VehicleVerdict

2005 Chevrolet Tahoe problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe sits mid-pack among Tahoe years: 379 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 308, with 7 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 21 injuries in total across these filings.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 138 reports (36% of the total).

379

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

0

Investigations

15

Crash-involved

18

Fires reported

21

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Tahoe years?

See all Tahoe years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System13836%
Fuel System308%
Brakes267%
Transmission257%
Engine205%
Steering195%
Airbags195%
Tires & Wheels195%
Body & Structure185%
Latches & Locks123%
Visibility & Wipers103%
Other92%
Speed Control92%
Seats82%
Lighting62%
Suspension51%
Seat Belts51%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V070000Electrical SystemFebruary 11, 2014 · 22 units

Defect

Monroe Truck Equipment (Monroe) is recalling certain model year 2006, 2008 and 2009 Chevrolet C7500 vehicles, 2005-2006 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles, and 2009 Ford F-350, and F-450 vehicles, equipped with Sure Power-brand battery equalizers or DC-DC converters containing a particular epoxy sealing, aka 'potting', compound. The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.

Consequence

Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Monroe will notify owners, and Sure Power will replace the equalizers or converters, free of charge. The recall began on March 24, 2014. Owners may contact Monroe at 1-608-328-8127.

07E106000Tires & WheelsDecember 17, 2007 · 130,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

Consequence

WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.

06V417000AirbagsOctober 31, 2006 · 794 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

05V163000Seat BeltsApril 22, 2005 · 1,359,824 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.

Consequence

A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

05V103000BrakesMarch 18, 2005 · 707 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD RETAINER MAY BE MISSING. IF THE RETAINER IS MISSING, THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD COULD DISENGAGE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL.

Consequence

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKES WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD RETAINER AND INSTALL ONE IF IT IS MISSING FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER BEGAN CONTACTING OWNERS BY TELEPHONE ON MARCH 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

05V055000TransmissionFebruary 14, 2005 · 7,194 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT." UNDER CERTAIN VEHICLE STARTING CONDITIONS, THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR LOCATED IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER MAY NOT ILLUMINATE. IF THE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE, THE DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN.

Consequence

THE VEHICLE MAY MOVE IN AN UNINTENDED DIRECTION RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INJURY TO OTHERS OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

WHILE DRIVING FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES ON STREET THE TAHOE STARTED TO SMELL LIKE SMOKE, WE THEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS IN A MATTER OF SECONDS THERE WHERE FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE DASH…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 8, 2016 · fire

THE BRAKES AND STEERING LOCKED UP THROWING ME INTO A TELEPHONE POLE AND ALMOST GOING OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD SLAM SIDEWAYS AGAINST THE TREE AND NOT ONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED MY SON WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME IF IT WERE ME I'D BEEN DEAD BECAUSE I HAVE A BRAIN TUMOR AND CANNOT HIT MY HEAD HE HAS SEVERAL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 22, 2019 · crash

TOTAL BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TO RUSTED BRAKE LINE. BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR DURING OPERATION AND VEHICLE LUCKILY CAME TO A STOP WHEN PEDAL WAS GROUND INTO THE FLOORBOARD. BRAKE FLUID WAS DRIPPING FROM THE LINE DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 11, 2016

I HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TAHOE, THAT HAS OVER 100,000 MILES. I FIRST NOTICED A PROBLEM A FEW MONTHS AGO WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND IT WOULD SEEM LIKE THE PEDAL WOULD STICK A LITTLE BIT, BUT I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING ODD ABOUT THAT. (BECAUSE I THOUGHT MAYBE MIGHT FOOT WASN'T ACCELERATING PROPERLY) THE DAY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 25, 2009 · fire

I WENT TO THE STORE APROX AT 8PM AND GO BACK APROX AT 915PM AND PARK MY CAR. APROX AT 11PM MY NEIGHBORS CALL US AND SAID THAT MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THIS STARTED APROX FROM THE ENGINE PART. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 28, 2012 · fire

2005 Chevrolet Tahoe — common questions

Is the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?

It is close to typical for the Tahoe: 379 NHTSA complaints, 7 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2005 Tahoe problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (138 complaints), fuel system (30 complaints), brakes (26 complaints).

Does the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Tahoe years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tahoe years to avoid are 2007, 2015, 2008, 1999, 2003, 2001, 2021, 2011, 2004, 2002, 1997, 2010, 2009, 2013, 2023, 2012, 2022, 2014, 2024. The cleanest record among Tahoe years belongs to 1988.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.