2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Suburban 1500 › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Wheel separation can result in a vehicle crash.
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.
Owner complaints
94 complaints2 involved a crash2 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
I noticed corroded and what I would call charred or burnt wiring on the wiring harness for the rear lift gate of my suburban. I noticed it when I opened the lift gate to gain access to the rear of the suburban. it appears that the rubber grommet material protecting the wiring harness, was burnt…
I noticed corroded and what I would call charred or burnt wiring on the wiring harness for the rear lift gate of my suburban. I noticed it when I opened the lift gate to gain access to the rear of the suburban. it appears that the rubber grommet material protecting the wiring harness, was burnt or melted away. The rubber hose that supplies water to the rear window washer/wiper had a hole in it, and may have been leaking windshield washer fluid onto the wires for a time. the wires were bare in some spots, some of the wire insulation looked melted/burnt away, and they looked corroded/with a green color to them. the connector that connects the harness, to the rest of the electrical system, looked like it has some black/ possibly burnt residue on it. I can take a guess at best, that because of the hole in the rubber hose, water may have been leaking onto the electrical wiring/connections when I used this feature to clear dirt from the lift gate window, but I don't really know for sure if that IS how the damage to the wiring harness has occured! thanks!
- Service brakes
I had a rusted brake line (driver side front) fail june 25TH, 2017. This truck IS 12 years old and has less than 90,000 miles. Immediately all braking was lost and the pedal pushed to the floor. Repeated pressing the brake only pumped out all the brake fluid. This was a sudden and catastrophic loss…
I had a rusted brake line (driver side front) fail june 25TH, 2017. This truck IS 12 years old and has less than 90,000 miles. Immediately all braking was lost and the pedal pushed to the floor. Repeated pressing the brake only pumped out all the brake fluid. This was a sudden and catastrophic loss of braking. The worst part IS, braking IS supposed to be split and independent between front and rear brakes, so if you lose the front, the rear brakes still work, and vice versa. Well I lost all braking, I had no front or rear braking! This should be a clear safety problem and a mandatory recall! I crashed into the car in front of me, because of course my emergency brake didn't work either. despite gm's insistence that somehow this premature brake line failure IS normal and the owner's maintenance problem, it should be a very simple issue for the nhtsa to simply open a single brake line and test to realize the affected vehicles do in fact lose all braking, not just front or rear. I've already completely lost faith in gm to do the right thing, but I'D like to believe the nhtsa will still do the right thing, and not let gm off with a clear safety problem with their brake design. this crash was pulling up to the stoplight in prescott, wi, heading into town across the prescott bridge. I was driving maybe 30 mph when I realized I had lost all brakes.
- Air bags
For approximately the last 4 years the airbag light has been on indicating an issue with the airbag system. given all the airbag problems in recent years and the fact this seems to be a common problem with 2005 gm suvs and given airbags are vital safety equipment gm needs to provide owners with…
For approximately the last 4 years the airbag light has been on indicating an issue with the airbag system. given all the airbag problems in recent years and the fact this seems to be a common problem with 2005 gm suvs and given airbags are vital safety equipment gm needs to provide owners with these problems a free fix or be forced to recall these vehicles immediately for repairs before alot of people get hurt or killed.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
2005 chevrolet suburban 1500 4X4 flex fuel, 5.3L. This vehicle's instrument cluster does not work. Tachometer pegs and sticks. The speedometer IS stuck at zero. This IS a very serious safety concern that general motors/gm should do a free recall for as many owners of this vehicle have the same…
2005 chevrolet suburban 1500 4X4 flex fuel, 5.3L. This vehicle's instrument cluster does not work. Tachometer pegs and sticks. The speedometer IS stuck at zero. This IS a very serious safety concern that general motors/gm should do a free recall for as many owners of this vehicle have the same problems. my ABS sensor light comes on and off numerous times a day, and cluster states service air bag. General motors should also fix this for free under a recall as others have the same issue with this vehicle. my third major complaint, IS the vehicle starting problem/hard start. It takes two turns of the engine for the vehicle to turn on and stay running. I have researched this on various search engines, forums, and including recall.gov. general motors should address this issues as well under a recall. Gm installed faulty fuel pumps or fuel pumps with faulty components in them. A vehicle should start with one try. I should not have to get the fuel pressure going in the on position, or crank it twice for my truck to start.
