2005 GMC Envoy
The 2005 GMC Envoy is a mid-size SUV that offers a blend of comfort and utility. Engine options included a 4.2L Inline-6 engine, producing 275 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.3L V8 engine, producing 300 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciate the Envoy’s comfortable ride and spacious interior, while common complaints include issues with reliability and fuel economy.
Engine
4.2L Inline-6
- Failed Ignition Coil(s)
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, check engine light illumination. The misfire can often be isolated to a specific cylinder using a code reader.
- Solution: Replace the faulty ignition coil.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150 per coil (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Failing Throttle Body
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic idle, stalling, poor acceleration.
- Solution: Clean the throttle body initially; if issues persist, replace the throttle body.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400 (parts and labor for replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Actuator Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, decreased fuel economy, engine noise, check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the camshaft actuator solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
5.3L V8
- Oil Consumption Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption requiring frequent oil additions, blue smoke from the exhaust.
- Solution: In some cases, replacing the valve stem seals can help; in severe cases, piston ring replacement or engine replacement is necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $4000+ (depending on the severity and chosen solution)
- Recalls: None Found
- Lifter Tick
- Description/Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise coming from the engine, especially at start-up or idle.
- Solution: Often attributed to collapsed or worn lifters. Replacement is the typical fix, requiring significant labor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000 (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4L60-E Four-Speed Automatic (Both Engine Options)
- Harsh Shifting/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Delayed or harsh shifts, especially between 1st and 2nd gear or 3rd and 4th gear. The transmission may slip or fail to engage a gear.
- Solution: Could be caused by low fluid, worn clutches, or a faulty solenoid. Service the transmission, replace worn components, or perform a full rebuild.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350 (fluid and filter change) $1500 - $3500+ (rebuild or replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at highway speeds, especially when accelerating. Stallling at low speed
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500 (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: The rear of the vehicle sagging, failure to maintain ride height, air suspension warning light.
- Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800 (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Air Suspension Leaks (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging, hissing sound near the rear suspension components, air suspension not maintaining height.
- Solution: Locate and repair the leak, often caused by deteriorating air springs or lines.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (depending on the severity and parts needed)
- Recalls: None Found
- Front Suspension Ball Joint Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, loose steering, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replace the worn ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per side (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Instrument Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges failing to function correctly (speedometer, fuel gauge, etc.), flickering lights, dim display.
- Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600 (repair or replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Driver Door Module Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Power windows, door locks, or mirrors not working, intermittent issues.
- Solution: Replace the driver door module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Transfer Case Encoder Motor Failure (4WD Models)
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting into or out of 4WD, grinding noises, service 4WD light illumination.
- Solution: Replace the transfer case encoder motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Rear Liftgate Latch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Liftgate not opening or closing properly, latch sticking or failing to engage.
- Solution: Replace the liftgate latch mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Blower Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: No air blowing from the vents, limited fan speeds, noisy blower motor.
- Solution: Replace the blower motor and/or the blower motor resistor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Heater Malfunction (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Seat heater not working, overheating, or only partially heating.
- Solution: Repair or replace the heating element or the control switch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400 (parts and labor)
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2005 GMC Envoy, while praised for its comfort and space, is prone to several issues that can affect its reliability. Engine problems, such as ignition coil failures and oil consumption (particularly with the 5.3L V8), can be costly to address. Transmission issues, including harsh shifting and slipping, are also common. Suspension and electrical problems further contribute to the ownership challenges. Depending on the issues, costs to repair them can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and carefully inspect any used Envoy before purchase.