2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
100/100
#1 most-complained of 11 Trailblazer years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 1,466 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 100 out of 100 — the highest of 11 Trailblazer model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is electrical system (712 complaints, 49% of the total). Complaints report 59 crashes, 25 fires, 59 injuries, and 1 death.
- Complaints
- 1,466
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 59 / 25
- Injuries / deaths
- 59 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 19.5 hwy
Top 2005 Chevy Trailblazer problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System712 (49%)
- Fuel System611 (42%)
- Engine144 (10%)
- Airbags70 (5%)
- Other52 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain51 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers42 (3%)
- Brakes37 (3%)
- Structure & Body36 (2%)
- Steering20 (1%)
2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 06V417000Oct 31, 2006Airbags794 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
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.
- NHTSA 05V035000Feb 3, 2005Visibility & Wipers17,815 vehicles
Visibility:windshield
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.
2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 19.5 MPG
- Combined
- 16 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,050
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Trailblazer years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer ranks worst among Trailblazer model years (Complaint Index 100/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 1,466 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
- The most reported problem areas are electrical system (712 complaints), fuel system (611 complaints), and engine (144 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 70,000 miles.
- Does the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer, most recently reported 2006, covering airbags and visibility & wipers.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
- EPA rates the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 19.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,050. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.