2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 525 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (32% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days
0
recalls
525
owner complaints
34
fire reports
63,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsWeak spot: electrical system (32%)34 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 525 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)32% · 166 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)13% · 70 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)8% · 44 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)8% · 44 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)8% · 40 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)6% · 29 complaints
“The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was supposedly 168,000. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be inspected, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced and that the transmission needed to be repaired; the contact did research and discovered that”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2026
“The front airbag impact sensor when they stop working will not work on impact. You can get them from GMC because they stopped making them and you can not find them on the aftermarket. How can a company discontinue a safety part.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2025
“Power steering system has failed. Power steering pump where the hose is connected leaks out any power steering fluid left after I pour more in and turn the truck on. Issue has caused the rack and pinion steering system to leak from the left side, and cause a whining noise when I turn the truck left or right when making sharp turns or backing up. Dealership failed to look at the truck with a simple inspection.”Owner report · Steering · May 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“Recently replaced o2 Sensor and cleared check engine status. I failed the state emissions test because the Cat indicates inc or not ready,(catalytic converter). The procedure to clear this condition is dangerous and unreasonable. It calls for accelerating to 55MPH or higher for 2-3 minutes then decelerating to 20 MPH, not using brakes, and travel for 2 minutes then accelerating back to 55MPH, repeating this process up to 5 cycles to clear the CAT status. Given the drive speed this procedure would have to be done on a highway and could very likely cause a collision. This is very hazardous and should not be a requirement to complete vehicle inspection.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2022
“I have had brakes fail twice because of corroded brake lines now one of my fuel lines ruptured because of corrosion I have been told by mechanics that corroded failing lines is a common issue on Silverado's”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2022
“code po446 will not go away it is costing me a fortune to fix now i cant get it through inspection in delaware i dont have the funds to get a new vehicle”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2022
“The airbag light is on. I took it to the chevy dealership on battlecreek rd, the service clerk said they do not work on vehicles with over 150k miles. How do I get the airbag serviced.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2022
“Design flaw - Brake light switch- the end section of the internal spring is placed in a position that allows it to potentially slide down and block the space needed for when the plunger is depressed, jamming up the switches ability to properly function. I have not determined what happened to the switch on my truck, but noticed that this scenario was a possibility and felt obligated to report my opinion.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2021
“The service air bag soon light came on months before the national recall was announced. It is still on, yet my 2005 is not included in the recall. How am I supposed to get my truck through state inspection with that light on? It should be included in the recall.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2020
“Son was driving truck and brakes went to the floor. Almost hit the car in front of him. Once I was able to get the truck home, I found a leak in the brake line under the drivers side door that appears to be due to rust.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 20 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
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Is the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 525 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The most complained-about area is electrical system (32% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 63,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.