Most common 1997 Chevrolet C Series problems
Share of the 22 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet C Series complaints by model year
Best C Series years: 1995, 1996. Years to avoid: 1997, 1998. Compare all years →
What 1997 Chevrolet C Series owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Fuel injection system was repaired by the dealer after the vehicle lost pressure. Currently, windshield wipers work intermittently. The transmission was slipping because the motor was not functioning properly, the fuel injectors were the main cause for all of there parts to malfunction and break down, the ABS brakes were activating on dry pavement at slower speeds, the steering wheel off center and vehicle pulled to the left and would intermittently clunk and found loose pitman arm, the vehicle would skip and shake, and the catalytic converter gave insufficient efficiency. The fuel injection was repaired. The service dealer refused to repair anything dealing with the engine. The consumer stated that the windshield wiper motor has not yet been corrected.
Windshield wipers stop working when they want to. This has been happening for approx. 7 years. There was a recall on the 1996 model but GM would not cover my 1997 model, said if I pay to replace circuit board and send to them they May or May not pay but was not included in recall although is just as hazardous as year earlier model. This is a very serious situation as wipers will just stop in any position at will then next time I turn them on they May work or not.
Fuel & propulsion system
Fuel injection system was repaired by the dealer after the vehicle lost pressure. Currently, windshield wipers work intermittently. The transmission was slipping because the motor was not functioning properly, the fuel injectors were the main cause for all of there parts to malfunction and break down, the ABS brakes were activating on dry pavement at slower speeds, the steering wheel off center and vehicle pulled to the left and would intermittently clunk and found loose pitman arm, the vehicle would skip and shake, and the catalytic converter gave insufficient efficiency. The fuel injection was repaired. The service dealer refused to repair anything dealing with the engine. The consumer stated that the windshield wiper motor has not yet been corrected.
When the key was placed in the ignition it would not turn. The check engine light also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who informed the consumer that the fuel injectors had to be replaced. Please provide further details.
Brakes
Fuel injection system was repaired by the dealer after the vehicle lost pressure. Currently, windshield wipers work intermittently. The transmission was slipping because the motor was not functioning properly, the fuel injectors were the main cause for all of there parts to malfunction and break down, the ABS brakes were activating on dry pavement at slower speeds, the steering wheel off center and vehicle pulled to the left and would intermittently clunk and found loose pitman arm, the vehicle would skip and shake, and the catalytic converter gave insufficient efficiency. The fuel injection was repaired. The service dealer refused to repair anything dealing with the engine. The consumer stated that the windshield wiper motor has not yet been corrected.
Dt: the contact states that the windshield wiper motor on his vehicle was supposed to be covered under warranty. The manufacturer explained that the wipers would not be replaced until they failed. The windshield wiper motor would work intermittently. The problem with the motor was that it burnt like a mother board for the motor and it burnt all the copper tips and the plastic off of the wiring. Also the seat belts would lock and then while driving the seat belt will come unlocked. The seat belts failed intermittently also. The contact owns a 1997 Chevy cheyenne. The contact has had three sets of brakes and there is only like 67843 miles on the vehicle. Several components relating to the brake system were replaced. The original equipment tires (Goodyear wrangler rts) were the wrong size and had to be replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Chevrolet C Series a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 C Series rates use caution: 2.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the C Series at the same age. It is one of the C Series years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Chevrolet C Series?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 12 complaints, 55% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield wiper/washer › motor. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (4) and brakes (4).
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet C Series have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Chevrolet C Series. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet C Series?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995 and 1996. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997 and 1998. See the full Chevrolet C Series years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet C Series problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 62,000 miles; 13% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.