EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1997 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 48 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1997 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck, most frequently naming the steering, brakes and transmission categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 3 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 1997 | 1 | 1 |
| May 1997 | 1 | 2 |
| Jan 1998 | 1 | 3 |
| Feb 1998 | 1 | 4 |
| Mar 1998 | 1 | 5 |
| Apr 1998 | 1 | 6 |
| Aug 1998 | 1 | 7 |
| Nov 1998 | 2 | 9 |
| Dec 1998 | 2 | 11 |
| Feb 1999 | 2 | 13 |
| Mar 1999 | 1 | 14 |
| May 1999 | 2 | 16 |
| Jun 1999 | 2 | 18 |
| Jul 1999 | 5 | 23 |
| Sep 1999 | 2 | 25 |
| Oct 1999 | 2 | 27 |
| Nov 1999 | 2 | 29 |
| Jan 2000 | 1 | 30 |
| Apr 2000 | 1 | 31 |
| May 2000 | 1 | 32 |
| Jun 2000 | 1 | 33 |
| Aug 2000 | 3 | 36 |
| Oct 2000 | 1 | 37 |
| Dec 2000 | 1 | 38 |
| Mar 2002 | 1 | 39 |
| Jun 2002 | 1 | 40 |
| Jul 2002 | 1 | 41 |
| Feb 2003 | 1 | 42 |
| Sep 2004 | 1 | 43 |
| Sep 2005 | 1 | 44 |
| Oct 2005 | 1 | 45 |
| Jun 2007 | 1 | 46 |
| Aug 2007 | 1 | 47 |
| Nov 2007 | 1 | 48 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSafety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
FUEL LEAKS FROM THE VAPOR CANISTER
In January 1998, GM issued the technical service bulletin describing conditions which may result in fuel leakage from the emission vapor canister.According to the bulletin, when the subject vehicles are parked on an incline, with a full tank of gasoline, fuel can flow into the vapor canister.The remedy is to replace of the vapor canister, both rollover valve assembles, and the associated piping.In April 1998, ODI opened Service Query 98-005 to understand GM's rationale for issuance of a service bulletin on a matter that appeared to result in fuel leakage, an issue that is usually address by conducting a safety recall campaign.On November 10, 1998 the SQ was elevated to an Engineering Analysis (EA98-024) to investigate an alleged defect in the fuel tank rollover valve system in certain 1996 through 1997 Chevrolet Trucks and OMC Full Size 010-030 panel and passenger vans.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
I HAVE A 1997 CHEVY TAHOE THAT HAS HAD ALL OF THE REQUIRED TUNE-UPS AND SERVICES. I RECENTLY LOST MY TRANSMISSIONS. I HAVE NEVER PULLED ANYTHING WITH THIS TRUCK. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT ALMOST 95 OUT OF A 100 BUYERS HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. WHY SHOULD THE CHEVY CORP. BE ABLE TO SELL YOU SOMETHING AND MONTHS LATER THAT TRANS GO OUT AND ALL THEY HAVE TO SAY IS IT COMMON. *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10207939
- Incident
- Nov 1, 2007
- Mileage
- 177,520 mi
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET Z71. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE DETACHED WHEN HE EXITED THE VEHICLE. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES. HE HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. HE HAS NOT NOTIFIED THE DEALER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED FROM A PRIVATE OWNER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 191,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 191,000. UPDATED 09/18/07 *TR
- NHTSA ID
- 10201008
- Incident
- Jul 28, 2007
- Mileage
- 191,000 mi
THIS IS TO INFORM YOU OF A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 4L60E TRANSMISSIONS IN THE 1997 AND UP GM TRUCK TRANSMISSIONS, THE SYMPTOMS INCLUDE THE HARD SHIFT FROM FIRST GEAR TO SECOND GEAR, AND THE SLIPPING OF THE TRANSMISSION IN OVERDRIVE. IN THIS TRUCK THE TACHOMETER USUALLY IS AT 1500-1600 RPMS 65 MPH, BUT WITH THE MIL LIGHT, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT, IT IS RUNNING AT 2000-2100 RPMS, CAUSING MASSIVE FUEL CONSUMPTION. *AK THIS IS DUE TO A FAULTY VALVE IN THE TRANSMISSION THIS IS ALSO THE MAIN CAUSE IN THE TRANSMISSIONS FAILURE DUE TO OVERHEATING CAUSED BY THE SLIPPAGE. IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE THIS, GOOGLE CODE P01870 REPRESENTS TRANSMISSION SLIPPAGE. *AK JUST GO TO ANY TRANSMISSION SHOP AND AKS THEM HOW MANY OF THE 4L60E TRANSMISSIONS THEY HAVE REBUILT... THIS ITEM NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED!!!!! GM SAYS THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IT BUT THERE IS A TSB FOR IT THE REMEDY IS A TRANSMISSION REBUILD ONLY TO FAIL AGAIN THE PROBLEM EXISTS IN THE VALVE BODY!! THERE ARE ENOUGH CASES OF THIS PROBLEM TO BE INVESTIGATED A FEW OTHER COMMON ISSUES, THE 4X4 SWITCH, INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS LEAKING IN THE 5.7, FUEL INJECTOR "SPIDER" LINES RUBBING TOGETHER, CARRIER BEARINGS, DOOR BUSHINGS , STEERING SPEED SENSOR IS A FAULTY DESIGN CAUSING A FEELING OF THE WHEEL JERKING TO ONE SIDE USUALLY DURING A GRADUAL RIGHT HAND TURN. THIS CAN RESULT IN OVERSTEERING BY THE DRIVER, COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE TAIL LIGHT CIRCUIT BOARD, THESE ISSUES NEED TO BE RESOLVED NOT JUST BRUSHED UNDER THE CARPET LIKE GM IS TRYING TO DO!!! THE TRANSMISSION ALONE CAN COST UPWARDS OF $2000 TO REPLACE AND UNLESS THE SHOP KNOWS WHATS GOING ON THE PROBLEM WILL RETURN COSTING ANOTHER $2000 TO THE OWNER! OR HE WILL JUST SELL IT TO SOMEONE ELSE WHO WILL HAVE TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN!! IF YOU ARE JUST LOOKING THIS UP FOR INFO AND ARE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM POST IT ON HERE FOR ALL TO SEE. THE NHTSA NEEDS TO SEE REAL NUMBERS TO ACT!!!!
