10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
15,821 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #20

Nov 282009

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet K2500 pickup truck. While driving 5 mph the vehicle shifted into neutral gear while it was in drive. He then tried to shift gears and was unable to do so. The engine was revving after he tried to change gears and within a few minutes, he was able to continue driving normally. The dealer was contacted and stated that the warranty expired and made no repairs to the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired by another mechanic at the owners expense. The failure mileage was 52,000 and the current mileage was 54,000. Updated 04/01/10.

- Elma , NY, USA

problem #19

Nov 102008

Silverado 2500

  • 53,006 miles
Transmission failure at 53,000 miles. Vehicle engine runs high RPM but fails to shift, especially from 2nd to 3rd gear. Dealer says it will have to be replaced. The problem is dangerous, especially in city traffic where trying to negotiate at traffic light is a hit or miss proposition.

- New Iberia, LA, USA

problem #18

Jan 292008

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles
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.

- Westland, MI, USA

problem #17

Nov 012006

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles
The 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. They called the contact the following day and stated that the initial representative working on the case was unavailable. The contact has yet to hear back from General Motors. The failure mileage was 20,000 and current mileage was 34,700.

- Mainsfield, OH, USA

problem #16

Jul 132007

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,000 miles
The contacts owns a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. While driving 25-45 mph on steep downgrades, the transmission shifted into second gear while the gear shift indicator was still in first. The vehicle was towing a trailer at the time of failure. The dealer has not inspected the vehicle. The dealer stated that they would not be able to correct the failure because that is how the vehicle was designed to perform. The current mileage was 19,600 and failure mileage was 19,000. Updated 02/01/08.

- Killeen, TX, USA

problem #15

Apr 282007

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles
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. First time in the dealer could not find anything. Second time in they found the left rear axle seal leaking and replaced that. The third time in they adjusted the brakes so that it was almost impossible to apply light break pressure. After a couple of days of use the brakes loosened up some and now the clicking and grinding noise is back and it is more noticeable with even a little heavier pressure on the brakes. I will be scheduling a return trip for this and the whining sound in the transmission, but GM seems to take the approach that if it is "functioning" don't repair it.

- Spotsylvania, VA, USA

problem #14

Sep 232006

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles
Driving 50 mph on road, I stepped on the accelerator pedal to accelerate and the vehicle engine light came on. However the vehicle would not accelerate it was spitting and sputtering and slowed down for a while. I pulled over to the side of the road and shut it off. After ten minutes, the vehicle was restarted, and light went out and it ran perfectly.

- Ramona, CA, USA

problem #13

Nov 212006

Silverado 2500

  • miles
I have a '05 Chevrolet Silverado, I recently discovered that when the key in the ignition is turned to the accessory position (one turn with the vehicle off), the vehicle will be able to shift out of the parked position without applying the brake. I have taken it to the Chevrolet dealer they say that is how it is supposed to be. Not only my truck did it, my friends '03 Ford F-350 also does it too! I am not sure if all vehicles are designed like that or not. When the vehicles key is in the run position with the vehicle off, you have to push down the brake pedal before you can shift out of park. The whole idea I thought was to prevent a young child from shifting a vehicle out of park and roll into traffic! the way my truck, and possibility a whole lot more was designed, a child would have a 50-50 chance of turning the key just one time, and that could lead to a catastrophe.

- St. Charles, MO, USA

problem #12

Sep 152006

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,000 miles
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?

- Stem, NC, USA

problem #11

Aug 282006

Silverado 2500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 26,329 miles
Parked on boat ramp, in park with E brake on. Boat was off trailer (afloat). I was unhooking and winding up front strap when I noticed truck moving backward into lake. I was able to jump in and stop vehicle by applying service brakes. A tow chain was attached, I put transmission into drive and was safely be pulled out. Vehicle is a total loss. Shift selector and E-brake failures?

- Martinez, CA, USA

problem #10

Aug 032006

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,800 miles
After a stop in the parking lot, with my foot on the brake, shifting from drive to park the vehicle wanted to jump backwards for a second. This has occurred on several occasions. It feels like it wants to go into reverse instead of park.

- Bellevue, WA, USA

problem #9

Jun 122006

Silverado 2500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Automatic transmission at times hesitates before engaging when accelerator is pushed. It has happened numerous times - the last being the date listed below.

- Mill Valley, CA, USA

problem #8

Mar 292006

Silverado 2500

  • miles
2005 Silverado hybrid engine turns off at stops when brake is applied. The hybrid turns engine off at stops when brake is applied. The consumer feels that it takes too long for the engine to pick up power after taking foot off the brake and applying the accelerator. The consumer feels that the delay is dangerous when trying to enter fast moving traffic from a stop. While stopped on an incline vehicle rolls backwards while the consumer's foot is in transition from the brake to the accelerator pedal.

