1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Tahoe › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe. 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 Tahoe. 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
410 complaints24 involved a crash3 involved a fire9 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Seat belts · Service brakes
While in motion seat belt would come undone or wouldn't unlock from lock in order to use. Brakes would slip. My boyfriend was killed in an accident because the seat belt malfunctioned which then caused the airbags to malfunction and the brakes stuck so he wasn't able to slow down sufficiently.
- Steering
When turning onto an on-ramp (usually right) the vehicle will momentarily lose power steering and the steering wheel will jerk right. This jerking motion also happens intermittently while driving at highway speeds with no turning involved. Even though there IS more jerking motion on a turn both are extremely dangerous situations. This has been happening for several years.
- Engine
1997 chevrolet tahoe. Consumer writes in regard remanufactured engines installed with safety defects. *As *tr
- Service brakes
Brake failure due to brake line corrosion. Failure occurred while vehicle in motion at expressway speed, panic stop, brakes failed and nearly caused collision. brakes do not work
- Seat belts · Suspension
Lower right ball joint on vehicle failed causing truck to lose control side swipe a parked car and travel another 70 feet knocking over a stop sign. Drivers side seat belt did not hold me in seat causing me to go forward hitting head on steering wheel. I cracked a molar tooth and both knees were injured hitting the trim piece under instrument cluster. *tr
- Unknown or other
I bought this vehicle at tax time in 2014. I absolutely love my truck. It's a lifted, automatic 4WD with front and back towing pkg, and perfect for the mountain roads and snow where I live. Less than a month after I bought it I had to travel 300 miles to tucson and the transmission went out, didn't…
I bought this vehicle at tax time in 2014. I absolutely love my truck. It's a lifted, automatic 4WD with front and back towing pkg, and perfect for the mountain roads and snow where I live. Less than a month after I bought it I had to travel 300 miles to tucson and the transmission went out, didn't have the money to get it fixed so I transferred my job and started over in tucson. After much deliberation with the dealer, they finally had the transmission rebuilt. They gave me a 300 mi warranty (all I needed to get back to tucson) and less than a week after I got home, the fuel pump went out. So I let the truck sit for 2 months before I got it fixed. I came across enough money to get me and my children out of dv situation and proceeded to drive them to michigan. Made it to ok and it was completely burned out again. I always have routine maintenance done, I do understand how to use an automatic 4WD, I don't push my vehicle too hard. I made it to michigan but here it IS winter and I have a truck in ok that I love and am still paying for and can't use, and do not understand why the transmission keeps going out and in the mean time I have 2 kids and one on the way and can't afford to fix my truck or get a new one. I was told there was a recall on my transmission, but cannot find one. please let me know if there IS anything I need to know or can do. *tr
- Electrical system
I am the original owner of a 1997 chevy tahoe. The other day while listening to the expanding recall of gm vehicles I tried to remove my key from the ignition switch. To my surprise once the vehicle IS started I can remove my key, shift into any gear and drive without a key in the ignition. Maybe…
I am the original owner of a 1997 chevy tahoe. The other day while listening to the expanding recall of gm vehicles I tried to remove my key from the ignition switch. To my surprise once the vehicle IS started I can remove my key, shift into any gear and drive without a key in the ignition. Maybe this IS due to the age of the vehicle, but it has only 148000 miles on it. Thought you would be interested to know. Could video this issue if you are further interested. *tr
- Service brakes
Started vehicle ,after short warm up,applied brake and foot immediately went to floor. blow out in rear line near back of fuel tank. Repaired line. In process of bleeding brake line another blow out occurred top of frame near rear of left tire. Purchased prebend stainless steel kit from "classic…
Started vehicle ,after short warm up,applied brake and foot immediately went to floor. blow out in rear line near back of fuel tank. Repaired line. In process of bleeding brake line another blow out occurred top of frame near rear of left tire. Purchased prebend stainless steel kit from "classic tube" and installed.$400. [Xxx] good thing I wasn't driving. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system · Service brakes · Tires · Wheels
I bought this car at car hop in arlington tx. I was sold it with no brake lights, no hazards, bad tires, bad brakes, one of the back doors will not open, bad battery, bad inspection, no cover for fuel filter, driver side door will not open, keeps dying, spare tire flew off on highway and brakes…
I bought this car at car hop in arlington tx. I was sold it with no brake lights, no hazards, bad tires, bad brakes, one of the back doors will not open, bad battery, bad inspection, no cover for fuel filter, driver side door will not open, keeps dying, spare tire flew off on highway and brakes went out while my kids and I were driving. I am a disabled mother of two and they knew they gave me a bad car. The first I had 5 kids with me and it was a KIA MINI van didnt even make it home, they had to come tow it. Then thay gave me this tahoe. Please help me I have no other car and it scares me and they will not help me. I am paying every month on this vehicale and went all the way to corporate. They sent me to their mehcanic and he even wrote a e-mail describing the condition and still did not care car hop. Please help me!!!!!! God bless. *tr
