Skip to content
KLUNK
KLUNK

2005 Chevrolet Silverado

The Verdict

5 Total Klunk

The 2005 Chevrolet Silverado has 1,181 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (421 complaints) and brakes (295 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Chevrolet Silverado, consider the 2006 model year which has 34% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2006 has 34% fewer complaints

View the 2006 Chevrolet Silverado dashboard →

5

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 2

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

05V018000 STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR

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.

Risk

IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING, A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

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.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

04V376000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

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.

Remedy

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, 2...

Reported Feb 8, 2004

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

We email you when NHTSA issues a new recall on the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. No spam, no marketing.

Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
20005391095147249117
200135289311338388
2002295922101229106
2003378952452206130
200431269956818384
200523429542114685
20061763301098472
200719410259411741
2008182327259033

By Category

Electrical
421
Brakes
295
Body
234
Engine
146
Transmission
85

By Severity

1
545
2
528
3
5
4
101
5
2

Worst Problems

Complaints

Electrical 1

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

1mo ago
Electrical 1

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 122,000. After obtaining a Carfax report, it was discovered that the mileage was 202,000.

6mo ago
Electrical 1

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.

12mo ago
Engine 2

Unknown

12mo ago
Body 2

I bought tires from Walmart.com website in July 15 2023 and had them installed on a 2005 Chevrolet 2500 HD pickup. This was at the Walmart Laramie store. Between that time and Fall of 2024 one of the tires had a flat and Walmart Laramie, Wy replaced it. On October 7 2024 going to Riverton, Wy. the right rear passenger tire had a blow out. This was on I-80 going west towards Rawlins. It scared the beejeezus out of my young grandchildren. Four hours later, it was replaced with the spare (I did not have a jack in the vehicle and called a tow company). I took the tire to Walmart Riverton and they told me in the tire center that the tire was too badly damaged. They wondered where I had bought the tires. I told them in Laramie at Walmart. They looked me up online and found the tires. They told me they could not replace the tire although it was under warranty. The problem was that they are car tires and not light truck tires!!! They told me to call up Laramie Walmart and the tire manager would take care of me. I went home and did so. Jackson the tire manager said he wasn't going to replace them and that it was all my fault and that I forced them to put those tires on! He lied to me about what happened with the tires and them installing them. I went back to Riverton Walmart and again talked to the tire manager (Tyrone). He said that he would talk to the store Manager and they would make it right. He said he would order the correct ones, install them and then charge the Laramie store. I'm not driving the vehicle anywhere. What can I do about it? I know nothing about tires and have never been a tire company employee. This has been going on for months. Last week the Riverton store said they could mount and balance tires for free but I would have to seek a refund from the Laramie store to reimburse me after I buy new tires for $1200. I live on Social Security of $1229 a month!! 2 of 4 tires have failed and I don't have anywhere near the 60,000 miles warranty Can you help us?

13mo ago
Body 1

Suspension system potentially life threatening. On [XXX] I purchased a 2005 Chevy Silverado truck from used car dealer in Tallassee, AL/$6000. Several days after driving home at Interstate speeds, I discovered extreme rust on the underside of the truck. The spare tire rim was unusable from rust and the tire hoist was rusted beyond use--I had to cut the tire hoist cable tip with a grinder and let the tire fall to the driveway. At that point, I found an extremely unsafe and dangerous defect to the truck. The top of the right rear shock absorber was not attached to the truck frame. The connector bracket had rusted completely away from the truck frame. I texted pictures and called the dealer and was told the sale was “as is”--not his problem. I asked if he inspected, or even looked at the bottom of the truck—his text reply was “I personally did not do anything other than a walk around and test drive” He later said by text he had been a used car dealer for 32 years and had an excellent reputation. Subsequent research found NHTSA-DOT’s 49 CFR Section 570.8 -Suspension Systems-- where it states “Shock absorber mountings, shackles, and U-bolts shall be securely attached.” I believe the licensed used car dealer failed to properly inspect the used truck and clearly did not identify and report to me, the buyer, hidden potential life threatening deficiencies of the suspension system and other defects that would dramatically reduce the value of the vehicle. At that point the dealer refused to answer his phone or texts. My local mechanic advised me not to use the truck and only drive it (below 45 mph) in light traffic for short drives to keep the truck running and the battery charged. I have owned vehicles for over [XXX] and have never had any problems with any of the vehicles. I am [XXX]. I reported this to the Alabama Dept of Revenue ("ALDOR" - [XXX]) 8 Apr 25 and received a confirmation of receipt. No response yet-23 Apr 25. Please help. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

