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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Engine is a 6.5 turbo diesel. I bought this vehicle used so have no previous history whether it happened before I owned it. Vehicle engine started to die while driving, occasionally at first. It would restart immediately sometimes and sometimes it had to sit for a while. This problem started in years previous to 2010 intermittently but became more frequent in 2010- 2011. Didn't matter what speed I was traveling, it would quit on the interstate going 75 MPH or in driveway going 5 MPH. Shut off without warning and immediately like someone turned the key off. All power steering and power brakes failed but fortunately I was able to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and stop it when it happened, only because I knew how to steer with out power steering and had the strength to do it. With others this could easily cause serious accidents. …
This vehicle has been a nightmare. The brakes have failed, the steering column has gone out, I had to replace all the tires and get a front end alignment, the alternater went out, and the transmission has never worked correctly. It clanks loudly when shifting gears, doesn't idle correctly, and shuts off. I have had it rebuilt on three separate occasions. On one occasion it even caught on fire. The transmission is back in the shop now.( dot number: tire size: 16 inch )
When making a left or right turn, the steering wheel gives and causes temporary steering loss. Ts the vehicle also sustained the following failures, the pcv valve malfunctioned causing the #2 and #3 heat shields in the transmission to crack. This malfunction was repaired and now the 4 low gear is inoperable. Also, the fuel pump, oxygen sensor, air conditioner compressor and pump malfunctioned. Noticeably after purchase, the driver side seat gives when braking.
Problem #1: the fuel pump relay doesn't seem to disengage after first starting the engine and it heats up. This causes rough operating of the engine. Further investigation shows that the maxi fuse to the lighting system heats up also, but does not fail. Another area that is affected is the Mini fuse to the courtesy lamps. It heats up, but does not fail. The last area to be affected is the evaporative emission canister vacuum switch. It acts as if the wheels are out of balance around 50mph. I have taken this vehicle in to the dealership on a number of occasions and they either can't find anything wrong or try and tell me that the fuel injectors are at fault. They put injector cleaner in the fuel tank on two occasions, which made it run worse. …
In approximately a five week period, my truck has failed to start twice and died once as I crossed a busy intersection. Both times the truck failed to start, the dealer installed a new fuel pump, (now on my third pump) and after the vehicle died in the intersection while moving about 20 MPH, a new distributor cap and rotor was installed but the failure could also be fuel pump related. In both cases the mechanic stated on the repair order that the wiring had shorted out. The service manager indicates that he has no solutions and this is not an uncommon occurance. The fact that one never knows if he will successfully make it across several lanes of traffic without the engine quitting is inherently unsafe. A call to Chevrolet customer service indicates that they are very sorry but they really don't know just what to tell me.
Transmission went out at 40,000 miles. Consumer was told that transmission was not under warranty. Battery and alternator failed, short circuit fuse caused failure of brake lights and turn signals. Injector failed. Water pump failed. Vehicle jumped out of gear, was towed to dealer who informed consumer that transmission needed replaced, consumer is angry that a vehicle with such low mileage would have transmission failure and Chevrolet will not asist in repairs.
Engine intake anti-freeze leak is a known problem for 1997 Chevy trucks and should be a factory paid for fix. But no they don't want to do that, we as consumers have paid as much as 600.00 to 700.00 to have GM dealers to do this. Witch I think is wrong!!!!!!!!!
Consumer experiencing problem with vehicle making loud noise sounds while vehicle is running; dealer notified, and informed consumer that the problem is a defective air intake valve which they can repair, but will void engine warranty if they repair it.
Mileage now 100000 dealer now identified evo sensor to be faulty. The number of these failures on the NHTSA is extensive is a manufactuerer recall in effect? My opinion is further investigation is mandatory to avoid catastrophic failures and injury.
On two occasions vehicle experienced total shut down in heavy traffic. Previously vehicle has been in repair shop on three occasions for similar problem. But dealer informed consumer that problem could not be duplicated.
Engine complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, 8% of the model year's 272 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Silverado engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado. 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire 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.