2005 GMC Envoy recalls and problems

The 2005 GMC Envoy has 2 safety recalls and 488 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
488
Crashes / fires
27 / 14
Injuries / deaths
34 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2005 GMC Envoy vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 GMC Envoy recalls

Recall 06V-417: Air Bags

Reported Oct 31, 2006 · 794 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If the passenger sensing system malfunctions, the front air bag on the passenger side may be disabled when it should be enabled, or enabled when it should be disabled. In either case, in the event of a crash that requires air bag deployment, a front passenger's level of injury may be increased.

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 1-877-477-1022 to begin the process of repurchasing their vehicle.

Recall 05V-035: Visibility

Reported Feb 3, 2005 · 17,815 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: If a crash occurs, the windshield may not be retained, increasing the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant.

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.

2005 GMC Envoy problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System184
Fuel System, Gasoline165
Exterior Lighting48
Fuel System, Other41
Fuel/Propulsion System30
Air Bags28
Engine and Engine Cooling27
Vehicle Speed Control22
Power Train18
Structure17
Engine14
Visibility12

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 39
  • Fuel System, Other › Storage › Fuel Gauge System — 21
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 8
  • Structure › Body — 8
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 6
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
  • Air Bags › Side/Window — 3
  • Suspension › Rear — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,626 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 GMC Envoy complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Jan 28, 2026
1) I just purchased the vehicle in Oct 2026 & 3 days after purchase, it broke down in Walmart parking lot due to, all the antifreeze pouring out. 2) December 2026 had to replace the front tires as they were stripped to the threads from rubbing against the fender wells. 3) January 2026 Wouldn’t start, wouldn’t turn over or anything. Had the ignition replaced. Ran fine for one week. 4) Currently won’t start. Broke down.
Air Bags · at 270,000 miles · reported Mar 28, 2025
The contact owned a 2005 GMC Envoy. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, another vehicle driven by a drunk driver swerved into the front of the vehicle, causing a front collision. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact hit his face again on the steering wheel, but did not seek medical assistance. The contact's wife, who was occupying the front passenger seat and wearing a seat belt, was severely injured and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The contact's wife was diagnosed by a trauma surgeon. The contact's wife was diagnosed with a fractured right knee…
Air Bags · reported Jul 12, 2024
On steering wheel where the GMC logo is . Melted/Melting from underneath. Some type of clear color gooey. Have been told it is seal for airbag. Also none of the chimes are not working at all example * seat belts, door,blinkers,dashboard chimes *dummy lights*,along with Bose stereo. Last issues are REAR VIEW MIRROR... KEEPS FALLING OFF. have taken to dealership SEVERAL TIMES! Now they are saying that I need to contact my auto insurance provider to put in claims.
Electrical System · reported Feb 6, 2024
The driver side window control caught fire, while the vehicle was sitting overnight. It was sitting by itself without reason to catch fire, but it did burn inside the driver side door.
Electrical System · reported Jan 2, 2024
Unknown All the cluster panels quite working. RPM, Speed, Oil, Water, Gas shows always empty. Danger because have to guess my speed and never know if I have enough gas, oil, or water in my car. Also sometimes when I shut off my car I cannot get the key out of the steering column. Cannot leave my car without my keys.

Other GMC Envoy years

Compare all GMC Envoy years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 GMC Envoy have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 GMC Envoy: 06V-417 (air bags), 05V-035 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 GMC Envoy?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (184 reports), followed by fuel system, gasoline (165). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,626 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.