Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving at any speed, the steering wheel jerked and pulled to the right. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician could not find a failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,000.
Myself and my daughter was visiting my parents in virginia and I turned the steering wheel to the right to go around a curve and the steering wheel didn't turn. I looked ay my daughter and said "oh _ _ _ _" and she ask me what 's wrong? I said the steering didn't turn and it wasn't but seconds later, we slammed into the side of the mountain on the driver side and we rolled two or three times and ended up on the roof. I immediately went unconscious because of the impact. I had a big gash on my head and was bleeding profusely and I was having trouble breathing because both of my lungs were punctured. All the windows burst out so my daughter was able to crawl out the passenger window to ask someone for help but my seat belt would not unbuckle so there was an issue getting me out. I was very lucky that someone that stopped had a pocket knife and cut the seatbelt to get me out. …
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. …
My gas gauge has stayed on empty for a month or so with the gas light on. I have not had the money to fix it and I put gas in it the night before the incident happened. I was driving home from a family members house a few blocks away from my house and my 2005 Trailblazer died and everything locked up on me. The brakes would not work what so ever. And I just had brand new brakes put on a couple months ago and my steering wheel locked up. My vehicle would not stop. It kept going. I am so happy that I didn't have my three small children with me. It took me three turns onto three different streets before it finally stopped. It was very hard to turn. And my back wheels were making a horrible noise and smelled really bad when I got out. I always keep a gas can in the back in case I ever run out of gas due to the gauge not working. And mind you I have only had this vehicle a year. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the brakes failed. The failure occurred intermittently for three years. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000. The window regulator, battery cable, tank level sensor, clutch fan, serpentine belt, tight outer tie rod, hood latch,water pump, were all replaced. Also, the rotors were warped, due to rust by climate, the rear brakes pads were worn and had to be replaced. The front rotors were machined. There was an intermittent surge after accelerating from a stop. There was a squealing noise coming from the brakes. The passenger side brake lights were blowing out. The tail light circuit board was replaced. The check engine light illuminated, due to a faulty emission vent valve and hose assembly. …
New Trailblazer has an inherent problem with the steering. The steering is ultra sensitive at highway speeds and minor corrections ten to cause oversteering and swaying of the vehicle. I believe in an emergency highway situation the steerings sensitivity could result in loss of control and a possible rollover situation. I have been to the dealer twice since the car was delivered and they said the tires and alignment are all withing specs. The manager did comment after driving my car that he thought the steering was very responsive and that Chevy makes changes from year to year and this seems to be the most sensitive. He said nothing could be done. I called Chevy customer service and filed a report. They contacted the dealer and said all was within specs and they could not do anything. I think this is a potentially major issue and someone should review the saftey aspecs of this steering.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the power steering assist failed. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. The contact also stated that the lift gate revel molding was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering, power transmission and the rear deck molding needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000 and the current mileage was 166,324. The VIN was not available.
The engine light constantly comes on even after I had a tune up. I had diagnostics done and there is some type of fuel misfire. Two winters straight I have had issues with the power steering lines bursting and replaced 3 times. The speedometer malfunctions, most of the time it just stays at zero. If GM uses a lot of the same parts to make multiple models why has the 2005 Trailblazer not been recalled? I was told the GM envoy has the same engine and other inner workings as my Trailblazer so why wouldn't their recalls apply to my vehicle especially if I May be having the same issues.
We were driving at about 55 (we don't know exact speed as our control panel is not working) and the steering went out. It was hard pulling to the right and a few times we could not control it and went off the road. We had another incident like that when we were driving in the snow. When we purchased the car we had a fuel issue that covered under a recall.... Now our whole panel is out. We don't know the speed we are going, the oil light and engine light are always on. We take care of our car so we know its not low on anything.
Steering complaints in other Trailblazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 1% of the model year's 1,466 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering 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 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering 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.