Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
No September 3rd 2016 I was at stutz excavating driving for them and went I got off and walked to my pickup I got in the turned the key and the hour meter was on 00.0 and the miles had 127300 or so I had just change the oil and had over 4000 hrs on my truck someone broke in and hacked my pickup in stutz exc lot and on dec 20th I was leaving dr bugers lot at 5:10 pm and my head light would not work I got home and the headlights worked fine I since they read about car hacks and pulled the radio fuse and and truck had no more problems infill April 28 my truck would not go I revers and the door locks locks themself and the hrs were going up with driving it the dealer said you can not earese the hour on that truck they are burned in the computer. …
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. While driving 80 MPH, the vehicle automatically downshifted to second gear. The contact was unable to shift gears. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that there was nothing wrong. The vehicle downshifted again while driving and the dealer repeated that nothing was wrong with the vehicle. Another dealer stated that the transmission was burned. In April of 2007, they replaced the transmission at 26,102 miles. After the replacement, the failure recurred accompanied by a severe grinding and slamming noise. The vehicle then shifted into third gear. Since the transmission was replaced, the vehicle has been to the dealer at least ten times. As a result of the transmission failure, the contact accidentally struck a deer. A police report was filed. General motors developed a case file on November 13, 2007. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shifted out of gear without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the u-joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,708.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. While driving approximately 41 MPH, the shift lever position indicator illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V055000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.
1. I bought a used "certified" 2500 hd Silverado with 33000 miles on it. I have owned it abut three months. On three separate occasions I have noticed the transmission slip or "hesitate" when accelerating from a stop. The engine will rev but the car does not move. When I let off the gas I can feel it shift suddenly and the car will move. 2. I noticed a whining sound in the transmission when it is in gear. Chevrolet service department tells me it is common on my truck and there is nothing they can do about it, it is the plenary. The sound is louder and continues throughout the entire driving range. It began at about 35000 miles. The service rep stated they had a service announcement on it, but I have not seen that yet. 3. About three weeks after I bought the truck, I noticed a clicking and grinding sound when the brakes were applied lightly. …
I parked my pickup truck 2005 chev. 2500 hd on a hill side in order to collect rocks to use in creating flower beds at home. My wife an I had parked the vehicle for about 10-15 minutes. The truck was placed in park with the ignition off. We were standing about 15 ft from the truck when we heard a loud popping metallic sound. The truck immediately began to rolled back and traveled about 20 feet or so before running up and onto a wood log. I have contacted Chevrolet and they made a computer check of the vehicle and found nothing wrong. I requested that Chevrolet check the transmission and steering column. They declined. My wife and I could have been seriously injured by the failure of the vehicle to stay in the parking gear position (automatic transmission). What can we do to rectify this situation?
The engine oil cooler lines and the transmission cooler lines leak at the crimp where the rubber hose and metal lines connect. After doing research online about this I have discovered it is a very common problem. Some people have replaced these lines multiple times only to have them leak a short while later. For those of us whose vehicles are out of warranty this can be very costly. I would also think that transmission fluid and motor oil contacting hot surfaces like an exhaust pose a fire hazard. At the very least the leaking oil is an environmental hazard. I have purchased oil cooler lines and am replacing them tomorrow but I am having trouble finding transmission lines.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. While accelerating to 10 MPH, the contact heard a loud vibrating noise. After having the vehicle inspected by a repair shop, he was advised that the bracket in the transfer case failed. As a result, the springs in the four wheel drive transfer case punctured a hole in the aluminum housing. The dealer stated that the contact would have to pay $1,463 to replace the transfer case because it was out of warranty. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 82,000. Updated 12/11/08. Updated 12/11/08.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500hd. The contact started the vehicle and shifted the gear selector into the "drive" position; however, the park indicator remained illuminated for ten seconds. In addition, the automatic door locks became inoperative and failed to lock when the gear was placed in "drive". The doors would lock only manually. Also, the rear back up lights would not function. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the TCM transmission module was replaced. The vehicle operated normally after the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 24,416.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 diesel. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact noticed that the lights on the shifter level were no longer illuminated. The contact also stated that his tail lights and the door locks would no longer function. The contact stated that because of the failure, he was unable to determine what gear he was driving in. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and was repaired. The failure mileage was 21,010 and the current mileage was 21,060. The consumer also stated the back-up lights were not working. Updated 04/15/11
Transmission complaints in other Silverado 2500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 8% of the model year's 269 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. 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 2500 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.