Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
Dt: the automobile would not start. No previous problems, this was the first incident. The consumer assumed it was the fuel pump. An independent mechanic came out to inspect the vehicle. He determined the fuel tank sending unit assembly had caught on fire which melted the wiring inside the fuel tank. There were no visible flames, when this incident occurred was unknown. He was unaware of this problem and would have not known unless the mechanic had pulled the fuel pan bed and discovered this failure. The mechanic offered no explanation as to why this happened. The plastic simply melted, and the wiring was burned. There have been no repairs or corrections made at this time.
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 incident has happened more than once and has not been resolved. While driving vehicle stalled. Driver tried was unable to restart vehicle. Driver noticed that steering wheel and the brakes failed, and would not work when applied. The driver had the truck towed to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. This is the third pump installed in the vehicle since it was purchased. When the pump failed the engine shut down without warning and there was no power steering or brakes, the vehicle just rolled to a stop.
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.
While trying to start the vehicle the engine would not turn over. The consumer checked the fuel pump and found that the connector that feeds the fuel to the pump was burned out. The consumer was concerned because the connector was actually inside of the fuel tank.
Didn't get rapaired yet. Chevy will replace pumps, but I have to pay for the fuel system to get flushed because of metal in the system that is from the deffective pump. Which they say is $1100 and I think is outrageous.
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. …
For several months, the truck has been cutting off unexpectedly while driving. This is extremely dangerous as it loses power steering and is very hard to control. It has cut out in the middle of busy intersections as well. GM is aware there is a problem - they recently sent out a notice claiming they were extending the warranty on the fuel injection pump. However, when I took the vehicle to the dealership they refused to fix the problem. Not only that they refused to sell me parts so that my mechanic could fix it. I am now stuck with a $35,000 truck that is not safe to drive and I cannot get repaired.
Instantaneous power loss while passing semi-truck trailer. Problem confirmed by Chevrolet dealer as due to stuck fuel injector. Placed driver, passenger and other vehicle occupants at risk of collision. Problem had been previously serviced by another Chevrolet dealer only one month before. Dealers claim that Chevrolet Vortec engine fuel injectors have known sticking problem with california formula fuels. Diagram of potential collision situation available upon request.
While traveling at 25 MPH engine suddenly shut down without warning. Cause unknown. Took to dealer, and they stated that fuel pump assembly shorted out and almost caused a fire. Dealer stated vehicle could have exploded. Please provide any further information.
Fuel System complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, 9% of the model year's 272 complaints. The component named most often is delivery › fuel pump (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Silverado fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.