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2005 Chevrolet Tahoe: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe, most recently filed February 2014. Owners have filed 293 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 5campaigns 1 electrical · 1 air bag · 1 seat belt Source: NHTSA Complaints 293filed Owner reports, 2001–2010 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 16mpg combined $4,082/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 4.8 L 8-cyl· 4-speed automatic 8 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (5)

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. 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 Tahoe. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V070000 Filed Feb 11, 2014

Battery Equalizers or DC-DC Converters:Fire Risk

Electrical system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
Once electrically conductive, the material is capable of melting and burning, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
52.6% repairedof 22 vehicles
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 14V070000
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 06V417000 Filed Oct 31, 2006

LEATHER SEAT COVERS/AIR BAG SENSING SYSTEM

Air bags · frontal
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
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.
Repair progress not yet reported794 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 06V417000
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 05V163000 Filed Apr 22, 2005

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 Tahoe. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 05V103000 Filed Mar 18, 2005

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 Tahoe. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 05V055000 Filed Feb 14, 2005

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

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.

Which Tahoe years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Chevrolet TahoeAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (293)

293 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The electrical system is mentioned most often.

9involved a crash
14involved a fire
12injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 293.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2005 compares with other Tahoe years

Best and worst Tahoe years →
512 449 507 467 293 114 1,177 586 306 318
2001200220032004200520062007200820092010
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 16 mpg combined

16
mpg combined
14
city
19
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$4,200
CO₂ tailpipe
555 g/mi
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle -

What it costs you to run

$4,082per year
$340per month
938gallons a year

Miles ÷ 16 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

2005 Chevrolet Tahoe configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
4.8 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16$4,200555
4.8 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16$4,200555
5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 15$4,450593
5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15$4,450593
5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 18 / 15$4,450593
5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automaticRear-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 15$4,450593
5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14$4,800635
5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14$4,800635

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2005 Tahoe 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.

All Tahoe years

Where to next

Which Tahoe years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2006 Chevrolet Tahoe report114 complaints · 3 campaigns →2004 Chevrolet Tahoe report467 complaints · 2 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2005 Chevrolet Tahoe FAQ

How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe have?

NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns: 14V070000 (electrical), 06V417000 (air bag), 05V163000 (seat belt), 05V103000 (brake), 05V055000 (power train). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe problems?

Owners filed 293 complaints with NHTSA. Electrical system (126), Power train (24), Service brakes (24) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe get?

EPA rates the 4.8 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 14 city, 19 highway and 16 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2005 Tahoe compare with other years?

Among the 2001–2010 Chevrolet Tahoe model years at least five years old, the 2006 drew the fewest complaints (114) and the 2007 the most (1,177). The 2005 drew 293. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

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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