1997 Chevrolet Silverado problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 365 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.3 times the median Silverado year — the 1997 model ranks #7 of 35 Silverado years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 26 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (72), steering (60), and visibility & wipers (39), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
365
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
25
Crash-involved
15
Fires reported
26
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other Silverado years?
What are the most common 1997 Chevrolet Silverado problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 72 | 20% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 60 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 39 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 38 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 27 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 23 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 21 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 16 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 15 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 13 | 4% | — flat |
| Airbags | 8 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 8 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 7 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Other | 6 | 2% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 4 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 3 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 1 | 0% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“ABS BRAKE FAILURE; WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES TRUCK SLOWED DOWN A LITTLE, BUT DID NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP, CAUSING DRIVER TO REAREND ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED ON DRY PAVEMENT, NO INCLEMENT WEATHER. DRIVER HAD PLENTY OF BRAKING DISTANCE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE…”
“WHEN APPLYING BRAKES (ABS) HAVE TO USE BOTH HANDS TO CONTROL STEERING WHEEL; STEERING LOCKS UP WHEN FOOT ON BRAKES; W/FOOT OFF BRAKES, ABLE TO STEER OR TURN. TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED IT'S THE NEW STEERING SYSTEM IN PLACE. TOLD MANUFACTURER NOTHING WAS WRONG. *AK”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE PANEL CAUGHT ON FIRE. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE POWER LOCKS AND THE POWER WINDOWS FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THE…”
“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…”
“VEHICLE WOULD NOT START.THERE WAS A FIRE IN LOWER GAS TANK FLOAT, WIRES WERE BURNED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *AK”
1997 Chevrolet Silverado — common questions
Is the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 365 complaints put the 1997 model at #7 of 35 Silverado years. It is one of the Silverado years to avoid.
What are the most common 1997 Silverado problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (72 complaints), steering (60 complaints), visibility & wipers (39 complaints).
Does the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado.
Which Chevrolet Silverado years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Silverado years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 1997, 2005, 1998, 1995, 2007, 1994, 1996, 2006, 2008, 2014. The cleanest record among Silverado years belongs to 1987.
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.