138 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control 76 complaints
Engine 74 complaints
Air Bags 70 complaints

Of the 1,461 complaints on file, 59 report a crash and 25 a fire; across all 1,461 complaints, owners report 59 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11754385 · Filed August 3, 2026
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…
ODI #11730050 · Filed April 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…
ODI #11714358 · Filed January 29, 2026
Fuel gauge intermittently reports empty when vehicle was just fully filled with fuel

Read all 1,461 complaints

Owner-reported

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer mileage at failure

1,198 of the 1,461 complaints on file for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Electrical System	Median 70,000 miles	Middle half 50,000–95,000 miles	Based on 511 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System	Median 70,000 miles	Middle half 55,000–90,000 miles	Based on 508 complaints
Exterior Lighting	Median 65,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–110,000 miles	Based on 107 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control	Median 75,000 miles	Middle half 60,000–105,000 miles	Based on 66 complaints
Engine	Median 70,000 miles	Middle half 45,000–105,000 miles	Based on 61 complaints
Air Bags	Median 100,000 miles	Middle half 50,000–145,000 miles	Based on 53 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Most complaints NHTSA received since May 17, 2021 give no mileage. So that they aren't undercounted, each one received since then that gives a mileage also stands in for those that gave none, which can put a component's median above most of the mileages it is based on.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Recall Query RQ17-002: Loss of Headlights
Closed March 29, 2021
Defect Petition DP10-001: Fuel Level Gauge System Failure
Closed May 23, 2011

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

LEATHER SEAT COVERS/AIR BAG SENSING SYSTEM

NHTSA #06V417000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice

Reported October 31, 2006 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 794 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 06102 · Owners notified November 6, 2006 · Vehicles built August 1, 2004 – June 30, 2005 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 06102.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FMVSS 212/WINDSHIELD URETHANE ADHESION

NHTSA #05V035000 · Visibility — Windshield · NHTSA notice

Reported February 3, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 17,815 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 05002 · Owners notified March 10, 2005 · Vehicles built November 3, 2004 – December 7, 2004 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

IF A CRASH OCCURS, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE RETAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 05002.CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

19% rollover risk

Safety Technology

3 investigations

1,461 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Air Bags

ODI #11754385

Crash 1 injury

Incident: May 2, 2026 · Filed: August 3, 2026

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

ODI #11730050

Incident: April 8, 2026 · Filed: April 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.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11714358

Incident: July 5, 2024 · Filed: January 29, 2026

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

Visibility

ODI #11701214

Incident: November 24, 2025 · Filed: November 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.

Air Bags

ODI #11668390

Crash

Incident: June 4, 2025 · Filed: June 22, 2025

My airbags didn’t go off in crash

Air Bags

ODI #11578840

Crash

Incident: November 26, 2023 · Filed: March 22, 2024

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; Seat Belts

ODI #11557452

Incident: November 29, 2023 · Filed: November 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.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting

ODI #11499496

Incident: December 30, 2022 · Filed: December 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.

Air Bags

ODI #11492695

Crash 1 injury

Incident: October 29, 2022 · Filed: November 8, 2022

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

ODI #11469864

Incident: June 17, 2022 · Filed: June 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

Other Chevrolet Trailblazer model years

Check your 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Chevrolet Trailblazer at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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