2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer recalls and problems

The 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 2 safety recalls and 1,466 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
1,466
Crashes / fires
59 / 25
Injuries / deaths
59 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer recalls

Recall 06V-417: Air Bags

Reported Oct 31, 2006 · 794 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 05V-035: Visibility

Reported Feb 3, 2005 · 17,815 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System621
Fuel System, Gasoline437
Exterior Lighting144
Fuel System, Other96
Fuel/Propulsion System95
Vehicle Speed Control76
Air Bags71
Power Train51
Engine and Engine Cooling45
Visibility36
Engine30
Unknown or Other29

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 171
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 32
  • Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System — 30
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 23
  • Structure › Body — 15
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 14
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 12
  • Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator — 9

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · at 168,000 miles · reported Aug 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…
Structure · at 109,124 miles · reported 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…
Visibility · at 151,000 miles · reported 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…
Air Bags · reported Mar 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…
Air Bags · at 186,228 miles · reported 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.

Other Chevrolet Trailblazer years

Compare all Chevrolet Trailblazer years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer: 06V-417 (air bags), 05V-035 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (621 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (437). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.