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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer is known for many things, but perhaps it is most famous for its faulty fuel gauge.

This gauge flip-flops more than a politician during election season. Some report that the gauge says "empty" after a fill-up, while others report the gauge says "full" when they're running on fumes. Either way, there's one thing everyone seems to agree on: the darn thing is just wrong.

Following hundreds of complaints and a few accidents allegedly caused by the malfunction, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into the issue in May 2011. Unfortunately for frustrated owners, no recall has been announced.

8.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$500
Average Mileage:
68,300 miles
Total Complaints:
225 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (123 reports)
  2. replace fuel level sensor (78 reports)
  3. replace fuel pump (15 reports)
  4. parts should be recalled (4 reports)
  5. drop out fuel tank and check coil postition (3 reports)
  6. replace fuel sending unit (3 reports)
2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

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2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 12)

problem #225

Dec 012017

Trailblazer LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,800 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I am the original owner and take care of my car, the gas gauge stopped working after I filled up so I dont know how much gas I have

- Donna B., Chicago, US

problem #224

Sep 012016

Trailblazer LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

There have been no recalls. There are a TON of people with this issue. The garages are aware of it. There was a service bulletin - for cars that were still under warranty or 120,000 miles or less along with 10 years or younger. I am out of the warranty period since my problem started to occur. I ran out of gas and stalled on a major route I was almost hit. I have tried to keep my eye on the odometer keeping track of how many miles I have gone since last fill up, but unfortunately, I am not the only one who drives the car. I also reset the tripometer each time I fill up.

- Lori H., Canfield, US

problem #223

Jul 012016

Trailblazer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

I JUST BOUGHT THIS TRUCK LESS THAN A MONTH AGO FROM A LOCAL USED CAR LOT. IT RIDES GREAT, NOT TOO TOO BAD ON GAS (THE DAMN THING IS HUGE, I DIDN'T EXPECT TO GET 45 MPG IN TOWN) IT'S ROOMY, LOADED WITH GREAT FEATURES. BUT I AM VERY VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THE GAS GAUGE...I CAN PUT $3$ IN IT AND IT WILL REGISTER RIGHT AWAY, BUT THEN I CAN DRIVE HOME FROM THE GAS STATION (LESS THAN A TENTH OF A MILE) AND THE GAS LIGHT WILL COME ON.

I, MY HUSBAND, AND OUR 11 MONTH OLD BABY GIRL HAVE "RUN OUT OF GAS" THREE DAMN TIMES SINCE WE GOT IT!!! I THOUGHT THAT FILLING IT UP ALL THE WAY WOULD HELP, BUT IT DOES NOT. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED FASTER THAN IMMEDIATELY!!

THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN OUT FOR 11 WHOLE YEARS, AND FROM WHAT I'M READING, HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSANDS, OF OTHER TRAILBLAZER OWNERS ARE SUFFERING THIS SAME ISSUE. CHEVY, PLEASE FIX THIS SH*T...IT'S SO TIME CONSUMING, DANGEROUS, AND IT'S PRETTY SH*TTY THAT YOU EXPECT THE PEOPLE THAT BOUGHT YOUR VEHICLES, THE REASON YOU PEOPLE ARE IN BUSINESS, TO PAY FOR THIS NONSENSE. GET YOUR SH*T TOGETHER.

- Kathleen D., crossville, TN, US

problem #222

Jul 152014

Trailblazer LT 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 165,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The entire dash cluster does not work. We pay such an awful amount of money for these vehicles and they don't even last

- Dale K., Wonderlake, IL, US

problem #221

Oct 012014

Trailblazer Straight 6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,250 miles

I can't begin to describe the pain in my ass over this low fuel light, fill it up, still on, gets low still on. Wish they would recall.

- tssbakertb, Rome, GA, US

problem #220

Jun 012013

Trailblazer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 115,000 miles

ONE DAY TURNING MY CAR ON MY GAS LIGHT CAME ON AND I SAID OH MY GOD I AM ON "E",I WONDERED HOW THAT HAPPENED SO I STOPPED AT THE GAS STATION AND GOT GAS I FILLED THE TANK UNTIL THE GAS PUMP STOPPED,GOT IN MY TRUCK TURNED THE KEY AND THE FUEL GAUGE WENT RIGHT TO FULL. WHILE DRIVING THE TRUCK TO WORK I NOTICED THAT THE LIGHT WENT ON AND IT STARTED TO CHIME, I SAID NO WAY I JUST GOT GAS, AFTER COMING HOME I REALIZED THAT MY GAUGE WAS NOT WORKING CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID I COULD BRING IT INTO THE SHOPPE HOWEVER I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $100.00 FOR DIAGNOSTIC SO I SAID " HELL NO WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR THAT REPAIR AND THE GUY SAID IF SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH IT , IT COULD COST ME ANYWHERE FROM $500.00-$1000.00. IF THIS IS A RECALL THAN GM SHOULD PAY FOR THE WHOLE THING I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY A DIME

