CarBrief

Owners of the 2005 GMC Envoy filed 511 complaints with NHTSA, Owners of the 2005 GMC Envoy filed 511 complaints with NHTSA[1]. The largest groups are electrical and gasoline fuel system, and in the samples we read owners describe flickering lights and fuel gauge trouble[2][3].. It has two recalls on file, and It has two recalls on file[4], and EPA combined ratings run from 14 to 16 mpg[5][6]..

511owner complaints[1]
2recalls[4]
14–16MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 511 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 27 mention a crash, 14 a fire, 34 injuries and 2 deaths[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name several parts.

The biggest groups are:

We read a small sample of complaint texts for four of these groups. In the electrical sample, 7 of 12 texts describe headlights, dash lights or interior lights that flicker, dim or flash, and several say the dealer could not find the cause[2]., and several say the dealer could not find the cause[2]. In the exterior lighting sample, 9 of 11 different texts describe headlights that dim, flicker or go out while driving[7].

In the fuel system samples, owners describe a fuel gauge that reads wrong or stops working. In 9 of 12 texts for the gasoline group, the gauge or low fuel light misbehaves[3]. In 9 of 10 different texts for the other fuel group, the gauge is erratic or dead[8]. In the samples we read, a few owners worry about running out of gas without knowing it[8].

A small sample cannot tell you how often these problems happen. It only shows what owners describe.

Recalls

NHTSA lists two recalls for the 2005 model year[4]. Newest first:

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions. Combined ratings run from 14 to 16 mpg, and every version uses regular gas with a 4-speed automatic[5][6]. Annual fuel cost runs from $4,200 to $4,800, based on EPA's current fuel price assumptions[5][6].

Version Engine City / Hwy / Comb MPG Annual fuel cost
Envoy 2WD[5] 4.2L 6-cyl 14 / 20 / 16 $4,200
Envoy 2WD[15] 5.3L 8-cyl 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
Envoy 4WD[16] 4.2L 6-cyl 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
Envoy 4WD[17] 5.3L 8-cyl 14 / 17 / 15 $4,450
Envoy XL 2WD[18] 4.2L 6-cyl 13 / 18 / 15 $4,450
Envoy XL 2WD[19] 5.3L 8-cyl 13 / 19 / 15 $4,450
Envoy XL 4WD[6] 4.2L 6-cyl 12 / 17 / 14 $4,800
Envoy XL 4WD[20] 5.3L 8-cyl 13 / 18 / 15 $4,450
Envoy XUV 2WD[21] 4.2L 6-cyl 13 / 18 / 15 $4,450
Envoy XUV 2WD[22] 5.3L 8-cyl 14 / 19 / 16 $4,200
Envoy XUV 4WD[23] 4.2L 6-cyl 12 / 17 / 14 $4,800
Envoy XUV 4WD[24] 5.3L 8-cyl 13 / 18 / 15 $4,450

The lowest ratings, 14 combined, belong to the XL 4WD and XUV 4WD with the 4.2L engine[6][23].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the Envoy a rollover rating of 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 19.1%[25]. NHTSA lists the Envoy XL and Envoy XUV as not rated[26][27].

Engine and size

EPA data lists a 4.2L 6-cylinder and a 5.3L 8-cylinder engine[5][15]. Remove the sentence.

Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Envoy 2WD[28] 192 in 74 in 72 in 113 in 4,425 lb
Envoy 4WD[29] 192 in 74 in 72 in 113 in 4,612 lb
Envoy XL 2WD[30] 208 in 75 in 75 in 129 in 4,773 lb
Envoy XL 4WD[31] 208 in 75 in 75 in 129 in 4,954 lb
Envoy XUV 2WD[32] 208 in 75 in 72 in 128 in 4,945 lb
Envoy XUV 4WD[33] 208 in 75 in 72 in 128 in 5,042 lb

