Print this page

2.6

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
57,860 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Chevrolet Suburban drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2005 Chevrolet Suburban:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2005 Chevrolet Suburban Owner Comments

problem #10

Nov 012019

Suburban

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Gear status indicator does not display selected gear.

- Lowgap, NC, USA

problem #9

Jul 012018

Suburban

  • miles
Truck door is not opening, fuel gas defective, rear light system has electrical problem all the times, A/C system electrical problem.

- West Palm Beach, FL, USA

problem #8

Apr 122020

Suburban

  • miles
First the transmission failed right after I purchased the vehicle 2 years ago. I had to buy a new transmission that wasn't cheap around $3,500. Then the front wheel bearings started with the right side last year just had a ton of play in it my mechanic found it when lifting up my truck for a tire rotation. Then the left front wheel bearing just started making a load roaring noise but had no play in it at all that I could feel when checking it out. Both cost around $250 a wheel to replace. Now my 5.3 liter engine is having a knocking sound when at a stop after driving about 30 minutes or when the engine is hot. Also I am hearing a slight ticking sound from the engine cold or hot. I have 4 small kids so I need a very reliable large vehicle and this is Suburban is driving me and my wife crazy having to poor money in this vehicle every year. I am the soil provider for my family I cant afford putting all my money into a vehicle like this.

- Spout Spring, VA, USA

problem #7

Apr 222018

Suburban

  • 139,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

In motion on city and highway

- Denton, TX, USA

problem #6

May 082015

Suburban

  • 126,600 miles
Began hearing a "whining" noise under the vehicle. Noise was progressively louder at accelerated speeds. Left vehicle at local Chevrolet dealer (ca) who did an inspection and diagnosed a mechanical issue possibly with the differential [ref. Claim check 175]. service writer stated estimated repair cost for an overhaul was $3,000 vs. Higher costs to replace with used or new differential. Service writer further indicated continued driving could cause further damage and added cost if axle was also affected. Decided to take vehicle to a recognized powertrain repair facility who determined (also with a drive test) that the differential was the problem and gave initial $1,200 estimate. Authorized repair. Final cost was $813 and includes 1 year full warranty. Now runs smooth / quiet when driving. Technician indicated that although fluid level was good (sealed at factory), a ring inside the differential was bad (had become pitted and could have caused further issues if unchecked. Changed out ring and bearings but all other components including casing were fine. Technician stated such wear is uncommon for a vehicle with only 126K miles and with no towing on factory tow package. Is this an annomily or are there other cases of bad parts in differential for this make / model? would like to discuss further with GM zone rep. But no response!!!

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #5

Nov 092014

Suburban 4WD 8-cyl

  • miles
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.

- Springfield, MA, USA

problem #4

Aug 092009

Suburban

  • 38,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Morgantown , WV, USA

problem #3

Jan 012014

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 94,000 miles
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.

- Murrieta, CA, USA

problem #2

Apr 172013

Suburban 8-cyl

  • 72,000 miles
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.

- Columbus, MS, USA

problem #1

Oct 112010

Suburban

  • 109,000 miles
I was driving with my two young children in the car and my car made a clicking sound and then begin to shake and vibrate. Then all of a sudden it made a really loud noise that sounded like the bottom of the car fell onto the road and was being dragged along and the it would not go anymore. I tried putting it in park and it would not stop, it rolled backwards until I put the emergency brake on and turned it off. I had it towed to mechanic who informed me the drive shaft broke in two. It was a very scary incident with my two small children in the car. They were crying inconsolably and scared. I would like to know why this happened and if there is some kind of defect in the 2005 Chevy Suburban that caused this.

- Mansfield, TX, USA

Not what you are looking for?