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 reports
75,000 miles · Jun 19, 2011
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
I HAD NOTICED THAT ON MY 2005 CHEVY TAHOE I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE TAILGATE IT SEEMED TO BE LOCKED, I TRIED TO UNLOCK IT MANUALLY AND IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM DRIVER DOOR WHEN YOU HIT TO UNLOCK EVERYTHING MANUALLY. I ALSO CANNOT PUSH THE BUTTON AND OPEN THE GLASS MANUALLY EITHER. NOR CAN I OPEN IT FROM CRAWLING INSIDE THE T…
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I HAD NOTICED THAT ON MY 2005 CHEVY TAHOE I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE TAILGATE IT SEEMED TO BE LOCKED, I TRIED TO UNLOCK IT MANUALLY AND IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM DRIVER DOOR WHEN YOU HIT TO UNLOCK EVERYTHING MANUALLY. I ALSO CANNOT PUSH THE BUTTON AND OPEN THE GLASS MANUALLY EITHER. NOR CAN I OPEN IT FROM CRAWLING INSIDE THE TRUCK TO TRY TO PUSH THE TAILGATE OPEN. SO IF THERE WAS A ACCIDENT THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY OF GETTING OUT THROUGH THE BACK ENTRANCE WHICH IS SCARY. I HAVE TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES TO OPEN IT AND IT WILL NOT OPEN, I CANNOT FOR ANY REASON USE THE BACK TAILGATE ANYMORE WHICH I FIND A INCONVENIENCE AND WAS ONE OF THE REASONS I BOUGHT THE TRUCK IN THE FIRST PLACE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10407390
82,024 miles · May 13, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE WOULD NOT RELEASE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCESS WITH THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK OR KEY FOB. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING BOTH THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER REGARDING THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,024. UPDATED 6/8/11 *CN UPDA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE WOULD NOT RELEASE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCESS WITH THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK OR KEY FOB. THE CONTACT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING BOTH THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER REGARDING THE DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,024. UPDATED 6/8/11 *CN UPDATED 06/23/11
NHTSA ODI #10400811
155,630 miles · May 4, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE INCIDENT IS THE VEHICLE STALLING ON THE INTERSTATE WHICH COULD HAVE LEAD TO A ACCIDENT IF THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME HAD NOT SWIRVED AT THE LAST MOMENT. THE FUEL GUAGE REGISTERD 3/4 TANK OF GAS. ONCE STOPPED AT THE NEXT EXIT I WAS ABLE TO PUT 25 GALLONS IN THE TANK. I HAVE SINCE NOTICED THAT THE GUAGE WILL READ SPORATIC READIN…
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THE INCIDENT IS THE VEHICLE STALLING ON THE INTERSTATE WHICH COULD HAVE LEAD TO A ACCIDENT IF THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME HAD NOT SWIRVED AT THE LAST MOMENT. THE FUEL GUAGE REGISTERD 3/4 TANK OF GAS. ONCE STOPPED AT THE NEXT EXIT I WAS ABLE TO PUT 25 GALLONS IN THE TANK. I HAVE SINCE NOTICED THAT THE GUAGE WILL READ SPORATIC READINGS BUT THEN SETTLE BACK TO AROUND THE 3/4 TANK MARK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10399099
43,000 miles · May 2, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
FUEL GAUGE ON 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE DOES NOT ACCURATELY REPORT FUEL LEVEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10398636
80,396 miles · May 2, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
THE OIL GAUGE ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE WAS REPLACED ON APRIL 6, 2011. THE NEEDLE WAS AS FAR OVER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE GAUGE (LOOKING AT IT) AS IT COULD GO. IT CLEARLY WAS NOT READING THE AMOUNT OF OIL PRESSURE. THE ENTIRE DASH PANEL HAD TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AFTER IT WAS DETERMINED THERE WERE NO BAD CONNE…
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THE OIL GAUGE ON MY 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE WAS REPLACED ON APRIL 6, 2011. THE NEEDLE WAS AS FAR OVER ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE GAUGE (LOOKING AT IT) AS IT COULD GO. IT CLEARLY WAS NOT READING THE AMOUNT OF OIL PRESSURE. THE ENTIRE DASH PANEL HAD TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM AFTER IT WAS DETERMINED THERE WERE NO BAD CONNECTIONS TO THE UNIT. THE DASH PART WAS $350.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10398553
