Model year guide

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 239 on record.

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints1,733
Combined15 mpg
Typical price$3,359

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer recalls 2

Visibility:windshield NHTSA Campaign #05V035000 · 03/02/2005

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.

Fix: 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.

Air Bags:frontal NHTSA Campaign #06V417000 · 31/10/2006

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.

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 1-877-…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 1,733 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer MPG & running costs

Combined15 mpg
City13 mpg
Highway19 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,067

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer worth?

Low
$1,550
Typical price
$3,359
High
$5,500

From 233 comparable 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$20,335
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,000
Total$22,335
Per mile$0.30

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($3,359) with the same model 3 model-years older ($2,173), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer trims & engines on record

Trims
LS · LT
Engines
4.2L 6-cyl · 5.3L 8-cyl

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet Trailblazer model years

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer — frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Based on 1,733 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, structure, fuel/propulsion system.

What is the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer crash-test ratings of frontal 3★, side 5★, rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer at about 15 mpg combined (13 city / 19 highway).

How much is a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer worth?

Comparable 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer listings run roughly $1,550–$5,500, typically around $3,359 (from 233 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.