2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a Caution verdict, capped by 8 recall campaigns despite a complaint index of 30. NHTSA logged 867 complaints, led by Electrical System issues (271 complaints, 31% share, 34 fires), followed by Brakes (229 complaints, 14 crashes).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 30/100
- #15 of 21 Silverado 1500 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 867
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 8
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 35
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 41
- Injuries
- 25
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 14 city / 18 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 25 / 2
Top 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System271 (31%)
- Brakes229 (26%)
- Airbags80 (9%)
- Engine77 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires73 (8%)
- Steering70 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain69 (8%)
- Fuel System35 (4%)
- Structure & Body34 (4%)
- Other29 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some owners report airbags failing to deploy during moderate-speed crashes, including one at 40 mph and another after a rear-end collision.
- Electrical system failures are linked to at least one vehicle rollover crash and a separate fire incident.
- Brake lockup during panic braking was reported on a steep curve, leading to a rollover with the airbags not deploying.
- One owner described the truck catching fire while parked in the driveway, destroying the front end before it could be extinguished.
- A seat belt's shoulder portion reportedly failed to hold during a fishtailing crash into an embankment, despite the lap belt holding.
- Exterior mirror cutouts created blind spots that owners say contributed to a low-speed collision while backing up.
2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 06V289000Aug 3, 2006Engine38,439 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 05V455000Oct 5, 2005Steering123,592 vehicles
Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 05V161000Apr 22, 2005Brakes90,242 vehicles
Parking brake
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.
Risk: If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: 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.
2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 18 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a good year?
- It carries a Caution verdict among Silverado 1500 years, with a complaint index of 30 and 8 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit. The Caution rating is due more to the recall count than to the complaint volume itself.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2005 Silverado 1500?
- Electrical System issues top the list with 271 complaints, a 31% share of all complaints, and 34 reported fires.
- Does the 2005 Silverado 1500 have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns covering steering, brakes, seat belts, transmission, engine, and fuel system components, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2005 Silverado 1500 compare to other years?
- It ranks 15th worst among 21 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 30, better than 2014 (100) and 2019 (90) but worse than 2010 and 2012, which earned Best verdicts.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2005 Silverado 1500?
- EPA rates it at 15 mpg combined (14 city / 18 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,300.