2005 Chevrolet Classic: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 49 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (51% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Feb 2005
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet classic. While driving 30 mph, the contact experienced a loss of steering ability without warning. The contact was able to regain control and turn off the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the diagnostic results were not disclosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 143,000. The VIN was not provided.”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2016
“I arrived at work and was told by coworkers that my brake lights were still on. They would not shut off. I removed the negative battery terminal to avoid draining my battery. On the drive home, after reconnecting battery, I discovered my cruise control was not working either. I saw on the internet a recall (gm 13036) that covered this exact problem on several models including the malibu which my car nearly identical to. Unfortunately it does not cover my model and it should! Clearly this is a widespread issue and 2005 classic should be included. I currently am driving with the lights stuck on and have to disconnect / connect battery terminal every time I drive.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2016
“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 · Air Bags · Sep 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Car wouldn't start. Usually it starts right up but it wouldn't start up. After searching the web we found it was the antitheft system.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2015
“For the 4th time power steering failed. For the 2nd time the steering column was replaced at no charge the first time it failed chapman chevrolet in tempe, az replaced this and charged $970 for repairs. The 2nd and third time the electric power steering motor was replaced for free at no charge. Numerous gm cars including the 2010 cobalt have had this replaced at no charge but gm and chapman refuse to refund to refund the initial charge since this is not shown as a recall item at this time. *js”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2014
“2005 chevrolet classic. Consumer writes in regards to reimbursement for ignition recall notice repairs. *smd the ignition switch was replaced. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2014
“The car would not start. The lights on the dash came on, but there was no ignition, no sound of the engine trying to start. I could here the fuel pump start and stop. It was a cool, damp morning. Later that day, the car started with no problem. This happened several times, until we started parking the car in the garage. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2014
“I received a safety recall notice from gm on approx. 09/15/2014. It is about the ignition shutting off on various gm models and years. My car is apparently part of this recall. Their "fix" appears to be "placing a cover over the key head to limit other objects, I would assume: key ring, fob, other keys, etc. From moving as much while the car is being driven. This does not appear to me to "fix" the defective ignition. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2014
“2005 chevrolet classic. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall repairs. *smd the consumer stated she lost all power to the vehicle, while driving down the road. She is seeking reimbursement for the ignition switch replacement. *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2014
“While driving on the interstate at approxmiately 60 mph, the power steering stopped working and became hard to steer. It has not worked since. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2014
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 13 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Classic 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 Classic reliable?
NHTSA has 49 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2005 Chevrolet Classic. The most complained-about area is electrical system (51% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Classic problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 85,762 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Chevrolet Classic have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning suspension:rear. 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.