Print this page

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.

8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$410
Average Mileage:
76,450 miles
Total Complaints:
120 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace instrument panel cluster (57 reports)
  2. not sure (53 reports)
  3. replace or use a gps to show speed (3 reports)
  4. replace steppers on indicators (3 reports)
  5. change clusters on dash (1 reports)
  6. complaint #46 - resetting system (1 reports)
2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer accessories - interior problems

accessories - interior problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Comments (Page 6 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #20

Nov 232008

Trailblazer LTZ 4.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

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

We were on our way to Thanksgiving and 600 miles from home I look down at the speedometer and it is at the 6:00 position. Thankfully I had the cruise control set and we also had our GPS with us. I have seen MULTIPLE boards with this problem yet Chevy refuses to do anything about it. It appears that it will cost 600.00 to 800.00 to fix the problem. Or I can buy a unit off of e-bay. We have always owned Chevy vehicles but I am afraid that this is the last one we will own. We had a Venture before this and it was a nightmare. The power door stopped working, the headlight lenses fell out, something leaked and filled the floorboard but no one could find the cause and at 60,000 miles the intake manifold gasket blew. A friend who was a mechanic said the day we bought it that the 3.4 liter motor was notorious for the gasket and to set money aside. Thankfully we took his advise.

This will be the last Chevy we will purchase. Honda or Nissan may get my money next time.

- Bryon H., Ocala, FL, US

problem #19

Dec 232009

Trailblazer LS 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,800 miles

Have found solutions available on ebay but want to avoid having to remove cluster as I am 68 years old and only enjoy working on race car which is much simpler! Found that by turning ignition on and starting motor and turning off quickly the speedometer would drop about 10 mph each time (sitting still) and did that until back to zero. Happened on trip where temperatures got below freezing and now back in Phoenix area and car is garaged and have not had problem since.

From what I have seen on here and other sites Chevrolet has not issued a recall because they say it is not a "safety issue"! If it is not a "safety issue" are they then going to pay fines on those who get fined by photo radar? (I used tachometer and other traffic to guide me as to where to set cruise control and never got any tickets but am sure some will become confused and get tickets!) This is definitley a manufacturing malfunction and should have been corrected by cluster manufacturer if they have not declared bankruptcy already! Then it become's GM's problem! Chances are they won't own up to it but we all ought let them know our feelings!

- Guy P., Tempe, AZ, US

problem #18

May 302009

Trailblazer LS I-6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

First the fuel gauge, then the speedometer, now the tachometer have all failed. I'm running out of gauges to fail.

- Fred B., Loxahatchee, FL, US

problem #17

May 012009

Trailblazer EXT 4.3L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

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

I wish someone would hit this car and get it over with. Hit it hard. Among many other problems, this is the most annoying, and the reason we can hardly use thing. The instrument cluster does not work. The speedometer, the gas gauge, the emergency brake light stays on and dings all the time, the check engine light stays on... Took it to my GM dealer and they mentioned a recall, but not on the Trailblazer, but other similar models. Will I ever buy another GM product... Nope! And I have three family members who work for them!

- Nathan D., Frankfort, KY, US

problem #16

Mar 182008

Trailblazer LT 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

In march after I had already had to replace my water pump, my fuel gauge begin messing up... well I was told that it could be my instrument cluster... well I haven't had it fixed because I watch the gallons used...well Christmas day we were driving and my check air bag system.. so now I have to take it back to the dealer and spend more money to find out what's wrong probably another $400 and did I mention that I had to replace the seat adjuster and drivers door module already too??? I have spent a FORTUNE on this vehicle a lot more than I EVER spend on my nissan and toyota.

- Cayci H., Madisonville, TN, US

problem #15

Oct 012008

Trailblazer EXT 4.2L I6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

Obviously I am not the only one with this problem. I talked to the mechanic and they were supposed to get me a quote on this. The mechanic has yet to call me back. I just got a ticket the other day, as I was relying on the speedometer, and oh ya, it isn't accurate. My fiance was driving the vehicle and got pulled over, supposedly for speeding. We all thought the officer was crazy, turns out he may not have been. Now you have to restart the car several time to get the speedometer to move and then it still doesn't alot of the time. Twenty on the freeway can be 60 or 120, who knows. This is just the major problem I am experiencing with this vehicle. For a vehicle that has a little less than 60,000 miles, I have going on $1,500 in repairs for all the problems it is developing. What happened to the GMC I grew up with. Really seems like they are turning into Ford. The problem is that I would rather give up a kidney than send my dollars to a foreign car maker. Don't blame me for the collapse of the economy, I did my part as a citizen trying to keep my country free.

