NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 624 owner complaints for the 2005 GMC Envoy. Most complaints involve electrical system (225) and fuel system, gasoline (214). The EPA rates it 15–16 mpg combined.
CERTAIN MAXZONE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, DEPO BRAND, P/NO 335-1120L-AS, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE LAMP HOUSING SHAPE DEFORMED DISTORTING THE ASSEMBLY ANGLE OF THE REFLECTOR AND INFLUENCED THE AIMING POSITION. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
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.
“1) I just purchased the vehicle in Oct 2026 & 3 days after purchase, it broke down in Walmart parking lot due to, all the antifreeze pouring out. 2) December 2026 had to replace the front tires as they were stripped to the threads from rubbing against the fender wells. 3) January 2026 Wouldn’t start, wouldn’t turn over or anything. Had the ignition replaced. Ran fine for one week. 4) Currently won’t start. Broke down.”
“FUEL SENSORS AFFECTING PROPER READ OUT ON FUEL GAUGE. WINDOW AN DOOR LOCK SWITCHES ON DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. CLIPS ON HEADLIGHT AN GRILL ASSEMBLY CONSTANTLY COMING LOOSE.I HAVE CONTACTED GM. ABOUT WRONG FUEL READINGS THEY TOLD ME THE PROBLEM IS FUEL SENSORS IN THE TANK BUT WILL NOT PAY FOR REPAIRS DUE TO CLOSED RECALL. THIS PROBLEM HAS RESULTED IN RUNNING OUT OF FUEL MULTIPLE TIMES. EVEN THOUGH THIS PROBLEM AND OTHER PROBLEMS HAS JUST RECENTLY STARTED.THE COST IS OVER 600.00 DOLLARS THAT I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY..... *TR”
“SINCE FEBRUARY 2011 FUEL SENSOR PROBLEMS INACCURATE READING FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYS FULL THEN EMPTY INDICATOR LIGHT TURNS ON THEN OFF, DRIVING ON THE 10 FREEWAY EAST WITH GRANDCHILDREN ABOARD VERY CLOSE TO ACCIDENT HAD TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OFF TO SIDE NO FUEL IN TANK. REPORTED PROBLEM TO MARK CHRISTOPHER AUTO CENTER ONTARIO CALF. REPLACE FUEL SENSOR ALSO RECOMMEND FUEL PUMP MODULE REPLACE AT THE SAME TIME SINCE FUEL TANK WAS OFF VEHICLE ESTIMATE FOR SERVICE $324.88 TAX INCLUDED TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP MODULE PARTS AND LABOR $800.00. VERY COSTLY SINCE ON SET INCOME JUST SERVICE ENVOY REPLACE FUEL SENSOR TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $740.34. RECEIVED LETTER FROM GENERAL MOTORS 8/9/2011 REIMBURSING CHARGES OF 50% ONLY FOR FUEL SENSOR CHARGES PAID. YEAR TO DATE CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH FUEL GAUGE READING, RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP ON FEBRUARY 10, 2011 DID EXPLAIN FUEL GAGE READING WERE INACCURATE, SERVICE TECHNICIAN PLACED ON SCOPE & SCANNED FOR MALFUNCTIONS STATED NO PROBLEMS FOUND. PERSONALLY UPSET FOR THE AMOUNT PAID THINKING GM ONLY CARES ABOUT LABOR CHARGES AND PRICE ON PARTS CONTRIBUTES TO THEIR PROFIT NO LOSSES. CUSTOMER SERVICE IS NO LONGER THEIR PRIORITY.TODAY SPEEDOMETER…”
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Envoy 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Envoy 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Envoy 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Envoy 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | $4,300 | 592 |
| 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 |
3 safety recalls as of Oct 30, 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 624 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (225), fuel system, gasoline (214), fuel system, other (53). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2005 GMC Envoy at 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).