2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 46 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (17% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving and towing a 9000# trailer noticed brake pedal was getting a little spongy. Stopped at rest area and checked the fluid and noticed it was quite low. Looked under the truck and could see fluid dripping from a brake line. Mechanic put the truck on the rack and showed where all the brake lines were rusted and the one had rusted through. Mechanic said this is a known problem with this model truck. Replace all metal brake lines with stainless steel lines, also replace all the rubber lines as a precaution.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2019
“The brake line above the fuel tank blew out. It was not gradual either. The previous stop gave absolutely no warning. The next stop brake instantly went to the floor.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet silverado 3500. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to lucas chevrolet (4323, 101 s james campbell blvd, columbia, tn 38401, (931) 398-5092) where it was diagnosed that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet silverado 3500. While the vehicle was parked, the contact observed that the power steering fluid was leaking from an unknown area. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake hydro-boost unit was leaking and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05v043000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,188. Updated 06/15/16*lj the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired. Updated 06/22/16.*jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2016
“I was driving down the road and was slowing due to vehicles in front of me that were turning. As I started to depress the brake pedal there was a complete loss of pressure in the pedal. In order to get stopped I had to depress the pedal all the way to the floor. Upon stopping in a safe location to inspect what had happened to the brakes, it was found that one of the brake lines had burst due to corrosion.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that the heated seats in the vehicle would automatically activate and would not turn off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver door module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Seats · Sep 2014
“I was driving down aa alley came to the street and had to hit the brakes hard, the line leading from the ABS block to the front left wheel ruptured. Complete loss of braking, ended up stopping the vehicle using the e-brake. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that the gear position indicator lighting failed to illuminate. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2013
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet silverado 3500. The contact stated that the brake warning light was illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal and it abnormally traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer for diagnosis who advised that the brake lines and the calipers failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 37,980. The current mileage was approximately 37,965. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2012
“Premature fuel line failure due to excessive corrosion causing spillage of fuel and risk of fire. All underbody fuel lines excessively corroded and developed leaks with fuel spilling on hot exhaust system parts. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Diesel · May 2012
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
How other years compare
Check your exact Silverado 3500 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 Silverado 3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 46 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 64,000 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.