Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
2005 Chevrolet SSRRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 31 owner complaints for the 2005 Chevrolet SSR. Most complaints involve latches/locks/linkages (12) and electrical system (6). The EPA rates it 14–15 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
14–15mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
31
Top: latches/locks/linkages
Fuel cost / yr
$5,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2005 Chevrolet SSR as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 6, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
31 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2005 – Mar 2021
- Latches/locks/linkages12
- Electrical system6
- Structure5
- Power train4
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Engine2
- Air bags2
- Fuel system, gasoline1
- Service brakes1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Latches/locks/linkages
12 reports
“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. *KB”
Electrical system
6 reports
“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?”
Structure
5 reports
“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. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 6, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
2 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Engines
- 6.0L 8-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SSR Pickup 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | $5,300 | 592 |
| SSR Pickup 2WD Man 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 19 | 14 | $5,700 | 635 |
- 15mpg comb.
- 14mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 6, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Chevrolet SSR as of Nov 6, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 6, 2026Vehicle 1356
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2005 SSR questions
How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet SSR have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 6, 2026.
What are the most common 2005 Chevrolet SSR problems?
Owners filed 31 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are latches/locks/linkages (12), electrical system (6), structure (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2005 Chevrolet SSR get?
The EPA rates the 2005 Chevrolet SSR at 14–15 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 6, 2026