Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 42,000 and upon checking the Carfax, it was discovered that the mileage was 260,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while operating the air condition system in the vehicle, it became inoperable as smoke emitted from the vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the wiring harness for the heater unit had melted. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V070000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 198,000. The VIN was not available.
While driving for about 3 minutes on street the Tahoe started to smell like smoke, we then noticed smoke coming out of the air conditioning vents in a matter of seconds there where flames coming out from underneath the glove compartment. The car caught on fire and the air bag deployed. The dash board was completely melted from the fire, the front windshilled shattered with force towards the back of the truck.
On February 7th the driver side airbag spontaneously deployed as my family and I were driving home from the store. We contacted GM to find out if there were any recalls on our vehicle. We were instructed there were not and we should contact GM customer service. On February 11th they had us take our vehicle to a GM dealership where they conducted and investigation to determine why. GM returned our vehicle to us on March 3rd stating the airbag deployment was caused by shorted wires in the wiring harness. Since our vehicle was returned to us we have had several more issues that were not present prior to the airbag deployment. The driver seat is stuck in one position, the rear windows will not work, the rear locks will not work, the fuel system is leaking gas, and the battery is dead, even having to be jump started when it was returned to us. …
Occasionally smelled electrical burning inside vehicle. Ac/heater blower cut out but came back on. December 2008 ac/heater blower stopped completely. Went to dealership to confirm which fuse to check. Was told it was probably something else and made an appointment for diagnosis. January 2009 was notified that the blower motor resistor and connector shorted out and melted (not covered under extended warranty). After researching the issue contacted manufacturer about possible recall, was told they would split cost of repair. Dealer repair facility would not give us the faulty parts. Said manufacturer would get the faulty parts due to them agreeing to pay for half of the repairs. Still cost me $262 for diagnosis/repair. Total repair price originally $323. Many manufacturer vehicles have had same problem and I should not have had to pay anything. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. Over the years, the vehicle experienced several electrical failures, including the instrument panel lighting malfunctioning. The failure made it difficult to view the gauge information. In addition, the turn signals would only operate when the fog lights were activated, and the rear windshield wiper malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to gilcrest Chevrolet (6030 s. Tacoma way, tacoma, wa) where the rear window motor and instrument panel were replaced; however, the failures eventually recurred. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 10,000. Consumer stated dash light replace multi windshield wiper and replaced passenger seat heater.
I am writing this to complain about a fire hazard with the seat warmers in 2005 Chevy Tahoe. I had to take my vehical to the repair shop because my seat warmer would get warmer than usual and after 2 to 3 minutes would shut off. Come to find out the seat warmer pad had shorted out and burnt. I have the seat warmer pad that is charcoaled and burnt. I have contacted and spoke to GM representives 4 times informing them of the fire hazard all I get is this is an isolated incident, my vehicle has to many miles and I took it to a repair shop other than GM. This is a serious fire hazard and I think the public needs to be aware and GM needs to investigate.
2005 Chevrolet Tahoe 79450 miles, purchased truck new in 2006. Speedometer erratic for a few weeks and now shows anywhere from 0-120+ MPH sitting still or driving. To dealer on 3/5/2015 with 80730 miles. After complaining dealer quoted me $400.00 down from $535.00 to replace instrument cluster. Chevrolet said they will not help me at all but issued me a file and referenced their bulletin #. There are over 600 pages of complaints about this problem. Definite safety issue, this will be my last GM product ever.
Tl 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. By the time the fire department arrived, the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department extinguished the fire, but the vehicle was destroyed. A fire report was filed. The current and failure mileages were 33,400. The consumer believed there was a defect within the electrical system. Updated 08/28/07.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that when attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start. The contact also stated that a clicking sound would come from the steering column when the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was a possible ignition failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Related recalls
Electrical system
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.
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.
Electrical complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 126 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe, 43% of the model year's 293 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (58 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-070 (electrical system, Feb 11, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.