- NHTSA ID
- 10194184
- Incident
- Jun 25, 2007
- Mileage
- 50,000 mi
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET PICKUP. A RECALL WAS BEING ISSUED ON GM 1999 -2002 CORROSION ANTI LOCK BRAKE SENSORS. THE 1997 CHEVROLET PICKUPS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ANTI LOCK BRAKE CORROSION AS THE 1999-2002 RECALLED VEHICLES. TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WOULD BE $1500 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. WHEN STOPPING AT LESS THAN 3 MPH HAD TO PUT BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKES AS HARD AS ONE COULD TO GET IT TO STOP. THE CONTACT WAS BACKING OUT THE GARAGE DOOR WHEN THE ANTI LOCKS BRAKES FAILED , AND VEHICLE HIT THE GARAGE DOOR.
- NHTSA ID
- 10139037
- Incident
- Oct 1, 2000
- Mileage
- 56,000 mi
ANTI LOCK BRAKES APPLY ON DRY ROADS WITH NO REASON. THE BRAKES SHAKE WHEN BEING APPLIED. I HAVE REVIEWED INFORMATION ON YOUR DATABASE WHICH HAVE THIS EXACT SAME COMPLAINT. I BELIEVE THERE ARE NOT MORE SINCE THE VEHICLES ARE OVER 5 YEARS OLD AND PEOPLE BELIEVE IT TO BE NORMAL WEAR AND TARE. IT IS NOT NORMAL. THE ANTI LOCKS ARE OVER SENSITIVE. *AK
- NHTSA ID
- 10135178
- Incident
- Sep 2, 2005
- Mileage
- 65,000 mi
REAR END ACCIDENT DUE TO ABS RELEASING BRAKING ACTION FOR 3 TO 4 SECONDS, THUS INCREASING MY BRAKING DISTANCE.*AK
- NHTSA ID
- 10090845
- Incident
- Jul 1, 2003
- Mileage
- 38,740 mi
FRONT DASHBOARD CAME LOOSE. *AK
- NHTSA ID
- 10005907
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING IN SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS, 1997 CHEVROLET TRUCK 2500. *YH
- NHTSA ID
- 567006
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON A HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR IS ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1870 SET. *TT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
INFORMATION REGARDING HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT, SERVICE ENGINE SOON, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP, OR CEL ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1870 SET. (1996-2000 CHEVROLET AND GMC LIGHT DUTY TRUCK MODELS) *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
EXPERIENCING ENGINE NOISE. *YC
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 40 | 0 | 1 | 37.2 |
| 2002 | 37 | 0 | 1 | 34.5 |
| 2001 | 21 | 0 | 1 | 42.5 |
| 2000 | 19 | 0 | 1 | 37.2 |
| 1999 | 35 | 1 | 0 | 36.2 |
| 1998 | 33 | 1 | 0 | 40.6 |
| 1997Viewing | 48 | 1 | 1 | 45.9 |
| 1996 | 49 | 1 | 3 | 48.9 |
| 1995 | 53 | 1 | 1 | 44.4 |
| 1994 | 35 | 1 | 1 | 40.7 |
| 1993 | 13 | 0 | 2 | 43.7 |
| 1992 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 41.9 |
| 1991 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 42.5 |
| 1990 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 38.8 |
| 1989 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 44.0 |
| 1988 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 41.2 |
| 1987 | 4 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1986 | 4 | 1 | 2 | — |
| 1985 | 5 | 1 | 2 | — |
| 1984 | 3 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1983 | 1 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1982 | 1 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1981 | 2 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1980 | 1 | 2 | 3 | — |
| 1979 | 2 | 3 | 2 | — |
| 1978 | 2 | 3 | 2 | — |
| 1977 | 4 | 1 | 2 | — |
| 1976 | 2 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1975 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1974 | 2 | 1 | 2 | — |
| 1973 | 0 | 0 | 2 | — |
| 1972 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1970 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1967 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1966 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1965 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1964 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1963 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1962 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1961 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1960 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.