89,160 miles · Apr 15, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages
WE OWN A 2005 CHEVY TAHOE. REAR HATCH LOCK ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FAILED, CAUSING THE REAR DOOR TO BE STUCK IN THE LOCKED AND CLOSED POSITION. THERE IS NO MANUAL RELEASE FROM THE INSIDE, NOR A MANUAL KEYHOLE TO UNLOCK FROM THE OUTSIDE, WHICH POSES A SAFETY HAZARD. CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE 89,160. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO CH…
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WE OWN A 2005 CHEVY TAHOE. REAR HATCH LOCK ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY FAILED, CAUSING THE REAR DOOR TO BE STUCK IN THE LOCKED AND CLOSED POSITION. THERE IS NO MANUAL RELEASE FROM THE INSIDE, NOR A MANUAL KEYHOLE TO UNLOCK FROM THE OUTSIDE, WHICH POSES A SAFETY HAZARD. CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE 89,160. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER WHO CHARGED $626 TO REPLACE ASSEMBLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10396059
Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages
OWN A 2005 CHEVY TAHOE, THE REAR LIFTGATE AND WINDOW WILL NOT OPEN USING THE UNLOCK ON THE DOOR OR DEPRESSING THE KEY FOB. HAS WORKED WITHOUT A PROBLEM AND ALL OF A SUDDEN QUIT TODAY. WE CHECKED ALL OF THE FUSES AND THEN BEGAN SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET. HAVE READ SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND AM ASSUMING IT IS AN INTERNAL PART. HOWE…
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OWN A 2005 CHEVY TAHOE, THE REAR LIFTGATE AND WINDOW WILL NOT OPEN USING THE UNLOCK ON THE DOOR OR DEPRESSING THE KEY FOB. HAS WORKED WITHOUT A PROBLEM AND ALL OF A SUDDEN QUIT TODAY. WE CHECKED ALL OF THE FUSES AND THEN BEGAN SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET. HAVE READ SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND AM ASSUMING IT IS AN INTERNAL PART. HOWEVER, THERE IS NO WAY TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE MANUALLY. I OFTEN CARRY MY DAUGHTER AND UP TO 5 OTHER GIRL SCOUTS. IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, THERE IS NO WAY TO EXIT THE VEHICLE FROM THE REAR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY CHEVY. DON'T KNOW IF NEW VERSIONS HAVE A MANUAL UNLOCK, BUT IS A HAZARD FOR THOSE MODELS THAT DON'T. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10392235
65,000 miles · Mar 9, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HE REFUELED THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE BEGAN SPEWING FROM THE FILLER NECK PREVENTING HIM FROM REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THAT IT WOULD BE AT THE DISCRETION OF TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS HE REFUELED THE VEHICLE, GASOLINE BEGAN SPEWING FROM THE FILLER NECK PREVENTING HIM FROM REFUELING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO STATED THAT IT WOULD BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DEALER IF THEY WANTED TO COVER THE COSTS OF REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA ODI #10389652
Mileage unknown · Mar 1, 2011
Electrical System
I OWN A 2005 CHEVY TAHOE. THE SPEEDOMETER STOPS WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND STARTS SHOWING WRONG SPEEDS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SECURITY ISSUE AS YOU SUDDENLY LOST IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC BECAUSE YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW FAST YOU ARE TRAVELING. I WAS CHECKING ONLINE AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF SUCH COMPLAINTS. I THINK DOT SHOULD…
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I OWN A 2005 CHEVY TAHOE. THE SPEEDOMETER STOPS WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND STARTS SHOWING WRONG SPEEDS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SECURITY ISSUE AS YOU SUDDENLY LOST IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC BECAUSE YOU DO NOT KNOW HOW FAST YOU ARE TRAVELING. I WAS CHECKING ONLINE AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF SUCH COMPLAINTS. I THINK DOT SHOULD SERIOUSLY LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2005 Chevrolet Tahoe Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year