The problem
Vehicle description: light duty passenger pickup trucks equipped with 4.3l engines. The front brake line can contact the left-hand side of the engine oil pan causing the brake line to wear to the point of brake fluid loss during brake application.
The risk
Brake fluid loss can reduce braking effectiveness and increase stopping distances resulting in a vehicle crash without prior warning.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the clearance between the oil pan and the brake line. If the clearance is 6mm or less, dealers will install an additional brake line clip and if there was contact between the oil pan and brake line, the front brake line will be replaced.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 97V146001 (97V146001) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | General Motors, LLC |
| Component | Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings |
| Report date | September 11, 1997 |
| Owners notified | October 20, 1997 |
| Vehicles affected | 146,167 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the brakes
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 97V146001 repair free?
Yes. Chevrolet dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the clearance between the oil pan and the brake line. If the clearance is 6mm or less, dealers will install an additional brake line clip and if there was contact between the oil pan and brake line, the front brake line will be replaced.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 146,167 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.