RoadVitals

2005 Chevrolet Tahoe

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
293
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
7
Latest Feb 11, 2014
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
23
12 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 293 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe, most frequently naming the electrical, fuel system and brakes categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 774 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

7 campaigns cover this model year

View all 7

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
14V070000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Feb 11, 2014
22 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Monroe Truck EquipmentView on NHTSA.gov
07E106000

WHEELS:HUB

Dec 17, 2007
130,000 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
The risk: WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
06V417000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Oct 31, 2006
794 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 06102View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 293
Tires & wheels
Filed Aug 10, 2026

P 285 50 R20 Cooper Discoverer HT blew out on Mass Tpke I 90 EB on Aug 8 @ approx 7:00pm while driving. Whole center section came off right rear tire leaving only the sidewalls on the rim. was able to manuever vehicle off I 90 EB off to the shoulder. Vehicle was towed of Turnpike to safe location. Attempting to reach Cooper to advise and see if any recourse for reimbursement for blown tire and remaining tires on vehicle with same production date on tire 0f 3919; DOT UT6K CLD

NHTSA ID
11756012
Incident
Aug 8, 2026
Electrical
Filed May 9, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while attempting to check the Carfax report, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 42,000 and upon checking the Carfax, it was discovered that the mileage was 260,000.

NHTSA ID
11659909
Incident
May 9, 2025
Mileage
260,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jan 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated while starting the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The independent mechanic determined that the passenger’s side sensing system had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was advised by the mechanic that there was a recall associated to the failure, NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V417000 (Air Bags). The mechanic referred the contact to a dealer for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had checked the NHTSA.gov website and became aware that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

NHTSA ID
11639450
Incident
Jan 22, 2025
Mileage
136,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 19, 2022

The gear shifting doesn’t seem to grab properly all the time. It will lurch into gear sometimes and sometime won’t engage in the gear indicated. The indicator lights dimmed and now don’t illuminate so you don’t know what gear you are in. It seems like this is a specific recall to my vehicle but when I enter my vin it says my car is not affected. I hope this can be looked into and repaired under the recall.

NHTSA ID
11457422
Incident
Mar 1, 2021
Electrical
Filed Oct 27, 2020

REAR HATCH/WINDOW FAILED TO OPEN VIA REMOTE KEYFOB NOR DRIVER DOOR BUTTON. VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT RESIDENCE. FOUND THAT I COULD NOT OPEN HATCH NOR WINDOW MANUALLY FROM IN OR OUTSIDE WHICH IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SAFETY HAZARD.

NHTSA ID
11366689
Incident
Oct 25, 2020
Mileage
97,500 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 23, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR WAS INOPERABLE WHICH MADE IT DIFFICLUT TO DISTINGUISH WHICH GEAR THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED TO. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HALL CHEVROLET CHESAPEAKE (3412 WESTERN BRANCH BLVD, CHESAPEAKE, VA 23321) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V055000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER: THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 141,000.

NHTSA ID
11341058
Incident
May 12, 2010
Mileage
141,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jan 14, 2020

I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND WAS TOLD THE RECALLS WAS UP TO DATE, MY CONCERN IS MOSTLY WHEN I SOMETIMES HIT THE BRAKES I HEAR A HUMMING SOUND. NOT SURE IF IT WAS DUE TO A FAULTY RECALL OR NOT.

NHTSA ID
11299368
Incident
Jan 3, 2020
Mileage
255,004 mi
AirbagsFuel systemSeat belts
Filed Jan 13, 2020
Crash reported1 injury reported

THE BRAKES AND STEERING LOCKED UP THROWING ME INTO A TELEPHONE POLE AND ALMOST GOING OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD SLAM SIDEWAYS AGAINST THE TREE AND NOT ONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED MY SON WAS DRIVING AT THE TIME IF IT WERE ME I'D BEEN DEAD BECAUSE I HAVE A BRAIN TUMOR AND CANNOT HIT MY HEAD HE HAS SEVERAL INJURIES AND LOTS OF MEDICAL BILLS BECAUSE HE DID NOT HAVE INSURANCE AT THE TIME OF INJURY

NHTSA ID
11299077
Incident
Jul 22, 2019

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

23-NA-001

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.

PIP5358D

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Tahoe by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026203054.2
2025391049.8
2024603361.0
20232055364.3
20221784364.4
202143116468.5
2020553060.8
20191022056.8
20181013056.0
20171734054.1
20162558160.3
201565714157.9
2014903150.4
20132324150.4
20121783153.8
20114465152.4
20103144254.9
20092845152.8
20085284457.8
20071,1764560.4
20061144048.5
2005Viewing2937052.3
20044665050.8
20035077358.3
20024496564.7
20015128665.8
200028210665.2
19995523562.2
19982634259.0
19974102456.2
19962835764.1
19952468864.8
1994192356.8
1993802—
1992602—
1991300—
1989000—
1988100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.