1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
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 |
|---|---|
| 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 | 466 |
| 2005 | 293 |
| 2006 | 114 |
| 2007 | 1176 |
| 2008 | 528 |
| 2009 | 284 |
| 2010 | 314 |
| 2011 | 446 |
| 2012 | 178 |
| 2013 | 232 |
| 2014 | 90 |
| 2015 | 657 |
| 2016 | 256 |
| 2017 | 173 |
| 2018 | 103 |
| 2019 | 104 |
| 2020 | 55 |
| 2021 | 440 |
| 2022 | 182 |
| 2023 | 209 |
| 2024 | 61 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 20 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
30% of complaints: service brakes — 124 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow 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, 20200913
Also filed under AIR BAGS and SEAT BELTS
26% of complaints: steering — 108 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and steering wheel/handle bar.
CRASH INJURY15% of complaints: power train — 62 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 19980114
13% of complaints: visibility — 52 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing motor and windshield wiper/washer.
9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel pump and tank assembly.
SAFETY TIMELINE
ERRATIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIV
BATTERY LEAKS ACID
BATTERY LEAKS ACID
SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION
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 Tahoe — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (124 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (108 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (62 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 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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.