2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 622 of 1,466 complaints (42%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more deaths (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 1,081 in 2004 to 1,466 in 2005.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | vs. 2005 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,900–4,450 | 3,900–4,150 | 3,900–4,450 | 3,900–5,550 | 3,650–5,550 | |
| Combined MPG | 14–16 | 15–16 | 14–16 | 14–16 | 14–17 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 13–14 / 16–20 | 13–14 / 17–19 | 12–14 / 17–20 | 13–14 / 16–20 | 12–14 / 16–20 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 555–635 | 555–592 | 555–635 | 555–635 | 523–635 | |
| Complaints filed | 901 | 1,081 | 1,466 | 1,108 | 732 | |
| Recalls issued | 8 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 5 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 68 | 56 | 59 | 29 | 19 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 14 | 31 | 25 | 59 | 56 | |
| Injuries reported | 66 | 74 | 59 | 40 | 23 | |
| Deaths reported | 2 | 4 | 1 | 14 | 4 | |
| Configurations compared | 3 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 4 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer?
Electrical: 622 of 1,466 NHTSA complaints (42%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer get?
EPA rates it 14–16 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer?
EPA estimates $3,900–$4,450 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (6)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 14 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 13 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 13 mpg | 19 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 14 mpg (high) | 19 mpg | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 12 mpg (low) | 17 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | $4,450 (high) | 635 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 13 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 74 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 51 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 611 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 622 | 4 | 10 | 3 | 0 |
| Brakes | 37 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 20 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 18 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 81 | 44 | 3 | 55 | 1 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 76 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 36 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 183 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 50 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · Campaign 06V417000 · Nov 1, 2006
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD · Campaign 05V035000 · Feb 3, 2005
Defect: 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.
Consequence: IF A CRASH OCCURS, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE RETAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.