2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner 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

NHTSA ID

11741631

Incident

Jun 2, 2026

Mileage

183,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11675771

Incident

Jul 17, 2025

Unknown

NHTSA ID

11674628

Incident

Jul 4, 2025

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 (F

NHTSA ID

11656464

Incident

Mar 13, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11655913

Incident

Mar 9, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11595627

Incident

Jun 20, 2008

AIR BAG LIGHT ON, LIGHT ON GEAR SHIFT REAL DIM

NHTSA ID

11561178

Incident

Nov 30, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11557198

Incident

Jul 13, 2023

Mileage

120,000 mi

Air bag impact sensor under radiator cracked and is no bad

NHTSA ID

11545548

Incident

Sep 1, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11524079

Incident

May 23, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11496945

Incident

Dec 9, 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

NHTSA ID

11487598

Incident

Sep 1, 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

NHTSA ID

11470058

Incident

Jun 20, 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.

NHTSA ID

11453428

Incident

Jan 13, 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.

NHTSA ID

11441178

Incident

Nov 21, 2021

Well, I contacted GM years ago asking why the frames on these vehicles rot out so fast. They told me to send pics. and that’s all that came from that. So, years ago, I heard a banging noise in the right rear side of my truck. My rear shock mount rotted out and driving home later there was even more noise. The left rear shock mount rotted out also. I removed the bed to assess damage, and I couldn’t believe the amount of rust I was looking at. I bought an aftermarket kit and had the shock mounts welded back on. The company selling the kit said that they sell tons of those kits. I would say that’s a safety issue. Especially when the whole from appears to be rotting away. That seems like a mayor issue to me. I probably won’t be buying another Chevy truck seeing how my wife’s Honda is as old as my truck and has no rust under it.

NHTSA ID

11440737

Incident

Jun 15, 2016

Frame broken behind cab on both sides

NHTSA ID

11430811

Incident

Aug 14, 2021

As I approached an intersection to make a left-hand turn, I stepped on my trucks brake pedal. I experienced a complete loss of braking power, with the trucks brake pedal going straight to the floor, after an instant of a firm, solid pedal. Pumped the pedal to try to regain brake operation to no avail. No hydraulic pressure was present. No warning lights or other indications of brake system failure occurred. Truck was driven home a very short distance using e-brake. Brake fluid was seen dripping from the rear axle area in large amounts. Truck was towed to my local garage which found a burst steel brake line at the junction with the rear hydraulic flex hose. Other brake lines were heavily rusted. Rest of the undercarriage was not similarly rust like the brake lines. The garage stated this was not the first Silverado they saw with this problem. All steel lines were replaced with stainless steel lines, and as a precaution we replaced all brake hoses as well. The bleeder screws on the front disk brake calipers, and on the rear wheel cylinders were also found heavily rusted and frozen, so those components were replaced as well. The shop stated this issue of severe corrosion of brake lines and bleeders is very common on this generation of Silverado’s . They have repaired quite a few like mine after similar brake failures. If you research the issue on-line, there certainly is a problem with these trucks. In my 45 years as a mechanic and practicing mechanical engineer, I have never seen brake system components so severely corroded as the ones removed from my truck. I was lucky I wasn’t towing anything, or was at highway speed when the failure occurred. The next owner may not be that lucky if it happens to them.

NHTSA ID

11425347

Incident

Jul 1, 2021

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to leak fuel and the brake line would leak causing the brakes to lose power whenever the brake pedal was depressed. The contact also stated that the fuel tank strap fractured due to rust causing the fuel tank to detach from the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear leaf spring fractured due to rust as well. The contact also stated that the entire sub-frame of the vehicle was rusted causing pieces of metal to fall off from the frame while driving. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake lines, fuel lines, the rear leaf shackle, and the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ID

11422995

Incident

Jun 30, 2021

Mileage

58,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11400117

Incident

Aug 5, 2020

Mileage

156,782 mi

GIVING ME A MESSAGE THAT SAYS SERVICE AIR BAG. ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS FADING OUT.

NHTSA ID

11386064

Incident

Dec 15, 2020

I WENT TO A GUYS HOUSE WHO WAS SELLING A 2005 CHEVY SILVERADO WITH 114,000 MILES ON THE CLUSTER. HE DIDN'T HAVE THE TITLE UNDER HIS NAME. HE WAS TITLE SKIPPING. GAVE HIM 5,000.00 THAT HE WAS ASKING FOR ON 11/02/2020 THEN WENT TO FIND THE OWNER WITH HIS NAME ON TITLE. HAD HIM SIGN THE TITLE OVER TO ME. WENT TO DMV AND CHANGED THE TITLE UNDER MY NAME. THEN 11/28/2020 I RAN A CARFAX REPORT TO SEE WHAT MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE ON MY TRUCK AND IT SAYS THAT MY TRUCK HAD MORE THAN 250,000 MILES ON IT. I CONFRONT THE MAN THAT SAME DAY. AND ASKED HIM IF HE CHANGED THE MILEAGE HE SAID YES. I THEN ASKED HIM TO GIVE 2,000.00 BECAUSE THE TRUCK IS NOT WORTH 5,000.00 HE SAID HE WAS NOT GOING TO GIVE ME A PENNY. SO I MADE A POLICE REPORT THAT SAME DAY ON 11/28/2020

NHTSA ID

11377250

Incident

Nov 2, 2020

I HAVE HAD A "SERVICE AIR BAG" LIGHT ON FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW. I HAVE OWNED THE TRUCK SINCE NEW AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. FROM WHAT I HAVE HEARD IT IS A DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG CONNECTION ISSUE AND IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT THE AIRBAG WON'T ACTIVATE. AFTER READING ABOUT THE RECALL ON THE 2007 MODELS ON UP I WAS SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED THAT MY YEAR IS NOT INVOLVED IN THAT RECALL AS IT SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME SAFETY DEFECT. MILEAGE ON MY TRUCK IS ONLY 81,000 MILES. THE TRUCK WAS STATIONARY AND JUST STARTED WHEN THE LIGHT FIRST CAME ON AND IT'S BEEN ON EVER SINCE.

NHTSA ID

11375961

Incident

Nov 4, 2017

Mileage

64,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11337563

Incident

Jul 5, 2020

Mileage

75,000 mi

THE STEERING WHEEL AND COLUMN STARTED WITH A SLIGHT RATTLING WHEN ON A ROAD WITH BUMPS. IT HAS NOW BECOME VERY LOUD AND RAISED A SAFETY CONCERN. THE DEALER HAS DONE AN INSPECTION AND ADVISED REPLACEMENT OF BEARING AND BUSHING. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN! *TR

NHTSA ID

11323600

Incident

May 1, 2019

Mileage

120,000 mi