IllustrationREAR HATCH UNLOCKED BUT WILL NOT OPEN WITH LATCH!
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Tahoe years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
180–25K
3825–50K
5450–75K
4575–100K
64100–150K
24150K+
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
Structure complaints
18 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 221,648.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE PARKED, THE REAR LIFTGATE FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER LOCKS WERE ACTIVATED AND THE REAR LIFTGATE STILL FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,500.
THE HATCH BACK, BOTH THE GLASS AND THE WHOLE TAIL GATE, WORKED FINE UNTIL TWO DAYS AGO AND NOW NEITHER ONE WILL OPEN. I THINK THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE KIDS THAT RIDE IN THE 3RD ROW SEATS, AND IF SOMETHING WAS TO HAPPEN TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE OR OTHER DOORS, MY KIDS WOULD HAVE NO WAY TO GET OUT OF THE BACK!! *T…
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THE HATCH BACK, BOTH THE GLASS AND THE WHOLE TAIL GATE, WORKED FINE UNTIL TWO DAYS AGO AND NOW NEITHER ONE WILL OPEN. I THINK THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE KIDS THAT RIDE IN THE 3RD ROW SEATS, AND IF SOMETHING WAS TO HAPPEN TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE OR OTHER DOORS, MY KIDS WOULD HAVE NO WAY TO GET OUT OF THE BACK!! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE FAILED TO REMAIN OPEN. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AT THIS TIME. WE NOTICE RUSTING ON THE FRAME AND AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION WE FOUND LARGE HOLES IN THE FRAME RAILS. THIS VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. WE STILL HAVE A LOAN ON IT AND DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A 8 YEAR OLD VEHICLE CAN HAVE THAT MUCH RUST ON THE FRAME WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE(49,254). THERE H…
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THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AT THIS TIME. WE NOTICE RUSTING ON THE FRAME AND AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION WE FOUND LARGE HOLES IN THE FRAME RAILS. THIS VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. WE STILL HAVE A LOAN ON IT AND DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A 8 YEAR OLD VEHICLE CAN HAVE THAT MUCH RUST ON THE FRAME WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE(49,254). THERE HAS TO BE MORE OUT THERE WITH THIS PROBLEM. NOT SURE WHERE TO GO FROM HERE. *TR
WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON HIGHWAY 77 WHEN MY TAHOE STARTING TO BOUNCE ON THE FRONT END THEN STARTING FISH TAILING FROM WHITE LINE TO WHITE LINE TRIED TO CORRECT AND HAD NO STEERING. THEN WENT OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD AND HIT A DRIVEWAY AND FLIPPED END OVER END THEN BACK OVER HEADED IN THE OPPOSITE WAY. THERE WAS A PERSON WATCHING T…
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WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON HIGHWAY 77 WHEN MY TAHOE STARTING TO BOUNCE ON THE FRONT END THEN STARTING FISH TAILING FROM WHITE LINE TO WHITE LINE TRIED TO CORRECT AND HAD NO STEERING. THEN WENT OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD AND HIT A DRIVEWAY AND FLIPPED END OVER END THEN BACK OVER HEADED IN THE OPPOSITE WAY. THERE WAS A PERSON WATCHING THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED AND HE STATED THAT THE TRUCK WAS BOUNCING GOING DOWN THE ROAD THEN WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND FLIPPED. HAD TAHOE SERVICED IN MARCH FOR A POPPING NOISE AT RICHARD KAY SUPERSTORE IN ANDERSON SOUTH CAROLINA WHERE THEY STATED THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM. STATED WAS A STEERING SHAFT. THEY REPLACED IT. CALLAWAY WRECKER SERVICE STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM IN THE FRONT END THAT WAS VERY SUSPICIOUS. WITH ONE OF THE WHEELS AND WHERE WAS CONNECTED TO THE FRAME. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN WHERE THE BOUNCING CAME FROM WHERE THE TIRE WAS TURNED SIDEWAYS . *JB
REAR BUMPER (INSIDE AND OUT) HAS SEVERE RUSTING. AT FIRST PAINT BUBBLED THEN RUSTING SET IN FEW MONTHS LATER. I CALLED GM AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR. A 7 YEAR OLD CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS SEVERE RUSTING. THE BUMPER LOOKS AS IF BELONGS TO A VINTAGE 30 YEAR OLD CAR! JUST NOT RIGHT AND EVEN MORE SO THAT GM IS NOT TAKING RESPONS…
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REAR BUMPER (INSIDE AND OUT) HAS SEVERE RUSTING. AT FIRST PAINT BUBBLED THEN RUSTING SET IN FEW MONTHS LATER. I CALLED GM AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR. A 7 YEAR OLD CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS SEVERE RUSTING. THE BUMPER LOOKS AS IF BELONGS TO A VINTAGE 30 YEAR OLD CAR! JUST NOT RIGHT AND EVEN MORE SO THAT GM IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR SOMETHING THAT SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT! *TR
TAILGATE AND REAR WINDOW WILL NOT LOCK. *TR
WE PURCHASED OUR 2005 TAHOE BRAND NEW AND HAVE KEPT UP WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND IT HAS BEEN A GREAT, SAFE CAR. FOR CHRISTMAS WE WERE OUT OF TOWN VISITING FAMILY AND WHEN WE ARRIVED TO UNLOAD THE CAR, WE DISCOVERED THE LIFT GATE AND THE GLASS WERE STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION. WE COULD NOT GET EITHER OPEN TO LOAD|UNLOAD OUR LUG…
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WE PURCHASED OUR 2005 TAHOE BRAND NEW AND HAVE KEPT UP WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND IT HAS BEEN A GREAT, SAFE CAR. FOR CHRISTMAS WE WERE OUT OF TOWN VISITING FAMILY AND WHEN WE ARRIVED TO UNLOAD THE CAR, WE DISCOVERED THE LIFT GATE AND THE GLASS WERE STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION. WE COULD NOT GET EITHER OPEN TO LOAD|UNLOAD OUR LUGGAGE AND|OR GIFTS. THERE IS NO MANUAL KEY HOLE IN THE BUTTON, WHICH I FIND ODD THAT SOME MODELS OF THE SAME YEAR HAS THEM AND SOME DON?T. I AM CONCERNED THAT SINCE I HAVE A 3RD ROW OF SEATS, AND IN MY EYES WITH PASSENGERS IN THE BACK ? THEY CANNOT GET OUT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY. TO ME, A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE INDIVIDUALS WHO RIDE IN THE VEHICLE AND GM SHOULD TAKE OWNERSHIP REGARDLESS OF WARRANTY OR NOT. *TR
Official recalls
514V070000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.