Recalls
6campaigns
2 brake · 1 engine · 1 seat belt
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
229filed
Owner reports, 2001–2010 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Fuel economy
15mpg combined
$4,354/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
5.3 L 8-cyl· 4-speed automatic
4 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (6)
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Suburban. Not checked against your VIN.
FUEL RAIL DAMPER RETAINER CLIP/WORKHORSE
Engine and engine cooling
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.
- Consequence
- IF THE DAMPER COMES LOOSE, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.
Repair progress not yet reported38,439 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 06V289000
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Suburban. Not checked against your VIN.
SEAT BELT ROUTING
Seat belts · rear/other
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported1,359,824 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V163000
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Suburban. Not checked against your VIN.
BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD/BRAKE PEDAL
Service brakes, hydraulic · pedals and linkages
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported707 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V103000
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Suburban. Not checked against your VIN.
SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR ILLUMINATION
Power train · manual transmission · shift pattern indicator
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported7,194 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V055000
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Suburban. Not checked against your VIN.
HYDRO-BOOST/HYDRAULIC BRAKE/BOSCH
Service brakes, hydraulic
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.
- Consequence
- IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
Repair progress not yet reported77,411 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V043000
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Suburban. Not checked against your VIN.
GM/FUEL RAIL
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.3L (RPO L59) V8 ENGINES, THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE RETAINER SCREWS WERE NOT MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY BREAK.
- Consequence
- IF THE TUBE RETAINER SCREW BREAKS, FUEL COULD LEAK FROM THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER JOINT, THE ENGINE MAY STALL AND, IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL RAIL CROSSOVER TUBE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE RETAINER SCREWS. OWNERS WERE NOTIFIED BY TELEPHONE ON JULY 30, 2004, WITH A FOLLOWUP OWNER LETTER BEGAN AUGUST 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463. NOTE: THE GM BULLETIN LISTS THE TAHOE AND YUKON MODELS BECAUSE CANADIAN VEHICLES ARE INCLUDED IN THE BULLETIN. NO U.S. TAHOE OR YUKON VEHICLES ARE INCLUDED IN THE U.S. CAMPAIGN.
Repair progress not yet reported1,103 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 04V376000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (229)
229 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.
7involved a crash
4involved a fire
5injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 229 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 84 | 36.7% |
| Service brakes | 33 | 14.4% |
| Power train | 26 | 11.4% |
| Air bags | 18 | 7.9% |
| Structure | 15 | 6.6% |
| Vehicle speed control | 12 | 5.2% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 8 | 3.5% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 8 | 3.5% |
| Engine | 7 | 3.1% |
| Steering | 7 | 3.1% |
How 2005 compares with other Suburban years
Best and worst Suburban years →2001566
2002439
2003497
2004406
2005229
200656
2007482
2008321
2009162
2010175
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 566 | 6 |
| 2002 | 439 | 2 |
| 2003 | 497 | 5 |
| 2004 | 406 | 4 |
| 2005 | 229 | 6 |
| 2006 | 56 | 2 |
| 2007 | 482 | 4 |
| 2008 | 321 | 4 |
| 2009 | 162 | 5 |
| 2010 | 175 | 3 |
This year (2005)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 15 mpg combined
15
mpg combined
13
city
18
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $4,450
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 593 g/mi
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle -
What it costs you to run
$4,354per year
$363per month
1,000gallons a year
Miles ÷ 15 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 18 / 15 | $4,450 | 593 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 18 / 15 | $4,450 | 593 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | $4,800 | 635 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2005 Suburban for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2005 Chevrolet Suburban FAQ
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban have?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 06V289000 (engine), 05V163000 (seat belt), 05V103000 (brake), 05V055000 (power train), 05V043000 (brake), 04V376000 (fuel system). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2005 Chevrolet Suburban problems?
Owners filed 229 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (84), Service brakes (33), Power train (26) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban get?
EPA rates the 5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 13 city, 18 highway and 15 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
How does the 2005 Suburban compare with other years?
Among the 2001–2010 Chevrolet Suburban model years at least five years old, the 2006 drew the fewest complaints (56) and the 2001 the most (566). The 2005 drew 229. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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