1997 Chevrolet Caprice
Only 3 complaints on file — too few 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.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 8 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 30 |
| 1987 | 17 |
| 1988 | 12 |
| 1989 | 18 |
| 1990 | 6 |
| 1991 | 131 |
| 1992 | 89 |
| 1993 | 61 |
| 1994 | 146 |
| 1995 | 88 |
| 1996 | 65 |
| 1997 | 3 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 0 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2014 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
BRAKE VALVE FAILED PRIOR TO RECALL NOTICE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981014
1 of 3 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO A GAS STATION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20041020
1 of 3 total reports mentions: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING,THE CONSUMER SMELLED A BURNT ODOR COMING FROM THE FRONT. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND LIFTED UP THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040923
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Chevrolet Caprice — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (1 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Caprice?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Caprice have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.