Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 got the truck in 2011 and when the title came in the mail it had a note that the truck had been a dealer lemon law buyback. My problem now is the check engine light is on. I called Chevrolet for some assistance and was told to have a Chevrolet dealer diagnose the problem. The dealer wanted to replace most of the check engine related parts and sensors at a cost to me of about $4000.00. I think that I am being over sold. I paid the $85.00 and had 2 other test and 2 different diagnose cost from $1500 to change injectors. Another.GM recall but mileage problem. Chevrolet declined any help. I think if it was a lemon there must have had a big problem. I would like to keep the truck it still looks good. Also the wipers don't work at times there was a recall on them but age and miles May be a problem. I could use some help. Thank you.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the radiator, transmission, water pump and intake manifold gasket were replaced because of the dexcol anti-freeze the dealer used in the vehicle. The contact was told by the manufacturer that the anti-freeze was not compatible with the vehicle and that there had been issues with using the dexcol anti-freeze with their vehicles in the past. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 75,900.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet k1500 which was obtained in 2005. He stated that the coolant continued to leak excessively from the vehicle. The dealer replaced the water pump; however, the coolant continued to leak. The dealer replaced the pressure nipple which did not correct the failure. No repairs were made to correct the failure. The current and failure mileages were under 117,100.
Cooling system plugged up on 1997 Chevy w/t 4.3 v6 dexcool took to dealer- flushed system- ruined truck (used coolant with gasoline from that point forward had to refill coolant constantly) I gave up on truck and traded it in. Amount of loss- paid 9000.00- owned 13 months- got 4300.00 for net trade. 4700.00 loss.
When driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle jerked. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealership for inspection and the mechanic determined that the transmission failed. The radiator leaked into the transmission.
Head gasket failed allowing coolant to enter top end of engine. Lifters collapsed and all were replaced. Extended warranty covered $1500. Cost. "we've never had a problem with that engine." (service dealer).
The hose from the engine to the engine oil cooler sprung a leak or burst, spraying oil all over under the hood and under the pick-up. This is the 4th time that these hoses have leaked or burst. This time it resulted in a seized engine which required a great deal of effort to turn the steering wheel and required a great deal of force to get the brakes to work at all. These hoses were supposed to have been both replaced 2 months ago. They then leaked and before I could get the vehicle back to the dealer, one hose broke, spraying oil all over. The hose was supposed to have been replaced again, but broke again resulting in a fire hazard with the amount of engine oil that sprayed all over under the hood. The hose was replaced again. I picked up the vehicle on May 13 and the hose broke again on May 20, resulting in the loss of braking and steering and causing the motor to seize. …
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 radiator's coolant system failed, resulting in fluid accumulation in the transmission on two occasions. Was fixed twice, causing a tow by the dealer on the second time. The transmission continued to shift hard from first to second, had another dealer look at it, said it was "junk." notified GM, they did nothing because the first dealer didn't report the problem. Had to pay for a transmission overhaul at 70,000 miles... Very expensive! The fuel indicator has also failed. The fuel pump has failed and had to be replaced. The door handles have fallen off. The windshield wipers have failed several times, but is over the 70,000 mile limit of replacement. Also had to replace the master cylinder. Hmmm... Maybe the dealer was right about being junk without a warranty. So sad that we spent thousands of dollars for products like this.
The steering causes the truck to swerve out of driving lane. The fuel pump shut off in the middle of the hwy. With no warning. The windshield wiper motor would work intermitantly when ever it felt like, this same wiper motor is used on GMC trucks and has been recalled why hasn't it be rcalled on Chevrolet trucks, it's the exact same part #. Engine cooling lines leaked at oil cooler, dealer banner Chevrolet changed oil pan gasket , rear oil crank seal and then oil pan gasket again to no avail, brought to bryan Chevrolet which is another dealer and they fixed the leak turned out to be o ring on oil cooler housing.
Engine complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 6% of the model year's 555 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.