2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 292 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 13th highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2005 reports, 9 involved a crash and 14 involved a fire. 12 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical systemFeb 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.
Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, hubDec 17, 2007
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.
WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalOct 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 06V417000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineMay 19, 2006
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 MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherApr 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 05V163000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesMar 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.
THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF BRAKES WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
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.
Campaign 05V103000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, manual transmission, shift pattern indicatorFeb 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.
THE VEHICLE MAY MOVE IN AN UNINTENDED DIRECTION RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INJURY TO OTHERS OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE.
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.
Campaign 05V055000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: structure
18 reports, newest first. Show all
Structure, Mar 7, 2018
REAR HATCH UNLOCKED BUT WILL NOT OPEN WITH LATCH!
Structure, Engine, Mar 1, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER ON SEVERAL OCCASSIONS. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 221,648.
Structure, Oct 8, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. WHILE PARKED, THE REAR LIFTGATE FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER LOCKS WERE ACTIVATED AND THE REAR LIFTGATE STILL FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,500.
Structure, May 3, 2015
THE HATCH BACK, BOTH THE GLASS AND THE WHOLE TAIL GATE, WORKED FINE UNTIL TWO DAYS AGO AND NOW NEITHER ONE WILL OPEN. I THINK THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE KIDS THAT RIDE IN THE 3RD ROW SEATS, AND IF SOMETHING WAS TO HAPPEN TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE OR OTHER DOORS, MY KIDS WOULD HAVE NO WAY TO GET OUT OF THE BACK!! *TR
Structure, Oct 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFT GATE FAILED TO REMAIN OPEN. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 147,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Structure, Oct 22, 2013
THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT AT THIS TIME. WE NOTICE RUSTING ON THE FRAME AND AFTER FURTHER INSPECTION WE FOUND LARGE HOLES IN THE FRAME RAILS. THIS VEHICLE IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE. WE STILL HAVE A LOAN ON IT AND DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW A 8 YEAR OLD VEHICLE CAN HAVE THAT MUCH RUST ON THE FRAME WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE(49,254). THERE HAS TO BE MORE OUT THERE WITH THIS PROBLEM. NOT SURE WHERE TO GO FROM HERE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Sep 4, 2013, crash
WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON HIGHWAY 77 WHEN MY TAHOE STARTING TO BOUNCE ON THE FRONT END THEN STARTING FISH TAILING FROM WHITE LINE TO WHITE LINE TRIED TO CORRECT AND HAD NO STEERING. THEN WENT OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD AND HIT A DRIVEWAY AND FLIPPED END OVER END THEN BACK OVER HEADED IN THE OPPOSITE WAY. THERE WAS A PERSON WATCHING THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED AND HE STATED THAT THE TRUCK WAS BOUNCING GOING DOWN THE ROAD THEN WENT OUT OF CONTROL AND FLIPPED. HAD TAHOE SERVICED IN MARCH FOR A POPPING NOISE AT RICHARD KAY SUPERSTORE IN ANDERSON SOUTH CAROLINA WHERE THEY STATED THEY FIXED THE PROBLEM. STATED WAS A STEERING SHAFT. THEY REPLACED IT. CALLAWAY WRECKER SERVICE STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM IN THE FRONT END THAT WAS VERY SUSPICIOUS. WITH ONE OF THE WHEELS AND WHERE WAS CONNECTED TO THE FRAME. THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN WHERE THE BOUNCING CAME FROM WHERE THE TIRE WAS TURNED SIDEWAYS . *JB
Structure, May 4, 2013
REAR BUMPER (INSIDE AND OUT) HAS SEVERE RUSTING. AT FIRST PAINT BUBBLED THEN RUSTING SET IN FEW MONTHS LATER. I CALLED GM AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR. A 7 YEAR OLD CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS SEVERE RUSTING. THE BUMPER LOOKS AS IF BELONGS TO A VINTAGE 30 YEAR OLD CAR! JUST NOT RIGHT AND EVEN MORE SO THAT GM IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR SOMETHING THAT SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURER DEFECT! *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Apr 27, 2013
TAILGATE AND REAR WINDOW WILL NOT LOCK. *TR
Structure, Jan 28, 2013
WE PURCHASED OUR 2005 TAHOE BRAND NEW AND HAVE KEPT UP WITH REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND IT HAS BEEN A GREAT, SAFE CAR. FOR CHRISTMAS WE WERE OUT OF TOWN VISITING FAMILY AND WHEN WE ARRIVED TO UNLOAD THE CAR, WE DISCOVERED THE LIFT GATE AND THE GLASS WERE STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION. WE COULD NOT GET EITHER OPEN TO LOAD|UNLOAD OUR LUGGAGE AND|OR GIFTS. THERE IS NO MANUAL KEY HOLE IN THE BUTTON, WHICH I FIND ODD THAT SOME MODELS OF THE SAME YEAR HAS THEM AND SOME DON?T. I AM CONCERNED THAT SINCE I HAVE A 3RD ROW OF SEATS, AND IN MY EYES WITH PASSENGERS IN THE BACK ? THEY CANNOT GET OUT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY. TO ME, A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE INDIVIDUALS WHO RIDE IN THE VEHICLE AND GM SHOULD TAKE OWNERSHIP REGARDLESS OF WARRANTY OR NOT. *TR
Structure, Sep 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE COULD NOT BE OPENED ELECTRONICALLY OR MANUALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE DOOR LATCH FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE MATERIAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,806.
