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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
145,000 miles · Jan 3, 2017
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, THE MOTOR CONTINUED TO OPERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTER MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED O…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SHUT OFF, THE MOTOR CONTINUED TO OPERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR RESISTER MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

NHTSA ODI #10939203

89,500 miles · Sep 12, 2016
Service Brakes

TOTAL BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TO RUSTED BRAKE LINE. BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR DURING OPERATION AND VEHICLE LUCKILY CAME TO A STOP WHEN PEDAL WAS GROUND INTO THE FLOORBOARD. BRAKE FLUID WAS DRIPPING FROM THE LINE DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE AND IS AWAITING AN …

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TOTAL BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE DUE TO RUSTED BRAKE LINE. BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR DURING OPERATION AND VEHICLE LUCKILY CAME TO A STOP WHEN PEDAL WAS GROUND INTO THE FLOORBOARD. BRAKE FLUID WAS DRIPPING FROM THE LINE DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL GARAGE AND IS AWAITING AN ESTIMATE FOR REPAIRS.

NHTSA ODI #10905877

170,000 miles · Aug 9, 2016
Air BagsElectrical SystemFire

WHILE DRIVING FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES ON STREET THE TAHOE STARTED TO SMELL LIKE SMOKE, WE THEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS IN A MATTER OF SECONDS THERE WHERE FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE DASH BOARD WAS COMPLETELY MELTED FROM T…

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WHILE DRIVING FOR ABOUT 3 MINUTES ON STREET THE TAHOE STARTED TO SMELL LIKE SMOKE, WE THEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS IN A MATTER OF SECONDS THERE WHERE FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE DASH BOARD WAS COMPLETELY MELTED FROM THE FIRE, THE FRONT WINDSHILLED SHATTERED WITH FORCE TOWARDS THE BACK OF THE TRUCK.

NHTSA ODI #10894399

Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2016
Wheels

"TAKATA RECALL" ABOUT A MONTH AGO MY TRUCK (ABS) STARTED ACTIVE ITSELF AND WHEN DRIVING IT WILL ACT AS IF IT'S ABOUT TO STOP ON ITS OWN AND JERKED TO THE LEFT. THEN SHORTLY AFTER IT START MAKING A LOUD NOISE THEN THE NOISE GOTTEN LOUDER WHERE OTHERS CAN HEAR IT NOT ONLY ME. I HAD ONE OF THE WHEELS HUB REPLACE AND IT STOP FOR A D…

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"TAKATA RECALL" ABOUT A MONTH AGO MY TRUCK (ABS) STARTED ACTIVE ITSELF AND WHEN DRIVING IT WILL ACT AS IF IT'S ABOUT TO STOP ON ITS OWN AND JERKED TO THE LEFT. THEN SHORTLY AFTER IT START MAKING A LOUD NOISE THEN THE NOISE GOTTEN LOUDER WHERE OTHERS CAN HEAR IT NOT ONLY ME. I HAD ONE OF THE WHEELS HUB REPLACE AND IT STOP FOR A DAY AND CONTINUE AND NOW IT'S TO THE POINT WHERE IT'S BEGINNING TO SHAKE WHILE DRIVING,AND RIDE DIFFERENT. I HAVE THREE KIDS WHO I HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT.

NHTSA ODI #10882347

169,000 miles · Apr 24, 2016
Vehicle Speed Control

THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED JUMPING FROM 55 MILES AN HOUR 120 MILES AN HOUR WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. AT A STOPPED POSITION THE SPEEDOMETER GOES BACK DOWN TO 50 MILES AN HOUR AND STAYS THERE.

NHTSA ODI #10861117

99,000 miles · Mar 8, 2016
Unknown Or Other

THE LIGHT SHOWING WHAT GEAR YOU ARE IN HAS GONE OUT. IT STARTS ON THEN FADES OFF. I LOOKED UP AND FOUND A RECALL - #05V055000 WHICH IS WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR. WHEN I CALLED CHEVY - THEY SAID MY VIN SHOWS NO OPEN RECALLS. THIS MAKES NO SENSE TO ME BEING THAT I AM HAVING THAT EXACT PROBLEM AND MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL SHOW TH…

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THE LIGHT SHOWING WHAT GEAR YOU ARE IN HAS GONE OUT. IT STARTS ON THEN FADES OFF. I LOOKED UP AND FOUND A RECALL - #05V055000 WHICH IS WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY CAR. WHEN I CALLED CHEVY - THEY SAID MY VIN SHOWS NO OPEN RECALLS. THIS MAKES NO SENSE TO ME BEING THAT I AM HAVING THAT EXACT PROBLEM AND MY YEAR MAKE AND MODEL SHOW THAT AS A RECALL? HOW CAN THEY PICK AND CHOSE WHICH CARS WERE AFFECTED BY THE RECALL??

NHTSA ODI #10845552

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

198,000 miles · Jan 28, 2016
Electrical SystemFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE AIR CONDITION SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE, IT BECAME INOPERABLE AS SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEATER UNIT HAD MELTED. THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE AIR CONDITION SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE, IT BECAME INOPERABLE AS SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEATER UNIT HAD MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V070000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 198,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10822941

150,000 miles · Jan 21, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

VERY BAD FUEL LEAK ON TOP OF GAS TANK GAS POURING ALL OVER THE TANK

NHTSA ODI #10821520

199,000 miles · Dec 4, 2015
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AT 10 MPH, AN ONCOMING VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AT 10 MPH, AN ONCOMING VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE FLIPPED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES TO THE BACK AND HEAD THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,000.

NHTSA ODI #10808444

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.