Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Pickup owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving 35 MPH on dry sunny day and upon applying brakes brakes failed to respond, brakes failed without prior warning. Also, brake pedal went to floor, and rear-ended another vehicle. Frontal damage to vehicle. Have not contacted dealer. 2 people were injured in accident.
American automobile makers should be responsible for the major parts of a brake system. We had to take time to get the truck repaired and pay a lot of money for something that should not fail. This is a major safety issue to me. We should not in this country produce such unsafe vehicles.
While backing out of a parking space at a local convience store the vacuum booster failed. This caused the brake pedal to be extremely rigid. My wife wa driving at the time and had (3 months prior) undergone back sugery. It caused he tremendous pain to force the brake pedal down in order to stop. She proceeded to park the vehicle and call me. (at home) I inspected the truck and determined the booster had in fact failed. ( I am an auto technician by trade) the booster was replaced ($168) and the brake problem was alieveated. If this were to have happened while traveling at a greater speed, in a traffic situation, I believe an accident would have resulted and her injuries could have been life threatening.
The brakes have been acting up for about 9 months. When I took the truck to have the brakes fixed, the mechanic said a recall has been made on this truck but has not been sent out. He charged me for a new brake job on the front brakes but the problem still exists. I took the truck back twice and he went through everthing again but I still have a problem. I saw a recall on some '97 Chevy vehicles on the news but have never received a recall notice. Is there a problem with the brakes on this truck? Please let me know. Thank you. Rw.
While making a right turn steering wheel will suddenly pull hard to right, almost as if someone grabbed wheel and pulled it. I do not remember having this problem until I had brake trouble at around 58,000 miles. The front pads were replaced, rotors resurfaced, and packed front wheel bearings. After having the brakes fixed, I still have the problem of the steering pulling to the right while making a right turn. Seem to have the same problem with a 1997 GMC, yukon.
At slow speeds aproximatly 5-10 MPH the antilock system kicks in and the brakes fail to stop the vehicle.mostly coming to a slow stop such as in a parking lot.I hear the ABS motor running and the brake pedal drops the vehicle then feels as though it is not going to stop in time.this is on a good traction surface and there is no wheel lock up.it seems to act up almost every stop for days and then I May not have it occur for a few days then it returns.
Our dealership and general motors help desk indicated that because the vehicle's mileage is beyond the extended warranty criteria, they do not want to fix the vacuum brake boosters even though there have been problems with the GM trucks as reported in the detroit free press on June 29, 2001. Is there anything we can do or anyone to contact regarding the problem? Will the manufacturer (GM) pay for this defect? Or does it have to be a recall?
Ea-01-013; when driving on wet or dry pavement and when attempting to make a gradual stop by applying the brake pedal, pedal almost goes to the floorboard, causing extended stopping distances. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer has noted several TSB's regarding the problem, manufacturer refused to provide any assistance. Please provide any further details.
Brakes on do not work properly when coming to a complete stop, vehicle will accelerate whle consumer still has foot on brake. Other times, brakes feel soft, and other times, brakes kind of kick back. Contacted dealer, and dealer claimed that they have fixed problem already.
NHTSA says that there are defects with this vichicle, GM says that there are no recalls, my front brakes where replaced at 24,000 rear brakes where check showed no sign of wear.the passenger seat will not lock at times , sometimes you get a strong oder of gas at rear of truck.
Brake complaints in other Pickup years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup, 33% of the model year's 75 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Pickup brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.