- Electrical system · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The power window on the driver's side of the vehicle will stop working all of a sudden. it IS not all of the time, but sometimes, when I have the window down, and I push the power switch to close or open the window it will not work. this could lead to a very serious problem, if for some reason I…
The power window on the driver's side of the vehicle will stop working all of a sudden. it IS not all of the time, but sometimes, when I have the window down, and I push the power switch to close or open the window it will not work. this could lead to a very serious problem, if for some reason I am unable to open the door and then the window will not go down. we live in michigan and you recently recalled vehicles because of a problem with the master power window switch causing fires in the driver's side door, which ended up melting and/or burning the door. there must be corrosion of the wiring in my vehicle that IS causing the problem with my window. I know that your recall was not for the same year as my vehicle, but it sounds like the exact same problem and I don't want to end up having my car door catch on fire, especially if me or my family are in it, or if it IS parked in our garage it could burn our entire house down. when we purchased this vehicle from the dealership it was brand new, and there have been no other owners. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
When pulling out of driveway, brake peddle went to floor. pulled back into garage to see what caused the problem and found that the brake line running down drivers side frame rail was rusted through back by where it exits the frame to go to the t fitting for rear brakes. *tr
- Equipment · Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tire
Spare tire fell from under vehicle. Metal wire used to hold spare tire under rear of vehicle became corroded and caused the spare tire to fall from underneath the vehicle without warning. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
My wife was driving my 97 chevy tahoe home with my 2 kids in the truck when the rear brake line blew. Luckily she didn't have to come to a quick stop. When she got home I inspected the brakes and found the rear brake line rusted out and looked at the rest of them they are all rusted severely. *tr
- Visibility
Visibility. 1997 tahoe wiper motor pulse board. numerous failures. tsb issued. Recall on similar vehicles. should have been included in recall range in lieu of tsb. dangerous due to inoperation. can cause crash with resulting death(s). *tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet tahoe. While driving at speeds of 65 mph in rainy weather, the windshield wipers would not function when turned on. The vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer but the contact called the manufacturer and was informed that there were no recalls on his vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.
- Steering
Power steering input/effort had became erratic causing increased effort or worse, oversteering midway through turns. first noticed this problem last fall at winter tire changeover. I initially blamed it on icy roads but then noticed it on obviously non icy roads as well. occurred just…
Power steering input/effort had became erratic causing increased effort or worse, oversteering midway through turns. first noticed this problem last fall at winter tire changeover. I initially blamed it on icy roads but then noticed it on obviously non icy roads as well. occurred just occasionally at first. I kept blaming tires but this spring when I changed back over to my summer tires the problem did not go away. dealership had indicated some worn front end parts needing replacement so I had that done along with a front end alignment following. didn't help. found many discussions with similar experiences on the internet and most indicated replacing the steering evo sensor as the cure. I replaced that part and it seems to have fixed the problem. the sensation of the loss of steering midcorner IS at the least a little disconcerting and at the most could lead to an over-reaction and a severe crash! with as many complaints online as I found I don't understand how this could have been let go and not called to my attention by the company. the company knows about this problem as the parts clerk told me they even have a retro kit available to replace this assisted steering system period! *tr
- Tires
2 blow out on 2 separate tires in a matter of 3 weeks. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet tahoe. the contact stated that the ABS engages when the ground IS dry and pulsates very hard when stopping the vehicle. the failure was noticed while driving 10 mph. he stated that this should only happen when there IS snow on the ground or when it IS wet.…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet tahoe. the contact stated that the ABS engages when the ground IS dry and pulsates very hard when stopping the vehicle. the failure was noticed while driving 10 mph. he stated that this should only happen when there IS snow on the ground or when it IS wet. in november of 2000, there was a voluntary recall and chevrolet repaired the brakes. there were no failures for 18,000 miles. currently, at 40,500 miles, the failure has recurred. the contact called the manufacturer and they stated that there was no recall for the brake failure. the failure mileage was 40,500. updated 10/16/08. *lj the dealer replaced the left front hub. Updated 10/17/08. *Jb
- Tires
Went to buy tires and 03/06/2008- had a flat with the side wall popping out they did not have a warranty in place only for 7 days that was 4 tires every since I had the flat I've been losing air in the other three not slow leak pretty reply . Tires brand was 235/75r 15 good year wrangler rt/s. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
For about a year I have noticed that the ABS braking system activates intermittently on dry pavement at slow speeds, making it difficult to stop the vehicle. the issue has become increasingly problematic, activating nearly every time I apply the brakes (many times even if I don't apply the…
