1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Silverado 1500 › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. 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 Silverado 1500. Newest first.
Certain honeywell fram racing brand HP4 and HP8 oil filters that were manufactured from may 25, 2006, through september 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above. the affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. the date code and part number appear on the filter housing. fram racing…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. the recall began during november 2007. owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.
Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from october 18, 2005, through march 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
Remedy
Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. the recall began on october 18, 2006. owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (option 1).
Owner complaints
555 complaints30 involved a crash13 involved a fire26 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Frame and members
The contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the corner of the front seat fell through the floor structure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was stated that the subframe needed to be…
The contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the corner of the front seat fell through the floor structure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was stated that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the original frame to repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 75,000.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet silverado 1500. While driving at unknown speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle did not slow down or stop. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 351,000. The vin was unknown.
- Visibility/wiper
The wipers just stopped working in the middle of a storm and I had to pull to the side of the road and I tried everything I could to get the wipers to work I called a friend and he said to tap the wiper motor and it did get the wipers to work until I got home and the next day I called and got a new…
The wipers just stopped working in the middle of a storm and I had to pull to the side of the road and I tried everything I could to get the wipers to work I called a friend and he said to tap the wiper motor and it did get the wipers to work until I got home and the next day I called and got a new wiper motor and installed it on my truck and I have not had a problem since. The wiper motor was not cheap and I'm on a fixed income. I would like to be reimbursed for the cost of the wiper motor I'm not worried about the time it took me to replace it. I hope that you can help me out with this matter. Thank you *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet silverado 1500. While driving 25 mph, the air bags deployed without warning or impact. There were no injuries. The contact stated that the passenger side air bags were deactivated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 258,669.
- Steering
When driving and entering a curve the power steering jerks to the direction of steer. This IS said to be a problem with the steering position sensor causing the variable assist steering to over-compensate and causing the vehicle to veer dangerously. the forums are full of people with this problem that has plagued this system.
- Service brakes
Main brake line that feeds the rear brakes failed on my truck while I was at a gm dealer parking lot. The brake line rotted away. Had the brake line broke a few minutes earlier I could have been killed while getting off of the interstate and not being able to stop! When this brake line burst I lost all stopping ability. *tr
- Engine · Visibility/wiper
I got the truck in 2011 and when the title came in the mail it had a note that the truck had been a dealer lemon law buyback. My problem now IS the check engine light IS on. I called chevrolet for some assistance and was told to have a chevrolet dealer diagnose the problem. The dealer wanted to…
I got the truck in 2011 and when the title came in the mail it had a note that the truck had been a dealer lemon law buyback. My problem now IS the check engine light IS on. I called chevrolet for some assistance and was told to have a chevrolet dealer diagnose the problem. The dealer wanted to replace most of the check engine related parts and sensors at a cost to me of about $4000.00. I think that I am being over sold. I paid the $85.00 and had 2 other test and 2 different diagnose cost from $1500 to change injectors. Another.gm recall but mileage problem. Chevrolet declined any help. I think if it was a lemon there must have had a big problem. I would like to keep the truck it still looks good. Also the wipers don't work at times there was a recall on them but age and miles may be a problem. I could use some help. Thank you. *tr
- Seat belts
I was stopped for not wearing a seat belt. Seat belt stops are illegal. I am exempt because of a disability. Watch my video here, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb2vetmmzt0. *js
- Power train · Service brakes · Visibility/wiper
I have same problem as the rest , only thing IS ,there all at the same time, which IS right now !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *tr
- Air bags
Passenger side air bag key switched in off position. The passenger side bag deployed, the steering wheel one did not. There was no accident, no road conditions, and the weather was fair. We were not injured but shocked us. I quickly stopped the truck to air out the contents of the air bag in the cab. *tr
- Service brakes
Noticed the brake light on the dash was on and flickering at times. Checked the fluid and notice it was very low. Topped off the fluid and notice spots under the truck. Checked closer and saw that fluid was leaking near the ABS controller further investigation showed that the brake lines all had moderate to sever rust on them and this was causing the loss of fluid.
