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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

What owners actually said

293 reports
210,810 miles · Sep 13, 2019
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

VEHICLE STATES SERVICE AIR BAG SYSTEM

NHTSA ODI #11255381

8,500 miles · May 17, 2019
SeatsSteering

'TAHOE RECALLS' FRONT SEAT BELTS DO NOT RETRACT FULLY

NHTSA ODI #11208373

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

200,000 miles · Feb 20, 2019
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF COOLANT COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS, WHICH RESULTED IN A BURNING ODOR. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER IN THE OIL WHEN CHEC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF COOLANT COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS, WHICH RESULTED IN A BURNING ODOR. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED WATER IN THE OIL WHEN CHECKING THE DIPSTICK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ODI #11181444

210 miles · Feb 15, 2019
Unknown Or OtherFire

I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL TRUCK SAT FOR 2-3 DAYS NO ONE DROVE IT. WOKE MY WIFE UP AT ABOUT 9 AM ON 02/08/2019 ENGULFED IN FLAMES BURNED TRUCK TO THE GROUND . FIREMEN HAD TO USE JAWS OF LIFE TO GET DOORS OPEN BURNED COMPLETELY UP AND I ONLY HAD LIABILITY ON IT PURCHASED IT JUST 3 MONTHS AGO FROM A USED CAR LOT. IT CAUGHT A LITTLE BIT…

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I WAS IN THE HOSPITAL TRUCK SAT FOR 2-3 DAYS NO ONE DROVE IT. WOKE MY WIFE UP AT ABOUT 9 AM ON 02/08/2019 ENGULFED IN FLAMES BURNED TRUCK TO THE GROUND . FIREMEN HAD TO USE JAWS OF LIFE TO GET DOORS OPEN BURNED COMPLETELY UP AND I ONLY HAD LIABILITY ON IT PURCHASED IT JUST 3 MONTHS AGO FROM A USED CAR LOT. IT CAUGHT A LITTLE BIT OF OUR HOUSE ON FIRE NEWBORN KEPT WATER ON IT TILL FIREMEN ARRIVED IF NOT WHOLE HOUSE WOULD HAVE BURNED WIFE SAID SHE HEARD A POP NOISE WENT OUTSIDE TRUCK WAS ON FIRE

NHTSA ODI #11180216

122,836 miles · Feb 13, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE ADDING FUEL TO THE FUEL TANK, THE FUEL PUMP SHUT OFF AND THE FUEL SPILLED OUT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS FUELED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE ADDING FUEL TO THE FUEL TANK, THE FUEL PUMP SHUT OFF AND THE FUEL SPILLED OUT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS FUELED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,836.

NHTSA ODI #11179778

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

127,511 miles · Oct 9, 2018
SteeringSuspensionWheels

WE'VE PUT 21,000 MILES ON THESE TIRES IN 3 YEARS AND HAVE TIRE RUMBLES, VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING AND SIDE WALL IS CRACKING AND FLAKING AWAY. BROUGHT TO THE DEALER WHERE WE GOT THE TIRES FROM AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT'S CAUSING IT. SEEMS TO ME THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THESE TIRES B…

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WE'VE PUT 21,000 MILES ON THESE TIRES IN 3 YEARS AND HAVE TIRE RUMBLES, VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING AND SIDE WALL IS CRACKING AND FLAKING AWAY. BROUGHT TO THE DEALER WHERE WE GOT THE TIRES FROM AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT'S CAUSING IT. SEEMS TO ME THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL FOR THESE TIRES BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #11139319

200,000 miles · Aug 2, 2018
Service BrakesSteering

NOTICED NOISE IN MY POWER STEERING ON INSPECTION FOUND TO BE LOW ON FLUID FINLEY FOUND LEAK AT BREAK SYSTEM. ON RESEARCH FOUND THIS TO BE A PROBLUM ON MANY CHEVY AUTOS AND TRUCKS FROM 2003 TO 2006 THOSE ARE THE ONES I FOUND

NHTSA ODI #11115363

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

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.