1997 Chevrolet Chevy VAN
Only 12 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 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 12
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 12 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 3 |
| 1993 | 6 |
| 1994 | 5 |
| 1995 | 7 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 12 |
| 1998 | 10 |
| 1999 | 12 |
| 2000 | 7 |
| 2001 | 13 |
| 2003 | 10 |
Known problem areas
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
4 of 12 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Show complaint excerpts
My van started making a strange crunching sound. I was told by a local repair shop that the catalytic converter is cracked inside. It needs to be replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-11-06
Water found on inside of air filter and filter wet.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-02-19
Visibility
2 of 12 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing power window devices and controls.
Show complaint excerpts
Electric window not working, electrical problems,brake lights shorts.
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-04-07
Fuel system, gasoline
2 of 12 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel pump.
Show complaint excerpts
Fuel gauge doesn't work, very costly to repair, about 800.00 dollars this has happened twice now, I can't afford to get it fixed again!!
NHTSA ODI report, 2005-04-07
Fuel pump/sensor unit failed due to exposed wires and friction between pump wire and another wire. The pump was shorted out electrically. Fuel tank was nearly full. Item replaced by indepentant mechanic and defective part retained by me.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-02-11
Service brakes
2 of 12 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Suspension
1 of 12 total reports mentions: suspension, most commonly citing lower ball joint.
Show complaint excerpts
While backing out of a parking space lower ball joint broke, resulting in an accident. Front driver side wheel came off. *ak wheel hub broke and rolled under the vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-01-23
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Chevrolet Chevy VAN — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
FAQ
- Is the 1997 Chevrolet Chevy VAN 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 Chevy VAN?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Chevy VAN have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.