Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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.
Shifts hard and makes a loud sound and jerks the veh. I talked to many transmission shops. And they say that it is very common with the 97 models it cost around $300.00 dollars to fix. Something to do with shifting tube that has to be drilled out because of fluid pressure. This is also true with every veh with the same transmission. Now you now the truth so fix the problem GM. Your getting as bad as f.o.r.d.
At about 48000 miles I started experiencing a hard shift between second and third gear. It is very intermittent. It didn't matter if it was a long drive or short . In the last two weeks it has happened about 3 times. Whenever it happens all I need to do is pull over, turn the engine off for a few seconds, turn it on again and it's gone till the next time. Sometimes the check engine light is on sometimes it's off, does not seem to have any connection to the frequency of the problem occuring. I do not drive my truck hard. When I took it to the dealer they read the computer code and told me the the transmission was leaking internally and woud cost about $1500 to re-build it. At first I thought it was just bad luck until yesterday. …
The a/t hesitates coming out of a turn at 15 MPH when accelerating and is slow to shift up in gears. On wet pavement the transmission catches and spins the rear wheeels causing the vehicle to go side ways. This has been annon going problem. The dealer put in a new transmission when it was only going to be serviced. I was charged $2,600.00 for the transmission. The only problem is it does the same thing and now leaks fluid. The hotter the transmission gets, the worse it performs. The anti lock brake system does not operate evenly on the brakes. This is evident on the unusual wear to the rear brakes. On an emergency stop the rear brakes lock up. In the past the dealer said it was because there is no weight in the bed of the truck. I have battled and repaired the brake system since purchasing the truck. …
At 62,000 miles fan clutch broke and now transmission needs to be replaced, 2nd gear is gone. The rear seal is leaking and was replaced already at 18,600 the front brakes were repaired at 25,600 then at 35,300 the entire front brakes completely replaced rotors and all(problems with calipers) the repairing dealer claimed it wsn't covered under warranty even though all repairs we done by Chevrolet dealers. Now I am facing approximately $2,000. In repairs to the transmission.......Chevrolet give me a brake. E.
The numbers failure and fatalities and anything that has a series of 9 is only in the boxes so that the form would advance to the next step. Everytime I drive the truck as it is shifting to third gear the rear differental or the tranmission makes a loud klunking sound. I also have a rattle under the vehicle that the dealer says that is the shocks. They have tightened them up but they still rattle. I have contacted GM myself but they refuse to help. My voice is just not loud enough.
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.
I currently own a 1997 Silverado ext cab fleet side. I've had my brakes serviced numerous times and it continues to pull to the left when I'm braking. Also it's very hesitant in picking up speed when passing even with major tune-ups at Chevy dealerships only to be serviced. I'm constantly purchasing front tires for my truck, with front end alignments being done often with the purchase of these tires.
Steering was known to lock up several times when truck was owned for less then six months. Was in shop for steering six times. Four wheel drive then went out. Immediately followed by the transmission. No reverse and only had 1st and 2nd. Repairs have been extremely costly. My dream is now a nightmare. The steering could be fatal to any driver I just got lucky and wasn't driving fast when it locked up.
Transmission complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, 13% of the model year's 272 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (29 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Silverado transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.