Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Pickup owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Pickup. While turning left at 15 MPH, the steering wheel locked. The contact shut off the engine and placed the gear into park. He then restarted the vehicle and the steering wheel unlocked. He had to do this twice before taking the vehicle to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer did not want to inspect the vehicle. They have had the vehicle for two days and cannot determine the cause of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 138,000.
Steering wheel pulls hard to the right when steering through a curve. It is a very sudden movement and lasts from 1-3 seconds and can happen several times going through a curve. I was traveling on a two lane road and was pulled off of the road traveling at 55 MPH nearly missing a tree. This problem exists at any speed and at any time.
While driving the vehicle's steering wheel would become loose. The consumer had problems making right and left hand turn. The dealership's mechanic was notified of this problem but the cause has not been determined.
Since first purchased, this vehicle has a tendency to pull to either the right or left without cause. I took it to the dealer and they replaced a steering sensor unit, but the problem continued. They then told me that nothing was wrong with the truck. Since then I have experienced this sudden pulling at least 50 times. A friend of mine also bought a new 1997 chev. P.u. And has had the exact same problem. Today he called me and said there is a web site devoted to this same problem. On icy roads and for the inexperienced driver, this could be a potentially fatal defect. How many rollovers and deaths have already been caused by this unexplained steering problem??
Driver's seat rocks. I had the seat bracket replaced twice under warranty and now the seat bracket has play in it again. This is un-safe because when you accelerate (at any speed) the seat rocks back effecting the grip on the steering wheel and reach to the accelerator and brake. The dealership tells me there is no recall and I could pay to have the bracket replaced. This would make three times and there would be no guarantee it won't work its way loose again. This item probably requires a re-design. P.s. I'm of average built 6 feet tall, 180 pounds so my size shouldn't be causing the problem.
When driving in low speed and trying to make a left or right turn the vehicle won't allow the consumer to make a complete turn, and the power steering locks up. Consumer has to fight the steering wheel in order to make a turn. Chevrolet customer assistance informed consumer to return vehicle back to dealer.
Consumer states the the power assist steering intermittently comes and goes. (the power assist is supposed to kick in when truck is driving at low speeds). Consumer was driving about 60 MPH when the power assist steering kicked in, causing the truck to swerve off the road. The dealer has repaired the truck.
While driving the steering becomes very loose and the suddenly catches. I have have contacted the dealership and they feel certain it is a power steering speed sensor. I have encounter many other consumers who have experienced the same problem. This should be a recall item. Very dangerous while driving.
A jerking of the steering wheel while driving. It will jerk or try to turn on its own while going straight or on a turn. It has caused several near miss accidents. This vehicle is dangerous to drive. The steering acts up at different times and speeds and cannot be predicted.
The steering wheel gets loose at low speeds, making it difficult to control the vehicle. Thus, increasing the chance of a crash. Manufacturer will be contacted by consumer. When the consumer turns at low speeds the vehicle oversteers.
Steering complaints in other Pickup years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup, 28% of the model year's 75 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Pickup steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Pickup steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.