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Exterior lightingPart report

2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Exterior lighting Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
2%of 525 total for the year
Median mileage
65,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2% of the 525 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Tail light housing leaks water into tail light area which causes tail and brake light bulb bases to corrode , lose contact and fail to operate. I replace tail lamps every 3 to 6 months. Instrument panel failed at 65000 miles and despite extended warranty GM would not repair. I was never contacted about GM settlement concerning this factory defect.”

NHTSA complaint #10626510, filed 2014-08, 65,000 miles

“There is a safety recall on the shift lever indicator but my truck was not included and I have that exact sam issue. I cannot tell what gear my truck is in why isnt my vehicle included? My vehicle was stationary and gradually started to fade at start up.”

NHTSA complaint #11202893, filed 2019-04, 96,000 miles

“I started my truck and turned the air conditioner on its highest setting while I loaded my two children into their car seats. I had one of my children in their car seats and was putting the second one in his when I smelled smoke and quickly realized there was smoke blowing out of the vents. I got my boys out of their seats and shut the vehicle off. I opened the doors and searched for something to extinguish flames. After grabbing the garden hose and returning to the truck I noticed that there was smoke coming from under the dash but I didn't see any flames. …”

NHTSA complaint #10599053, filed 2014-06, 141,000 miles

“Rust corrosion has worn through to affect electrical lines - rear lights no longer work. Have already replaced the dashboard console electrical. Gas fuel light stays on which is related to the circuitry electrical system and affects smog system. Main problem is, right now, the safety and driveability of this truck due to rusting through underbody to the drive shaft and axel/brake system (nevermind the rear lights not working) will this truck fail on the road when driving?”

NHTSA complaint #10923759, filed 2016-11, 80,000 miles

“Brake lights will not come on when brake is applied all bulbs and fuses are checked to be ok recall on similar chevy trucks near crash twice when the person could not tell I was stopping.”

NHTSA complaint #10281712, filed 2009-08, 36,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Exterior lighting: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202611%
202511%
202410%
2023123%
202241%
202161%
2020122%
2019161%
201871%
2017162%
2016172%
2015283%
2014403%
201321%
201252%
201171%
201041%
200992%
200861%
2007192%
200682%
200592%
2004101%
200371%
200210%
2001123%
200091%
199951%
199872%
199731%

Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Electrical system
189 complaints
Brakes
131 complaints
Air bags
51 complaints
Steering
45 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
36 complaints
Suspension
21 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaints
Engine
18 complaints
Engine cooling
18 complaints
Fuel system
16 complaints
Body and structure
15 complaints
Vehicle speed control
13 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology