Most common 1997 Chevrolet Express problems
Share of the 29 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Express complaints by model year
Best Express years: 2025, 2012, 2015. Years to avoid: 2013, 2020, 2000, 1999, 2002. Compare all years →
1997 Chevrolet Express recalls (1)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Passenger vans. These vans experience fuel odors or leakage.
Remedy: Dealers will install a revised evaporative emission pipe assembly.
What 1997 Chevrolet Express owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
Dt: while driving service engine light illuminated on the dash panel. The consumer took the vehicle to a Chevrolet dealer, who performed a diagnostic test which showed that transmission was slipping. The dealer noted the next step would be to check the transmission fluid. Due to the color of the fluid it was determined a new transmission would be needed. The dealer referred the consumer to other independent shops, and they too confirmed what the dealer said. The consumer took the vehicle home and parked it. No corrections or repairs were made. The consumer called Chevrolet manufacturer, and they said there was nothing they could do. The consumer contacted Chevrolet again, and they escalated his concerns but offered no further assistance. Updated 05/06/08 the consumer stated the ABS and mass air flow sensor failed. Updated 05/06/08
On 12-02-01 while traveling at 70 MPH down the highway at 5 a.m. On my way to work there was a very loud screeching noise and I lost all power to the van, transmission gone . Vehicle towed to mark bass Chevrolet dealer in coal city,il. Mileage at 107060. No longer covered under warranty, transmission replaced at a cost of $1863.34 to consumer plus tow bill and rental car for 1 week. On 12-29-01 driving down the highway with the cruise again set at 68 MPH I again lost the transmission. Mileage now at 108219 and vehicle again towed to dealership for repairs. Vehicle is equipped with a trans cooler which was installed upon purchase by the dealership and has towed a boat for a total of 30 miles. 99% of the miles are interstate miles due to work distance of 100 miles per day and traveling to visit my children and father who live in texas and colorado. …
Wheels & tires
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 75 MPH, the front driver side tire blew out. The vehicle was pulled over into the median and the tire was changed. Two hundred miles later, the passenger side rear tire blew out. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder and the tire was replaced. The tires were sent to the manufacturer which determined the blowouts were a result of road hazards. Updated 4/6/2006 - the consumer believes the failure was due to tread separation.
While driving the vehicle's right front wheel came off with the lug nuts still attached to the hub. As a result the vehicle jerked to the right and ran into a wall. The manufacturer has been contacted. Please provide any additional information.
Body & structure
Dt*: the contact stated there is a hook on the rear passenger side door. The contact's head struck the hook, which resulted in the contact losing consciousness and herniating two discs. The manufacturer sent a representative, which determined this is how the vehicle was designed.
As the passenger's sliding door was being shut the sliding door jammed and hit the consumer on the head while trying to find out the problem. Please describe details.
1997 Chevrolet Express engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Chevrolet Express a good car?
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Express rates use caution: 1.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the Express at the same age. It is one of the Express 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 Express?
The transmission & drivetrain — 6 complaints, 21% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the wheels & tires (5) and body & structure (3).
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Express have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Express, the most recent from April 17, 2000 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). 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 Express?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025, 2012 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2020, 2000, 1999 and 2002. See the full Chevrolet Express years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Express problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 82,000 miles; 0% 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.