1997 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
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 |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 3 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 2 |
| 1997 | 64 |
| 1998 | 73 |
| 1999 | 81 |
| 2000 | 132 |
| 2001 | 300 |
| 2002 | 351 |
| 2003 | 449 |
| 2004 | 368 |
| 2005 | 269 |
| 2006 | 177 |
| 2007 | 204 |
| 2008 | 191 |
| 2009 | 61 |
| 2010 | 21 |
| 2011 | 104 |
| 2012 | 52 |
| 2013 | 51 |
| 2014 | 40 |
| 2015 | 175 |
| 2016 | 122 |
| 2017 | 54 |
| 2018 | 51 |
| 2019 | 72 |
| 2020 | 99 |
| 2021 | 82 |
| 2022 | 89 |
| 2023 | 42 |
| 2024 | 135 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2026 | 4 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
20% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY LOCK UP AND SKID, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, CAUSING A COLLISION. THER E WERE NO INJURIES, BUT ONE FATALITY. DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20000209
CONSUMER'S MOTHER AND FATHER WERE LEAVING A PARKING LOT WHEN THEIR BRAKES FAILED. THEIR TRUCK DRIFTED OUT INTO TRAFFIC THAT WAS GOING APPROX. 55-60MPH, AND THEY WERE BROADSIDED BY A FULL SIZED VAN LOADED WITH LEAD PIPES.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980224
9% of complaints: visibility — 6 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
1997 K 2500 TRUCK PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING AND SURGING WILL STALL AT HIGH SPEEDS AND WITH HYDRO BOOST THERE ARE ONLY 10 % BRAKING POWER THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES WITH EACH TIME A FAILURE OF A PMD BOX ON ENGINE THAT THE DEALER SAYS IS A MAJOR...
NHTSA ODI report, 20051124
5% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: steering — 3 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
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. TH
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.
Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, diesel issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.