2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer: 2 recalls, 1466 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #05V035000 · 2005 · 17,815 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If a crash occurs, the windshield May not be retained, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.
The fix: Dealers will replace the windshield free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2005.
Airbags Vehicle recall #06V417000 · 2006 · 794 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 25 mention a fire, 59 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (617): the most common themes are electrical failure (112), stalls / loses power (46), warning light on (42).
- Fuel system (435): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (58), warning light on (37).
- Exterior lights (140): the most common themes are electrical failure (28), stalls / loses power (16), warning light on (10).
- Fuel system (other) (95): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (9), warning light on (6).
The 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 1466 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 18 Trailblazer model years for complaints (3.7× the average Trailblazer year). Complaints peaked in 2011 (321 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 70,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (1081 complaints, 2 recalls), 2006 (1108 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems?
Owners have filed 1466 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (617), fuel system (435), exterior lights (140).
What gas mileage does the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.2 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.