MYRModel Year Report

1997 Chevrolet Silverado

◆ Worse than typical
1997 Chevrolet Silverado
BUILT 2026-09-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Chevrolet Silverado Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 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 1998: 279 complaints 1998 1999: 1660 complaints 2000: 1305 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 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
19991660
20001305
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%

25% of complaints: service brakes — 68 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
STEERING 22%

22% of complaints: steering — 59 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and steering wheel/handle bar.

CRASH FIRE
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, 19970930

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

VISIBILITY 14%

14% of complaints: visibility — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing motor and windshield wiper/washer.

FIRE INJURY
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, 20140822

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, 20040114

POWER TRAIN 14%

14% of complaints: power train — 37 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and seal.

CRASH FIRE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 8%

8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel pump and injectors.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

▮ 1997 — complaint volume: 272

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Chevrolet Silverado — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (68 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (59 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (39 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1992 ▲ 2010 ▲ 2013

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 2000 ■ 2001

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.