Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.
Vehicle was sold which was believed to be an illegal california safety inspections had for three months driveshaft flew off of vehicle a week after purchasing dealer ship fix but but a driveshaft that was to short for the vehicle which was the reason for the incident second incident cause collision into brick wall because vehicle lost steering believed to be cause by safety issues dealership retired to pass off as an "as is " vehicle air bags did not deploy
I was driving down a hill about 25 MPH on a city street when a warning notice appeared " service steering system" and " service brake system". Almost immediately I could not steer or brake. I almost hit a pedestrian trying to steer and stop. I finally was able to turn a corner and stopped. I slowly drove two blocks to my house at about 5 MPH. I am a strong man and if my wife or a less strong individual had been driving, or if I had been going more than the 25 MPH or if I was driving at night, I am sure I wouldn't have been able to avoid hitting the pedestrian and / or going off the road and wrecking. This seems like a major accident waiting to happen. My vehicle has been towed to the GMC repair shop in beaverton, oregon awaiting diagnosis.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving less than 5 MPH, the brake pedal would unexpectedly stop working. The contact stated that the anti-lock brake system was not functioning properly. The contact had to depress the brake pedal several times to get it to work. The steering wheel would also stop functioning when the brakes experienced the failure. There were no warning indicators illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or repaired. The manufacturer was called, but the contact did not speak with a live representative. The failure mileage was 220,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving various speeds, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the steering column was greased, but the issue recurred. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering shaft bolt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.
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!
I have two Chevrolet products, a 2002 tahoe and a 2005 1500 series work truck, both which have a clunk in the steering when driving the vehicles. My wife refuses to have the dealer work on her tahoe so she puts up with the noise. I had the dealer repair the work truck and the defective part was identified as "an intermediate steering shaft". After checking this out on the internet, it seems that GM has this problem with all of the trucks/suvs from the model run 1999 to the finish of the model run 2006. We are talking about a shaft that connects the in- cab steering assembly to the steering box in the engine compartment. It starts off with an occasional annoying clunk and progressing to a full time noise that can be heard and felt in the steering wheel. …
I was driving to the store and when I looker at my speedometer I was doing 110mph and when I came to a stop it displayed 60mph that happened 12/31/08 at 70,000 miles. So far my problems with my 2005 Silverado at 20,000 miles I had the steering wheel clump fixed by packing it with grease now the problem is back,at 60,000 miles my fuel pump failed on a road trip after I started to fill hesitation like starving for gas- cost$ 700.00, at 65,000 miles the catalytic converter was plugged up the engine light came on and would blink and would hesitate really bad when you would punch it into passing gear. It didn't cost me anything because of the emission law 70,000 or 7yrs,and it just turned over 70,000. But I still love my truck and I always drive a Chevy. …
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, she would hear a loud abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis where they advised her that the driver's side hub failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, when driving at low speeds and completing turns, the steering wheel would seize and the contact was unable to maneuver the steering wheel. There was also a loud grinding noise when the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised her that the power steering box failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised her that the vehicle had no existing recalls. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. The current mileage was approximately 100,000.
Steering column making rumbling sounds. Recall by nhsta posted on internet, however, manufacture states there are no recalls of such. Truck is just out of 3 year warranty. Manufacturer needs to address this problem with all 2005 models in this class. This is a safety issue according to the NHTSA due to a possible loss of steering while driving. The manufacturer should be made to fix this problem permanently, and not just temporarily like I have heard from others having this problem. The dealers charge for a fix and the problem just comes back after a short period of time. This should definitely be a recall by Chevrolet and GM and they should be made to fix it permanently. If my steering goes away, and a crash follows, they will not have to worry about fixing the problem, they will have to worry about being sued.
Steering complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 9% of the model year's 525 complaints. The component named most often is gear box › shaft sector (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 31,000 miles, and 45% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to steering 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.