2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer ranks worst of 11 model years, with a complaint index of 100 and 1,466 complaints, earning an Avoid verdict. Electrical system issues make up 49% of complaints, followed by fuel system problems at 42%.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 11 Trailblazer years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,466
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 59
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 25
- Injuries
- 59
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 16
- 14 city / 19.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 59 / 1
Top 2005 Chevy Trailblazer problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in frontal and rear-end crashes, even at highway speeds and after significant impact damage.
- Vehicles caught fire after crashes, with flames reported under the hood and near the windshield while occupants were still inside.
- Fires also occurred without a preceding collision, with flames reported coming from under the passenger side of the vehicle.
- Brakes reportedly failed without warning, including a case where brakes gave out after an engine had already been replaced.
- A vehicle rolled away and collided with another car after being parked and put in neutral, with the steering wheel reportedly locked.
- Owners reported dashboard warning lights and electrical problems appearing alongside other mechanical failures.
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 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2005 Trailblazer ranks worst of the 11 model years with data, carrying a complaint index of 100 and an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Trailblazer?
- Electrical system issues account for 49% of complaints (712 complaints) and fuel system issues account for 42% (611 complaints). Median mileage at failure for both areas is around 70,000 to 71,025 miles.
- Does the 2005 Trailblazer have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2005 Trailblazer, one for airbags related to reupholstered leather seat covers and one for windshield adhesion issues under federal safety standard 212.
- How does the 2005 Trailblazer compare to other years?
- The 2005 model has the highest complaint index (100) and complaint count (1,466) among all Trailblazer years listed, while 2009 (index 10) and 2025 (index 20) rank far lower.
- What year Trailblazer should I avoid?
- NHTSA data shows 2005, 2006, and 2007 all carry Avoid verdicts, with 2005 ranking worst overall due to its complaint index of 100 and top problem area in the electrical system.