Most common 1997 Chevrolet Silverado problems
Share of the 272 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Silverado complaints by model year
Best Silverado years: 2016, 2010, 2013. Years to avoid: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 1999. Compare all years →
What 1997 Chevrolet Silverado owners say
Brakes all 62 →
The issue that has just caused the 800,000 vehicle recall for GM, the issue with the anti-lock brakes, is on vehicles older than the 1999. I have a 1997 Silverado and was having the problem of the anti-lock brakes engaging at low speeds, it started happening in 1999 and got worse over time. We took the vehicle in for repairs and they replaced the sensor that triggers the anti- lock brakes, at a cost of several hundred dollars. They said this sensor gets dirty and then fails. I am concerned as to why the recall is only going back to the 1999 models when in fact the problem is occurring in older models as well, as I said mine is a 1997 Silverado.
The rear brake line (steel) on my 1997 Chevrolet Silverado fractured while driving on the roadway resulting in loss of brake fluid and diminished braking ability. The brake line, which was located on the driver's side frame rail alongside the fuel tank, was replaced at a Chevrolet dealership and is now in my possession. I was informed that there were two (2) instances recently at the same dealer where the same brake line on 1997 Chevrolet pickups failed due to rust. I noted that my failed brake line appeared to have been rusted in the area of the failure.
Steering all 59 →
In January 2004 the news reported a recall on Chevrolet cars with the exact probblem I have been having since 2000. The power steering will over-assist causing the steering wheel to jerk and hence the vehicle to suddenly steer right or left. It feels like the steering has a mind of its own. This will happen when on a curve or when driving in a straight line. This problem is unpredictable and has caused some near misses and scary moments, particularly when driving on slippery snow covered streets. The failure occurs frequently and lasts for a day or a week at a time then goes away for an undeterminable period. Before I purchased this vehicle I had the same problem while test driving other 1997 pickups. Since there is currently a recall for this problem on Chevrolet cars I feel it should be extended to the c/k, Silverado pickups as well. …
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle pulls to the right intermittently. The pulling occurs suddenly and last for only a second. The contact had the vehicle inspected for the problem by an independent repair shop in 2000. The repair shop was unable able to determine the cause of the pulling. The problem continued and the contact called the local dealer yesterday. The dealer was able to determine a possible cause by phone and suggested repairing the steering sensor. Updated 03/17/06.
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 38 →
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while parked, the driver's side panel caught on fire. Also, the contact mentioned that the power locks and the power windows failed to operate properly. The fire department was not contacted. The vehicle was not destroyed. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The manufacturer had been notified. The approximate failure mileage was 187,600. Updated 9/29/14 updated 2/26/2015
My 1997 Chevrolet Silverado p/u has a problum with the wipers they work some of the time and some of the time they do not work at all. Your web site says there is a recall for this problum (03v15900 your recall #) and when I contacted GM about it I was told by chris lamar that there was and to take to my local Chevrolet dealer for repair and then was told was not going to happen . Contacted GM once again and mr. L amar said it did not cover my truck but in the first conversation with him he said that all GM full size p/u were recalled for the 97 model year from start of production to the end of production. When I spoke to his supervisor she said that because the truck was not purchased from a Chevrolet dealer that they would not nor ever would repair this truck under any now or future recalls. This is a low mileage truck and I am the secound owner.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado a good car?
Based on 272 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Silverado rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Silverado at the same age. It is one of the Silverado years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado?
The brakes — 62 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the steering (59) and windows, wipers & sunroof (38).
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Silverado?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2010 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 1999. See the full Chevrolet Silverado years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Silverado problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 85,000 miles; 17% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.