- brathwaite, West Springfield, MA, US

problem #219

Sep 142012

Trailblazer LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Had problem fixed at dealer...........shortly after having the problem fixed my check engine light started to come on intermittently.......................put up with this for over a year only to find out that the seal from the gas cap was missing

- James G., West Mifflin, PA, US

problem #218

Jul 052013

Trailblazer LX 4.00L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

I bought this 2005 Trailblazer in 2013 with 90,000 miles in it. From the next day, I noticed the fuel gauge was bouncing back and forth but will stay at !/2 tank for the most part. The first time I filled up the tank, 2 weeks later, the needle indicated "empty" and the light came on and the light indicates empty ever since every time I fill up the tank. I drive a lot for work and I can never know how much gas is in the tank.

I do believe that GM has the responsibility to fix the problem in all the 2005 Trailblazer. GM knew the part/the technology was not good but they installed it anyway because their rational was, once the care leaves the parking lot of the dealership it becomes the customer's problem. I think GM created the problem with full intention to bring more money to the dealerships.

I think there should be a class action lawsuit against GM.

- jpeter, Rochester, NY, US

problem #217

Apr 232014

Trailblazer LS 4.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,960 miles

Don't believe I caused it, after first check with dealership repair shop for routine maintenance oil change and gas cap problem. The speedometer gets stuck were it wants to at any time driving, at low speed or the limit, it just does not function until a day or two when I reset it, then it works and then it doesn't. I did get a warning for speeding and mentioned to the dealer to no avail, There seems to be no one to help.

My understanding after much thinking and intuition is that this problem is connected to the Driver Information Center and the OB II Diagnostic Trouble Codes in the instrument panel cluster. The fact that both things work at one time or another tells me that someone has been holding back in management so we the consumers keep on paying for dissatisfaction, my last Chevrolet and now I find that there were other recalls.

- leonnew york, Bronx, NY, US

problem #216

Sep 182013

Trailblazer LS

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles

gmc had some recall regarding panel cluster. My fuel gauge had gone out. It did work some times which i informed them at service dept. Told them at time it was working right. They told me they had fixed problem when i picked up my truck. Couple days later same problem. They then told me it was a different problem that was not covered under recall. So i paid to have that problem fixed. Later that nite my car engine would not turn off. I had to pull a fuse to turn car off. Took back to dealer next day they told me it was a different problem. I was out of more money. Today my fuel gauge still does not work. My rpm gauge does not work. My cd player has not worked since less than a year buying this truck brand new. Engine heads went out at 115,000 thousand miles on my trailblazer and my equinox(2005 new). On top of that i received very poor customer service reguarding my truck problem. Was given the run a round by gm. I have found the solution to my problem. I will never buy another gm product!

- Bobby G., Memphis, TN, US

problem #215

Feb 062010

Trailblazer LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Had the SUV a couple of days, the gas gauge just went out, filled it up and it stayed on empty.

- Angela G., Winston Salem, NC, US

problem #214

Aug 012013

Trailblazer LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Fuel gauge always reads empty. Occassionally will go slightly above the E for a few miles, then the light goes down. Very gard to determine how full the tank is. I have to use the other stat options to gauge. I follow how many miles I've used each tank by resetting it evertime I fill the tank. I also watch how many gallons I use and also reset this everytime I fill the tank. I did receive a letter from GM that indicates the fuel sensor will be replaced at a GM dealer at no cost to me.

- Darcy S., Bethlehem, PA, US

problem #213

Jan 012014

Trailblazer LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,200 miles

While driving the Low beam lights went off. Now the fuel gauge showed empty when full. The engine check light comes on, mechanics have tried to check but find it to be the instrument cluster. Now the internal hack light comes on lighting the back of the car interior, this while the control panel indicated the hatch isn't closed, not so.

A co-worker has a 2005 TB which he has changed the instrument panel because the "stepper motor" used for each of the functions.

The car has preformed well even pulling the largest U-Haul trailer. This "Electrical" Problem is very much a problem. Causing me to rethink the type of our next car.

- 1flordiagirl, Tulsa, OK, US

problem #212

Jan 012008

Trailblazer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

There was a letter sent out in 2011 where Chevy offered to pay for 50% of the price to fix the gas gauge. I was told that my part would be around $300. Since my gas gauge had been broken for so long, I wasn't going to pay money to get it fixed. Just last week, I received a letter from Chevy offering to now pay 100% to fix it and they were offering a refund for anyone who paid to have their car fixed in 2011.

