2005 Chevrolet Tahoe

Above average

Owners filed 293 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 7 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
80,000 milesMedian miles at failure

241 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel56
000
Electrical System51
040
Service Brakes15
000
Air Bags14
413
Steering12
103
Fuel System, Gasoline12
000
Power Train9
000
Engine9
000
Structure › Body8
000
Seats7
031

7 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System14V070000
Filed Feb 11, 201422 vehiclesMonroe Truck Equipment

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.

Risk. 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.

Wheels › Hub07E106000
Filed Dec 17, 2007130,000 vehiclesFederal-Mogul Corporation

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.

Risk. 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.

Air Bags › Frontal06V417000
Filed Oct 31, 2006794 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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.

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.

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.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

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.

Risk. 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).

Seat Belts › Rear/Other05V163000
Filed Apr 22, 20051,359,824 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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.

Risk. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals and Linkages05V103000
Filed Mar 18, 2005707 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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.

Risk. 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.

Power Train › Manual Transmission › Shift Pattern Indicator05V055000
Filed Feb 14, 20057,194 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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.

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Tires › Sidewall
Filed Aug 10, 2026MA

P 285 50 R20 Cooper Discoverer HT blew out on Mass Tpke I 90 EB on Aug 8 @ approx 7:00pm while driving. Whole center section came off right rear tire leaving only the sidewalls on the rim. was able to manuever vehicle off I 90 EB off to the shoulder. Vehicle was towed of Turnpike to safe location. Attempting to reach Cooper to advise and see if any recourse for reimbursement for blown tire and remaining tires on vehicle with same production date on tire 0f 3919; DOT UT6K CLD

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed May 9, 2025260,000 milesMS

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while attempting to check the Carfax report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 42,000 and upon checking the Carfax, it was discovered that the mileage was 260,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 29, 2025136,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated while starting the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic determined that the passenger’s side sensing system had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the mechanic that there was a recall associated to the failure, NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V417000 (Air Bags). The mechanic referred the contact to a dealer for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had checked the NHTSA.gov website and became aware that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

Power Train
Filed Mar 19, 2022WA

The gear shifting doesn’t seem to grab properly all the time. It will lurch into gear sometimes and sometime won’t engage in the gear indicated. The indicator lights dimmed and now don’t illuminate so you don’t know what gear you are in. It seems like this is a specific recall to my vehicle but when I enter my vin it says my car is not affected. I hope this can be looked into and repaired under the recall.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 27, 202097,500 milesWI

REAR HATCH/WINDOW FAILED TO OPEN VIA REMOTE KEYFOB NOR DRIVER DOOR BUTTON. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT RESIDENCE. FOUND THAT I COULD NOT OPEN HATCH NOR WINDOW MANUALLY FROM IN OR OUTSIDE WHICH IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SAFETY HAZARD.

Power Train
Filed Jul 23, 2020141,000 milesVA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR WAS INOPERABLE WHICH MADE IT DIFFICLUT TO DISTINGUISH WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED TO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HALL CHEVROLET CHESAPEAKE (3412 WESTERN BRANCH BLVD, CHESAPEAKE, VA 23321) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V055000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER: THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 141,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 14, 2020255,004 milesTN

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD THE RECALLS WAS UP TO DATE, MY CONCERN IS MOSTLY WHEN I SOMETIMES HIT THE BRAKES I HEAR A HUMMING SOUND. NOT SURE IF IT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY RECALL OR NOT.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 13, 2020AL

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 INJURIES AND LOTS OF MEDICAL BILLS BECAUSE HE DID NOT HAVE INSURANCE AT THE TIME OF INJURY

Electrical System
Filed Nov 5, 2019NY

SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER DOES NOT ILLUMINATE AND DRIVER DOES NOT KNOW WHICH GEAR VEHICLE IS IN.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 30, 2019134,000 milesVA

FUEL BACK FLOWS OUT THE GAS TANK ON THE GROUND NO MATTER THE FUEL LEVEL. FUEL WILL DUMP ONTO THE GROUND AT VARYING DEGREES. MULTIPLE REPORTS BY THE FORUMS. I WILL BE SUBMITTING THIS LINK SO OTHERS CAN POST TO PROVE THIS IS NOT A ONE TIME THING