Update from Oct 10, 2010: I have a sister that had an Envoy, same year, that the speedometer went out on. I work with a lady that bought a 2005 Trailblazer, and the speedometer was going out, the dealership fixed. It is far more than a coincidence when I personally know two other people with the same problem I have. This is a major manufacturing defect and I cannot believe that GM won't fix this for people. After the Trailblazer, and GM's lack of recalling faulty equipment, I won't be buying another Chevrolet or any other GM vehicle. Now I have to worry about the $1,000 to fix the accelerator sensor, hopefully, and the transmission. My rig barely has 80,000 miles, and sits in the driveway because I can't spend enough to keep fixing known issues.

- Michael M., Meridian, ID, US

problem #14

May 012009

Trailblazer LT 4.2L I6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,800 miles

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

click to see larger images

instrument panel malfunctioning instrument panel malfunctioning instrument panel malfunctioning

Having a problem with the Gauges on the Instrument Cluster. At first, my fuel gauge would read E even when full, that problem lasted about a week, has been working fine, but since that fixed itself (temporarily I'm sure) the RPM gauge thinks 3000-4000RPM is 0, and sometimes the oil pressure gauge works, other times it's below 0, other times it's pegged all the way up.

Picture 001 is ignition off (gauges stuck, when all should be at 0) Picture 002 is ignition on Picture 003 is closeup of current mileage

Called the dealer, said my cost to replace the instrument cluster parts and labor was about $500.00.

I have done LOTS of research on this and it's obviously a huge concern. It is also a safety concern since you may think your oil pressure is high and you immediately pull over on the freeway! Or if you are getting improper fuel readings and run out of fuel out in the middle of nowhere!

Come on GM, need to start making right on things like this (which add to the reasons sales are down!)

- Mike H., Chandler, AZ, US

problem #13

Jul 012009

Trailblazer LX 4.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Speedometer started sticking on various miles per hour and then just dropped to zero and stopped working altogether. Thought (hoped) that the vehicle speed sensor was to blame. Bought a new speed sensor and threw it at the problem hoping that it would repair the speedometer. No such luck! Looks like the instrument panel needs to be replaced but I don't want to spend the big bucks to get a dealer to replace it. This problem should be addressed by GM as a safety recall because of all the other similar complaints that I have seen concerning GM cars. It is not just an inconvenience to not have a speedometer, it could cause accidents.

- Tony D., Point, TX, US

problem #12

Mar 292009

Trailblazer LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles

My 2005 Trailblazer started having this problem last night. Speedo is off by 10 to 40 mph, even in the moments after parking before the power shuts off. Seems this is a recall defect after seeing all the feedback from others. As suggested in another post I will call the GM customer service center hotline listed in the back of the manual (1-800-222-1020). I'm not going to hold my breath though because I had a similar "almost recall" situation with the steering column on my 02 GM truck and still had to pay for it.

- Chris V., Redmond, WA, US

problem #11

Nov 242007

Trailblazer LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

Along with our Fuel Gauge not working, the speedometer does not work, the RPM gauge does not work. As a matter of fact 90% of the gauges on our Trailblazer DON'T WORK. If this is the cluster that needs to be replaced and there have been so many other electrical problems reported - why doesn't Chevy add another recall to their list and fix this for free! This is poor business ethics on their part and I won't share my hard earned money with them by ever purchasing another Chevy Again. I might as well add that I have also had to replace the A/C Condenser soon after I purchased it and some relay caught fire while driving 75 miles an hour on the interstate! If I had the opportunity I would definitely promote another Make by using our Chevy as an example of what not to buy for their commercial!!!

