Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
Traveling approximately 25 MPH I began for an upcoming stop sign, two school buses were already stopped as I applied the brakes the peddle went quickly to the floor with little results, I was able to put the truck in low gear, turned onto the shoulder and with the emer. Brake and what little brake that was left I was able to get stopped safely. I would learn the welding on the upper shock bracket had failed allowing movement which allowed metal to rub against the brake line which runs past that area. The line failed with the lose of fluid and the brakes. Repairs included replacing of the upper frt.susp control arm assy misc brackets and shelds and rewelding upper shock bracket. It also included replacement of the brake line.
I removed bed off my truck to replace fuel pump and noticed sections of my rear frame missing or just paper thin due to rot/corrosion and it is unsafe to drive. It's sad I've owned this truck for 8years and take very good care of it still has all of its original body panels in rust/rot free and floors are mint just the frame is junk.
The investigating officer on the scene said that all evidence (physical & witness statements) are consistent with the ball joint failing. I have photos of the scene, including close-ups of the failed ball joint. The vehicle is totaled.
Bought new, pulled 26ft trailer to alaska and back, no problems. 6000+- miles after getting home rearend starter making noise, no trailer pulling. Rearend overhaul. Left for michigan on family reunion, got there and started home, blew rearend effanlihamm,il overhauler and 760 miles later rearend grease covered trailer and almost fire, smoking bad, new rearend assemble ordered from Canada, installed and 711 miles later noisey bad. Last new assemble noisey now , #5 for truck. Dealer says not pull trailer and will have no problem. Towing package 350fi,373 rearend, truck don't know trailer back there, alternator went out in ennis and left stranded in middle i45 and wife and kids scared to leave town in truck. Chevy won't or can't fix, just put another rearend in to get me out of the way. Allmost got whole family and yorkie dog wiped out on i45 stoppage. Dead in road. …
I have had numerous problems with my Chevrolet truck. At 31,000, miles the rear leaf springs went bad. At 41,000 miles the brake master cylender and pittman arm and idler arm assemblies needed to be replaced. Being that it was over the warranty period, I did not take it to a cheverolet dealer incurring the cost myself. At 49,000 miles the rear u joint needed repair. At this point, I started to believe that there was more to this problem with the truck as these parts do not usually need repair at such low milage. To top it off, at 51,000 the transmission has failed.
At 25 MPH and above the vehicles steering wheel will jerk when rounding a corner or making a turn. It will jerk the steering wheel when turning right and left. Higher speeds tend to make the jerking worse. I have had several certified mechanics evaluate the problem from the power steering pump, gear housing or even the sensor. After reasearching this issue on the local and nationally level, I would like a definate solution before I sink hundreds of dollars into this vehicle.
All 1991 and later full size Chevy trucks have "knock outs" that prevent front end alignment by the owner of the vehicle. Many trucks are brought back to the dealer with worn tires and the owners are unable to correct the alignment. A service bulletin has been issued describing how to correct the problem. Chevrolet should recall and remove all knock outs free of charge.
My 1997 c-1500 pickup has the problem of veering at high speed. My response is due to a article that I read in the newspaper that there was an investigation of this problem. My truck does this more often if there has been a sudden change in the weather or if it is cold weather. The problem is most noticed when negotiating curves at high speed.
Vehicle is wearing out brake pads too soon for normal wear at 28000 miles. Dealer informed consumer that they are aware of problem but nothing could be done at this time. Consumer was charged for repair and service. Consumer states there is noise in the rear axle area while traveling over bumps, dealer unable to locate rattle.
The vehicle steers as if it were traveling on a rough road (although it is actually traveling on a smooth surface) unexpectedly jerking in one direction or another. I have had the tires replaced and front end realigned, but the problem persists. To drive this vehicle the driver must keep an abnormally firm grip on the steering wheel.
Suspension complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 6% of the model year's 555 complaints. The component named most often is front (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 97,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to suspension 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.