15mo ago
Body 2

03/09/2025 Purchased 2005 Chev Silverado 1500 from Tony's Trade Co, Inc. Owner stated he had been a highly respected licensed used car dealer 34 years. AutoCheck had no issues. 1-Component: Right Rear Shock absorber--critical suspension part (49 CFR Section 570.8 Suspension Systems)-mechanic agrees. Upper mounting bracket to frame totally rusted away. Bottom of shock absorber attached--top floating in the air. Shock absorber is untouched and available for inspection. 2-Truck was driven at highway speeds several time before unattached shock absorber noticed - found. One trip included a medium load for the truck. 3-Free floating shock absorber top is apparent in pictures. I sent the used car dealer a photo of the detached shock absorber top and mount. Will pay for a professional view and statement of the shock absorber if requested by you. Heavy rust under the truck bed/frame will require extensive metal replacement to make a hard connection bracket for attachment. 4-No manufacturer, police, etc inspection. Detached and severely rusted shock absorber top and frame bracket are obvious in pictures. Will get reports if needed. 5-No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem until I tried to remove the spare tire to fix and clean it. Spare hoist was severely rusted and unable to lower--cut hoist cable tip and let drop on floor. That is when I was able to see the detached right rear shock absorber. 6 EXTRA: Seller quote: "this is a good truck. I would sell to anyone. Like new tires and does not need one thing mechanical and in excellent condition." Tires range from DOT 2622 to DOT 1323-not new. Extreme frame rust. I drive truck 35-45 mph twice/week on low traffic highway to keep truck running and battery charged. Reported to AL Dept of Revenue 8 Apr 25--ALDOR-127348-said I would get response in 24 hours, none yet. I called seller was told truck was sold "as is". Seller will not answer phone or text messages.

15mo ago
Engine 4

Fuel fitting break and leak fuel everywhere I have had two of these trucks that have done this and it has made my animals sick

16mo ago
Electrical 2

Gear shifter indicator has no display as the GM recalls that already exists for this year. Major safety hazard with known GM issues. Why is only my vehicle not covered under this recall.

25mo ago
Electrical 2

AIR BAG LIGHT ON, LIGHT ON GEAR SHIFT REAL DIM

31mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle in the morning, there were several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the starter motor was not turning over as designed. The contact stated that she had to wait until all the warning lights had stopped being illuminated and then the vehicle was able to be started. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the failure was an electrical failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

32mo ago
Electrical 1

Air bag impact sensor under radiator cracked and is no bad

34mo ago
Body 1

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.

38mo ago
Engine 2

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.

43mo ago
Engine 2

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

46mo ago
Engine 2

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

49mo ago
Engine 4

I got into an accident with my 2005 chevy silverado by rear ending some one at a stop sign. I pulled up behind the vehicle and stopped to wait for them to go the it was my turn she didn't look well enough and had to hit her breaks again and so then did I but my truck did not stop in time because the breaking system delayed

53mo ago
Electrical 1

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.

53mo ago
Body 1

Frame is rotten badly but cab and bed hardly any rust. Used bad metal for frame and crossmembers.

55mo ago
Brakes 2

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.

56mo ago

1181 total

1/ 60
Report a Klunk