Air Bags
Filed Sep 13, 2019210,810 milesSD

VEHICLE STATES SERVICE AIR BAG SYSTEM

Seats
Filed May 17, 20198,500 milesOH

'TAHOE RECALLS' FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT FULLY

Electrical System
Filed Mar 13, 201910,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. OVER THE YEARS, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ELECTRICAL FAILURES, INCLUDING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING MALFUNCTIONING. THE FAILURE MADE IT DIFFICULT TO VIEW THE GAUGE INFORMATION. IN ADDITION, THE TURN SIGNALS WOULD ONLY OPERATE WHEN THE FOG LIGHTS WERE ACTIVATED, AND THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GILCREST CHEVROLET (6030 S. TACOMA WAY, TACOMA, WA) WHERE THE REAR WINDOW MOTOR AND INSTRUMENT PANEL WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES EVENTUALLY RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. *BF. CONSUMER STATED DASH LIGHT REPLACE MULTI WINDSHIELD WIPER AND REPLACED PASSENGER SEAT HEATER.*JB

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Feb 20, 2019200,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF COOLANT COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS, WHICH RESULTED IN A BURNING ODOR. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER IN THE OIL WHEN CHECKING THE DIPSTICK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Feb 15, 2019210 milesKY

I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL TRUCK SAT FOR 2-3 DAYS NO ONE DROVE IT. WOKE MY WIFE UP AT ABOUT 9 AM ON 02/08/2019 ENGULFED IN FLAMES BURNED TRUCK TO THE GROUND . FIREMEN HAD TO USE JAWS OF LIFE TO GET DOORS OPEN BURNED COMPLETELY UP AND I ONLY HAD LIABILITY ON IT PURCHASED IT JUST 3 MONTHS AGO FROM A USED CAR LOT. IT CAUGHT A LITTLE BIT OF OUR HOUSE ON FIRE NEWBORN KEPT WATER ON IT TILL FIREMEN ARRIVED IF NOT WHOLE HOUSE WOULD HAVE BURNED WIFE SAID SHE HEARD A POP NOISE WENT OUTSIDE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 13, 2019122,836 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE ADDING FUEL TO THE FUEL TANK, THE FUEL PUMP SHUT OFF AND THE FUEL SPILLED OUT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS FUELED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,836.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 2, 2018TX

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WON'T GO OFF. NOT ABLE TO SEE GEAR PANEL PRND321. RIGHT TURNING SIGNAL DOESN'T WORK SOMETIMES OR MAKE HIGH BEAMS COME ON WHEN IT COMES ON.

Steering
Filed Oct 9, 2018127,511 milesCA

WE'VE PUT 21,000 MILES ON THESE TIRES IN 3 YEARS AND HAVE TIRE RUMBLES, VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING AND SIDE WALL IS CRACKING AND FLAKING AWAY. BROUGHT TO THE DEALER WHERE WE GOT THE TIRES FROM AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT'S CAUSING IT. SEEMS TO ME THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THESE TIRES BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT WHILE DRIVING.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 2, 2018200,000 milesID

NOTICED NOISE IN MY POWER STEERING ON INSPECTION FOUND TO BE LOW ON FLUID FINLEY FOUND LEAK AT BREAK SYSTEM. ON RESEARCH FOUND THIS TO BE A PROBLUM ON MANY CHEVY AUTOS AND TRUCKS FROM 2003 TO 2006 THOSE ARE THE ONES I FOUND

Electrical System
Filed May 30, 2018193,000 milesWV

TAMARA RECALL LIGHTS SHORTING OUT (INSIDE)THEY COME ON WHEN THEY ARE NOT SPOUSE TO.LICENCE PLATE LIGHTS FLICKER.MOVING AND SITTING STILL ON BOTH.TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS (SLIPPING) READ MULTIPLE FORMS ONLINE AND THEY SAY THE TRANSMISSIONS ARE JUNK THAT MAKES ALOT OF PEOPLE NOT WANT THEM.I LOVE MY TAHOE AND WOULD LOVE FOR THE ISSUES TO BE SOLVED FOR ME AND EVERYONE ELSE.

20 of 293 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202624300Do not drive
202548110Routine
202466300Routine
2023218500Above average
2022186430Routine
20214491630Above average
202055300Routine
2019105200Do not drive
2018103301Fatalities reported
2017173410Do not drive
2016256810Do not drive
20156581421Do not drive
201490301Fatalities reported
2013232400Above average
2012178310Routine
2011446520Above average
2010314400Above average
2009284500Above average
2008528450Above average
20071,1774270High concern
2006114440Routine
2005 — this page2937140Above average
2004467571Fatalities reported
2003507791Fatalities reported
2002449684Fatalities reported
2001512878Fatalities reported
20002821050Above average
199955231210Fatalities reported
1998263470Above average
1997410231Fatalities reported
1996283552Fatalities reported
1995246853Fatalities reported
199419200Routine
19938000Routine
19926000Routine
19913000Routine

Compare every Tahoe year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Feb 11, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.