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.

2005 Chevrolet Tahoe

● Typical for this model

2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 293
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2005: 293 complaints

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	467
2005	293
2006	114
2007	1,176
2008	528
2009	284
2010	314
2011	447
2012	178
2013	232
2014	90
2015	658
2016	256
2017	174
2018	103
2019	105
2020	57
2021	452
2022	189
2023	222
2024	67
2025	49
2026	25

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

44% · 128 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.

FIRE

Show 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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-08

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, 2007-08-14

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, 2025-05-09

Service brakes

9% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

Power train

9% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).

FIRE

Steering

6% · 19 reports

CRASHINJURY

Air bags

6% · 19 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show 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, 2007-08-20

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, 2005-07-27

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, 2025-01-29

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2005-02-22Power train05V055000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2005-03-10Service brakes, hydraulic05V103000 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.…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2005-07-21Seat belts05V163000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

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).

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-11-06Air bags06V417000 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2008-02-07Wheels07E106000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-03-24Electrical system14V070000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2005 Chevrolet Tahoe — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 128 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 25 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 25 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 05V055000 · Power train
Recall 05V103000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
Recall 05V163000 · Seat belts
Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 06V417000 · Air bags
Recall 07E106000 · Wheels
Recall 14V070000 · Electrical system

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.