- Air bags
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.
- Service brakes
First incident eastern pa: 05/19/2014 aprox 119000 miles: after hitting the brakes hard to avoid a vehicle that pulled in front of me, the brakes failed (brake pedal would go to the floor with little braking action). Managed to safely stop. Found burst brake line in the rear end of vehicle. two…
First incident eastern pa: 05/19/2014 aprox 119000 miles: after hitting the brakes hard to avoid a vehicle that pulled in front of me, the brakes failed (brake pedal would go to the floor with little braking action). Managed to safely stop. Found burst brake line in the rear end of vehicle. two rear corroded rear brake lines replaced by local repair shop. second incident milford ma: 09/17/2015 127336 miles: hit brakes going down driveway. Brakes were soft and sank to floor. Brake line going to front passenger wheel was burst. all the brake fluid drained quickly out of the master cylinder onto the driveway. ordered acdelco 22932592 gm original equipment hydraulic brake pipe kit and am in the process of replacing all brake lines as all of them other than the two replaced in pa are very corroded. The replacement lines are not really oem as they have a nylon coating for better corrosion protection
- Vehicle speed control
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.
- Power train · Steering
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…
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
- Service brakes
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
- Power train · Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the gear shifted into neutral independently. The engine was turned off and restarted. The vehicle resumed in the four wheel drive mode. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the gear shifted into neutral independently. The engine was turned off and restarted. The vehicle resumed in the four wheel drive mode. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice where the shift gear actuator was replaced. On a separate occasion, the push button gear selector was also replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
- Service brakes
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.
- Engine
My 2005 chevrolet suburban Z71 switches randomly and without specific cause into reduced engine power which nearly go me killed when merging into a high-speed interstate pulling a trailer. The only way to "fix" it (make the engine run normal again) IS to pull to the side if the highway (dangerous!)…
My 2005 chevrolet suburban Z71 switches randomly and without specific cause into reduced engine power which nearly go me killed when merging into a high-speed interstate pulling a trailer. The only way to "fix" it (make the engine run normal again) IS to pull to the side if the highway (dangerous!) and shut the truck off for a few minutes. This happen randomly but at least three times a day. I know others have this problem and gm says I have to bring it to then when this IS occurring but I can't do that when the truck IS barely limping along! This IS a safety issue and IS well documented on gm chat sites across the internet. *tr
- Air bags
Air bag sensor has failed causing the airbags to be rendered inoperable. *tr
- Electrical system
The driver side seat heater randomly turns itself on. When you turn it off it comes back on again and randomly cycles through the various settings. It's almost a constant battle trying to keep it turned off which creates a hazardous situation equal to, or worse, then texting while driving as you…
The driver side seat heater randomly turns itself on. When you turn it off it comes back on again and randomly cycles through the various settings. It's almost a constant battle trying to keep it turned off which creates a hazardous situation equal to, or worse, then texting while driving as you have to keep looking down to push the button, especially here in florida where you don't need (or want) seat heat in the summer. I've fought this to the point that I've worn the paint off the switch. If you search the internet this IS a very prevalent problem with gm vehicles during these model years. I also have a 2006 GMC sierra that does the exact same thing. I've been to at least 5 different dealerships and either they can't fix it or they claim they've never heard of the problem. That can't be true since gm issued a tsb for this problem but the recommended fix (reprogramming the driver door switch) actually does not fix the problem. In fact, when the dealer reprogrammed my GMC it actually made it worse to where it happens much more frequently. I contacted gm and even though I took it to a dealer 4-5 months ago where they couldn't fix it, gm says I have to take it back to the dealer (pay another $100 diagnostic fee) to meet their policy that they will only address the issue if you've been to a dealer within the last 30 days. Some reports are the seat heater elements are shorting out. Either way this creates a very unsafe situation for drivers. Gm says I can pull the fuse for the seat heaters. However, when you remove the fuse labeled "seat heater" it actually does nothing. The seats are still powered and the problem persists. This clearly indicates an electrical problem and design flaw. The only sure cure IS to remove the 30 amp breaker under the dash rendering your driver/passenger inoperative. Gm must fix this problem before someone gets killed from being distracted. *tr
- Air bags
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
- Power train
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
- Service brakes
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
- Wheels
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.