- monsibaiz, Truth Or Consequences, NM, US

problem #10

Nov 042008

Trailblazer LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,000 miles

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

On election night 2008 (November 4, 2008) my husband and I were driving to a watch party to wait for election results. We drove approximately 25+ miles to our destination without incident or problems related to his 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Upon leaving the of friends to return home, another 25+ in the opposite direction, we notice that the speedometer was not working. It seemed odd to us that this would occur. Nevertheless, we drove home carefully, trying our best to obey the posted speed limit signs. The problem persisted but one day the speedometer, to my husband's chagrin, began to work again. Little did he know that it was temporary. Again, the speedometer took a nose dive "south" and hung upside down near or at the 120 mph reading has remained there ever since. Today we took it to our mechanic who suggested that we call GMC to see if this problem had been reported and/or if the repair is covered under warranty. Needless to say we purchased our vehicle (s) from CarMax (will most likely never purchase a car from them again) so it may not be covered at all under any circumstances. I have noticed several problems with the cars we purchased from CarMax, all seem quirky and weird on some levels and things that they should have checked/noticed in their 129 point inspection, LOL. However, from the way things sound on the internet this is most likely an expense we will have to incur if GM doesn't cover it under a recall or warranty. I say let the oil companies and auto companies bail each other out and leave the middle class taxpayers with our trillions of dollars. This just another example or where quality and price to not meet and millions of consumers being taken to the cleaners and where companies have not sense of responsibility for their products or services. SHAME ON YOU GM. My father was always proud to own a GM product be it Cadillac or Buick. I dare to say that if celebrities only knew of the overwhelming complaints about the products they endorse they may reconsider the use of their images to pedal useless products made by these companies. United we stand and divided we fall. Let us take to the top!

- jbass, Antioch, TN, US

problem #9

Jul 022008

Trailblazer LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

I haven't had many issues with my trailblazer until sometime this summer the speedometer stated sticking intermittently. It is now December 2008 and I continue to struggle with this issue. After visiting a dealership they quoted me $450-500 to fix by replacing the cluster (work that can only be done by a dealer). I just stopped by the dealership today and learned that there was a "recall" of sorts on other Chevrolet vehicles with this same issue. Unfortunately the 2005 Trailblazer is not on the list....yet. According to the service technician he thinks additional vehicles will be added to the list...including the Trailblazer. I'm hoping this is true b/c at this point I'm not willing to spend $500.

- Tim A., Indianapolis, IN, US

problem #8

Nov 032008

Trailblazer EXT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

It's a pain in the ass, u have to shut your car off and turn it back on to reset the instrument panel to 0. I feel this will waist my starter as I try to reset the speedometer. I have tried to complain about it to GM and I am told it's not a recall as there hasn't been enough complaints made to them on this specific problem. So what to do??????? Everyone needs to lodge a formal complaint for reimbursement to all customers that have had this problem occur on thier vehicles. But it is possible to gain reimbursement.

- bobbyd, Pasco, WA, US

problem #7

Jan 012008

Trailblazer LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

RPM needle works every other day to fix it it will cost $700.00. This is crazy.

- dtfriend711, Bellflower, CA, US

problem #6

Sep 262008

Trailblazer LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

WELL, I'M TIRED AS HELL COMPLAINING TO GM ABOUT THE PROBLEMS I'M HAVING WITH THEIR PRODUCT. I GOOGLE EVERYTHING AND I SEE I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THE SPEEDOMETER GAUGE ON THE CAR. WELL YESTERDAY IT WAS WORKING BECAUSE I PICK THE KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL AND I DRIVE SLOWER THAN SCHOOL SPEED LIMIT WHICH IS 20 MPH OR LESSAND I WATCH THE SPEEDOMETER AND IT WAS WORKING. IT STOPPED WORKING LAST NIGHT AND THAT WAS CRAZY TO ME BECAUSE IT WAS WORKING ALL DAY YESTERDAYAND WHEN I LOOKED AT IT LAST NIGHT IT WAS THE GAUGE WAS HANGING THERE LIKE A BROKE CLOCK HAND IT WAS POINTED DOWN, BELOW THETHE 120MPH. IT COST $550 PLUS TAX TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM FIXED. I SEE WHY PEOPLE BUY FOREIGN CARS BECAUSE MY HUSBAND HAS AN OLD 96' TOYOTA COROLLA AND HE HAS 178,000 MILES ON IT AND DOES NOT HAVE THE PROBLEMS I'M HAVING ON MY 05' TRAILBLAZER I FELL THAT CHEVY SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COMPLAINTS THAT WE'RE GIVING THEM BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE ALL THE TRAILBLAZERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. IWAS GOING TO BUY THAT NEW TRAVERSE THATS COMING OUT BECAUSE I REALLY LIKE MY TRAILBLAZER AND I LIKE GM CARS BECAUSE I LIKE THE ONSTAR FEATURES BUT IF I HAVE TO FIX A GM CAR EVERY OTHER MONTH. I'M HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS. I DON'T THINK I WILL BUY ANOTHER GM CAR BECAUSE CHEVY HAVE ALL THESE COMPLAINTS AND NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. ITS THE CONSUMER THAT HAS TO SUCK UP THE PRICE FOR EVERYTHING. I THINKI'M GOING TO BUY ME A TOYOTA IF THE GM DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER ABOUT THE COMPLAINTS THEY RECEIVED. OH AND BY THE WAY I CALL GM WHEN I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM SAND ALL THEY SAID THEY CAN DO IS OFFER ME A 10% DISCOUNT ON THE PART (LOL) THATS BULLSHIT WHEN THE PART IS LIKE $500.

