Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.
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.
When applying brakes (ABS) have to use both hands to control steering wheel; steering locks up when foot on brakes; w/foot off brakes, able to steer or turn. Took to dealer & informed it's the new steering system in place. Told manufacturer nothing was wrong.
When driving at any speed the steering wheel gets loose. If I'm on a road with a curve and I have pressure on the steering wheel to the right let's say or left the steering wheel would suddenly loosen up and quickly turn in the direction of the pressure I'm applying. As if opening a jar. It gets that loose. I almost hit a couple of parked cars because of this. The only reason we found out about what the problem was is we overheard a Chevy owner showing someone the part he had to change. This was after we had the front end done to no avail. This guy had thousands of dollars worth of front end work done at three different Chevy dealers to no avail. Our part cost $50 and the labor was $100. I've talked to tahoe owners and rode in their vehicles and they all have the same problem as I did. We had to tell them what the fix was. Pretty lame seeing the dealers don't even know. …
Below is a copy of the e-mail I have sent to the dealership here in auburn al. I did not get an e-mail back so called a few days late. I was told that the replacement part would be $240 . I think that this is something that has occurred in many cases and should be recalled. I know of 4 GM trucks within 1997-1998 range that have had the same problem. This problem is very dangerous! At this time nothing has been done to fix the problem and I hope that an accident is not caused because of it. Dyas, I have a "97 Silverado ext cab 2wd 1500 with a 350 vortex. Dyas has done recall work for me in the past (wipers). I have another problem that will come and go every few weeks this has been going on now for about two years. It has to do with the steering. Difficult to explain, but I will do my best. …
The air-conditioner was cooling fine one day then the next it wouldn't blow cool air at all. So I take it to the Chevrolet mechanic he said the compressor was shot and it would cost about $700 to fix it. One evening I went to crank my truck and it wouldn't do anything but click well guess what it was the starter not cheap another $60. One day I was driving down the road the cop stops me and tells me that I have no brake lights on the right side luckily he warned me but a new harness cost like $50.also my power sterring pump that has went out twice in less than a year costing about $80 each time.the only thing I have to say is that this May be the last Chevy that I ever own and that is saying a lot because I myself has owned four my family three that is seven if I can add, so that could be alot of vehicles that could go to another make all together. …
While driving down the road the steering wheel did not seem to want to turn but then it would suddnely and violently jerk to which ever direction the turn was in. This was a very serious problem because you never knew when it would jerk and when it would not. It finally became so bad that it did it all the time! This was a very upsetting problem because if you were not carefull you could easily loose control and in oneida tenn. There are some very curvy roads with steep embankment, and there are not guardrails on a lot of there roads. It was very distressing especially because the problem actually started just several miles before the warranty expried I just had not figured out what the problem was since I had never expericenced a problem like this!!
While driving and making a turn, the steering wheel locked up at the turn and consumer had to wiggle it to come out of turn. After he straightened out the steering became free, turning. Consumer states since the day the vehicle was bought, the wheel would catch when the tilt was used, the dealer made repairs, however it still would not work correctly, the dealership told the consumer not to use the wheel to pull themselves into the vehicle, once the wheel was replaced there were lots of shaved broken metal parts inside the column where the wheel mounts, consumer traded vehicle in.
Steering complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 59 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, 22% of the model year's 272 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Silverado steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.