Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving 35 MPH, the temperature gauge increased and the coolant fan activated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for diagnostic testing and the mechanic diagnosed that the water pump and the thermostat needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The reservoir and the lower water hose were replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and the mechanic stated that the vehicle was leaking coolant, which was causing the heads to crack. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Drove into the garage and parked. A loud explosive noise came from the truck and fumes began funneling through the hood of truck. Quickly turned off ignition and got out of vehicle. In a few minutes garage was full of intense flames. The heat was so intense it blew open the door into the house and burned/melted the laundry equipment and three rooms, and the second car in the garage, sending smoke damage throughout the entire house. Vehicles melted and everything in them and in the garage- mower, snow blower, small equipment and more, was totally destroyed. The firefighters were able to contain the fire to areas identified above. There was extreme smoke damage throughout the entire house.
Like so many others, I started to hear a ticking at startup and sometime an exhaust smell in the cab. I found 2 exhaust manifold bolts broken on each side. It can get bad enough to open a window at times. Dealer said it's a common problem. There should be a recall on a emissions and safety issue. I take very good care of my truck and this should not happen. I see it has been a problem since 1999.what can we do to get reimbursed for the cost of repair? If I have an independent repair would GM ever cover it or does it have to be done by a high cost dealership? They got vw for emissions what about GM?
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. When the vehicle was started, the heater fan activated and an odor of burnt plastic emerged from the vents. The vehicle was shut off and then restarted. The vehicle was driven to the contact's house. In addition, the digital climate control system reflected the entire time and the area around the vents became really hot on the dashboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,000.
Well I have been noticing a loss of coolant have added dye to coolant to detect leak nothing was found. This has been going on for months now adding coolant I have performed 2 oil changes since noticing issue. I just changed my oil today and noticed alot of gunk(first time ever) I knew about castech head issue removed my valve covers and found what was almost like caramel orange in color. Checked for casting mark and the heads are indeed castech. This is a known issue what are my course of actions to take?
Takata recall: reduced engine power come on and truck will only run at 20-40 mi/hr,this is 3th time it happened. Took twice to dealer charge 6 to $800.00 never fix. Check on ipad and thousand having same problems effects 2003-2009 trucks maybe more. Can happen at anytime.danger when you are driving on interstate at 75/ hr and all of a sudden you drop to 20/hr check utube "reduced engine power" lot of complaints,under how to fix hundreds or thousands hits last time it happen 12/07/2016.
While driving speedometer reads wrong but odometer is OK? Stop and turn off it works OK for a time. Try to start sometimes it will crank other time it don't GM extended the warranty to cover the dash panel but did not notify me or anyone that I know of I found it online after time had expired (speedometer) and will also control engine cranking .
Exhaust manifold bolts breaking off. One next to a plastic sensor which melted. ( cant that cause a fire )? Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yg6wlbnzgi seriously this needs to be addressed. Thanks!
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. When the vehicle was started in cold temperatures, the vehicle would not warm up. The antifreeze was low and refilled by the contact, but the failure continued. The dealer stated that the antifreeze was leaking due to a cracked head gasket. The repair cost was estimated at $4,200. The manufacturer could not assist with repairs. Although there was an extended warranty on the vehicle, she was unable to have repairs performed under warranty because the company was under liquidation. The warranty company also stated that they would not cover the repairs since the failures were recurring issues. No repairs have been performed. The failure and current mileages were less than 90,000. Updated 5/7/09 updated 05/12/09.
Engine complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 7% of the model year's 525 complaints. The component named most often is engine (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.