IllustrationSPEEDOMETER STOPPED WORKING OR WILL DISPLAY FALSE SPEEDS FROM 0 WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY TO 120 WHILE DRIVING ON SURFACE STREETS. WHILE RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHER 2005 CHEVY TAHOE OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
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
What owners actually said
293 reportsTRUCK SHIFTS INTO 4 LOW AND STABILITY CONTROL SHUTS OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON. DANGEROUS AT THE LEAST. HEARD OF MANY CASES OF THE SAME ISSUE. REPLACED SWITCH ,STILL HAS ISSUE. *TR
LOST BRAKES GETTING OFF INTERSTATE 20/59, SEEMS TO BE A CORROSION ISSUE ON THE BRAKE LINE GOING TO REAR AXLE. THE LOCATION OF THE LEAK RELATIVE TO THE BODY IS AT THE 2 L DOOR ALONG THE FRAME RAIL. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR LIGHT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFF…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR LIGHT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V055000 (POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:SHIFT PATTERN INDICATOR). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD NOT DECREASE SPEED, AND BUT WOULD REGISTER AN INCREASE, AND CONSEQUENTLY WOULD NOT REFLECT ACTUAL SPEED. I COULD CORRECT PROBLEM BY REPEATEDLY STARTING VEHICLE, UNTIL EVENTUALLY IT JUST WOULD NO LONGER REGISTER A CHANGE IN SPEED AT ALL. NOW I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT SPEED MY VEHICLE IS TRAVELING. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE COULD NOT BE OPENED ELECTRONICALLY OR MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE DOOR LATCH FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE COULD NOT BE OPENED ELECTRONICALLY OR MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE DOOR LATCH FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,806.
WHILE DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY AT 65MPH THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO 105MPH. IT NOW READS 25MPH WHEN STOPPED AND WILL READ 65MPH WHILE ONLY TRAVELING 35MPH. THIS HAS BEEN VERIFIED WITH A GPS. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF GM VEHICLES AND MANY CUSTOMERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ONLY FIX IS A NEW INSTRU…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY AT 65MPH THE SPEEDOMETER WENT TO 105MPH. IT NOW READS 25MPH WHEN STOPPED AND WILL READ 65MPH WHILE ONLY TRAVELING 35MPH. THIS HAS BEEN VERIFIED WITH A GPS. THIS HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM WITH A LOT OF GM VEHICLES AND MANY CUSTOMERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. THE ONLY FIX IS A NEW INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS, A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE! *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE FAILED. AS A RESULT, WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE LIFT GATE IT WOULD NOT LOCK IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DECIDED TO GREASE THE LATCH AND THE LIFT GATE FINALLY LOCKED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE V…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE FAILED. AS A RESULT, WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE LIFT GATE IT WOULD NOT LOCK IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DECIDED TO GREASE THE LATCH AND THE LIFT GATE FINALLY LOCKED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 10/24/12 *CN UPDATED 11/08/2012 *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS WINDOW BECAME LOOSE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS WINDOW BECAME LOOSE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RAN OUT OF FUEL WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, BUT THE FUEL GAUGE DID NOT DISPLAY AN EMPTY READING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FU…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RAN OUT OF FUEL WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED, BUT THE FUEL GAUGE DID NOT DISPLAY AN EMPTY READING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 UPDATED 10/17/12*LJ
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.