Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Lower right ball joint on vehicle failed causing truck to lose control side swipe a parked car and travel another 70 feet knocking over a stop sign. Drivers side seat belt did not hold me in seat causing me to go forward hitting head on steering wheel. I cracked a molar tooth and both knees were injured hitting the trim piece under instrument cluster.
Vehicle was going 50mph around a wide right hand curve when vehicle suddenly started wobbling/ spinning/ went over embankment, and rolled backward into a barn. Consumer suffered no injuries. Also, consumer did everything to control vehicle before losing absolute control. When consumer contacted dealer, they had not heard of any incident during that time. Dealer assumed consumer lost control and ran up on grass. Consumer has had several different incidents that relates to the same problem. Consumer please add the VIN# and mileage to form.
Consumer stated the right rear spring broke and the leaf is completely broken, there is a rattling sound underneath the vehicle. Consumer stated the failure occured while driving, the dealer acknowledges that the original equipment rear springs were prone to cracking due to the brittle alloy used in their construction, consumer was informed by the dealership that even though only one spring had failed, both rear springs needed replacement because the replacement springs were made of different alloy to correct the problem, consumer states Chevrolet refeuses to take any responsibilty for the defect.
At 13000 miles poor braking and noise in front end. Dealer checks brakes finds that specs are met.29000 mi. Brakes are shot and replaced at my expense. GM says dealer must have misdiagnosed take it up with them even though historical data shows problem reported at 13000 miles.it isn't right that serious injury or death is the wake call that one of the USA's largest corporations needs to step-up to accepting responsibility for a product they engineered,designed, and marketed. I would expect that from china.
Ea99011-erratic power steering assist. While driiving vehicle goes down a straight road, hits a slight bump, causing the tension in the steering column to release, which results in loss of control. However, the same problem is more intensified when going around curves. Within the past month, the vehicle has been at the dealership 3 times for this problem. The steering sensor / steering box have been replaced. Consumer is still experiencing similar problems.
Took vehicle to dealer in April 1999 for steering problem. Vehicle would just drift off course. Typically happened at speeds between 35-45 MPH. Dealer could not find any problems, but did rotate tires. Read article in paper which noted investigation into problem with same exact symptoms that I experienced. Wanted to file report to lend further emphasis to your investigation.
While driving steering wheel felt as if vehicle was on ice. There was no control. When vehicle hit bumps vehicle could not be controlled. Took to dealership. Was test driven. The problem was felt, but dealer could not locate steering problem for repairs. Steering was weird, but nothing was wrong. New tires put on & vehicle realigned. Problem still exists.
While traveling on the highway speeds can happen any speed 25-65 MPH vehicle pulls to the right at any given time. Problem is intermittent. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer has inspected vehicle, and wa s unable to determine the cause of the problem. Please provide any further details.
While driving 20 MPH or more steering wheel/vehicle would jerk to the right of the road. Dealer/manufacturer were not notified at this time. Consumer states that the vehicle would turn right before the steering wheel turned and that there was no way to stop in advance.
While driving at highway speeds around 50 to 60 MPH vehicle wanders and drifts to left or right. Dealer has been contacted. Brakes do not function properly; extended stopping distance. Brakes have been replaced twice.
Suspension complaints in other Tahoe years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe, 7% of the model year's 410 complaints. The component named most often is front (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe. 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 Tahoe suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 168,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.