For about a year I have noticed that the ABS braking system activates intermittently on dry pavement at slow speeds, making it difficult to stop the vehicle. the issue has become increasingly problematic, activating nearly every time I apply the brakes (many times even if I don't apply the brakes!) and I am not comfortable driving the vehicle for fear that I may not completely stop before making contact with the vehicle in front of me. although there IS a recall regarding the failure of the ABS system on chevy tahoes, it does not include vehicles manufactured in 1997. I researched the problem and found that the nhtsa web site had posted a remedy: remove the wheel speed sensor and clean the wheel speed surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel speed sensor and check the peak-to-peak output voltage to ensure the wheel speed signal IS within specifications. I took a copy of the remedy to my mechanic, who promptly followed the instructions and notified me that the remedy failed to fix the problem. I contacted an nhtsa customer service representative and asked if an investigation has been launched regarding this defect and was informed that there IS no investigation as of yet. with all of the complaints I have been reading regarding this problem, my question IS: why hasn't this issue of ABS system failure in 1997 tahoes been addressed? if the problem IS occurring in vehicles (regardless of the year model) and the recall has been limited to only a few year models, does this mean that the ABS system failure on the 1997 tahoe IS no cause for concern regarding safety? I am requesting the board to look again at the ABS complaints and initiate an investigation so that gm will take financial responsibility for the repair or replacement of the ABS system. thank you. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights
Ongoing problem with brake light failures. this has happened several times over the last few years. I ordered the tahoe through my local dealer in 1997. it only has 84,000 miles on it and has not been abused in any way. spent several hundred dollars at the dealership for repairs. the brake…
Ongoing problem with brake light failures. this has happened several times over the last few years. I ordered the tahoe through my local dealer in 1997. it only has 84,000 miles on it and has not been abused in any way. spent several hundred dollars at the dealership for repairs. the brake lights keep going out. the dealer cannot explain it. I received a ticket on february 15, 2008 for not having any brake lights. this IS a dangerous situation which needs resolution. when I took my vehicle to the dealership the first time for the brake lights it cost me over $500.00. the brake light situation has never been resolved and ever since their "repair" the antilock brakes do not function correctly and we have had to have the brakes replaced several times. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
ABS activation during slow motion, under 10mph. this IS the third time I've had this problem. both times one of the hubs had to be replaced. this time I asked the mechanic to clean the sensors (as suggested by chevy service updates) to try and save money. it didn't work along with trying to…
ABS activation during slow motion, under 10mph. this IS the third time I've had this problem. both times one of the hubs had to be replaced. this time I asked the mechanic to clean the sensors (as suggested by chevy service updates) to try and save money. it didn't work along with trying to replace the sensor. now I have to have a hub replaced again. I've been luckily so far because I know of the problem, but I've had a few close calls with hitting cars in parking lots. *tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
1997 chevrolet tahoe windshield wipers failed. Customer states that they would work sporadically for about 400 miles then become completely inoperable. *kb the consumer believed his vehicle should have been included in nhtsa recall 03v159000
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
I have a 1997 chevrolet tahoe that has windshield wipers that do not work. this began about 3 years ago. at first the wipers worked intermittently and are now at the point where they do not work at all. I own a 1997 chevrolet ck 3500 pick-up that also experienced this problem and this vehicle…
I have a 1997 chevrolet tahoe that has windshield wipers that do not work. this began about 3 years ago. at first the wipers worked intermittently and are now at the point where they do not work at all. I own a 1997 chevrolet ck 3500 pick-up that also experienced this problem and this vehicle has had the windshield wipers repaired as the vin for the pick-up was on the recall list. according to recall #03v159000, year model 1996 chevrolet tahoe vehicles are also affected and are the ones eligible for repair. it seems very apparent that the same circuit board that was used in 1996 vehicles has also been used in 1997 vehicles as I own a 1997 and it had this problem, as stated above. I am requesting that this vehicle also be eligible for the recall #03v159000 and therefore have the windshield wipers replaced. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Speed sensors failing on my 1997 chevrolet tahoe. *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Seat belt anchorage separation
Odi has received one (1) complaint alleging that the 2ND row passenger-side seat belt release buckle anchor detached from seat frame during a side impact crash.during the crash, the occupant was thrown from his seat, partially ejected through the rear quarter window of the vehicle.occupant sustained injury.gm has…
Odi has received one (1) complaint alleging that the 2ND row passenger-side seat belt release buckle anchor detached from seat frame during a side impact crash.during the crash, the occupant was thrown from his seat, partially ejected through the rear quarter window of the vehicle.occupant sustained injury.gm has subsequently changed seat belt anchoring design in my 2000. Odi has completed a preliminary investigation and has determined that further information IS needed to determine whether a safety defect exists.
