2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1991 | 3 |
| 1992 | 6 |
| 1993 | 8 |
| 1994 | 19 |
| 1995 | 246 |
| 1996 | 283 |
| 1997 | 410 |
| 1998 | 263 |
| 1999 | 552 |
| 2000 | 282 |
| 2001 | 512 |
| 2002 | 449 |
| 2003 | 507 |
| 2004 | 466 |
| 2005 | 293 |
| 2006 | 114 |
| 2007 | 1176 |
| 2008 | 528 |
| 2009 | 284 |
| 2010 | 314 |
| 2011 | 446 |
| 2012 | 178 |
| 2013 | 232 |
| 2014 | 90 |
| 2015 | 657 |
| 2016 | 256 |
| 2017 | 173 |
| 2018 | 103 |
| 2019 | 104 |
| 2020 | 55 |
| 2021 | 440 |
| 2022 | 182 |
| 2023 | 209 |
| 2024 | 61 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
44% of complaints: electrical system — 128 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
I WENT TO THE STORE APROX AT 8PM AND GO BACK APROX AT 915PM AND PARK MY CAR. APROX AT 11PM MY NEIGHBORS CALL US AND SAID THAT MY TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THIS STARTED APROX FROM THE ENGINE PART. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130108
Also filed under ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE RISING FROM THE DASHBOARD AREA AND BEHIND THE RADIO CONTROL AND AIR CONDITIONER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070814
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250509
9% of complaints: service brakes — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
9% of complaints: power train — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
FIRE6% of complaints: steering — 19 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY6% of complaints: air bags — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH. THE FRAME OF OUR 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE WAS BUCKLED IN THE CRASH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20070820
DT: ON JULY 16, 2005 WHILE TRAVELING AT 55 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. TOTALED THE OTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050727
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the passengerâs side air bag warning light was illuminated while starting the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250129
SAFETY TIMELINE
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, START
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 1-86
Campaign 05V055000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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. OWNER
Campaign 05V103000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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, 200
Campaign 05V163000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURE
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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 I
Campaign 06V417000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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.
Campaign 07E106000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 14V070000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Chevrolet Tahoe — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (128 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 05V055000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V103000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V163000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V417000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E106000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V070000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.