RoadVitals

2005 Chevrolet Silverado

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
316
Latest Jul 20, 2021
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
14
Latest Aug 11, 2008
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
21
10 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 316 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado, most frequently naming the brakes, electrical and airbags categories. 14 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 365 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

14 campaigns cover this model year

View all 14

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
08E050000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Aug 11, 2008
1,921 units potentially affected
The defect: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
K2 MOTOR CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
07E106000

WHEELS:HUB

Dec 17, 2007
130,000 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
The risk: WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
FEDERAL-MOGUL CORPORATIONView on NHTSA.gov
07E066000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Aug 28, 2007
175 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
The risk: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
The remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
CEQUENT ELECTRICAL PRODUCTSView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 316
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Jul 20, 2021
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 mph, he lost control of the vehicle due to losing consciousness. The vehicle left the roadway and went airborne and crashed with a road sign landing in a field. None of the airbags deployed and only the seatbelt lap belt tensioned not the shoulder strap. The contact sustained injuries such as several lacerations across the face and inside the mouth, and broken L1 vertebrae. The contact mentioned he fractured the steering wheel with his face during the impact. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to a local lot then towed again to the contacts insurance lot where it was awaiting a diagnosis. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 281,000.

NHTSA ID
11425653
Incident
Jul 16, 2021
Mileage
281,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 9, 2016

THE VEHICLES BRAKES ARE CORRODING AND FAILED ALMOST CAUSING AN ACCIDENT ON 2/09/2016 WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION (AT THE INTERSECTION OF IL ROUTE 34 AND WOLFS CROSSING)

NHTSA ID
10825082
Incident
Feb 9, 2016
Mileage
105,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 27, 2015

PEDAL GOES ON DOWN WHEN PRESSED -- SEEMS LIKE ABS ISN'T WORKING PROPERLY

NHTSA ID
10816342
Incident
Oct 5, 2015
Brakes
Filed Nov 30, 2015

BREAK LINES CORRODED THROUGH TO FAILURE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED JUST AFTER EXITING A HIGHWAY. ABS ENGAGED DUE TO ICY CONDITIONS THE NEXT TIME I DEPRESSED THE BREAK PEDDLE IT WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT THE BREAKS ENGAGING. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE NO WARNING LIGHT WAS PRESENT ON THE DASHBOARD. THE BREAKS FAILED WHILE DRIVING AND RESULTED IN ME RUNNING A RED LIGHT. LUCKILY IT WAS EARLY IN THE MORNING AND NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED.

NHTSA ID
10807596
Incident
Nov 30, 2015
Mileage
160,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Nov 16, 2015
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER SET ON LEVEL FIVE, THE BLOWER INTERMITTENTLY CLICKED OFF AND ON. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A BURNING SMELL EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS UNTIL LEVEL FIVE AND FOUR SETTINGS NO LONGER WORKED. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE CONNECTOR SW/POWER ST ADJUSTER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE WIRES WERE MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CONNECTOR AND RESISTOR FOR THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER AND THE RESISTOR FOR THE HEATER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

NHTSA ID
10790722
Incident
Mar 1, 2015
Mileage
97,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 13, 2015

SITTING AT BURGER KING DRIVE THRU WHEN BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. BRAKE LINES HAD RUPTURED DUE TO CORROSION. VEHICLE ONLY 10 YEARS OLD AND 130,000 MILES. HAD BRAKES CHECKED OFTEN AT SERVICE CENTERS, NO MENTION OF PROBLEM. GLAD THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN LAST MONTH WHEN I WAS BARRELING DOWN THE TENNESSEE HIGHWAY WITH A FULL LOAD IN THE BACK OF MY TRUCK. NHTSA AND GM SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR ALLOWING THIS TO CONTINUE. I AM SURE PEOPLE ARE DYING DUE TO THIS NEGLIGENCE AND FAULTY MATERIALS BEING USED.

NHTSA ID
10790118
Incident
Nov 12, 2015
Mileage
130,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Oct 23, 2015

SUDDEN LOSS OF BRAKING POWER DUE TO BRAKE LINE RUPTURE WHILE ON THE EXIT RAMP OF THE FREEWAY. FOUND BRAKE LINES COMPLETELY RUSTED AND THEY WERE PAPER THIN IN MULTIPLE SPOTS. WILL HAVE TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE LINES ON THE VEHICLE. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. NOTE THAT VEHICLE HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED BY DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ID
10785511
Incident
Oct 18, 2015
Mileage
79,500 mi
Brakes
Filed Oct 16, 2015

THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR WHEN OUR FRIEND TRIED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. A BRAKE LINE RUNNING ON TOP OF THE FRAME BEHIND THE RADIATOR HAD COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU, ALLOWING ALL OF THE BRAKE FLUID TO PUMP OUT OF THE SYSTEM. ALL OF THE STEEL BRAKE LINES ARE EXTREMELY RUSTY AND PROBABLY NEAR FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
10782875
Incident
Oct 9, 2015
Mileage
89,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

06-03-09-004H

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY

This technical bulletin provides a procedure to lube the rear leaf springs on vehicles with the condition of a squeak noise originating from the rear of the vehicle.

PIT3227M

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. Please communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic of their vehicle.

PIT3665E

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

PIC5953A

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone. Technician should work with the customer to insure the phone contacts to not have any Emojis loaded to any contact.

03-08-46-004R

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

This informational bulletin provides information on Part Restriction and Ordering Process Information for OnStar Vehicle Communication Interface Modules (VCIM) (GMNA Only)

06-06-01-010C

ENGINE

This informational bulletin provides information on close coupled converters and there affect on newly installed engines or engines during there break in period.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Silverado by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
20171250040.0
2016520—
2015767052.7
201412414053.5
2013643050.8
2012682052.0
2011752048.6
2010621038.1
2009760037.9
20081622050.7
20071834258.7
200618210052.8
2005Viewing31614050.7
200462215159.9
200369513862.5
2002710151266.5
2001877151366.8
20001,305201366.6
19991,660171463.5
19982790243.0
19972720038.1
19961860039.2
19952630035.9
19942100037.1
1993690037.5
1992400036.9
1991170028.0
1990250040.0
1989220042.3
1988150038.7
1987200—
1985300—
1984500—
1982200—
1980200—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.