1997 Chevrolet C20 Problems & Complaints

Average53% fewer complaints than a typical year of the C20 at the same age

Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet C20 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the C20 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the fuel & propulsion system (1 complaint). 2 recalls cover this model year.

2complaints
2recalls
0crashes
0fires
0injuries
0deaths

Most common 1997 Chevrolet C20 problems

  • Fuel & propulsion system
    150%
  • Brakes
    150%

Share of the 2 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Chevrolet C20 complaints by model year

199519961997142
Owner complaints per model year, Chevrolet C20. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best C20 years: 1996, 1997. Years to avoid: 1995. Compare all years →

1997 Chevrolet C20 recalls (2)

Seats

NHTSA recall 97V-176 · Oct 7, 1997 · 6,418 vehicles

Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. One or two of the front seat mounting bolts were not installed. This does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 207, "seating systems."

Remedy: Dealers will check all seat mounting bolts and install any missing bolts.

Seats

NHTSA recall 97V-037 · Mar 7, 1997 · 624,433 vehicles

Vehicle description: extended cab and 2-door utility vehicles equipped with reclining seats and the easy-entry feature. These vehicles exhibit a condition in which a pinch point exists in the recliner mechanism that can trap and pinch a person's hand or finger(s) when the easy-entry feature is activated.

Remedy: Dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1997 Chevrolet C20 a good car?

Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 C20 rates average: 53% fewer complaints than a typical year of the C20 at the same age. It is one of the best C20 years by this measure. 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 C20?

The fuel & propulsion system — 1 complaint, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about delivery › fuel pump. Next is the brakes (1).

How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet C20 have?

There are 2 recalls for the 1997 Chevrolet C20, the most recent from October 7, 1997 (seats). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet C20?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1996 and 1997. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1995. See the full Chevrolet C20 years comparison.

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.