Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 that after his wife had parked the vehicle at a high school parking lot, a passerby heard a clicking noise and saw smoke coming from the vehicle before the vehicle caught-on fire. The fire started in the engine compartment. The fire department was contacted and arrived and extinguished the fire. The contact was unaware if a fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to a holding lot. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 63,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While operating the vehicle, smoke emitted from the hood. The contact pulled over and discovered flames under the hood. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the failure was due to a failed GM/ac delco transmission coolant line fitting, which caused transmission coolant to leak out onto the catalytic converter and exhaust system. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
On 04/06 my wife was driving our 05 Trailblazer that we have had about a year and the dealer already had to replace the engine, and now the brakes just went completely out without warning. It caused her to rear end another vehicle luckily no one was hurt. The dealer we bought it from refuses to work with us they told us they already put the new engine in it and they didn't have to do it. If they didn't have to do it then why did they keep it 2 months right after we bought it? I took it to a mechanic near where we live and he replaced the master cylinder for the brakes and they work fine now. The dealer said that it was out of warranty and we would have to pay 75 dollars for them to tell us what was wrong with it. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. As soon as you fix something, something else major goes wrong with it. …
I was involved in an automobile crash in my 2005 Chevy Trailblazer. Upon impact, the car ignited under the hood and flames came up on the outside of the windshield while my family was still in the car. Fortunately I was able to get my family out of the car before it was totally engulfed in flames and destroyed by fire. I contacted GM and asked why my car burned. I told them I was concerned about the safety of my family since members of my extended family own similar GM suvs. I answered numerous questions on the phone. I provided pictures of my car totally engulfed in flames. GM assigned a claim number to my request and engaged "esis GM" to evaluate the cause of the fire. After approximately 3 months, I received a short letter saying " there was no evidence that shows there is a product defect that caused the fire". …
Multiple times while driving the headlights will malfunction and turn on and off, at random driving speeds under many different conditions. I continued to drive the Trailblazer even after this occurred. Just not as often. If the heater was on while driving and the headlights would short the heater would stop and then turn back on. The fan turns on at random, first it turns on when driving at random times. The fan will turn on at random times with a higher speed and sound. I have had the inspection completed multiple times with a mechanic re-assuring the issue although it has been happening frequently. The check engine light is on all the time due to computer error and is a $500.00 fix. This has all happened and been reported within the first year I bought the vehicle from kendal motors in lewiston idaho. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn and the speedometer failed. In addition, the rear hatch lock failed causing the contact to be unable to unlock the rear hatch and the front rotors failed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the power steering pump and the front rotors. The speedometer and rear hatch were not repaired. The contact also stated that there was a strong abnormal odor present inside the vehicle and the engine warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,584.
The headlights work then shut off. (on the way to work in a downpour, no less) dashboard lights partially working. (if I go over 40 mpg can't tell what my speed is) was working correctly for a couple of days now nothing. I checked for recalls and there are recalls for 2006-20xx (NHTSA 14V755000 ) just wondering, after finding on the internet, numerous 2005 owners with same problem, why this model wasn't included in the recalls? I would like to file a complaint on the potentially deadly problem of the 2005 Chevy Trailblazer that should be corrected and included in this recall. Thank you
Tl contact own 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The air bag warning indicator light illuminated. The dealer stated that the passenger side air bag suppression module burned and they replaced the module. The vehicle was towed to the dealer because it would not start. The power train control module was replaced and after the contact filled the gas tank. The engine idled after the she started the vehicle and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The cause of the failure was unknown and no repairs were made. The failure mileage was 13,000 and current mileage was 44,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle decelerated to 30 MPH and shut down at a slight elevation. In addition, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred two days after the vehicle was purchased from an independent mechanic. The contact called the mechanic and was informed that the vehicle would be picked up for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not called and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while traveling approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and veered into oncoming traffic. The driver crashed into another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy upon impact. The driver sustained face, back, and neck injuries. The driver of the second vehicle was not injured. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The failure mileage and VIN was not available.
Engine complaints in other Trailblazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
NHTSA has 74 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 5% of the model year's 1,466 complaints. The component named most often is engine (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 5 fires and 4 injuries to engine & cooling 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.