- Seats
There was and has been no accident or crash the driver's seat IS loose just from day to day use. we bought this vehicle brand new and are the only owners it has ever had, and we need it repaired as it IS a safety hazard to drive with the loose seat. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields · Suspension
I removed bed off my truck to replace fuel pump and noticed sections of my rear frame missing or just paper thin due to rot/corrosion and it IS unsafe to drive. It's sad I've owned this truck for 8years and take very good care of it still has all of its original body panels in rust/rot free and floors are mint just the frame IS junk. *tr
- Service brakes
Brake fluid lost due to hole in line only had emergency break to stop. *tr
- Fuel system, diesel · Power train
I have owned the vehicle 3 weeks. on monday august 6TH, the vehicle stalled on a street in a commercial area. I was able to coast to a parking space. the engine restarted and I drove the vehicle ca. 50 yards before another failure, when I coasted to a stop sign. the vehicle did not restart, and…
I have owned the vehicle 3 weeks. on monday august 6TH, the vehicle stalled on a street in a commercial area. I was able to coast to a parking space. the engine restarted and I drove the vehicle ca. 50 yards before another failure, when I coasted to a stop sign. the vehicle did not restart, and I was towed to my home. on wednesday augus 8TH, the vehicle stalled 3X at a discount store parking lot, and finally stalled at work on the same day. the mechanic said that this was the pmd on the chevy 6.5L diesel engine, and was a common failure. this IS a real hazard, as the vehicle does not always restart, and were I going down the hiway (expecially with a trailer), I would have lost accelleration power steering and power brakes. this could easily cost someone their lives. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet 1500 pickup. The contact stated that the brake lines were rusted and resulting in the loss of the rear brakes. The contact became aware of the failure when he noticed an increase in stopping distance. The dealer was notified who repaired the brakes. The…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet 1500 pickup. The contact stated that the brake lines were rusted and resulting in the loss of the rear brakes. The contact became aware of the failure when he noticed an increase in stopping distance. The dealer was notified who repaired the brakes. The manufacturer was notified of the failure who provided a partial reimbursement for the cost of repairs. The failure and current mileage was 59,000. updated 09/05/12*lj
- Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that the anti-lock braking system engaged whenever he applied the brakes. As a result, the vehicle experienced increased stopping distances. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 50,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
1997 chevy k1500 pickup, fuel tank was leaking, went to replace fuel tank and found the frame crossmember had rusted so bad that the fuel tank almost fell out of the vehicle, (this crossmember supports the front fuel tank strap. While looking around found very heavy rust and pieces of the frame missing. Had to fabricate new crossmember to hold new tank. *kb
- Electrical system · Visibility
Windshield wiper defect: windshield wipers fail to operate correctly, or at all, during adverse weather conditions. this equipment failure puts a driver and all passengers at risk of harm due to inhibited visibility. have had to suddenly change lanes on highway during heavy rain, pull off, stand…
Windshield wiper defect: windshield wipers fail to operate correctly, or at all, during adverse weather conditions. this equipment failure puts a driver and all passengers at risk of harm due to inhibited visibility. have had to suddenly change lanes on highway during heavy rain, pull off, stand on edge of door trim with traffic driving by, and push the wipers manually up and down to get them working again. sometimes I will have to open the hood of the truck, push the fuse tight, push the wipers to start them, and then go. our 1996 chevy suburban was recalled due to a windshield wiper defect, they have worked fine since the windshield wiper component was replaced.. I have contacted our local chevy dealership twice to have the windshield wiper defect repaired on the 1997 c1500 truck. since the previous owner did not do it while it was under warranty, and the vin number on the truck does not fall under the recall ( the service manager pulled up the recall and checked the vin number of our truck against the numbers on their list on 08/06/2011 at 12:20 p.m.), they will not replace it. this IS because, as it IS now not under warranty, they would not be reimbursed by gm, regardless of my reminding them that not replacing it remains a safety risk to the owner of the vehicle. this has began in 2001. since our son IS going to get his license, and would like to have the truck, I would like to ensure his vehicle IS a safe one. if I had known where to file a complaint regarding this matter, I would have done this 8 years ago. the dealer told me there was nothing they could do, except replace the part. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that the radiator, transmission, water pump and intake manifold gasket were replaced because of the dexcol anti-freeze the dealer used in the vehicle. The contact was told by the manufacturer that the anti-freeze was not…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that the radiator, transmission, water pump and intake manifold gasket were replaced because of the dexcol anti-freeze the dealer used in the vehicle. The contact was told by the manufacturer that the anti-freeze was not compatible with the vehicle and that there had been issues with using the dexcol anti-freeze with their vehicles in the past. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 75,900.
