1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Silverado 3500 › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. Newest first.
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
61 complaints5 involved a crash1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel system, diesel
Truck has a diesel engine with a defective injector pump. Engine will shut off with out notice, no indication, just instantly shuts off completely while driving. I have had to replace a total of 5 or 6 injector pumps since purchasing this vehicle new. The last occurrence was march 2014. *tr
- Tires
1997 chevrolet 3500. Wrangler ht tires (lt245/75r16) were dry rotted. *nj the consumer stated the tires did not have any tread left. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet c3500. the contact stated that the windshield wipers worked intermittently or not at all on low speeds. as of december 11, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. the dealer stated that his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet c3500. the contact stated that the windshield wipers worked intermittently or not at all on low speeds. as of december 11, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. the dealer stated that his vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 03v159000 (visibility: windshield wiper/washer). the contact felt that his vehicle should be included in the recall. the failure mileage was 150,000 and current mileage was 205,000. updated 03-04-08 *bf
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Failure of ABS system in 1997 chevrolet pickup ck3500.*jb
- Tires › Tread/belt
Complaint IS for a tire ply failure on a firestone firehawk rmt tire size lt235/85-r16
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Dt: contact states that there was a previous recall on his vehicle, and the dealership told him that the recall did not include his vehicle. then he called the manufacturer, they told him his vehicle did qualify but his vehicle had more than 70000 miles, and they wouldn't replace it. The nhtsa…
Dt: contact states that there was a previous recall on his vehicle, and the dealership told him that the recall did not include his vehicle. then he called the manufacturer, they told him his vehicle did qualify but his vehicle had more than 70000 miles, and they wouldn't replace it. The nhtsa campaign ID number 03v159000. The contact IS having the same problem with his vehicle as this recall states: on certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all. the contact had the part replaced today. *ak this failure occurred on numerous occasions. sometimes the wipers would only work on high speed. *sc
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
I have a 1997 chevy 3500 4X4 pickup truck. Ever since I bought it I have had problems with the antilock brakes. They seem to come on at slow speeds unexpectedly. I had them replaced 1 time at a cost of $700, however within 3 months the problem recuerred. I cannot afford to keep repairing them as…
I have a 1997 chevy 3500 4X4 pickup truck. Ever since I bought it I have had problems with the antilock brakes. They seem to come on at slow speeds unexpectedly. I had them replaced 1 time at a cost of $700, however within 3 months the problem recuerred. I cannot afford to keep repairing them as upon talking to other owners of the same type of vehicles by gm this IS a common problem the solution to which IS to remove the ABS fuse rendering the system inoperative. I understand there IS an investigation about this problem for years 1999-2001. What I want you to know IS that IS also common to vehicles made before 1999. There may not be may complaints because most people pull the fuse and disable the ABS system.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Pedals and linkages
While driving and upon making a stop the brake pedal went completely to the floor. Vehicle then surged forward. It felt as if something disengaged, and the pedal went to the floor. Consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Consumer found that a clip broke which left the brake…
While driving and upon making a stop the brake pedal went completely to the floor. Vehicle then surged forward. It felt as if something disengaged, and the pedal went to the floor. Consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Consumer found that a clip broke which left the brake pedal swinging. *Ak the clip which holds the master cylinder rod to the brake pedal broke allowing the rod to slip off. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Driving on interstate while raining. windshield wiper failure, could not see, had to stop and wait for rain to stop. took vehicle to dealer to fix.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
I lost my power steering and brakes on my 3500 chevy. 1997 pick up truck, there IS only 56.000 miles on this truck. I had the truck towed in and had the power steering pump replaced at my cost, I called the chey. Factory and the girl said they haven't had a problem with the pumps. All I know IS I'm glad I wasn't traveling at highway speeds as you can't controll the steering or the braking on this truck.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
In an emergency or panic stop ABS brake system malfunctioned. once consumer applied the brakes there was 3 or 4 seconds of no braking power. *Ak as a result, consumer rear ended another vehicle. manufacturer said that it was a normal behavior of the vehicle and was performing by design. *la
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
When trying to stop vehicle by applying the brakes brake pedal went all the way to the floor, resulting in brake failure. also, power steering failed when trying to turn left. independent mechanic replaced the power steering pump, and made some repairs to the braking system. however, brakes still operated poorly. *Ak
- Power train › Clutch assembly · Steering
Steering problems. since my truck was new I have had problems with the power steering. I have intermittent loss of power steering, particularly when going at low speed. sometimes there IS also unintended power assist that pulls the car in the opposite direction. I have complained about it a…
Steering problems. since my truck was new I have had problems with the power steering. I have intermittent loss of power steering, particularly when going at low speed. sometimes there IS also unintended power assist that pulls the car in the opposite direction. I have complained about it a dealer and been told there IS nothing wrong. I have had it checked by a gm dealer and been told there IS nothing wrong. But the problem persists. Sometimes, when I pull into my driveway, which IS usually a left hand turn, I totally lose the power steering. I have also had repeated failure of the clutch system and slave cylinder. I have complained over and over again to gm with no results. I have had to replace the clutch three times. at one point, it shot me forward out of my driveway into the traffic unexpectedly when I pushed in the clutch. I believe it IS a danger. it has been giving me trouble since the truck had 30,000 miles on it. I have been told by two mechanics that it IS defective. Gm will do nothing and has done nothing since the first complaint at 30,000 miles.
