2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 94 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (49% of complaints); the 2006 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 94 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I turned my 2005 suburban on and the air bag light came on. I took it in to the chevy/gm dealer who said, "the right, front, air bag sensor was the cause." it would cost $375 to fix it. I did not get it fixed at that time. It is dangerous because the air bags are inoperable. The problem occurred at about 150,000 miles. From what I have seen this is a huge problem that needs to be address by the company.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2016
“The speedometer needle began "catching," not moving smoothly. After about 2 weeks it would not reset to 0 when stopped then after 1 more day it quit registering completely.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2015
“Had serviced the transfer case and had taken it back twice now besides a noise like that of a power steering pump going bad ( whining ) , had a turning clunk noise coming and at a stop light I saw smoke coming from passenger side, got to park it and smelled like something is burning .bring it back to see if the mechanic will work on it since it hasn't been 30 days. Please notify me of anything do to the transfer case. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Front brake line failure/brake line rupture. 6 months ago it was the rear brake line failure/rupture. Brake fluid caused smoke and small fire on the exhaust headers. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2014
“The front airbag sensor has failed and the airbags are no longer operable. This appears to be an issue with the year and model of chevy truck. This should be a recall item due to its impact on safety. Given the low mileage there is no legitimate reason for this part to fail. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2014
“Under any conditions, the shift lever position indicator located in the instrument cluster does not illuminate. Which does not allow the driver to know which gear the vehicle is in. Which increases the drivers chances of crashing. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2014
“Catastrophic brake failure, without any warning , caused by complete corrosion of entire brake line! Ran car off road to avoid cars at stop. Emergency brake also failed due to corrosion. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet suburban 1500. While driving in reverse, the contact was unable to stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal. The contact had to depress the brake pedal to the floorboard in order to stop the vehicle. The mechanic stated that the brake lines were rotted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet k1500 suburban. The contact stated that the spare tire carrier on the vehicle would not latch or detach properly. The vehicle was not inspected, diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 91,175.”Owner report · Wheels · Nov 2013
“Had to replace the sensor for the air bag. This should have been covered by general motors. I know that a lot of people would not have this problem fixed due to the cost. When the service air bag light comes on it deactivates the air bags. This is a major safety issue. We have a 2000 chevrolet tahoe in out family that has not had this problem. I feel there needs to be a recall. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Suburban 1500 years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Suburban 1500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 94 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. The most complained-about area is electrical system (49% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 60,000 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning wheels. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.