MYRModel Year Report

1997 Chevrolet Silverado

◆ Worse than typical
1997 Chevrolet Silverado
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
272
Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Service brakes

25% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 2 complaints 1980 1982: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1987: 2 complaints 1988: 15 complaints 1988 1989: 22 complaints 1990: 25 complaints 1991: 17 complaints 1992: 40 complaints 1993: 69 complaints 1993 1994: 210 complaints 1995: 263 complaints 1996: 186 complaints 1997: 272 complaints 1997 272 1998: 279 complaints 1999: 1,660 complaints 2000: 1,305 complaints 2001: 877 complaints 2002: 710 complaints 2003: 695 complaints 2003 2004: 622 complaints 2005: 316 complaints 2006: 182 complaints 2007: 183 complaints 2008: 162 complaints 2008 2009: 76 complaints 2010: 62 complaints 2011: 75 complaints 2012: 68 complaints 2013: 64 complaints 2013 2014: 124 complaints 2015: 76 complaints 2016: 5 complaints 2017: 125 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1982: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1987: 2 complaints 1988: 15 complaints 1989: 22 complaints 1989 1990: 25 complaints 1991: 17 complaints 1992: 40 complaints 1992 1993: 69 complaints 1994: 210 complaints 1995: 263 complaints 1995 1996: 186 complaints 1997: 272 complaints 1997 272 1998: 279 complaints 1999: 1,660 complaints 2000: 1,305 complaints 2001: 877 complaints 2001 2002: 710 complaints 2003: 695 complaints 2004: 622 complaints 2004 2005: 316 complaints 2006: 182 complaints 2007: 183 complaints 2007 2008: 162 complaints 2009: 76 complaints 2010: 62 complaints 2010 2011: 75 complaints 2012: 68 complaints 2013: 64 complaints 2013 2014: 124 complaints 2015: 76 complaints 2016: 5 complaints 2016 2017: 125 complaints
1980: 2 complaints 1980 1982: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1987: 2 complaints 1987 1988: 15 complaints 1989: 22 complaints 1989 1990: 25 complaints 1991: 17 complaints 1991 1992: 40 complaints 1993: 69 complaints 1993 1994: 210 complaints 1995: 263 complaints 1995 1996: 186 complaints 1997: 272 complaints 1997 272 1998: 279 complaints 1999: 1,660 complaints 1999 2000: 1,305 complaints 2001: 877 complaints 2001 2002: 710 complaints 2003: 695 complaints 2003 2004: 622 complaints 2005: 316 complaints 2005 2006: 182 complaints 2007: 183 complaints 2007 2008: 162 complaints 2009: 76 complaints 2009 2010: 62 complaints 2011: 75 complaints 2011 2012: 68 complaints 2013: 64 complaints 2013 2014: 124 complaints 2015: 76 complaints 2015 2016: 5 complaints 2017: 125 complaints 2017

1997: 272 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19802
19822
19845
19853
19872
198815
198922
199025
199117
199240
199369
1994210
1995263
1996186
1997272
1998279
19991,660
20001,305
2001877
2002710
2003695
2004622
2005316
2006182
2007183
2008162
200976
201062
201175
201268
201364
2014124
201576
20165
2017125

Known problem areas

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

Service brakes

25% · 68 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Steering

22% · 59 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

When applying brakes (ABS) have to use both hands to control steering wheel; steering locks up when foot on brakes; w/foot off brakes, able to steer or turn. Took to dealer & informed it's the new steering system in place.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-09-30

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Visibility

14% · 39 reports

Most commonly citing motor and windshield wiper/washer.

FIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while parked, the driver's side panel caught on fire. Also, the contact mentioned that the power locks and the power windows failed to operate properly.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-08-22

Also filed under Electrical system and latches/locks/linkages

The passenger pushed the button for the window to roll up and stuck his head out, and without warning, the window closed and caught his head in the window. Driver hit the button four times, then it released.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-01-14

Power train

14% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and seal.

CRASHFIRE

Fuel system, gasoline

8% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and injectors.

FIRE

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 →

  1. ▮
    1997Complaint volume 272 complaints filed for this model year.

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Chevrolet Silverado — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Service brakes: 68 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 59 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 39 reports on file for this year.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.