- Tires
I purchased four goodyear tires @ sears in 2009..ever since I purchased these tires my truck has had a bounce between 35-40 mph.....i also had the front end aligned on the same day.....i noticed that there are bumps that stick out on the sidewalls and complained about this but was told that was…
I purchased four goodyear tires @ sears in 2009..ever since I purchased these tires my truck has had a bounce between 35-40 mph.....i also had the front end aligned on the same day.....i noticed that there are bumps that stick out on the sidewalls and complained about this but was told that was normal when the tires are manufactured....i have looked at some other tires and do not notice these types of defect on these... I have taken my vehicle back at least four times to have the balance checked but still the same problem....and the problem IS not addressed...i cannot help but think that these bumps on the sidewall are causing the bouncing...at the moment these tires have about 8,000 miles on them. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
This truck was bought new in 1997 and I have owned it and maintained it in good running order since then. I was stopped at a light when the truck suddenly stopped running. After having it towed to my home and doing some trouble shooting I determined the fuel pump was not working. I removed the gas…
This truck was bought new in 1997 and I have owned it and maintained it in good running order since then. I was stopped at a light when the truck suddenly stopped running. After having it towed to my home and doing some trouble shooting I determined the fuel pump was not working. I removed the gas tank and after removing the fuel pump discovered the grey wire to the pump had the insulation burned off for approximately one and a half inches. This damage was on the inside of the gas tank. The plug that the wire goes through was charred and melted away. I have taken pictures of the assembly and damage and have notified gm of the incident. I am amazed that this did not result in an explosion or a fire. The heat generated to melt the wire and plug IS extensive. The plug was melted to the point it exposed it internal wiring. I understand that most cars and trucks have this type of assembly installed. The assembly that holds the fuel pump IS original equipment. I would be more than willing to share the photos or the assembly for failure analysis.
- Fuel system, gasoline
Vehicle stalled at highway speed. found defective fuel pump. upon removal of pump from fuel tank, found wiring on fuel pump sending unit burnt with insulation melted back approximately two inches from the switch. had this event occurred with a tank close to empty it may have resulted in an explosion and fire.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact was driving 30 mph when the contact drover over black ice and slid off the road. The contact sideswiped two trees before crashing head on into another tree. The air bags deployed yet the seat belt detached from the lock and the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact was driving 30 mph when the contact drover over black ice and slid off the road. The contact sideswiped two trees before crashing head on into another tree. The air bags deployed yet the seat belt detached from the lock and the entire unit that held the seatbelt in place was fractured. The contact sustained severe burns and a broken nose as a result. A police report was available. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage lot. the vin was unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 132,000.
- Seats
On my 1997 chevrolet c1500 truck ,the passenger front seat IS a slider in which it will slide forward to allow back seat entry. Many times after a slide forward it doesn't relatch to the aft locked position properly. So during braking the seat flys forward sending passenger into dashboard. This has…
On my 1997 chevrolet c1500 truck ,the passenger front seat IS a slider in which it will slide forward to allow back seat entry. Many times after a slide forward it doesn't relatch to the aft locked position properly. So during braking the seat flys forward sending passenger into dashboard. This has happened many times and could possibly injure a passenger. Both seat rails on that seat have been replaced twice by the dealer,but continues to be a problem? *Ln
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.
- 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.
- 10034428Chevrolet:gmc: engineering information-fuel tank pressure sensor, dtcs p0446, p0451 or p0454 set. GMC engineering IS attempting to determine the root cause of the above concern.
- 634339Some customers may comment on front door hinge pin bushing wear, front door sag, or door chucking movement in extreme operating conditions.
- 619742This technical service bulletin states that technicians may experience difficulty in removing the connectors from the park / neutral position switch, usually when trying to remove the switch during transmission service.
- 619741Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) IS on; the transmission IS stuck in third gear; and / or the instrument cluster IS inoperative.
- 51365Clutch pedal separation from pivot bracket - vehicle listing by vin.
Every Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.