VehicleVerdict

1997 Chevrolet Pickup problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 113 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.0 times the median Pickup year — the 1997 model ranks #1 of 17 Pickup years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (28), steering (23), and visibility & wipers (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

113

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Pickup years?

Pickup NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted113 complaints1972: 4 complaints1973: 2 complaints1975: 2 complaints1978: 1 complaints1990: 13 complaints1991: 17 complaints1992: 8 complaints1994: 60 complaints1995: 90 complaints1996: 75 complaints1997: 113 complaints1998: 60 complaints1999: 51 complaints2000: 37 complaints2001: 19 complaints2002: 21 complaints2003: 12 complaints
Pickup NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Pickup years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Chevrolet Pickup problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2825%
Steering2320%
Visibility & Wipers76%
Electrical System76%
Engine76%
Tires & Wheels65%
Transmission65%
Suspension65%
Seat Belts33%
Fuel System33%
Seats33%
Speed Control33%
Body & Structure33%
Airbags22%
Other22%
Lighting22%
Latches & Locks22%

Does the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

08E050000LightingAugust 11, 2008 · 1,921 units

Defect

K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“AMERICAN AUTOMOBILE MAKERS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAJOR PARTS OF A BRAKE SYSTEM. WE HAD TO TAKE TIME TO GET THE TRUCK REPAIRED AND PAY A LOT OF MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE TO ME. WE SHOULD NOT IN THIS COUNTRY PRODUCE SUCH UNSAFE VEHICLES.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 30, 2001 · crash

“STEERING WHEEL PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT WHEN STEERING THROUGH A CURVE. IT IS A VERY SUDDEN MOVEMENT AND LASTS FROM 1-3 SECONDS AND CAN HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES GOING THROUGH A CURVE. I WAS TRAVELING ON A TWO LANE ROAD AND WAS PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD TRAVELING AT 55 MPH NEARLY MISSING A TREE. THIS PROBLEM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 9, 2001 · crash

“CONSUMER HAS EXPERIANCED PORBLEMS WITH LOSING POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. CHECKED FLUIDS, AND THE FLUIDS LOOKED FINE. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER WILL REPLACE A PUMP IN ENGINE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 23, 2001

“BELT TENSION PULLEY SHATTERED; DEALER SAYS IT IS NOT RARE. VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER INCLUDING STEERING. NEW BELT NEEDED.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System

“CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A WINDSHIELD WIPER PROBLEM. WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENLY. CONSUMER FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ONE OF THEM. *AK *SC”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 9, 2004

1997 Chevrolet Pickup — common questions

Is the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 113 complaints put the 1997 model at #1 of 17 Pickup years. It is one of the Pickup years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Pickup problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (28 complaints), steering (23 complaints), visibility & wipers (7 complaints).

Does the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Pickup years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pickup years to avoid are 1997, 1995, 1996, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2000. The cleanest record among Pickup years belongs to 1978.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.