How 2005 compares with other years

2002: 557 complaints, 15 recalls20022003: 624 complaints, 9 recalls20032004: 704 complaints, 2 recalls20042005: 511 complaints, 2 recalls51120052006: 587 complaints, 8 recalls20062007: 253 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 77 complaints, 0 recalls20082009: 17 complaints, 0 recalls2009
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Envoy model year. The 2005 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
200255715
20036249
20047042
20055112
20065878
20072535
2008770
2009170

NHTSA counts for each Envoy model year[4]:

Year Complaints Recalls
2002 557 15
2003 624 9
2004 704 2
2005 511 2
2006 587 8
2007 253 5
2008 77 0
2009 17 0

The 2005 model year has the fifth most complaints of the eight years listed. Four years have more (2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006) and three have fewer[4]. For recalls, 2005 ties with 2004 at 2, has fewer than 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007, and has more than 2008 and 2009[4]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many were sold.

Should you buy a used 2005 Envoy?

Trim to 5 sentences, keeping the lights and gauge check, the recall question, fuel cost and the inspection advice. In the samples we read, owners describe flickering lights and gauges that read wrong[2][3]. Check the lights and the fuel gauge on a test drive. Ask about the two recalls, especially if the seats have aftermarket leather covers, since that recall ended in a buyback offer[13]. EPA estimates fuel costs at $4,200 to $4,800 a year, depending on version[5][6]. Compared with other Envoy years, 2005 sits in the middle for complaints[4]. Our data cannot tell you about repair costs or condition, so a pre-purchase inspection still matters.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 GMC Envoy?
Electrical system has the most complaints at 190, followed by fuel system, gasoline at 171[2][3]. In the samples we read, owners describe flickering lights and fuel gauge trouble[2][3].
Does the 2005 GMC Envoy have recalls?
NHTSA lists two, 06V417 for passenger air bag sensing with leather seat covers and 05V035 for windshield mounting[13][14].
What is the gas mileage of a 2005 GMC Envoy?
EPA combined ratings run from 14 to 16 mpg depending on version[16][6].
What is the rollover rating of the 2005 GMC Envoy?
NHTSA gives the Envoy 4 stars for rollover, with a 19.1% rollover risk[25].
Which Envoy year has the fewest complaints?
Among model years 2002 to 2009, 2009 has the fewest complaints at 17[4]. The 2005 model year has 511[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 511 owner complaints on file for the 2005 GMC Envoy (27 mention a crash, 14 a fire, 34 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 190 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 11 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. 171 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,203). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every GMC Envoy model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Envoy 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. EPA rating for Envoy XL 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
  7. 45 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 100,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 43 complaints name the fuel system, other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 62,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 42 complaints name the engine component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,300). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 31 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 104,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 29 complaints name the air bags component group (15 crashes, 0 fires, 20 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,070). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 22 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,950). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 06V417, filed October 31, 2006: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 05V035, filed February 3, 2005: Visibility › Windshield. NHTSA recall database
  15. EPA rating for Envoy 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Envoy 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
  17. EPA rating for Envoy 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Envoy XL 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
  19. EPA rating for Envoy XL 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
  20. EPA rating for Envoy XL 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
  21. EPA rating for Envoy XUV 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
  22. EPA rating for Envoy XUV 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Envoy XUV 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
  24. EPA rating for Envoy XUV 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
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY 4DR SUV 2WD SLE/SLT/DENALI: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,425 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY 4DR SUV 4WD /SLE/SLT/DENALI: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,612 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY XL 4DR SUV 2WD SLE/SLT/DENALI: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 75 in, wheelbase 129 in, curb weight 4,773 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY XL 4DR SUV 4WD SLE/SLT/DENALI: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 75 in, wheelbase 129 in, curb weight 4,954 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY XUV 4DR SUV 2WD /SLE/SLT: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,945 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, ENVOY XUV 4DR SUV 4WD /SLE/SLT: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 5,042 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.