- Portland, OR, USA

problem #7

Feb 172005

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Last Feb. Purchased a new Silverado truck. GM replaced the transmission at 480 miles. Ever since then I have had a vibration in the rear. I have had the truck to the shop on several occasions. The problem is intermittent and they can't locate the problem whenever I take it in. The problem is most common at speeds of 65-70 mph. The vibration is so bad that the mirrors rattle. Also lately, I have a different vibration (also intermittently) at slower speeds while going up hills. Dealer also unable to diagnose unless the problem occurs while they have the truck.

- Marshfield, WI, USA

problem #6

Feb 102005

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 480 miles
In Feb. 2005, bought a new Chevy. Silverado hd truck. 6 days later while 90 miles from home, transmission burned out of truck. Unable to go faster than 35 mph, smoke rolling out of rear. Transmission slipping while this going on. Parked near a gas station to call roadside assistance, absolutely no help what-so-ever. This was at 6:30pm and they couldn't locate a tow truck. 11 days later I got my truck returned with a new transmission(GM refused to give me a new one)

- Marshfield , WI, USA

problem #5

Jun 172005

Silverado 2500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles
I bought a new 2005 Chevrolet Silverado in may of 2005. A few weeks after owning my truck, and with less than 1,000 miles on it, I noticed the auto transmission would slip. It would only occur when I was accelerating from a stop. Basically, I would give the truck gas and the engine would rev up to about 2,000 RPM's, without the vehicle moving, and then it would all of the sudden make a loud thud sound and then lurch forward, as if it was not in gear and then all or the sudden put into drive. This can't be good for the transmission of the engine. I called the Chevrolet dealership and asked them if I brought my truck in if they could look at it and they said they would, but if they could not duplicate the problem or if there was not any check engine light on they would not be able to diagnose the problem to fix it. The slipping of my transmission has occurred about a dozen times. The problem is it works fine most of the time except when it slips. So I have no idea when it will happen. I could stop and accelerate 100 times and it won't slip. Then just out of the blue it will decide to slip, and make that terrible banging thud of the transmission engagement. I hope that Chevrolet finds out what this problem is and fixes it so I don't have to replace a transmission after my warranty ends after 3 years or 36,000 miles. Not to mention the safety hazard if I had to accelerate to get across traffic and my trucks transmission hesitated and I got into an accident of it.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #4

Sep 202005

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,600 miles
1. driven vehicle for 5,600 miles, no special events 2. while in reverse, vehicle accelerates and decelerates without pushing on the accelerator pedal. 3. computer replaced after we refused to drive, GM said vehicle was safe to drive.

- Carol Stream, IL, USA

problem #3

Jan 122005

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120 miles
Truck bounces. GM replaced with same results. Replaced with aftermarket monroe gas magnums which helped some. Suspension is still weak. Transmission slips while driving. Informed dealer who said transmission guy was not in that day. Will contact the dealer again.

- Astor, FL, USA

problem #2

Apr 182005

Silverado 2500 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 476 miles
The transmission slips upon acceleration. The transmission will slip when crossing an intersection, making the vehicle volurnable to be hit. The RPM's rise while the vehicle is in drive and the vehicle comes to an almost stand still. This has happened a few times but no accident occered. The vehicle's transmission slipped while crossing a 4 lane divided highway with traffic flowing at 65mph. No accident occered and the transmission engaged before an accident could occered. GM has been contacted many times with no response to fixing the problem. GM wants to duplicate the problem before fixing, and telling me no service can be done at this time. GM wants me to drive the vehicle even though they are aware of this safety hazzard and putting me and my family at risk on the highways.

- Salem, WV, USA

problem #1

Mar 112005

Silverado 2500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,600 miles
I noticed a month after purchasing my 2005 Silverado Z71 extended cab that if the key was turned to the 'acc' position, this disables the lock that requires the brake pedal to be depressed fully to shift the vehicle out of 'park'. I brought this to the attention of friedns and family who have GM trucks and SUV's. all these vehicles (2004-2005) do the exact same thing. I took my concern to web forums. Though members thought I was nuts, they tried this on their vehicles and the same thing happens. It seems to be vehicles that have changed the acc location on the ignition. The acc location used to be turned back toward the driver, but now it is one click toward the dash now. This info is not in the owners manual. If parked on any incline and the vehicle is knocked out of gear you would have difficult time braking or steering.

- Coopersville, MI, USA