- Nichole G., Westwego, LA, US

problem #5

Apr 012008

Trailblazer EXT LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

The needle on the speedometer started sticking. Then it completely stopped moving and is stuck at 160 mph. I called the Chevrolet customer service hotline and complained. They told me that there is a recall on the 2003-2004 trailblazers for the same problem.They are currently logging the complaints on the 2005 trailblazers for the same problem. He advised that there was not enough complaints yet to issue a recall. We are currently stationed in Germany and there is no way that I can afford to fix this on my own with the euro being so high. I am very upset with Chevrolet for their lousy customer service!!! The number to complain about this problem is 1-800-222-1020... The more people that call about this problem with their vehicle, the better!

- Grethe O., Clarksville, TN, US

problem #4

Oct 252007

Trailblazer LS V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 48,000 miles

My 4-wheel drive light, abs light and brake light came on when I started the vehicle. Also, an alarm sounded...like a fast seat belt ding, ding... then the heat/AC fan would not work. I got home and wiggled some wires under the the center counsel...lights went off and everything seemed ok. It happened intermittently, so my husband tightened the wires in the wire harness. A couple of weeks later it was happening again. So, more tightening and it seemed to be working. Finally, after about 3 times, he took out the wire harness...it was fine...for a while. We took it to the dealership. They replaced the wire harness and charged over $400. It was fine for 2 days and now I have no heat or AC and lights are always on. The dealership won't even look at it without charging again, so I don't want to take it there. I plan to write to General Motors Corporation about the problem, but will have to use snail mail, as I can't even find the email address for the CEO. This vehicle has just over 50,000 miles on it. I can not understand the level of "no service" that I am getting. It saddens me. I am not even angry anymore. If my husband has to put in a whole new electrical system, I honestly think he can do it...but what a pain in the butt. and on a relatively new vehicle....sad...just very, very sad.

- Beverly D., Winston Salem, NC, US

problem #3

Dec 062007

Trailblazer LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,000 miles

Speedometer quit working during a snow storm. Took the vehicle to a near by Chevy dealer that is only about 3 blocks from home. After after having the cluster replaced, the dealership where we bought the vehicle called and told us they would have fixed the vehicle for nothing. We called Chevrolet ourselves and they told us they would not pay for the repair since the Trailblazer is not part of the silent recall to replace the cluster. If you have a cluster problem with your Trailblazer, call the number in the back of your manual. If they get enough complaints, they will include the Trailblazer to the silent recall.

- ksargent, Carthage, IL, US

problem #2

Jun 042007

Trailblazer LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles

fuel gage quit working while driving to Florida. Luckily we have an LT model

where it tells us how far we have been driving on a tank of gas.

- ksargent, Carthage, IL, US

problem #1

Nov 142007

Trailblazer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,560 miles

My trailblazer's speedometer broke! It would tell me I was going over 120 mph! Even my 7 year old knew this wasn't possible. I took it to a dealer south of Atlanta. I was told it had to be sent off to Orlando (the only place in the country that could fix the problem), replace the speedometer, reburn the mileage into it, not have the car for awhile, and all this would take 2-3 days. I was offered nothing, (no rental, no warranty service, nothing) only told it would take 2-3 days and cost $500 to $600. I took the car on Wednesday morning (when the dealer opened), was prepared to leave the car with them, but then I asked if the car would be ready by Friday, they said "no." It would take 2-3 days. I counted for them. Wednesday to Friday was 3 days. Thanksgiving was coming the next week, and we had out of town plans. The service man kept saying 2-3 days, but said it wouldn't be ready by the third day. I left the dealership. I will not return.

I took my trailblazer to a dealer near my Alabama hometown. They had the car fixed in two days, didn't send off any parts to Orlando (had no idea what the other dealer was talking about), and changed me less -- $350.00. The instrument panel was replaced, and now the vehicle is working fine. No more going over 150 mph!

I rarely have a problem with my Cheverolets. My problems arise from dealers who are NOT looking out for their customers. They are looking out for their own profits.

- Laura D., Locust Grove, GA, US

Not what you are looking for?