Structure, Aug 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIFT GATE FAILED. AS A RESULT, WHENEVER THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE LIFT GATE IT WOULD NOT LOCK IN PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DECIDED TO GREASE THE LATCH AND THE LIFT GATE FINALLY LOCKED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED ON ANY RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000. UPDATED 10/24/12 *CN UPDATED 11/08/2012 *JS
Structure, Aug 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR LIFTGATE GLASS WINDOW BECAME LOOSE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Jun 15, 2012
THE REAR TAILGATE LOCK STOPPED FUNCTIONING WHICH PREVENTS THE REAR WINDOW OR THE TAILGATE TO BE OPENED. THERE IS NOT A MANUAL WAY TO OPEN THE TAILGATE OR WINDOW FROM THE INSIDE EITHER. *JB
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 23, 2012
WE HAVE A 2005 CHEVY TAHOE AND WE RECENTLY ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM - THE LIFTGATE WILL NOT UNLOCK. WE DISCOVERED THAT IS NO MANUAL KEY ENTRY AND THERE IS NO INTERNAL UNLOCK SYSTEM. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE : REPEAT: THERE IS NO INTERNAL UNLOCK SYSTEM WHICH IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY EXIT NEEDED - ESPECIALLY WITH THE THIRD SEAT INSTALLED. THE ONLY WAY TO UNLOCK THE LIFTGATE IS VIA REMOTE KEY - BUT THE LOCK DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE REMOTE KEY SO THE LIFTGATE CANNOT OPEN. THERE ARE TREMENDOUS AMOUNTS OF COMPLAINTS POSTED ON THE INTERNET FORUMS AND WE CAN NOT BELIEVE THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS HORRIBLY UNSAFE SITUATION - NOT TO MENTION EQUIPMENT FAILURE. WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT? THANK YOU. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 16, 2011
THE CHEVROLET TAHOE TAILGATE LOCK DO NOT HAVE AN EMERGENCY RELEASE INSIDE THE CAR. THE TAILGATE ACTUATOR HAS STOP FUNCTIONING ON MY CAR AND THERE NO WAY FOR ME TO OPEN THE DOOR. NOT EVEN TRYING TO OPEN WITH A KEY, BECAUSE THERE IS NO KEY OPTION TO OPEN THE DOOR ON THIS MODEL ON THE OUTSIDE TAILGATE. SINCE, CHEVROLET FAILED TO PLACE A RELEASE INSIDE THE CAR. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS LIFE OR DEATH ISSUE. IF MY KIDS ARE IN THE CAR TRYING TO ESCAPE A FIRE OR CAR SUBMERGED UNDER WATER. THERE WILL BE NO WAY FOR THEM TO ESCAPE. THIS ITEM NEED TO BE CORRECTED AND FIXED. I'M FINDING SEVERAL INCIDENTS ON THE INTERNET WERE THE LOCKING UNIT HAS FAILED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 19, 2011
I HAD NOTICED THAT ON MY 2005 CHEVY TAHOE I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE TAILGATE IT SEEMED TO BE LOCKED, I TRIED TO UNLOCK IT MANUALLY AND IT WOULD NOT UNLOCK FROM DRIVER DOOR WHEN YOU HIT TO UNLOCK EVERYTHING MANUALLY. I ALSO CANNOT PUSH THE BUTTON AND OPEN THE GLASS MANUALLY EITHER. NOR CAN I OPEN IT FROM CRAWLING INSIDE THE TRUCK TO TRY TO PUSH THE TAILGATE OPEN. SO IF THERE WAS A ACCIDENT THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY OF GETTING OUT THROUGH THE BACK ENTRANCE WHICH IS SCARY. I HAVE TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES TO OPEN IT AND IT WILL NOT OPEN, I CANNOT FOR ANY REASON USE THE BACK TAILGATE ANYMORE WHICH I FIND A INCONVENIENCE AND WAS ONE OF THE REASONS I BOUGHT THE TRUCK IN THE FIRST PLACE. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Jan 10, 2011
2005 CHEVY TAHOE TAILGATE LOCKING MECHANISM FAILS-UNABLE TO LOCK OR UNLOCK TAILGATE USING FOB OR POWER LOCK BUTTON, COULD POSE SAFETY PROBLEM IN EVENT OF ACCIDENT. *TR