2005 Chevrolet Uplander Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 7%of 196 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,390miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2005 Chevrolet Uplander, 7% of the 196 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,390 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.
“My van hesitates between 2 and 3 RPM's. Especially going up a hill, the engine light will blink for a few seconds. Then engine light continues to stay on..the drivers side door is malfunctioning.. Wheel bearing in the rear need replacement.. And there does appear to be an electrical issue.. Radio skips, interior lights don't work at all.. The drivers side seat doesn't heat. Theres barely any heat even when gauge reads the engine is normally warm..”
NHTSA complaint #11287856, filed 2019-12, 136,000 miles“Passenger side headlamp bulb holder loosened and fell to rest on headlight housing melting the plastic and started a fire,melted wiring harness complete headlight assembly and headlight mounting assembly, fire was put out right away could have burn the whole car flames where shooting out of engine compartment.”
NHTSA complaint #10456572, filed 2012-04, 20,308 miles“While driving the exterior and interior lights will dim and/or flicker. Voltage does not stay consistent. When stopping the radio will blink off, and the cd changer will make ejecting noises like a tape player. If any accessories are actually plugged in you will get static and electrical whining from the speakers. Vehicle will give hard start issues after experiencing the light dim and flicker issue. I have already had all the plugs and wires replaced at the dealership for these issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10499286, filed 2013-02, 99,000 miles“Right rear lights (indicator, brake ) failed. Tried to remove the bolts as per the vehicle instruction manual but they would only spin. Took the vehicle to the dealership they could not remove the right or the left lights. Dealership removed the panel and drilled out the side to replace the cage nut with inserts. Dealership stated that the bolts inside had rusted and that I had to remove the bolts from time to time to prevent it from seizing up. Spoke with GM customer service citing the fact that design of the system was faulty and asked them to reimburse the charges. …”
NHTSA complaint #10567292, filed 2014-03, 50,779 miles“Dt: the contact stated there was a problem with the dash lights and headlights flickering. The lights started getting dim as if they were losing power. The problem gets worse when applying pressure to the brake or gas pedal. This has been a constant problem. The vehicle was taken to a dealership, and the alternator was replaced. The problem recurred. She took the vehicle back to the dealership, and they said they would replace the alternator”
NHTSA complaint #10140638, filed 2005-10, 10,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
Exterior lighting: other model years
Other parts of the 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
57 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
45 complaintsBody and structure
45 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsFuel system
11 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Chevrolet Uplander
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