RoadVitals

1997 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
48
Latest Nov 5, 2007
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
1
Latest May 15, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Steering1326.5%
  • Brakes1326.5%
  • Transmission714.3%
  • Body & structure48.2%
  • Fuel system36.1%
  • Suspension24.1%
  • Tires & wheels12.0%
  • Visibility12.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

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.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

May 15, 2006
1,648 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN E SPEED RACING COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: E SPEED RACING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT E SPEED RACING 909-923-3636.
E SPEED RACINGView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA98024ClosedEngineering Analysis

FUEL LEAKS FROM THE VAPOR CANISTER

Opened Nov 10, 1998
Closed Apr 20, 2000

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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGESLed to recall 00V110000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Transmission
Filed Nov 5, 2007

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
Body & structure
Filed Aug 28, 2007

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
Transmission
Filed Jun 25, 2007

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
Brakes
Filed Oct 7, 2005
Crash reported

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
Brakes
Filed Sep 2, 2005

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
Brakes
Filed Sep 11, 2004
Crash reported

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
Body & structure
Filed Feb 4, 2003

FRONT DASHBOARD CAME LOOSE. *AK

NHTSA ID
10005907
Visibility
Filed Jul 31, 2002

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.

010730023B

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

010730023A

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

9709016114B

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

Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2003400137.2
2002370134.5
2001210142.5
2000190137.2
1999351036.2
1998331040.6
1997Viewing481145.9
1996491348.9
1995531144.4
1994351140.7
1993130243.7
1992130141.9
1991130142.5
1990110138.8
1989140044.0
1988150041.2
1987402
1986412
1985512
1984302
1983102
1982102
1981202
1980123
1979232
1978232
1977412
1976202
1975002
1974212
1973002
1972200
1970010
1967010
1966010
1965010
1964010
1963010
1962210
1961010
1960010

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.