Most common 2005 Chevrolet SSR problems
Share of the 31 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet SSR complaints by model year
Best SSR years: 2006, 2003. Years to avoid: 2005, 2004. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2005 Chevrolet SSR:
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV.
What 2005 Chevrolet SSR owners say
Locks & latches
2005 Chevrolet SSR - interior door handle fails making it impossible to open the driver's door from inside the vehicle. Only way to exit the vehicle is to roll down the window (electric windows) and reach out to access the exterior door handle or to crawl across the vehicle (over the console) to exit the passenger door. These handles have been failing at a significant rate (both driver and passenger side of vehicle) and Chevrolet replacement parts have not been readily available. In the event of an accident, vehicle fire, or electrical systems failure this could be a very dangerous situation. I have taken to carrying a hammer in the event that I need to break a window to get out. Chevrolet has issued a technical service bulletin on this issue but continues to be slow to provide dealer with parts. This vehicle has now been in this condition for one week.
Driver's inside door handle broke. Driver was able to exit by using door unlock function on keyfob, lowering window and reaching outside to open door. This worked for several weeks while I tried to work with the manufacturer to have them replace the defective door handle. Now the locking mechanism will not allow even this method of exit. Contacted manufacturer as vehicle only has 34,000 miles on it. They claim they have never heard of this type of problem; however, there are other reports on the internet which describe this problem. Manufacturer claims not under warranty since vehicle is a 2005. This is definitely a safety issue.
Electrical system
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet SSR. While the vehicle was parked, it failed to turn off without warning after numerous attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 58,000. ..updated 03/16/16 the consumer stated the engine and radio would not turn off, after the key was removed from the ignition. The alarm buzzer would not stop buzzing after the key was removed from the ignition. In order to turn off the engine, the consumer had to touch the brake and open and close the door, sometimes several times. Updated 03/22/16.
Car started sfifting on its own while in motion. Was told to replace the TCM. The only thing I could do is to buy a used one. I was told mine was a 1 year build model. Very hard to find! Why if GM knew they were junk , are they not making replacments? This is there fault. There are no aftermarket ones. Also, I was told I need a fuse block. Also made by GM with no recall ! They are also defective! $50,000.00 for a death trap?
Body & structure
Engine over heats, electrical system malfunctions, speedometer cluster malfunctions, center switches malfunction, center switch failures. Fuel system malfunctions, fuel system delivery system make vehicle stall. Rear transmission seal leaks, clutch release spring spring out. ABS lights, oil lights & engine over heating lights comes on, transmission slave leaks. Engine fan malfunctions, it never comes on. Temperature gage locks, heat & gas gage locks. These issues has been brought to the attention of GM corporation. These guys refuse to pay for their manufacturing problems, they want to share cost. As a consumer I shouldn't have to share the cost of these manufacturing problems.
Driver's inside door handle broke. Driver was able to exit by using door unlock function on keyfob, lowering window and reaching outside to open door. This worked for several weeks while I tried to work with the manufacturer to have them replace the defective door handle. Now the locking mechanism will not allow even this method of exit. Contacted manufacturer as vehicle only has 34,000 miles on it. They claim they have never heard of this type of problem; however, there are other reports on the internet which describe this problem. Manufacturer claims not under warranty since vehicle is a 2005. This is definitely a safety issue.
2005 Chevrolet SSR engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 12 / 19 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Chevrolet SSR a good car?
Based on 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 SSR rates avoid: 2.8× as many complaints as a typical year of the SSR at the same age. It is one of the SSR years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Chevrolet SSR?
The locks & latches — 12 complaints, 39% of all complaints for this model year, most often about doors › latch. Next are the electrical system (6) and body & structure (5).
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet SSR have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2005 Chevrolet SSR. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet SSR?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006 and 2003. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2005 and 2004. See the full Chevrolet SSR years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Chevrolet SSR problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 12,000 miles; 78% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.