1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
This year had 30% to 100% more 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 | 1 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 61 |
| 1998 | 67 |
| 1999 | 47 |
| 2000 | 80 |
| 2001 | 72 |
| 2002 | 50 |
| 2003 | 42 |
| 2004 | 41 |
| 2005 | 46 |
| 2006 | 51 |
| 2007 | 39 |
| 2008 | 30 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 29 |
| 2012 | 23 |
| 2013 | 26 |
| 2014 | 10 |
| 2015 | 50 |
| 2016 | 50 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 18 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2020 | 40 |
| 2021 | 38 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2024 | 47 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
21% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
IN AN EMERGENCY OR PANIC STOP ABS BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. ONCE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES THERE WAS 3 OR 4 SECONDS OF NO BRAKING POWER. *AK AS A RESULT, CONSUMER REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040308
7% of complaints: visibility — 4 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 4 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP, BRAKES FAILED TWICE, ONCE RESULTING IN A COLLISION. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT SOFT AND WENT TO THE FLOOR. ALSO, BRAKE FLUID LEAKED OUT OF THE TRUCK. HAS HAD THE BRAKES REPAIRED TWICE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990113
7% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 4 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY WHICH CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE DETAILS. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980828
SAFETY TIMELINE
REAR AXLE SEPARATION FROM VEHICLE
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.