2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 269
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Electrical system
Campaigns on file for 2005
None on file
37% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 269 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 64 |
| 1998 | 73 |
| 1999 | 81 |
| 2000 | 132 |
| 2001 | 300 |
| 2002 | 351 |
| 2003 | 449 |
| 2004 | 368 |
| 2005 | 269 |
| 2006 | 177 |
| 2007 | 204 |
| 2008 | 191 |
| 2009 | 61 |
| 2010 | 21 |
| 2011 | 104 |
| 2012 | 53 |
| 2013 | 51 |
| 2014 | 40 |
| 2015 | 176 |
| 2016 | 122 |
| 2017 | 54 |
| 2018 | 53 |
| 2019 | 74 |
| 2020 | 104 |
| 2021 | 88 |
| 2022 | 95 |
| 2023 | 47 |
| 2024 | 141 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Electrical system
37% · 99 reportsMost commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving the vehicle in town on a city street at approximately 35 MPH, with the ac on and the blower in the high position, the blower started turning off intermittently. A smell of burning plastic was noted and the blower completely shut down.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-07
Dt*: the contact stated after parking the vehicle in the carport for two hours, it caught on fire without warning. The fire department was called and the fire was extinguished. There was property damage to the house and the vehicle was totaled.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-09-25
After entering vehicle which had been parked for 2 weeks a heavy brunt electrical fire order was present. At the same time a heavy smoke like haze was present.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-07-26
Service brakes
27% · 73 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Steering
12% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing pump and linkages.
Power train
8% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and driveline.
Engine and engine cooling
6% · 17 reportsMost commonly citing exhaust system and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Stopped do to heavy traffic and started smelling exhaust in cab. Pulled off on next exist opened hood and drivers side of engine was smoking. Coughing and lung discomfort. Found some shade to let truck cool.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-25
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2005Complaint volume 269 complaints filed for this model year.
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R
Date not on fileSteering06E010000 Certain fabtech aftermarket replacement pitman arms, p/nos. Fts71000 and FTS71001, installed for use on certain 2001-2006 GM c/k 2500 pick up trucks and sport utility vehicles.
Remedy: Fabtech will notify owners and replace the pitman and idler arms free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during February 2006. Owners may contact fabtech at 909-597-7800.
Buy-smart checklist
2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 99 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 73 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 31 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E010000 · Steering
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
- The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.