1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1992 | 7 |
| 1993 | 12 |
| 1994 | 52 |
| 1995 | 23 |
| 1996 | 22 |
| 1997 | 72 |
| 1998 | 78 |
| 1999 | 37 |
| 2000 | 34 |
| 2001 | 24 |
| 2002 | 14 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
44% of complaints: visibility — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET C/K. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120503
28% of complaints: steering — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and pump.
Show complaint excerpts
BRAKES FAILED, INSPECTION REVEALED COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT BRAKE LINES, FRAME, SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, STEERING COMPONENTS, AND CROSSMEMBERS. VEHICLE IS NOT REPAIRABLE AND IS NO LONGER USABLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130819
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING TRUCK ON HIGHWAY AND TURNING SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT, THE STEERING WHEEL LOSES CONTROL AND TURNS ON IT'S ON.LATER THIS HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT AND THE WHEEL SUDDENLY WITHOUT WARNING TURNED TO THE RIGHT AS THOUGH SOMEONE TURNED IT...
NHTSA ODI report, 19991028
THE STEERING WHEEL TILT HAS PULLED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS PLUG OUT OF SOCKET, CAUSING THEM TO STOP WORKING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990203
13% of complaints: service brakes — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
6% of complaints: power train — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
DEATHShow complaint excerpts
1997 CHEVROLET K1500 Z71: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE 1870. TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20030721
Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing cooling system and engine.
DEATHSAFETY TIMELINE
VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTER
WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND D
Campaign 03V159000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (32 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V159000 (visibility) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups?
The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.