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module · Seat belts
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
- Power train
The auto transmission 3 and 4TH gear clutch failed in this unit which research shows IS a common failure. when the transmission was opened for the repair there were two parts that showed a lot of rust which indicated an exposure to water. I would not be writing this if the transmission shop had…
The auto transmission 3 and 4TH gear clutch failed in this unit which research shows IS a common failure. when the transmission was opened for the repair there were two parts that showed a lot of rust which indicated an exposure to water. I would not be writing this if the transmission shop had not shown me a chevy avalanche transmission they had just came in with the same parts showing the rust pattern. both transmissions were made in the ramos, mexico gm factory in within a short time frame. this IS major concern if the transmission had failed on an interstate and the loss of speed could have been catastrophic like an accident locally in lowndes county, ms where a crown victoria was hit from behind when something failed in that car and slowed down. two people lost their life. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Gas smell when idling....took to dealer and they found the (flexible) fuel line leaking. They showed me the problem and it sure looked like the lines were crossed when they were installed, even the mechanic said something to that nature, but I will guarantee you he would never admit that......it IS…
Gas smell when idling....took to dealer and they found the (flexible) fuel line leaking. They showed me the problem and it sure looked like the lines were crossed when they were installed, even the mechanic said something to that nature, but I will guarantee you he would never admit that......it IS going to cost me $651.00 to have just one line replaced............the line wore a hole thru it where the lines were crossed and rubbing on each other. *tr
- Electrical system
I was driving on a trip to florida when at 65 mph my speedometer kept increasing and pegged out at the 120 mph mark. I pulled over to try and resolve the issue but to no avail it stayed stuck at the 120 mph mark. When I restarted the vehicle all my cluster gauges were pegged out: oil, battery…
I was driving on a trip to florida when at 65 mph my speedometer kept increasing and pegged out at the 120 mph mark. I pulled over to try and resolve the issue but to no avail it stayed stuck at the 120 mph mark. When I restarted the vehicle all my cluster gauges were pegged out: oil, battery, temp, and even gas gauge. I also started getting info that my airbag system needed attention. Four wheel drive light came on just a different array of malfunctions came flying across my display. To this date my battery gauge IS still pegged out my airbag light IS on, service four wheel drive light still flashes inadvertently and now my drivers side heater and controls are not working correctly. Brought in to repair shop & they said no recall has been issued so my cost would run well over $1500.00. ridiculous. Own up chevy fix this. *tr
- Electrical system
Electrical cluster speedometer went haywire then quit odometer did the same. *tr
- Electrical system
Speedometer very erratic, shows excessive speeds (120mph) or doesn't register correct speed at all. Called dealer numerous times about problem and never told about the tsb only that it would be over $600 to fix. Did research online and found tsb and called again. This IS a huge safety hazard and…
Speedometer very erratic, shows excessive speeds (120mph) or doesn't register correct speed at all. Called dealer numerous times about problem and never told about the tsb only that it would be over $600 to fix. Did research online and found tsb and called again. This IS a huge safety hazard and one that chevrolet should address across the board with the vehicles affected by this. Then was told can't fix it because of mileage unless I pay out of pocket. Now needle IS stuck at zero and unfortunately being military we don't get paid enough to just shell out $600+ on a whim. Someone needs to make chevrolet take care of their faulty products, if you pay for a premium product you should get one. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
My vehicle was manufactured with a defective fuel pump. I have had nothing but problems with the fuel gauge and delayed starts. I changed the pump and noticed the original pump was missing a spring on one of the push rods. The wear and tear made the pump hang. I have the pump and photos to deliver.…
My vehicle was manufactured with a defective fuel pump. I have had nothing but problems with the fuel gauge and delayed starts. I changed the pump and noticed the original pump was missing a spring on one of the push rods. The wear and tear made the pump hang. I have the pump and photos to deliver. This pump IS a flex fuel pump. There are so many posts on this delayed start issue. I have recently posted the cause of my issue. I noticed the defect immediately because I performed the repair and not the dealer. They were quick to offer me a quote for over a thousand dollars to replace a defective part. *Tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251887This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244273This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10244200This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
Every Chevrolet Suburban 1500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.