Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In an emergency or panic stop ABS brake system malfunctioned. Once consumer applied the brakes there was 3 or 4 seconds of no braking power. As a result, consumer rear ended another vehicle. Manufacturer said that it was a normal behavior of the vehicle and was performing by design.
While driving and upon making a stop the brake pedal went completely to the floor. Vehicle then surged forward. It felt as if something disengaged, and the pedal went to the floor. Consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Consumer found that a clip broke which left the brake pedal swinging. The clip which holds the master cylinder rod to the brake pedal broke allowing the rod to slip off.
I lost my power steering and brakes on my 3500 Chevy. 1997 pick up truck, there is only 56.000 miles on this truck. I had the truck towed in and had the power steering pump replaced at my cost, I called the chey. Factory and the girl said they haven't had a problem with the pumps. All I know is I'm glad I wasn't traveling at highway speeds as you can't controll the steering or the braking on this truck.
When trying to stop vehicle by applying the brakes brake pedal went all the way to the floor, resulting in brake failure. Also, power steering failed when trying to turn left. Independent mechanic replaced the power steering pump, and made some repairs to the braking system. However, brakes still operated poorly.
While driving the vehicle at 25 MPH and upon applying force to the brake pedal to make a normal stop, the pedal traveled to the floorboard, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a collision. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer unable to determine the cause of the problem.
When stepping on the brake pedal to stop, brakes failed twice, once resulting in a collision. The brake pedal felt soft and went to the floor. Also, brake fluid leaked out of the truck. Has had the brakes repaired twice.
I have a 1997 Chevy 3500 4x4 pickup truck. Ever since I bought it I have had problems with the antilock brakes. They seem to come on at slow speeds unexpectedly. I had them replaced 1 time at a cost of $700, however within 3 months the problem recuerred. I cannot afford to keep repairing them as upon talking to other owners of the same type of vehicles by GM this is a common problem the solution to which is to remove the ABS fuse rendering the system inoperative. I understand there is an investigation about this problem for years 1999-2001. What I want you to know is that is also common to vehicles made before 1999. There May not be May complaints because most people pull the fuse and disable the ABS system.
Vehicle always pulls to the left when braking..so hard to as pull you into oncomming traffic..the rotors/pads and the calipers have been replaced.several times.the rotors once, calipers twice, and the pads 6 times..OK for about 50 miles then starts the same all over.
Brakes pull to the right when applied to the point of causing a lane change or drifting into shoulder. Worse when towing a 8000lb fifth. Right rotor overheats and warps. Service manager claims this is a common problem and cannot be repaired. Mechanics rep
Whenever ABS brakes are applied, would become sporadic & not function properly. When weather is rainy & coming to a stop, ABS brakes would lock up. Vehicle would slide some distance. Took to dealer & mechanic could not find cause of problem.
NHTSA investigations
Rear axle separation from vehicle
The single consumer complaint received by NHTSA reported an incident in which application of the service brakes of the subject vehicle precipitated an unforewarned loss of vehicle control as the left rear axle separated from the vehicle.inspection of the vehicle following the incident disclosed that the left rear dual wheels had jammed into the fender well as the axle separated from the left leaf spring assembly.the…
Brake complaints in other Silverado 3500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 43% of the model year's 61 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (13 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. 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 3500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 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.