The Lemon Index2005 Chevrolet Tahoe.
The 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe is better than average by owner complaints: 80 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 71, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 14 to 16 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Tahoe year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 293 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Chevrolet Tahoe year. 2005 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 50K to 117K miles on the car (241 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 50K–100K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 53K–119K miles
Recalls 7
- electrical 2014
The specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat.
- wheels 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, …
- airbags 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.
Show all 7 recalls
- fuel system, gasoline 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, 2…
- seat belts 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, ESPECIALL…
- brakes 2005
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD RETAINER MAY BE MISSING.
- transmission & drivetrain 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 TRA…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 774 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Intermittent no start, service stability message, anti-lock brake system (abs) light…
- Rear axle locking differential chatter shudder noise on turns
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side — · rollover ★★★☆☆
Fuel cost and engines
About $4000–4600 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
Speedometer has an erratic display. Sticks at 40/45 says I am going 120 when parked? Etc...
2005 Chevrolet Tahoe owner · NHTSA complaint 10225296
More owner reports
While driving a rock penetrated the tread and casing of the tire causing it to go flat. *** no answer required***
NHTSA complaint 10142152
Speedometer works sometimes and not others. Does not register correct speed. This is a very dangerous, and GM should address these faulty parts.
NHTSA complaint 10222392
Quick answers
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.4× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 71; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Tahoe year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (62%), tires (8%) and transmission & drivetrain (8%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
7 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe get?
14 to 16 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 50,000 and 117,000 miles. The middle report was at 80,000 miles, from 241 complaints.
Does the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 8% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe cost in fuel a year?
About $4000 to $4600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe have?
4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl.
What Chevrolet Tahoe year is better than the 2005?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2010 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works