Home › Chevrolet › Silverado › 2005

2005 Chevrolet Silverado Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 316 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado, most often about the brakes (28% of complaints, typically around 78,000 miles). It is 6th of 18 Silverado model years by number of complaints and has 8 recalls.

Complaints316
Recalls8
Crashes reported14
Fires reported7
Injuries reported10

Most common 2005 Chevrolet Silverado problems

  1. Brakes

    87 complaints · 28%

    Half of these problems showed up before 78,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, power assist.

    The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that the rear brake lines near the fuel take were completely covered with rust causing the vehicle to lose all of the brake fluid. The contact was driving 60 MPH at the time of the failure. The brake pedal extended to the floor when the pedal was engaged.…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2012, at 82,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that the air bag sensor light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic that determined a sensor inside the front bumper was the cause of the defect. The contact also reported that the driver's side rear brake line was rusted…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 72,000 miles
  2. Electrical

    64 complaints · 20%

    Half of these problems showed up before 65,500 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, wiring.

    Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the speedometer indicated that the vehicle was traveling 110 MPH. The speedometer fails to display the correct speed. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by a dealer. The current and failure mileages were 65,000.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 65,000 miles
    2005 Chevrolet 2500hd speedometer went out it was showing the wrong speeds, got stuck at 120mph the wouldn't go below 70mph. Very unsafe, chevy should recall the dash cluster, I mean come on...$55,000 dollars should at least get you a working speedo...
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 66,000 miles
  3. Transmission

    29 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 32,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, manual transmission, driveline, axle assembly.

    Transmission failure at 53,000 miles. Vehicle engine runs high RPM but fails to shift, especially from 2nd to 3rd gear. Dealer says it will have to be replaced. The problem is dangerous, especially in city traffic where trying to negotiate at traffic light is a hit or miss proposition.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 53,006 miles
    Failure of the 4 x 4 control module and automatic transmission shift motor. While driving the transfer case shifted into neutral, pressing the 2hi button caused the transfer case to lock up. The truck was shut off while driving on the freeway and was dead steered to the shoulder. Complete replacement of both module…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 58,237 miles
  4. Air bags

    28 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 64,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.

    My air bag sensor malfunctioned. This is a part that should be guaranteed by general motors. Instead I paid over $500 dollars to have it repaired at a dealership. 64k miles / 8 years and the air bag sensor needs to be replaced? I searched online and noticed many others are having this problem. Gm got a government…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 64,000 miles
    As I was driving the "service air bag" warning appeared in the information center of the dash and the air bag light started to blink. There was no reason for the warning light. I re-set the information center and the warning reappeared. Very disappointing as there are only 64,537 miles on the vehicle. I checked on the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 64,535 miles
  5. Engine

    24 complaints · 8%

    Half of these problems showed up before 20,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.

    Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel. When the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, the vehicle idled roughly and failed to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 20,000 miles
    : the contact stated the vehicle would shut off without any prior warning while accelerating 10 MPH under normal road conditions. This occurred on five occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times, who were unable to duplicate the problem. No repairs were made.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 16,200 miles
  6. Steering

    24 complaints · 8%

    Half of these problems showed up before 28,000 miles. Parts named most often: column, hydraulic power assist system, linkages, hydraulic power assist.

    : the contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle rattled, knocked and the steering wheel had excessive play. The dealer replaced the short shaft on the steering mechanism, however the problem recurred. The intermediate shaft was replaced. Updated 02/27/07.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 27,842 miles
    I noticed at about 29,500 miles that the power steering was not functioning normally at park or low idle speeds. Also there is a clunking in the steering column at low speeds and while turning.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 29,000 miles
  7. Suspension

    19 complaints · 6%

    Half of these problems showed up before 1,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.

    Dt: the contact started having problems at 1,000 miles with the tires. The tires started feathering on the outside edges. At 2,700 miles the dealer replaced the front tires on 10-6-05. The rear tires also started to feather. The dealership refused to replace the rear tires under warranty. The front end alignment was…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 1,000 miles
    Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stopped when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The engine was still running. The contact stated that the ABS warning indicator light illuminated. The manufacturer replaced the front wheel bearing part with a part that was designed for 4…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 45,695 miles
  8. Wheels and tires

    17 complaints · 5%

    Half of these problems showed up before 8,500 miles. Parts named most often: tread/belt, sidewall, temporary/emergency spare tire.

    I purchased a new 2005 Chevrolet Silverado VIN []- my tires are falling apart - the rubber is falling off. - I called the dealer able Chevrolet, I took it to a local dealer and was told - too bad. This is a serious issue with the bridgestone/firestone tire. I cannot reach a firestone representative - updated…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 8,500 miles
    Dt: the contact stated while driving the tire separated from the tread. He felt a vibration in the rear of the vehicle. Several moments later, the tire blew. The manufacturer was contacted , and they offered no free remedy. The tire line was 245/70r17. Updated 12/7/2005 - general tire.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 5,000 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 Silverado recalls

  1. Engine: engine and engine cooling

    NHTSA 06V289000 · August 3, 2006 · 38,439 vehicles

    Risk: If the damper comes loose, a fuel leak may result. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip free of charge. The recall began on august 31, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc trucks at 1-866-996-9463.

