NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 1,734 owner complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Most complaints involve electrical system (733) and fuel system, gasoline (511). The EPA rates it 16 mpg combined.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Trailblazer model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 1,277 |
| 2003 | 1,266 |
| 2004 | 1,368 |
| 2005 | 1,734 |
| 2006 | 1,347 |
| 2007 | 782 |
| 2008 | 195 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2021 | 201 |
| 2022 | 113 |
| 2023 | 75 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 12 |
“FOR SEVERAL YEARS THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD GO OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY. NOW, THEY ARE MOSTLY OFF WHICH MEANS I CANNOT DRIVE MY VEHICLE AT NIGHT ANYMORE UNLESS I WANT TO BLIND PEOPLE OR GET STOPPED. I HAVE CHANGED HEADLAMPS, RELAYS AND FUSES TO NO AVAIL. NOW, I SEE THAT MANY OTHERS WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL SUV HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME ISSUE BUT NO RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS YEAR MODEL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHEN WE HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE HIGH BEAMS ON AND WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OFF UNEXPECTEDLY. IF YOU WILL ISSUE A RECALL FOR ONE YEAR MODEL HAVING A PARTICULAR ISSUE, WHY WOULD YOU NOT DO THE SAME WITH ALL YEAR MODELS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE? COME ON CHEVROLET AND NHTSA, LET'S GET THIS PROBLEM SOLVED TO SAVE SOME LIVES. IT IS VERY SCARY TO BE DRIVING AND HAVE YOUR HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AND A MAJOR PAIN TO HAVE TO BE SURE YOU ARE HOME BY DARK OR NOT BE ABLE TO GO OUT AFTER DARK BECAUSE YOUR HEADLAMPS ARE OR MAY STOP WORKING.”
“2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO REIMBURSEMENT FOR FUEL LEVEL SENSOR RECALL REPAIRS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE SENSOR RECALL AND THE MANIFOLD REPAIRS, *JS”
“MOST RECENT, I AM DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY HEAD LIGHTS GO OUT. NOTHING ELSE, JUST THE MAIN HEAD LIGHTS. ALL.OTJER LIGHTS STAY ON. HIGH BEAMS WORK, PARKING LIGHTS STAY ON. THIS IS NOT SAFE!!!”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TrailBlazer 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| TrailBlazer 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 1,734 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (733), fuel system, gasoline (511), exterior lighting (157). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer at 16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).