2005 Chevrolet Tahoe Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 2%of 293 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 77,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2% of the 293 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Shift indicator does not illuminate. Called dealership in reference to the 05v055000 recall that I assumed was applicable to all tahoes with the same problem. Service tech inicated that my VIN was not part of the recall. Seems that the recall should be expanded to include all of the same vehicles since the problem seems to affect the all.”
NHTSA complaint #10958825, filed 2017-03, 130,000 miles“Rear lift gate will not unlock and it doesn't have a manual release inside nor does it have a key access from outside the vehicle to unlock it. If involved in an accident/wreck someone could be trapped in the vehicle with no way out. Shift indicator light in dash does not illuminate - unable to tell what gear the vehicle is in. Extreme safety hazards! Chevy should be held responsible and issue a recall to prevent someone from being injured.”
NHTSA complaint #10701230, filed 2015-03, 115,000 miles“The 3rd brake light is an LED type and is inoperable. I have noticed that a number of same style chevy tahoes have the same problem. Nothing has been done at this point to rectify the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10248353, filed 2008-11, 40,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11186546, filed 2019-03, 10,000 miles“Poor quality electrical to exterior lamps (brakes/signals/headlights) causes them to go out even when the bulb is still good. Have replaced bulbs in excess of normal . Safety concern regarding assumption that all lamps are working (especially when recently replaced) only to find out through law enforcement or other motorists that one or multiple lamps are not functioning. Event has occurred multiple times and without warning. Incidental observation of vehicles of similar make/model on the road indicate this is a common problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10336899, filed 2010-06Related service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10161011May 13, 2019This Preliminary Information communicates to technicians that the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL's) or the auto headlamps will not shut off when using the daytime running lamp…
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10137526Apr 27, 2018This Preliminary Information communicates to techniciansthat the Daytime Running Lamps (DRL's) or the auto headlamps will not shut off when using the daytime running lamp…
- 10129093Jan 24, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2023 | 5 | 2% |
| 2022 | 2 | 1% |
| 2021 | 16 | 3% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 2% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 2% |
| 2015 | 52 | 8% |
| 2014 | 2 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 0% |
| 2008 | 4 | 1% |
| 2007 | 10 | 1% |
| 2006 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 6 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 2% |
| 2003 | 8 | 2% |
| 2002 | 4 | 1% |
| 2001 | 6 | 1% |
| 2000 | 4 | 1% |
| 1999 | 10 | 2% |
| 1998 | 1 | 0% |
| 1997 | 5 | 1% |
| 1996 | 14 | 5% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
126 complaintsFuel system
30 complaintsBrakes
25 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
12 complaintsTires
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology