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?
The worst 2005 Chevrolet SSR problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Locks12
- Electrical6
- Body5
- Transmission4
- Engine3
- Fuel system3
- Airbags2
- Brakes1
- Seat belts1
- Tires1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2005 Chevrolet SSR
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
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. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at under the identification numbers in the attached document.
RQ17002
Technical service bulletins for the 2005 Chevrolet SSR 556
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Electrical system
- Unknown or other
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field...
- Unknown or other
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding...
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
What 2005 Chevrolet SSR owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Fuel gage reads way pass full
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 *bf 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.
Po463 code indicating fuel level sensor comes on then check engine light comes on. The fuel gauge will go to empty and back to full or existing fuel level. This occurs when vehicle is moving or stationary, with the engine running. Purchased from chevrolet dealer on 05/26/2015 (third owner), and malfunction happened the same day, and the dealer would not make repairs, said sold as is. I have been trying to get fixed since then without any results. I recently heard that chevrolet provided a recall to correct or replace problem (covering 10 yrs or 120,000 miles), but this vehicle was not fixed, and I could not find any type of notification under carfax that I received from the dealer.
The engine rattles at any RPM. Check engine light p0430 indicates failed catalytic converter (gm dealer verified). First time it happened was at 15000 miles in 2011, happened again now in 2014 at 47000 miles. When replaced at 15000 miles, it was covered under federal warranty 8yr/80000miles. Now chevrolet refuses to cover the cost ($1600 for the part, est. $300 in labor). Dealership manager offered to do all the work under a $500 'customer deductible'. I accepted the offer and was told the part is on back order. It's been over a month now and my truck continues to rattle with the check engine light on. Dealership claims the current condition will not pass state inspection. My complaint is the catalytic converter has failed twice sine the vehicle was put into service and the replacement part has no signs of being available anytime soon.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chevrolet ssr. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to be restarted after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the ignition switch however, the failure recurred twenty times over a period of four months. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.
Transmission gears hard to engage. Abs lights on, fuel system malfunctions with on board computer system malfunctions. Also door panel lock will not open doors. Catalytic converter malfunctioning.
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.
My 2005 ssr drivers inside door handle failed. Unable to open door from inside. From what I hear this has been a common problem on these vehicles. Unable to locate parts and a long wait if they are found. Seems to be a safety problem when I can't get out of my vehicle.
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.
Compare the 2005 Chevrolet SSR
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Questions about the 2005 Chevrolet SSR
Is the 2005 Chevrolet SSR reliable?
Owners have filed 31 complaints about the 2005 Chevrolet SSR, close to a typical SSR model year.
What is the 2005 Chevrolet SSR year score?
The 2005 Chevrolet SSR scores 71 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet SSR: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Chevrolet SSR?
Doors, latches and locks, with 12 complaints, typically around 10,000 miles. Next is electrical (6).
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet SSR have?
No recalls on record.
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