1997 Chevrolet Express
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Express › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Chevrolet Express. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1997 Chevrolet Express. Newest first.
Sabersport IS recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on may 11, 2009. owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.
Passenger vans. these vans experience fuel odors or leakage.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a revised evaporative emission pipe assembly.
Owner complaints
29 complaints3 involved a crash1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet express. The contact stated that a fuel odor came from the vehicle and the vehicle leaked fuel onto the ground. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The vin was not available. updated 04/22/16*lj updated 05/31/18*jb
- Structure
Dt*: the contact stated there IS a hook on the rear passenger side door. the contact's head struck the hook, which resulted in the contact losing consciousness and herniating two discs. the manufacturer sent a representative, which determined this IS how the vehicle was designed.
- Tires › Tread/belt
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 75 mph, the front driver side tire blew out. the vehicle was pulled over into the median and the tire was changed. two hundred miles later, the passenger side rear tire blew out. the vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder and the tire was replaced. the…
Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 75 mph, the front driver side tire blew out. the vehicle was pulled over into the median and the tire was changed. two hundred miles later, the passenger side rear tire blew out. the vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder and the tire was replaced. the tires were sent to the manufacturer which determined the blowouts were a result of road hazards. updated 4/6/2006 - the consumer believes the failure was due to tread separation. *nm
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The transmission had an overheating problem that caused the vehicle to switch to "safe" mode. safe mode compensated the transmission heat problem by hard shifting. the vehicle was taken to a transmission specialty repair shop where I learned that the problem was in the design of the transmission.…
The transmission had an overheating problem that caused the vehicle to switch to "safe" mode. safe mode compensated the transmission heat problem by hard shifting. the vehicle was taken to a transmission specialty repair shop where I learned that the problem was in the design of the transmission. it was the opinion of the repair shop that gm knew of the problem but would not issue a recall because the issue was not life threatening. cost of modification was $1,600.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control · Power train › Automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt: while driving service engine light illuminated on the dash panel. the consumer took the vehicle to a chevrolet dealer, who performed a diagnostic test which showed that transmission was slipping. the dealer noted the next step would be to check the transmission fluid. due to the color of the…
Dt: while driving service engine light illuminated on the dash panel. the consumer took the vehicle to a chevrolet dealer, who performed a diagnostic test which showed that transmission was slipping. the dealer noted the next step would be to check the transmission fluid. due to the color of the fluid it was determined a new transmission would be needed. the dealer referred the consumer to other independent shops, and they too confirmed what the dealer said. the consumer took the vehicle home and parked it. no corrections or repairs were made. the consumer called chevrolet manufacturer, and they said there was nothing they could do. the consumer contacted chevrolet again, and they escalated his concerns but offered no further assistance. *ak updated 05/06/08 *bf the consumer stated the ABS and mass air flow sensor failed. Updated 05/06/08
- Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Tail light socket failure, new sockets are going to be installed. *Jb
- Seat belts
Defective seat belt was mounted on middle captian chair, starcraft conversion van. Cable broke from normal usage?
