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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Clunking noise and vibration in steering wheel on 2005 Chevy Silverado. This happens every time you turn or hit a bump in the road. GM states that this is not considered a safety issue, however I disagree. Any unexpected vibration or clunk in the steering mechanism while driving presents a dangerous situation. GM knows this to be a wide spread problem on a number of vehicles, however they continue to turn a blind eye. Apparently the intermediate steering shaft is the center of the problem and GM needs to issue a recall on this part at once. So far nothing has been done to correct this issue on my vehicle and GM seems to be unwilling to work with me to attain corrective action. I sincerely hope that the NHTSA will require general motors to fix this problem before someone is seriously injured.
Coming home after a night of bowling with a truck full of kids. I could feel and hear a grinding noise coming from the front end. I thought it was my brakes until I got back into town. When I hit the brakes and moved the steering wheel back and forth I could I knew it wasn't my brakes. I took the front tire off the next day and I could wiggle the wheel hub back and forth. Very dangerous. I feel lucky that nobody got hurt. The road I traveled home was hwy 32 and it has alot of curves. This should be addressed. Every Chevy that has this problem should be notified. Im a back yard mechanic. I knew something was wrong. What happens with the single mother who knows nothing about this stuff. She's going to be lucky if she doesn't get in an accident or worse yet. Killed!
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado k1500. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact's wife heard a clunking sound and noticed a difference in the steering column. The contact took the vehicle to a repair shop and they referenced NHTSA campaign id number 05V018000 (steering:gear box:shaft sector). The dealer performed a diagnostic and recommended that the intermediate steering shaft be replaced. The VIN was not included in the recall; therefore, the repair would not be made for free. The manufacturer has not been notified. The current mileage was 80,943 and failure mileage was approximately 76,000. Updated 1/6/09 updated 01/14/09.
Dt*: the contact stated a power steering pump which was installed in the vehicle, made a winding sound like the power steering pump was low on fluid. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who refused to replace the power steering pump. The contact expressed concern that this was a safety concern because the brakes system relies on the power steering pump. There was a NHTSA recall # 05V455000 for the hose that goes between the power steering and the brake system. The vehicle was included in the recall due to the VIN, however the dealer refused to replace the components because there were no visual problems present.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the contact noticed a clunking noise from the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic advised that the intermediate steering shaft would have to be replaced. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 05V018000 (steering:gear box:shaft sector) that the contact believed was related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000.
2005 Silverado with brake problems customer states that this is a safety defect* the consumer stated approached a stop sign and realized the brakes were not working properly and the power assist was not working. The consumer left the vehicle with the dealer for 2 days to assess the problem but to no avail. The consumer stated he took the vehicle to a dealer where he had previous work performed on the vehicle such as steering, but they were also unable to duplicate the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated while driving over a bump in the road and turning the steering wheel the vehicle made a loud clanking sound. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 67,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering column made a clunking noise. This was more frequent when making a left hand turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and the steering column was greased. This repair worked for a short time. However, the steering column again makes the clunking noise.
Dt*: the contact stated the front driver side wheel makes a clunking noise and the steering wheel is inoperable. The dealer inspected the vehicle several times and was unable to determine the problem; however the steering shaft was lubricated. Additionally, an independent mechanic inspected the vehicle and determined the steering box was loose.
Dt*: the contact stated the steering column knocked at any speed. The dealership greased the steering column, but this did not correct the problem. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership, but the service manager stated there were no repairs available and the steering column would be greased again.
Related recalls
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Certain passenger vehicles May have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose May fracture and leak fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on October 14, 2005.
Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector
On certain trucks, the bolt that attaches the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear May not meet specification. The bolt May fracture resulting in the loss of steering.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft bolt free of charge. The recall began on January 24, 2005. Owners May contact GMC at 1-866-996-9463 and Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
Steering complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado, 8% of the model year's 316 complaints. The component named most often is column (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-455 (hose, piping, and connections, Oct 5, 2005); NHTSA recall 05V-018 (shaft sector, Jan 21, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 28,000 miles, and 47% before 25,000 miles.
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.