- Tires › Sidewall
We have a 1997 chev one ton truck with 6 tires. we checked our tires yesterday and found them to have cracks in several of the side walls and one even seemed to be starting a bubble. these tires have been maintained by air pressure checked and rotated. there IS about 27,000 miles on these tires lt225/75/r16
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting
Consumer called complaining about the gas tank. Vehicle only has 84000 miles. Fuel tank split between two to three inches in between the tank. Manufacturer was contacted, and stated that there was a recall on 1998 model, but consumer never received a recall letter, and manufacturer will not reimburse the money.dealer was not contacted, vehicle was repaired at an independent shop.*ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
While driving the transmission locked up. *nlm
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly
The problem occurs because the diesel filler cap IS not labeled nor IS the filler door nor does the manual contain any notice. The cap on a 1997 vehicle (non-diesel fits on a diesel) one IS apparaently vented one IS not. But there IS not way to as certain which IS vented in which IS not. The…
The problem occurs because the diesel filler cap IS not labeled nor IS the filler door nor does the manual contain any notice. The cap on a 1997 vehicle (non-diesel fits on a diesel) one IS apparaently vented one IS not. But there IS not way to as certain which IS vented in which IS not. The aftermarket dealers do not show a distinction. Apparently, the cap I placed on the vehicle was not vented and resulted in the tank imploding to the point that the intake tube and sensor were bent within 6 inches if the top of the tank. The tank was flattened. Gm needs to mark these filler caps. dt
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Consumer states the the distributor gear teeth broke, causing the engine to shut off while the consumer was still driving, which almost caused loss of control. nlm the gear teeth broke because of excessive wear on the teeth of the distributor gear. the distributor shaft IS slightly bent. *jg
- Unknown or other
Consumer does not list defect.
- Tires › Tread/belt
PE00 020; consumer was traveling about 72mph on highway and heard a noise. He was able to pull over, and saw that driver's side left front tread separated. general tires, p235/7016 . *ak
- Structure › Frame and members
The two center cross members which hold the fuel tank had cracks, one cracked completely through and the second was cracked 3/4'S through the metal, the fuel tank almost touched the ground, the cross members were replaced. *cj
- Tires › Tread/belt
Driving 60mph heard a loud pop. Pulled over & saw the left rear tire had lost all tread. tread had hit vehicle & bent fender. Part of tread was still on tire which had deflated. Placed spare on. Took vehicle to tire retailer & had it replaced. other 3 tires were okay. 1997, chevrolet 3500(replacement) with 13,000 miles. Firestone, steel tex, R4S LT 265/75r16, dot vnw81xm278. *ak *slc
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wiper motor seems to be defective. Sometimes it will work and other times it will not, resulting in a very potential hazard when driving. Know of 2 other people who have 1993-1997 GMC c/k pick-ups who have had their wiper motors replaced due to this identical defect.*ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
When hitting a raised section on road and applying brakes, vehicle will take at least an extra 5 feet before it will stop. Consumer must apply brakes extremely hard.*ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Fuel pump malfunctioned while driving, causing vehicle to completely shut down. Dealer replaced fuel pump, which did not correct the problem. Please give any further details.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Rear axle separation from vehicle
The single consumer complaint received by nhtsa reported an incident in which application of the service brakes of the subject vehicle precipitated an unforewarned loss of vehicle control as the left rear axle separated from the vehicle.inspection of the vehicle following the incident disclosed that the left rear dual…
The single consumer complaint received by nhtsa reported an incident in which application of the service brakes of the subject vehicle precipitated an unforewarned loss of vehicle control as the left rear axle separated from the vehicle.inspection of the vehicle following the incident disclosed that the left rear dual wheels had jammed into the fender well as the axle separated from the left leaf spring assembly.the nuts were reported missing from the two u-bolts which clamp the rear axle to the leaf springs.the incident occurred on a vehicle with a reported odometer reading of 397 miles.no additional consumer complaints regarding the alleged defect in the subject vehicles were received by this agency since this pe was initiated.inquiry to the manufacturer disclosed no other consumer complaints or field reports of similar nature, and three warranty claims were identified as potentially relevant.these data apply to the 11,499 c/d 30-series vehicles sold through mid-february, 1997, from the total of 27,385 built at gm's flint assembly plant.the inquiry was limited to vehicles produced at flint because the low mileage of the complainant vehicle suggested that assembly/productiion procedures might be a source of the issue.odi also contacted the general service administration's fleet management office and discussed the issue.they sent requests to all of their regional fleet managers across the united states, for any information or reports of failures within the gsa's total fleet of several hundred trucks. No incident reports were received in response to these inquiries.the application of proper torques on the u-bolt nuts during vehicle assembly IS accomplished by automated pneumatic tools that require the station operator to abserve and mark the torqued assemblies according to a color code, and to note any high- or low-torque conditions on an inspection ticket.statistical reports for the assembly fastening system are pulled twice per shift and reviewed by power tool personnel to ensure that the tool IS being used and that it IS performing properly to apply torques within specified engineering tolerances.the single consumer complaint reported failure to have occurred in december 1996. The three warranty claims were filed in november 1996, january 1997 and february 1997.this type of failure would likely be detected and reported very early in the service life of the vehicle, so it IS also likely that the affected vehicles were produced over a period of several weeks as opposed to a single production shift, the latter of which might indicate an assembly tool calibration of operator problem during a specific period of time.the spread of the warranty claims over several weeks, together with the single incident report, suggests that these incidents were of a random nature, as opposed to being indicators of a systematic error in the production equipment, the assembly process, or the quality control measures taken.a safety defect trend has not been identified, and this pe has been closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
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.
- 627790Information regarding fuel transfer pump inoperative.
- 623426Technical service bulletin regarding fuel transfer pump inoperative.
- 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.
Every Chevrolet Silverado 3500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.