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While shifting transmission down shifted on its own. a loud noise was heard coming from the front. consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced. *ak
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system
Fuel guage failure on my 1997 express van. guage showed fuel tank empty. Estimated repairs= $600.00. This has happened to friends with same year chevrolets. Internet full of complaints for 1997 and 2000 years. This IS a serious safety issue, and a very costly repair that many cannot afford.…
Fuel guage failure on my 1997 express van. guage showed fuel tank empty. Estimated repairs= $600.00. This has happened to friends with same year chevrolets. Internet full of complaints for 1997 and 2000 years. This IS a serious safety issue, and a very costly repair that many cannot afford. Please, please help. I am submitting the same fuel guage failure complaint for a 2000 chevrolet blazer regarding an incident that put my teenager in serious jeopardy!*ak
- Equipment › Electrical
This problem affects 1996-2002 g-series vans (chevy express and GMC savana). the powertrain control module/vehicle control module (pcm/vcm) corrodes over time and the case enclosing the computer splits open allowing water to enter the vehicle's electrical system. gm has acknowledged this problem…
This problem affects 1996-2002 g-series vans (chevy express and GMC savana). the powertrain control module/vehicle control module (pcm/vcm) corrodes over time and the case enclosing the computer splits open allowing water to enter the vehicle's electrical system. gm has acknowledged this problem in technical service bulletin 02-06-04-020, attributing it to location of the pcm/vcm and design of the engine wiring harness deflector. this deflector acts much like a "rain gutter" to route water away from the computer. it was poorly designed and instead dumps water directly on to the computer triggering corrosion. the corrosion may also be the result of galvanic action (two dissimilar metals generating an electrical charge) as the computer case IS alumionum and screws holding it together are steel. a small claims court action filed against gm and the dealership immediately resulted in an offer from gm to pay for all repairs (prior to any hearings). this leads us to believe they are very aware of this problem and may in effect have a "secret warranty" in place. total repair cost was $1,400 but it could have been much more since we chose to "dry out" the electrical system rather than replace the entire wiring harness (more than $2,000 parts and labor).
- Wheels
While driving the vehicle's right front wheel came off with the lug nuts still attached to the hub. as a result the vehicle jerked to the right and ran into a wall. the manufacturer has been contacted. Please provide any additional information. *nm
- Wheels
While driving the vehicle's right front wheel came off with the lug nuts still attached to the hub. as a result the vehicle jerked to the right and ran into a wall. the manufacturer has been contacted. Please provide any additional information. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Master cylinder
Consumer stated vehicle will not make a short panic stop at low speeds, extreme pedal pressure has little effect as the vehicle approaches 15 to 10 mph and slower, consumer stated the ABS control IS suppose to drop off and permit the brakes to stop the vehicle without limitation, consumer was…
Consumer stated vehicle will not make a short panic stop at low speeds, extreme pedal pressure has little effect as the vehicle approaches 15 to 10 mph and slower, consumer stated the ABS control IS suppose to drop off and permit the brakes to stop the vehicle without limitation, consumer was informed by dealer he should allow for greater stopping distance with ABS and that the problem could not be duplicated, also consumer discovered brake fluid under the master cylinder, the dealer replaced the cap seal due to it not sealing properly. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
On 12-02-01 while traveling at 70 mph down the highway at 5 a.m. On my way to work there was a very loud screeching noise and I lost all power to the van, transmission gone . Vehicle towed to mark bass chevrolet dealer in coal city,il. Mileage at 107060. No longer covered under warranty…
On 12-02-01 while traveling at 70 mph down the highway at 5 a.m. On my way to work there was a very loud screeching noise and I lost all power to the van, transmission gone . Vehicle towed to mark bass chevrolet dealer in coal city,il. Mileage at 107060. No longer covered under warranty, transmission replaced at a cost of $1863.34 to consumer plus tow bill and rental car for 1 week. On 12-29-01 driving down the highway with the cruise again set at 68 mph I again lost the transmission. Mileage now at 108219 and vehicle again towed to dealership for repairs. Vehicle IS equipped with a trans cooler which was installed upon purchase by the dealership and has towed a boat for a total of 30 miles. 99% of the miles are interstate miles due to work distance of 100 miles per day and traveling to visit my children and father who live in texas and colorado. Vehicle also seems to go through an excessive number of brakes which seem to be continuely going out and have been replaced about 6 times all the way around. I purchaed this vehicle because of the need for comfort and dependability in making long distance trips where I am mostly alone. It has been serviced on a regular basis and IS in very good condition. It has only been driven by one other person and has not been mis-used in any way.*ak
- Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
Outside mirrors vibrate. Because of vibration driver cannot see vehicle in the rear. contacted dealer, and dealer stated itwas a non repairable item. please add vin. *Ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
Firestone, 245 75 R16, dot # an11b1a517, original equipment, 30000 miles mounted on a 1996, chevrolet, express. while driving at highway speeds there was some tread separation on back left tire.*ak *slc
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Consumer contacted dealer on may 07,2001 in reference to recall# 00v110000 and manufacturer's recall 00031. dealer stated that parts were not available ,and no future date was given on when parts will be available.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Rear seat belts fail to function properly. middle lap belt fails to stay buckled. also, shoulder belt on passenger's side in rear fails to pull out. please provide any additional information/attachments.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
The reaction shell broke in the transmission, disabling the vehicle completely while in traffic. this caused my wife who was driving it to essentially stall out. fortunately, no one was hurt, but the repairs to a vehicle with such low mileage totaled over $2200.00. mighty poor quality. thankfully the failure did not take place while she was passing someone, or going uphill.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
Vehicle IS currently in shop for plug on emission fuel leaking into vcm wiring, allowing fuel to come back up. A recall ID # 00v110000/manufacturer's recall #00031 hasn't been annouced to see if other company vehicle are affected.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
Consumer received a recall ID 00v110000/ manufacturer's recall 00031. plug on emission pipe assembly IS causing fuel to leak from vcm wiring. It's allowing fuel to come back up through tube.*ak
- Tires › Tread/belt
P300 020;consumer was traveling about 75mph on highway and heard a thumping noise. was able to pull over, and right rear side tire tread had separated. he has contacted firestone, he received a notice. firestone,#steeltex R4S, p24575r16. There were no injuries.*ak consumer has experienced 4 other separations, 2 being tread separations and the other being belt separations. *slc
- Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
There IS a design defect in the van; water gets into fuse box. It rusts out! potential fire danger IS very high. the van IS a "conversion" to a motor home. we understand there have been problems with these vans in texas.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS brake failure same as for 1996/ reported to dealer/ tested and no problem found. but accident did occur due to brake failure. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Transmission has hard shift from first to second. Sets off s e s light. Took to jerry brown chevrolet in bufford ga, the transmission man there test drove my van with me, he hooked a test unit to see what was going on said something called staor? Bushings and /or valve body, said he sees this…
Transmission has hard shift from first to second. Sets off s e s light. Took to jerry brown chevrolet in bufford ga, the transmission man there test drove my van with me, he hooked a test unit to see what was going on said something called staor? Bushings and /or valve body, said he sees this alot in the 1997 and 1998 models. My question IS if gm knew about it why are they not letting owners know and fixing them. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10139019This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10021450Reduced steering effort (diagnose/replace steering wheel position sensor).
- 10020952Side cargo door IS hard to open. Install new hinge pins.
- 10017191Supplement to bulletin 99-06-04-047a for fuel system cleaning.
- 10017184Water intrusion at right or left a-pillar.
- 10013491Turn signal flash too fast, opposite side dim.
- 10010656Prndl light up with key out of ignition and door open.
- 10010375Service engine soon light and p0300 when towing, cruising uphill or on hard acceleration.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 10007717Engine coolant leak at intake gasket. * mj
- 100069526.5 L57 engine- cranks or starts with the key in run. 94-98 GMC P32 rv/van chassis, 94-98 chevrolet P32 rv/van chassis.
- 100055664L60-e automatic transmission oil pump first and second design identification.
- 10005439Malfunction indicator lamp on with a p0300 set and a misfire. Various models including 1996 - 1999 P32 models. Sit bulletin 1416475.
- 10004726This bulletin IS being revised to inform dealers that the vcm / pcm (powertrain control module) may be susceptible to corrosion and / or water intrusion.
- 10004371Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004358This bulletin IS being revised to inform dealers that the vcm / pcm (powertrain control module) may be susceptible to corrosion and / or water intrusion.
- 10004301Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004223Malfunction indicator lamp on with a p0300 set and a misfire. Various models including the 1996-1999 P32 and the 1996-2002 GMC c/k truck.
- 10004208Powertrain control module (pcm) will not fit in new tray per bulletin 02-06-04-020a.
- 100041356.5L L49 L56 L57 L65 diesel engine requiring fuel injection pump replacement. Models p32/p42 1994-1999 included.
- 10002842Side cargo door binds.
- 10001141Outside rearview mirror shake or vibration.
Every Chevrolet Express model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.