Is the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

1997 Chevrolet Tahoe

◆ Worse than typical

1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
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: 410
Recalls: 2
Investigations: 4
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

1997: 410 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1988	1
1991	3
1992	6
1993	8
1994	19
1995	246
1996	283
1997	410
1998	263
1999	552
2000	282
2001	512
2002	449
2003	507
2004	467
2005	293
2006	114
2007	1,176
2008	528
2009	284
2010	314
2011	447
2012	178
2013	232
2014	90
2015	658
2016	256
2017	174
2018	103
2019	105
2020	57
2021	452
2022	189
2023	222
2024	67
2025	49
2026	25

Known problem areas

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

Service brakes

30% · 124 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

While in motion seat belt would come undone or wouldn't unlock from lock in order to use. Brakes would slip.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-09-13

Also filed under Air bags and seat belts

Steering

26% · 108 reports

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

CRASHINJURY

Power train

15% · 62 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

While vehicle was in motion, the gear shift hit by passenger and went completey back to park. This caused the rear differential to lock up and driver lost control of vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 1998-01-14

Visibility

13% · 52 reports

Most commonly citing motor and windshield wiper/washer.

Fuel system, gasoline

9% · 35 reports

Most commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
1997Complaint volume 410 complaints filed for this model year.
I
1999-05-12Engineering analysisClosed 2001-02-27 Erratic power steering assist while driv
I
1999-12-03Preliminary evaluationClosed 2000-05-02 Battery leaks acid
I
2000-05-02Engineering analysisClosed 2002-06-28 Battery leaks acid
I
2001-07-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 2001-12-20 Seat belt anchorage separation
R

2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

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).

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 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.…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Chevrolet Tahoe — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 124 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 108 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 62 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 07E088000 · Equipment

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe have?: 2 recalls on file for this model year.

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