    Full defect summary

    On certain trucks equipped with an 8.1l v8 (rpo l8-VIN g) engine have a condition in which the engine fuel rail pulse damper retainer clip may fracture resulting in inadequate retention of the damper.

  2. Steering: hose, piping, and connections

    NHTSA 05V455000 · October 5, 2005 · 123,592 vehicles

    Risk: If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increased braking effort would be required. If the power steering fluid spray were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on october 14, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727, or hummer at 1-800-732-5493.

    Full defect summary

    Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.

  3. Brakes: parking brake

    NHTSA 05V161000 · April 22, 2005 · 90,242 vehicles

    Risk: If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with a pbr parking brake system. On vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system, dealers will install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly. The recall began on july 29, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

    Full defect summary

    On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake friction linings may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.

  4. Seat belts: rear/other

    NHTSA 05V163000 · April 22, 2005 · 1,359,824 vehicles

    Risk: A lap portion of the seat belt routing that is not low and snug on the hips can allow the lap belt to ride up on an occupant's abdomen instead of fitting low around their hipbones, and therefore, can expose them to more risk of abdominal and internal organ injury.

    Fix: Dealers will cut open the guide loop, remove a portion of the loop, and then the remaining two sides should be folded over and secured with a retainer free of charge. The recall began on july 21, 2005. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or hummer at 1-800-732-5493.

    Full defect summary

    On certain crew cab pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the 2nd row center occupant seat belt routing may make it difficult to position the lap portion of the safety belt low around the hips of occupants, especially smaller occupants, seated in this position. Appropriate use of a child seat or booster seat, as recommended for small children, does improve the fit condition for this user group. In addition to instructions on proper infant and young child restraint (with child seats or boosters), special verbiage for restraining older child is included in the owner's manual. Also, the suggested seat belt fit/routing for adults, irrespective of seating position, is described in the owner's manual text.

  5. Transmission: shift pattern indicator

    NHTSA 05V055000 · February 14, 2005 · 7,194 vehicles

    Risk: The vehicle may move in an unintended direction resulting in possible injury to others outside of the vehicle.

    Fix: Dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster free of charge. The recall began on february 14, 2005. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

    Full defect summary

    Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock and transmission braking effect." under certain vehicle starting conditions, the shift lever position indicator located in the instrument panel cluster may not illuminate. If the shift lever position indicator does not illuminate, the driver may not know which gear the vehicle is in.

  6. Brakes: service brakes, hydraulic

    NHTSA 05V043000 · February 8, 2005 · 77,411 vehicles

    Risk: If a separation occurred and the hood of the vehicle were open, fragments from the accumulator could cause injury to people in the immediate area. The presence of this crack or fractured surface could allow the hydraulic fluid to leak from the accumulator circuit of the booster assembly. The loss of fluid would cause increased steering and braking effort and a crash may occur without prior warning.

    Fix: Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge. The recall began on march 23, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc trucks at 1-866-996-9463 and hummer at 1-800-732-5493.

    Full defect summary

    Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.

  7. Steering: shaft sector

    NHTSA 05V018000 · January 21, 2005 · 3,344 vehicles

    Risk: If this happens while the vehicle is moving, a crash could occur without prior warning.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft bolt free of charge. The recall began on january 24, 2005. Owners may contact gmc at 1-866-996-9463 and chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.

    Full defect summary

    On certain trucks, the bolt that attaches the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear may not meet specification. The bolt may fracture resulting in the loss of steering.

  8. Fuel system: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

    NHTSA 04V376000 · August 2, 2004 · 1,103 vehicles

    Risk: If the tube retainer screw breaks, fuel could leak from the fuel rail crossover joint, the engine may stall and, if an ignition source were present, an engine compartment fire could occur.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect the fuel rail crossover tube and, if necessary, replace the retainer screws. Owners were notified by telephone on july 30, 2004, with a followup owner letter began august 5, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463. Note: the gm bulletin lists the tahoe and yukon models because canadian vehicles are included in the bulletin. No u.s. Tahoe or yukon vehicles are included in the u.s. Campaign.

    Full defect summary

    On certain sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks equipped with 5.3l (rpo l59) v8 engines, the engine fuel rail crossover tube retainer screws were not manufactured to specifications and may break.

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 Silverado

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado?
By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (87 complaints, typically around 78,000 miles); electrical (64 complaints, typically around 65,500 miles); transmission (29 complaints, typically around 32,500 miles).
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado have?
8 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 3, 2006 (engine). 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 Silverado?
It is 6th of 18 Silverado model years by number of complaints, with 316 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 Silverado years

Chevrolet Silverado problems by year