1997 Chevrolet Silverado Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado.

19961998
Complaints
365
Crashes
25
Fires
15
Injuries
26
Fatalities
—
Recalls
0

Worst 1997 Chevrolet Silverado Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#137 complaints

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip

Avg mileage:63,500 mi
Crash-related:8
Fires:2
#229 complaints

Automatic Transmission

Avg mileage:80,786 mi
Crash-related:2
Fires:2
#321 complaints

Steering Defects

Avg mileage:123,000 mi
Considering a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado?

Check the actual VIN — every car is different.

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

Check VIN Free

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
37
complaints
Crashes
8
Fires
2
Avg Miles
63,500
Automatic Transmission
29
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Avg Miles
80,786
Steering Defects
21
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
123,000
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
19
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
85,422
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System
17
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
55,000
Fuel Pump
11
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
123,559
Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Avg Miles
69,000
Suspension Failures
9
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
25,000
Suspension:Front
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Tire Defects
8
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
63,000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
7
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Seat-Related Issues
7
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
80,440
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
6
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
36,500
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Disc
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
6
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
79,175
Air Bags:Frontal
5
complaints
Crashes
4
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seats:Front Assembly:Recliner
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
94,081
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Brake Master Cylinder
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Wheel Issues
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
54,000
Electrical Faults
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Wiring
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System, Gasoline:Fuel Injection System:Injectors
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Hydraulic Brakes
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Structure:Body:Tailgate:Hinge And Attachments
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Visibility:Rear Window Wiper/Washer:Motor
4
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:Wiring:Interior/Under Dash
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine & Cooling
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Other Chevrolet Silverado Years

1982198419851987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017

1997 Chevrolet Silverado — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 1997 Chevrolet Silverado has 365 NHTSA complaints, 25 crash-related, and 0 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip with 37 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado?
Top reported problems: Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip (37 complaints, avg 63,500 mi); Automatic Transmission (29 complaints, avg 80,786 mi); Steering Defects (21 complaints, avg 123,000 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 76,931 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA complaints for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado include 25 crash-related reports, 15 fire reports, 26 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado as of the latest data sync. Verify by VIN for the most current status — new recalls can be issued years after a model year ships.
Should I buy a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Silverado reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

Check Your Specific 1997 Chevrolet Silverado

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.

Check Any VIN — $4.99