Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH with a fully loaded pull behind 6X12 U-Haul trailer hitched to the vehicle on the highway, a tractor trailer drove by at 70 MPH, and the wake turbulence from the tractor trailer caused the U-Haul trailer to fishtail, the vehicle and trailer did a 180-degree skid, spun around, and then jackknifed; causing damages to the U-Haul trailer and the vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. The contact was concerned about the safety of the design of the U-Haul trailer. The contact stated that the U-Hauler trailer was not designed with the proper wheel and axle configuration which caused the trailer to be unsafe while driving over bumps or depressions on the roadway. The contact stated that he was advised by the South Carolina State Patrol to file a Collision Report. …
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes failed to operate as needed and the vehicle nearly crashed. Additionally, the contact reported that the rear of the vehicle lifted significantly and made a popping sound while driving. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with brake line failures, ABS malfunction, and severe structural deterioration of the undercarriage and the sub frame. The contact had recently purchased the vehicle and was informed that the vehicle was in good condition. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,124.
Rear frame rail rust through at control arm mount locations on both driver and passenger side. In addition frame from suspension mount forward approx 2feet rust through. Vehicle was kept washed and has no other rust issues except for frame. I've learned that this was an issue from 2003 to 2008 model years. This issue has been checked and verified thru a reputable garage
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. During cold weather temperatures, the vehicle was parked and being warmed up. The contact discovered that the driver side exterior mirror and door caught fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The contact felt that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 13V248000 (electrical system, visibility). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Crashed straight into the back end of a vehicle doing 60 while I was doing atleast 80, or 85, maybe more, I don't remember. The first thing I remember seeing is realizing I'm alright despite the blood in the cockpit and on my face despite sneezing which was spreading blood. Is this a vehicle defect or what? My math says that crashing at 85mph into a vehicle doing 60 is like crashing into a brick wall at 25mph. I've had a local mechanic check it out and he says according to his OBD-ii computer everything is working fine (or was atleast) :) anyways, please feel free to contact me again with any more question you May have. [redacted]
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the vehicle's door power switch failed to function. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Since purchasing the vehicle, the headlamps flicker or dim while driving, similar to a power surge. The dealer was initially unable to duplicate the failure. When the failure was able to be duplicated, the dealer was unable to make a repair. At the end of September of 2007, the steering column made a sparking sound and the dealer could not duplicate the failure once more. On September 20, 2007, the radio and all the components on the instrument panel failed intermittently. The vehicle had to be turned off and restarted for them to eventually operate again. In addition, the dome lights would remain illuminated. The driver's side door latches were replaced twice. The rear hatchback latch was replaced twice. When the key was removed from the ignition, the key buzzer would continue to sound. …
I bought my 2005 Trailblazer in August 2008. In October 2008, the rear window hinge adhesive was separating causing the hatch to not close properly. This was replaced by the dealership. Now in September 2010 the same thing is happening. The rear window adhesive has completely disconnected from the hinge and the window does not close properly and has a possibility of completely falling off. When the entire rear door is opened now the hinge 'pops' up and hits the glass. The dealership is trying to find an appropriate adhesive to mend this problem and they say Chevy will not pay for another glass replacement. The first replacement came from the factory with the hinge connected to the glass. This seems like a factory defect. …
Thank you for your attention to my concern. I own a 2005 Trailblazer. Since day 1 I have had problems with the seals on the doors - ESP back doors. For the most part this has been an inconvenience until the other day. Throughout the ownership of my vehicle, at about every 10 - 15,000 miles I was having my vehicle serviced for the door seals. Without fail, they continue to come off. The other day I was driving my truck and was wondering what that rubbing noise was. The door seal from my driver's rear door was hanging down into my wheel axle. The seal got worn down to the metal cord that is on the inside. This is a potential huge danger should this have fallen down any further and got twisted into my wheel axle. One thing it did do for sure is it destroyed my newer tire! …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the ignition switch failed. The dealer replaced the ignition switch and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired for the exhaust manifold crack, the water pump, the evaporator cord, the headlight wiring harness (which melted and caused the light bulb to fail), the hub assembly, the instrument panel cluster, the motor blower resistor wires, and the door locks. The contact also stated that the rear windows would not open or close and the rear hatch lock system and instrument panel cluster failures persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 83,875.
Body complaints in other Trailblazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the body & structure of the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2% of the model year's 1,466 complaints. The component named most often is body (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.