Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have had a dangerous situation occur with a failure in the fuel injection system, involving the wiring harness and vehicle control module (vcm) of my 1997 Chevrolet k1500. The vehicle was towed into a Chevrolet dealer, for service due to a crank but no-start issue on January 29, 2004. Upon diagnosis by the mechanics, they determined that the fuel injection system had somehow developed a leak, which caused fuel pressure to build-up where the wiring-harness entered the unit. Then, fuel was forced at high pressure between the wires and insulation until it pooled up inside the vcm. The dealer's mechanic, per diagnostic testing, stated that the installation of a new vcm, wiring harness, and injector system is necessary to fix the problem. …
We are currently having our 4th fuel pump placed in our truck, this time after it died on the interstate. We towed the truck home and tried to diagnose the problem when we got under the hood we discovered the ignition control module was overheating it was so hot my husband burned his finger. We replaced it but that didn't fix it. We sent the truck to the shop and were told it was the fuel pump again, the wires on the pump were burn and melted which was causing the icm to overheat. This is the same thing that was wrong with the original pump that was replaced in sept 01, April 04 the second pumps' fuel level sensing unit (a thin piece of metal sliding across a set of conductors) became corroded and got stuck on empty, and now the 3rd pump has burnt melted wires. All repair were at my cost. We real luck the thing didn't blow up! …
A mark viii, while driving and pulling a trailer, transmission cooling unit line cracked, causing a transmission leak, spraying transmission fluid onto the exhaust manifold, resulting in a fire on the driver's side of the vehicle which burned the wiring harness. Dealer repaired the wiring harness and replaced the transmission system. Please provide further information.
Vehicle off, locked and parked in driveway. Not used for 7 hours. Electrical short in engine compartment started a fire. In dispute with GM as to what caused short. They deny responsibility and say it was an aftermarket electrical accesory that was installed 1 1/2 years ago, but GM will not provide a copy of the investigator's report to me or my insurance company.
Windshield wiper defect: windshield wipers fail to operate correctly, or at all, during adverse weather conditions. This equipment failure puts a driver and all passengers at risk of harm due to inhibited visibility. Have had to suddenly change lanes on highway during heavy rain, pull off, stand on edge of door trim with traffic driving by, and push the wipers manually up and down to get them working again. Sometimes I will have to open the hood of the truck, push the fuse tight, push the wipers to start them, and then go. Our 1996 Chevy suburban was recalled due to a windshield wiper defect, they have worked fine since the windshield wiper component was replaced.. I have contacted our local Chevy dealership twice to have the windshield wiper defect repaired on the 1997 c1500 truck. …
Transmission went out on consumer while they were driving. Bearing splintered, causing metal pieces into transmission oil, the reaction carrier, overrunning clutch, clutch support, over clutch race, and torque converter all failed. Left rear door panel bad, rattle in side door, rear side door repaired, right side doors trim panels become loose, door panles replaced, side door panel rattles. Vehicle having electrical problems, rear tail lights not at same height, left window switch replaced, doors locked with keys in vehicle, interior lights come on while driving, battery failed five times, antitheft light on radio causing it not to work. Air conditioner was blowing hot air and vent would not adjust from side to side. Windows kept getting stuck. Air bag light illuminated. Power steering was noisy, dealer repaired power steering, power steering became noisy again. …
The air bag light illuminated, consumer took vehicle to the mechanic who informed consumer that there is a horn ring under the air bag in the steering column that has two wires. Most likely one of the two is broken which causes the light to stay on. He also stated to consumer that this was a common problem with these trucks. Consumer had the part replaced and had to take vehicle to the dealer to clear the computer. The service department informed consumer that the control module was friedbecause the wires shorted out in the steering column.
Engine component's plastic casing that surrounded computer was filled with fuel. Vehicle had shut off at least once. Been to dealer & mechanic ran diagnostic test. Also wires were checked. Informed consumer that some of the components weere bad. Vehicle was rediagnosed & nothing worked. Mechanic finally decided to check computer. It would need to be replaced.
When the truck was bought we told the seller of the problems he said they would be fixed. They didn't get it, a week later it started to lose charge of battery I noticed there was aicd on the bottom so I replaced it thats when it all started, I 've had it in the shop 5x's. It has had 2 alternators, 2 batteries, in the last 3 1/2 months
Fuel pump failed replaced at my cost by dealer.coolant hose from intake to heater failed common problem alternator replaced at my costed at my cost,common problem. Intate leak(coolant) not yet repaired. Mass air flow sensor replaced at my cost,part only available from GM.
Electrical complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 5% of the model year's 555 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. 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 Silverado 1500 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 125,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.