- Battery leaks acid
There is no summary currently available
- Battery leaks acid
Odi has received 21 complaints where owners allege that the standard gm factory supplied ac delco battery case failed, resulting in the leakage of sulfuric acid.of the 21 complaint vehicles, six suburban, three tahoes, and one yukon owner(s) complained about a loss of brake fluid from deterioration of the right…
Odi has received 21 complaints where owners allege that the standard gm factory supplied ac delco battery case failed, resulting in the leakage of sulfuric acid.of the 21 complaint vehicles, six suburban, three tahoes, and one yukon owner(s) complained about a loss of brake fluid from deterioration of the right frontbrake line as a result of sulfuric acid contamination.the remaining 11 complaints pertain primarily to sulfuric acid leakage from the battery case.at least one complainant stated that the replacement battery also failed.several of the complainants note that the leaking acid had come in contact with a wire harness at the frame in the vicinity of the steel brake line.a field inspection by odi indicates that the described harness IS the ABS connection to the right front wheel speed sensor.prior to the battery case failure, there IS usually no warning (short of an underhood inspection), and the ensuring damage (sulfuric acid contamination) IS progressive.of the known battery failures, there may be a temperature correlation, as 60% of the owner complaints came from four states; california, florida, georgia and texas.there IS also a product improvement program and engineering change notice to add 1% silver to the battery's positive side terminall, with the earliest implementation date for this being feb 2, 1998.the effect of this design change IS as yet unknown; further review IS warranted.an ea IS being opened to gather further appropriate information, clarify any defect trends, and to assess the safety implications and risks concerning these failures.
- Erratic power steering assist while driv
The office of defect investigation (odi) has investigated allegations of power steering assist fluctuations in the subject vehicles.for details and a basis for the investigation conclusions, please see the closing report in the ea99-011 public file.odi has not identified a safety-related defect trend in the subject…
The office of defect investigation (odi) has investigated allegations of power steering assist fluctuations in the subject vehicles.for details and a basis for the investigation conclusions, please see the closing report in the ea99-011 public file.odi has not identified a safety-related defect trend in the subject vehicle population.futher expenditure of agency resources on this subject does not appear to be warranted at this time.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.the engineering IS closed.
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.
- 10020874Left front axle shaft difficult to remove. Axle differential leak seal shaft.
- 10014959Replacement of connector when replacing fuel tank module/fuel pump module.
- 100135724WD models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
- 10010375Service engine soon light and p0300 when towing, cruising uphill or on hard acceleration.
- 1000888393-00 full size utilities (gmt 400 old style only) ac blows warm and the high side pressure IS too high.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 10005439Malfunction indicator lamp on with a p0300 set and a misfire. Various models including 1996 - 1999 P32 models. Sit bulletin 1416475.
- 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.
- 10004214Poor performance from a stop in 2WD, auto or 4WD hi. 2003, 2003 cadillac ext also included.
- 100041356.5L L49 L56 L57 L65 diesel engine requiring fuel injection pump replacement. Models p32/p42 1994-1999 included.
- 10002567Windshield wiper failure due to cracked boulder joints on the controller circuit board. This special policy covers the condition for a period of seven years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service regardless of ownership or for these vehicles currently outside of this coverage until february 29, 2004.
- 10001125Special policy adjustment - windshield wiper motor failures.
- 10000749Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy.
- 10000062Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds.
Every Chevrolet Tahoe model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.