CarBrief

NHTSA has 1,466 owner complaints for the 2005 TrailBlazer, more than any other model year on file[1][2]. The biggest groups are electrical faults and fuel system problems, and there are 2 recalls[3][4][2].

1,466owner complaints[1]
2recalls[2]
14–16MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

These are unverified owner reports to NHTSA, and one complaint can name several components[1]. The largest groups are below.

Component group Complaints Fires Median miles at failure
Electrical system[3] 617 10 70,000
Fuel system, gasoline[4] 435 3 69,791
Exterior lighting[6] 140 2 64,534
Fuel system, other[7] 95 0 65,000
Fuel/propulsion system[8] 95 1 94,000
Speed control[9] 76 0 75,000
Engine[10] 74 5 68,000
Air bags[11] 70 2 94,837

Electrical and lighting. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints we read, 8 describe headlights and dash lights that dim or flicker while driving, and several say the dealer could not reproduce it[3]. In 3 of the 12, the vehicle shut down or lost power while driving[3]. In a sample of 12 exterior lighting complaints, 9 describe headlights that dim, flicker or go out[6]. One taillight complaint appeared twice in that sample of 12.

Fuel gauge. In a sample of 12 gasoline fuel system complaints, 9 describe a fuel gauge that reads empty or wrong after filling the tank[4]. In a sample of 12 fuel/propulsion complaints, all 12 describe a gauge that is erratic or dead, and 3 mention the vehicle stalling after a wrong reading[8]. These samples are small, so they show what owners describe, not how often it happens.

Air bags. Only 70 complaints name air bags, but they carry 43 crashes and 52 injuries, and 1 death is reported for the model year[11][1]. Of all complaints for this model year, 59 mention a crash, 25 a fire and 59 injuries[1].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year[2].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for the 2005 TrailBlazer use regular fuel and a 4-speed automatic[5]. The estimated annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.

Version Engine City / Hwy / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
2WD[5] 4.2L 6-cyl 14 / 20 / 16 $4,200
4WD[14] 4.2L 6-cyl 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
Ext 2WD[15] 4.2L 6-cyl 13 / 18 / 15 $4,450
Ext 2WD[16] 5.3L 8-cyl 13 / 19 / 15 $4,450
Ext 4WD[17] 4.2L 6-cyl 12 / 17 / 14 $4,800
Ext 4WD[18] 5.3L 8-cyl 13 / 18 / 15 $4,450

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the TrailBlazer a rollover rating of 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 19.1%[19]. The TrailBlazer Ext is not rated[20].

Engine and size

EPA lists a 4.2L 6-cylinder and, on the Ext, a 5.3L 8-cylinder[5][16]. The dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
2WD[21] 192 in 74 in 74 in 113 in 4,418 lb
4WD[22] 192 in 74 in 74 in 113 in 4,594 lb
Ext 2WD[23] 208 in 75 in 77 in 129 in 4,773 lb
Ext 4WD[24] 208 in 75 in 77 in 129 in 5,007 lb

How 2005 compares with other years

2002: 1,249 complaints, 13 recalls20022003: 1,214 complaints, 9 recalls20032004: 1,342 complaints, 2 recalls20042005: 1,466 complaints, 2 recalls1,46620052006: 1,297 complaints, 8 recalls20062007: 732 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 193 complaints, 0 recalls20082009: 27 complaints, 0 recalls2009
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each TrailBlazer model year. The 2005 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20021,24913
20031,2149
20041,3422
20051,4662
20061,2978
20077325
20081930
2009270

The 2005 model year has the most complaints of any TrailBlazer year on file, at 1,466[2]. Next are 2004 with 1,342 and 2006 with 1,297[2]. Its 2 recalls are fewer than 2002 (13), 2003 (9), 2006 (8) and 2007 (5), and equal to 2004 (2)[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales[2].

Should you buy a used 2005 TrailBlazer?

The record is mixed. The complaint count is the highest of any year, and the samples we read point to flickering lights and a faulty fuel gauge[1][2][3][4][6][8]. Before buying, ask whether the 2 recalls were handled and check the lights and gauge on a test drive[12][13]. Combined fuel economy ratings are 14 to 16 MPG[5][17].[5][17]. Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a checklist, not a verdict[1].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer?
Electrical system is the largest complaint group at 617 of 1,466 complaints, followed by gasoline fuel system at 435[1][3][4]. Owners in the samples we read describe flickering lights and fuel gauge errors[3][4].
Does the 2005 TrailBlazer have recalls?
Yes, 2: windshield mounting (05V035) and the passenger sensing system with aftermarket leather covers (06V417)[12][13][2].
What MPG does the 2005 TrailBlazer get?
EPA combined ratings range from 14 to 16 MPG depending on version[5][17].
Which TrailBlazer year has the most complaints?
Among listed years, 2005, with 1,466 complaints[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,466 owner complaints on file for the 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer (59 mention a crash, 25 a fire, 59 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet TrailBlazer model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 617 complaints name the electrical system component group (4 crashes, 10 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. 435 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,791). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. EPA rating for TrailBlazer 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 140 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,534). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 95 complaints name the fuel system, other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 95 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 94,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 76 complaints name the speed control component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 74 complaints name the engine component group (5 crashes, 5 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 70 complaints name the air bags component group (43 crashes, 2 fires, 52 injuries, median mileage at failure 94,837). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 06V417, filed October 31, 2006: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 05V035, filed February 3, 2005: Visibility › Windshield. NHTSA recall database
  14. EPA rating for TrailBlazer 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for TrailBlazer Ext 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for TrailBlazer Ext 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for TrailBlazer Ext 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for TrailBlazer Ext 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV 2WD / LS/LT: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,418 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV 4WD / LS/LT: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,594 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER EXT 4DR SUV 2WD / LS/LT: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 129 in, curb weight 4,773 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  24. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER EXT 4DR SUV 4WD / LS/LT: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 129 in, curb weight 5,007 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.