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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.

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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

Power Train complaints

24 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2022
Power Train

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…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11457422

141,000 miles · Jul 23, 2020
Power Train

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 T…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11341058

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

130,000 miles · Mar 6, 2017
Exterior LightingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

SHIFT INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE. CALLED DEALERSHIP IN REFERENCE TO THE 05V055000 RECALL THAT I ASSUMED WAS APPLICABLE TO ALL TAHOES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. SERVICE TECH INICATED THAT MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. SEEMS THAT THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL OF THE SAME VEHICLES SINCE THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO AF…

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SHIFT INDICATOR DOES NOT ILLUMINATE. CALLED DEALERSHIP IN REFERENCE TO THE 05V055000 RECALL THAT I ASSUMED WAS APPLICABLE TO ALL TAHOES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. SERVICE TECH INICATED THAT MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. SEEMS THAT THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL OF THE SAME VEHICLES SINCE THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO AFFECT THE ALL.

NHTSA ODI #10958825

120,000 miles · Feb 22, 2016
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTED THE GEAR LEVER HOWEVER, THE GEAR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V055000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTED THE GEAR LEVER HOWEVER, THE GEAR LEVER POSITION INDICATOR FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V055000 (POWER TRAIN). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #10837441

116,000 miles · Jan 26, 2015
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD DUE TO THE GEAR ILLUMINATION PANEL NOT ILLUMINATING PROPERLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FREQUENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD DUE TO THE GEAR ILLUMINATION PANEL NOT ILLUMINATING PROPERLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED FREQUENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V055000 (POWER TRAIN) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

NHTSA ODI #10678982

117,000 miles · Nov 10, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING INTO THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

NHTSA ODI #10653897

96,500 miles · Jul 8, 2014
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR AGO THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR BEGAN TO BE DIMMER THAN THE OTHER DASH DISPLAYS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. SINCE THEN IT IS NOW NO LONGER VISIBLE AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO VISUALLY DETERMINE WHAT GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER GM RECALL 05023 (NHTSA 05V055…

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APPROXIMATELY 1 YEAR AGO THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR BEGAN TO BE DIMMER THAN THE OTHER DASH DISPLAYS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. SINCE THEN IT IS NOW NO LONGER VISIBLE AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO VISUALLY DETERMINE WHAT GEAR THE VEHICLE IS IN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER GM RECALL 05023 (NHTSA 05V055000). *JS

NHTSA ODI #10609120

77,200 miles · Apr 1, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train

WHEN RELEASING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE I HEARD A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE. I NOTICED THAT THE RELEASE LEVER WAS VERY LOSE AND MY EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD NOT FULLY DISENGAGED. I HAD JUST PICKED MY KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I WAS STILL ABLE TO DRIVE AT A SLOW SPEED WITH AN ANNOYING CHIME GOING OFF SINCE THE BREAK HAD NOT FULLY DI…

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WHEN RELEASING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE I HEARD A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE. I NOTICED THAT THE RELEASE LEVER WAS VERY LOSE AND MY EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD NOT FULLY DISENGAGED. I HAD JUST PICKED MY KIDS UP FROM SCHOOL WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I WAS STILL ABLE TO DRIVE AT A SLOW SPEED WITH AN ANNOYING CHIME GOING OFF SINCE THE BREAK HAD NOT FULLY DISENGAGED. MY HUSBAND BEING A MECHANIC LOOKED AT THE RELEASE LEVER WHEN HE PULLED ON IT THE LEVER ALONG WITH THE BICYCLE BRAKE WIRE CAME OFF. I COULD NOT BELIEVE GM USED SUCH A CHEAP WIRE. THIS WIRE HAD SNAPPED AND STARTED UNRAVELING. IF I WOULD HAVE PRESSED ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AGAIN I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE. WE ORDERED A NEW OEM PART THAT MY HUSBAND WILL BE PUTTING IN. THIS IS ON TOP OF ALL THE OTHER REPAIRS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE ON OUR TAHOE LAST YEAR OUR TRANSFER CASE WENT WHILE I WAS DRIVING 72000 MILES ON THE SUV. THE TRANSFER CASE HAD TO CHANGE ALONG WITH HAVING OUR TRANSMISSION REBUILT. OUR STABILITY CONTROL MESSAGE WAS GOING ON AND OFF. I HAVEN'T SEEN THIS MESSAGE FOR AWHILE NOW. ONLY ONE LIGHT IS WORKING ON THE STEERING WHEEL THESE LIGHTS BURNT OUT ON OUR THIRD YEAR OF OWNERSHIP. A YEAR AGO WHILE DRIVING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL THE TRUCK COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN NO WARNING JUST SHUT DOWN. I HAD TO PUT IT IN PARK TO RESTART IT. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP CLOSE BY THEY SAID THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING BUT NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS BRING IT IN. THIS WAS OUR FIRST BRAND NEW CAR PURCHASE BACK IN 2005, WE OWN TWO OTHER CARS THAT WERE PRE-OWNED BOTH BMW THEY ARE OVER 20 YEARS OLD AND WE HAVE NOT HAD HALF THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE SEEN WITH OUR TAHOE. THIS WILL BE OUR LAST AMERICAN MADE VEHICLE WE WILL PURCHASE BMW, MERCEDES, OR TOYOTA WILL BE OUR NEXT FAMILY VEHICLE. WE WILL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER GM. QUALITY AND DEPENDABILITY IS DEFINITELY NOT A PRIORITY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576098

115,200 miles · Feb 25, 2014
Power TrainService Brakes

AFTER ATTENDING MY NEPHEW'S HIGH SCHOOL BASKET BALL GAME, MY DAUGHTER AND I RETURNED TO THE TAHOE IN THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT. I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE AND STARTED TO ROLL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP AND THANKFULLY STOPPED THE TAHOE BEFORE HITTING A…

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AFTER ATTENDING MY NEPHEW'S HIGH SCHOOL BASKET BALL GAME, MY DAUGHTER AND I RETURNED TO THE TAHOE IN THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT. I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE AND STARTED TO ROLL WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP AND THANKFULLY STOPPED THE TAHOE BEFORE HITTING ANYONE OR ANY OTHER VEHICLE IN THE LOT. LOOKING AT THE OWNERS MANUAL AND THE DASH LIGHTS, I REALIZED THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE TOWED. THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THE BRAKE LINE RUNNING ALONG THE FRAME RAIL TO THE REAR WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED REPLACING. AFTER COMPLETING THIS TASK AND WHILE BLEEDING THE SYSTEM A FRONT LINE WENT FOR THE SAME REASON, CORROSION. I HAD ALL LINES (FRONT & BACK) REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $800. TALKING WITH THE MECHANIC, IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON OCCURRENCE IN THE TAHOE, SILVERADO AND SIMILAR GM VEHICLES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10565732

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.