2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 61 |
| 1998 | 67 |
| 1999 | 47 |
| 2000 | 80 |
| 2001 | 72 |
| 2002 | 50 |
| 2003 | 42 |
| 2004 | 41 |
| 2005 | 46 |
| 2006 | 52 |
| 2007 | 39 |
| 2008 | 31 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 26 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 51 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 19 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2020 | 42 |
| 2021 | 39 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2024 | 49 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
37% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AND TOWING A 9000# TRAILER NOTICED BRAKE PEDAL WAS GETTING A LITTLE SPONGY. STOPPED AT REST AREA AND CHECKED THE FLUID AND NOTICED IT WAS QUITE LOW. LOOKED UNDER THE TRUCK AND COULD SEE FLUID DRIPPING FROM A BRAKE LINE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190523
THE BRAKE LINE ABOVE THE FUEL TANK BLEW OUT. IT WAS NOT GRADUAL EITHER. THE PREVIOUS STOP GAVE ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING. THE NEXT STOP BRAKE INSTANTLY WENT TO THE FLOOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180804
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND IT ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121015
20% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and wiring.
13% of complaints: steering — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and electric power assist system.
11% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
PREMATURE FUEL LINE FAILURE DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION CAUSING SPILLAGE OF FUEL AND RISK OF FIRE. ALL UNDERBODY FUEL LINES EXCESSIVELY CORRODED AND DEVELOPED LEAKS WITH FUEL SPILLING ON HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM PARTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120719
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing diesel and fan.
Show complaint excerpts
I BELIEVE MY 2005 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500, DURAMAX/ALLISON WAS EQUIPED WITH UNDER DESIGNED COOLING SYSTEMS; BOTH TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE. ON SLOW MOUNTAIN TYPE ROADS I CAN RUN MY UNLOADED TRUCK INTO NEAR OVERHEAT CONDITIONS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050817
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURE
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.