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2005 Chevrolet Tahoe

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 246.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

243 reports with mileage · 50 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 126 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 24 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports14 fire reports9 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

126 reports
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260,000 miles · May 9, 2025
Electrical System

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 th…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11659909

97,500 miles · Oct 27, 2020
Electrical System

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.

NHTSA ODI #11366689

Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

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

NHTSA ODI #11278212

10,000 miles · Mar 13, 2019
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper

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 W…

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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

NHTSA ODI #11186546

Mileage unknown · Nov 2, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

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.

NHTSA ODI #11144834

193,000 miles · May 30, 2018
Electrical SystemPower Train

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11098799

190,000 miles · Dec 12, 2017
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

STEERING WHEEL LOCKS ON HIS OWN, BRAKE ENGAGES FOR NO REASON ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OFF

NHTSA ODI #11054141

160,000 miles · Dec 6, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Unknown Or Other

WHEN I START MY CAR START MY CAR IT SAYS SERVICE SEVILLA TRACK AND SERVICE AIRBAG WITH IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS HAPPENING MY WIPER BLADES DON'T WORK AND MY CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK AS WELL I'VE ALSO NOTICED THIS HAPPENING ON MY MOM'S 2000 CHEVY TAHOE AND ON MY PREVIOUSLY OWNED 2001 GMC YUKON I THINK IT IS ACROSS THE BOARD GM…

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WHEN I START MY CAR START MY CAR IT SAYS SERVICE SEVILLA TRACK AND SERVICE AIRBAG WITH IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS HAPPENING MY WIPER BLADES DON'T WORK AND MY CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT WORK AS WELL I'VE ALSO NOTICED THIS HAPPENING ON MY MOM'S 2000 CHEVY TAHOE AND ON MY PREVIOUSLY OWNED 2001 GMC YUKON I THINK IT IS ACROSS THE BOARD GM ELECTRICAL PROBLEM

NHTSA ODI #11052823

170,000 miles · Aug 9, 2016
Air BagsElectrical SystemFire

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 BOARD WAS COMPLETELY MELTED FROM T…

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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 BOARD WAS COMPLETELY MELTED FROM THE FIRE, THE FRONT WINDSHILLED SHATTERED WITH FORCE TOWARDS THE BACK OF THE TRUCK.

NHTSA ODI #10894399

198,000 miles · Jan 28, 2016
Electrical SystemFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE AIR CONDITION SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE, IT BECAME INOPERABLE AS SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEATER UNIT HAD MELTED. THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE AIR CONDITION SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE, IT BECAME INOPERABLE AS SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEATER UNIT HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V070000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 198,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10822941

Official recalls

5

14V070000 · Electrical System

Feb 11, 2014

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 & remedy

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.

06V417000 · Air Bags:frontal

Oct 31, 2006

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 & remedy

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.

05V163000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Apr 22, 2005

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 & remedy

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.

05V103000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages

Mar 18, 2005

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 & remedy

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.

05V055000 · Power Train:manual Transmission:shift Pattern Indicator

Feb 14, 2005

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.