But for some reason, Chevy has decided that they will fix your car only if it has less than 120,000 miles on it. Mine has 146,000 so they told me they wouldn't be able to fix it. I immediately called the Chevy customer service and the people there told me there was nothing they could do to fix it. I asked to speak to a supervisor, and when she got on the phone, she was extremely rude and basically told me it was my fault for not fixing the Trailblazer back in 2011 when my mileage would have fit the perimeters of the letter. I asked her why I was getting penalized for driving my car - she basically just informed me that it was my fault and she considered the case closed.

I then called the GM executive office in Detroit. I spoke the one of the executives and he was going to look into it further. After several phone calls with the executive, he finally called me today to tell me that they couldn't fix my car. He said that my service center would "work with me" and offer a 40% discount to get my gas gauge fixed. He also said that for my trouble, GM would send me a $250 gift card to use in the GM accessory department to get a nice accessory for my car. Within a few hours, he called me back to ask when I was going to take my car in to get it fixed, and when I told him I wasn't because I didn't want to pay for it, he told me they couldn't actually give me the $250 gift card unless I got my car fixed.

This is so irritating because it was a defective part. There should be no mileage attached to fixing a defective part - driving the car is not going to affect whether the gauge works or not. I will never buy another GM nor will I ever recommend GM to anyone else...

- Laura B., Broken Arrow, OK, US

problem #211

Jun 132013

Trailblazer LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

Even after filling my gas tank, the gas gauge reads empty. The gas light stays on and occasionally the vehicle stalls at red lights.

- doughertyt, Johnson City, TN, US

problem #210

Mar 112013

Trailblazer LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles

I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED AND RIGHT AWAY THE FUEL GAUGE WAS CONSTANTLY BOUNCING AROUND FROM FULL TO EMPTY TO HALF AND I'M NEVER SURE HOW MUCH GAS IS IN THE SUV. IT DOES THIS CONSTANTLY.

- Kathy L., New Castle, DE, US

problem #209

Apr 012012

Trailblazer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 165,000 miles

This is a real PAIN in the rear. Every time I fill up with gas, the hand will go all the way to empty and the light comes on. Even though I just put in 16 gallons or more. The hand will sometimes float back and forth but I have no idea how much I have after a few days.I am afraid that I will run out when I am not expecting it, because I have to travel in the night by myself and I really do not want to stranded any time, especially during the night. I believe this should be a recall...

- cathygeorgia, Franklin, GA, US

problem #208

Jun 152011

Trailblazer LX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

I purchased this car in 2009, and a year later I started having problem with the fuel gauge not working. I took it to the dealership when my car was still under warranty, unfortunately it was not covered. The cost was 600.00+ dollars to repair. I received a letter from GM stating they would take care of half of cost of repair. I took car to dealership and three months later, it was broken again.

I took my car back to the dealership and now it is the cluster which is bad, repair cost 600+ dollars. I contacted GM and they were giving me the run around. I expressed my concern of being frustrated not knowing how much gas is in the vehicle. They contacted Chevrolet and they finally agreed to pay half of the cost. I want GM to absorb all of the cost of the repair if the gas gauge is defective. I will never purchase another Chevrolet or GM vehicle.

I am now still trying to contact GM and they are not returning my call. I will continue to complain until I get some results. This is totally unacceptable!!!!!

- Virginia L., Columbia, SC, US

problem #207

May 012012

Trailblazer LS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,340 miles

My husband plans to have the Fuel Sending Unit replaced (Float). Apparently in the 2005 model the Float is not included in the Fuel Pump Kit like the other models. This may mean that is less expensive than replacing the entire fuel pump but the tank still has to be dropped and the labor more tedious. Not sure how much this will cost but it has been very annoying.

- Kay P., Tallahassee, FL, US

problem #206

Nov 032011

Trailblazer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,500 miles

Ok,so nothing like having to keep up with how much is in your tank when gas prices are soaring through the roof and going up everyday!I have a life and other things to worry about then to worry about how much gas is in my car!I have broken down multiple times even after filling up constantly. I can't take my car on road trips bc I'm constantly having to stop to make sure I have enough gas!!It's a very uncomfortable feeling especially with a newborn and a hyper-active three year old! They only cover 50% of my bill and then charge me $85.00 just for a diagnostics test!! I have family that have owned several Chevrolet vehicles of different models and the information cluster is out on all of them!!On top of that there is an investigation of door fires on my car! I don't know where to start! Why charge me for something that I already know about and I already have the solution..I just need the part!

- Melissa G., Wichita Falls, TX, US

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