MYRModel Year Report

1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups

○ Not enough data
1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:43:03.863Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
72
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Visibility

44% of complaints

Complaints per year

1990: 1 complaint 1990 1991: 6 complaints 1992: 7 complaints 1992 1993: 12 complaints 1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 23 complaints 1996: 22 complaints 1997: 72 complaints 1997 72 1998: 78 complaints 1999: 37 complaints 2000: 34 complaints 2000 2001: 24 complaints 2002: 14 complaints 2002
1990: 1 complaint 1990 1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 7 complaints 1992 1993: 12 complaints 1993 1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 23 complaints 1995 1996: 22 complaints 1996 1997: 72 complaints 1997 72 1998: 78 complaints 1998 1999: 37 complaints 1999 2000: 34 complaints 2000 2001: 24 complaints 2001 2002: 14 complaints 2002
1990: 1 complaint 1990 1991: 6 complaints 1991 1992: 7 complaints 1992 1993: 12 complaints 1993 1994: 52 complaints 1994 1995: 23 complaints 1995 1996: 22 complaints 1996 1997: 72 complaints 1997 72 1998: 78 complaints 1998 1999: 37 complaints 1999 2000: 34 complaints 2000 2001: 24 complaints 2001 2002: 14 complaints 2002

1997: 72 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19901
19916
19927
199312
199452
199523
199622
199772
199878
199937
200034
200124
200214

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility

44% · 32 reports

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, 2012-05-03

Steering

28% · 20 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-19

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, 1999-10-28

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, 1999-02-03

Service brakes

13% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

Power train

6% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.

DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

1997 Chevrolet K1500 Z71: check engine light code 1870. Transmission shifts hard from 1ST to 2ND gear.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-21

Also filed under Engine and engine cooling

Engine and engine cooling

6% · 4 reports

Most commonly citing cooling system and engine.

DEATH

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    2001-01-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 2001-05-22 Vacuum brake booster
  2. I
    2002-05-31Engineering analysisClosed 2003-07-23 Windshield wiper failure
  3. R
    2003-06-19Visibility03V159000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Visibility: 32 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 03V159000 · Visibility
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.