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2005 Chevrolet Classic Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 49 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Chevrolet Classic, most often about the electrical (51% of complaints, typically around 77,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Classic model year since 2000 and has 1 recall.

Complaints49
Recalls1
Crashes reported6
Fires reported1
Injuries reported13

Most common 2005 Chevrolet Classic problems

  1. Electrical

    25 complaints · 51%

    Half of these problems showed up before 77,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, instrument cluster/panel.

    Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Classic. The contact stated that none of the gauges were functioning on the instrument panel and the brake lights began to shut on and off while driving approximately 35 MPH. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic but there were no computer codes to identify the failure. The vehicle…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 79,000 miles
    2005 Chevrolet Classic - passlock system causes car to not start. Must wait 10 minutes every time this happens to try again, and still sometimes it won't start, causing another 10 minute wait. This is especially dangerous for a woman with children in a dark parking lot to have to do this. Happens at least once per…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 75,000 miles

  2. Steering

    14 complaints · 29%

    Half of these problems showed up before 95,000 miles. Parts named most often: linkages, hydraulic power assist system.

    Power steering assembly breaks away from engine cradle due to heavy corrosion. (photos available) wife complained of thumping noise when turning. I test drove a figure eight and parked with passenger wheel 30 degrees out of alignment. Loss of steering (not just power), regardless of cause, structural integrity of the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 95,000 miles
    The engine subframe (cradle) mounting tabs for steering gear have rusted out causing steering gear to separate from the subframe. The vehicle is then unable to steer posing threat of crash and serious injury. We have also seen this on pontiac grand am, and oldsmobile alero models from years 2000-2005.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 87,524 miles

  3. Air bags

    5 complaints · 10%

    Parts named most often: frontal.

    Had accident with deer & drivers air bag did not come out & passenger hit head on windshield because his did not come out either,we could have been serious hurt.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 9,017 miles
    As I slammed on brakes car shut down causing steering to lock and brakes to not function well. I ended up rear ending person in front. Also the airbag burned my left hand.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 140,000 miles

  4. Seat belts

    3 complaints · 6%

    Both right and left rear seat belts could not be pulled out around passenger to click into locking device. After many attempts on both belts taking 5 to 6 minutes, with assistance from another passenger, rear seat occupant was finally able to get right side rear belt to deploy around body and click in lock. Problem…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 91,750 miles

  5. Other or unspecified

    3 complaints · 6%

    Power steering assembly breaks away from engine cradle due to heavy corrosion. (photos available) wife complained of thumping noise when turning. I test drove a figure eight and parked with passenger wheel 30 degrees out of alignment. Loss of steering (not just power), regardless of cause, structural integrity of the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 95,000 miles
    As I slammed on brakes car shut down causing steering to lock and brakes to not function well. I ended up rear ending person in front. Also the airbag burned my left hand.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 140,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2005 Chevrolet Classic recalls

  1. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 05V054000 · February 14, 2005 · 9,402 vehicles

    Risk: If the bolt fracture, the rear suspension linkage could detach from the knuckle and the rear wheel would be able to turn inboard or outboard. Sudden changes in vehicle handling could occur, particularly at higher speeds, and the driver may not be able to control the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.

    Fix: Dealers will replace both rear suspension knuckle bolts free of charge. The recall began on february 9, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

    Full defect summary

    Certain passenger vehicles equipped with rear suspension knuckle bolts that are not to specification and could fracture under high loads that can occur in some driving conditions.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2005 Chevrolet Classic

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Classic?
By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (25 complaints, typically around 77,000 miles); steering (14 complaints, typically around 95,000 miles); air bags (5 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Classic have?
1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from February 14, 2005 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
Is the 2005 a bad year for the Chevrolet Classic?
It is the most complained-about Classic model year since 2000, with 49 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Chevrolet Classic years

Chevrolet Classic problems by year