Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. When the fuel tank was filled up, the tank exploded and splashed fuel all over the contact. The contact's vehicle also vibrated while driving at any speed and the ABS warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic (dns auto repair, sebastian, fl) where several failure codes were diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic (tire kingdom, sebastian, florida) where it was diagnosed that the tires needed to be replaced. The tires were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 123,250.
Tighten fuel cap warning started coming on and now having issues with refueling. Gas pump shuts off constantly while trying to refuel and gas spews out all over, takes forever just to manage to pump 10.00 worth of gas in it, very frustrating to say the least along with money wasted from fuel shooting out while trying to pump gas. Seems like GM would have a recall on this issue as from doing research there are many others with this same problem !!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. While adding fuel to the fuel tank, the fuel pump shut off and the fuel spilled out. The contact stated that the failure occurred each time the vehicle was fueled. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,836.
The brakes and steering locked up throwing me into a telephone pole and almost going out of the windshield slam sideways against the tree and not one of the airbags deployed my son was driving at the time if it were me I'd been dead because I have a brain tumor and cannot hit my head he has several injuries and lots of medical bills because he did not have insurance at the time of injury
Fuel back flows out the gas tank on the ground no matter the fuel level. Fuel will dump onto the ground at varying degrees. Multiple reports by the forums. I will be submitting this link so others can post to prove this is not a one time thing
This complaint is for a 2005 mastercraft x-2 boat not a Chevy Tahoe. There is no option to choose boat manufacturers on this website. Chevy makes the indymar 350 on this boat and is the closest option representing this boat available. The events leading up to the failure are either running the gas tank down to 1/4 tank full or running the gas tank empty. The failure can occur upon the first instance of running the tank to 1/4 full as I have documented proof of a boat owner with 3 hours on his boat have a failure. To correct the failure boat owners have to pay $500 for the same poorly designed pumped which is subject to failure and stranding the boat owner once again in open water at unexpected times (often at the end of their boating day which is dangerous because it is usually dark or beginning to become dark). …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the key failed to turn and start the vehicle after numerous attempts. The vehicle was finally able to start, but the failure recurred. In addition, there was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact discovered a fuel leak near the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump and the fuel lines needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The initial failure was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 06e043000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
While driving, the gas pedal stuck in the down position causing car to sped up. It then slowed down. Upon inspection by mechanic, it was found that a spring on the gas pedal had become dislodged. One end of the spring is straight (like an opened paper clip) the straight part had stuck into the carpet and then slowly eased out. The mechanic was able to recreate the situation. Because of this, my wife was issued a summons which is still pending. E-mails to general motors have gone unanswered.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle ran out of fuel when the failure occurred, but the fuel gauge did not display an empty reading. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the contact was informed that the fuel level sensor needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 97,000 updated 10/17/12
Fuel System complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe, 10% of the model year's 293 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion 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.