1997 Chevrolet Express 3500 problems
The Chevrolet Express (also known as the GMC Savana) is a series of full-size vans produced by General Motors since 1996. The successor to the Chevrolet G-series van, the Express is produced in passenger and cargo variants. Alongside the standard van body, the line is offered as a cutaway van chassis; the latter vehicle is a chassis cab variant developed for commercial-grade applications, including ambulances, buses, motorhomes, and small trucks.
In production for a single generation since 1995, over 2.5 million examples of the Express and the Savana have been produced. One of the longest-produced designs in American automotive history, the Express/Savana are rivaled only by the Jeep Wagoneer and Dodge Ram Van for longevity.
Since 1995, General Motors has assembled the Express and Savana at its Wentzville Assembly facility (Wentzville, Missouri). Also, since 2017, GM has sourced commercial cutaway-chassis production from Navistar through its Springfield Assembly Plant (Springfield, Ohio).
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Common 1997 Chevrolet Express 3500 problems
Common Problems with the Chevrolet Express 3500 1997:
- Fuel Pump Failure: The 1999 Chevrolet Express has the most overall complaints, and the most-reported problem is with the 1999 Chevrolet Express for fuel pump failure. This can lead to problems with starting the vehicle, and may require replacement of the fuel pump. The average cost to fix this issue is $3,000, with an average mileage of 25,000 mi, $4,000 with an average mileage of 70,000 mi, and $8,300 with an average mileage of 67,000 mi.
- Brake System Issues: There are several recalls related to the brake system of the Chevrolet Express 3500. One recall involves the hydro-boost brake assembly, where the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions. This can lead to a loss of brake assist, and may require replacement of the hydro-boost assembly. Another recall involves the wheel bearing assembly, where certain vans were built without a wheel bearing assembly retaining nut, which could lead to a possible bearing separation. This can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. A third recall involves the front safety belt buckles, where during a crash sufficient to deploy the safety belt pretensioner, the front safety belt buckles may not release after a crash, or may cause the buckle to unlatch in a crash, resulting in an increased risk of personal injury.
- Power Steering Cooler Hose Separation: Passenger vans equipped with a brake warning indicator may have a power steering cooler hose that can separate from the power brake booster fluid flow witch assembly. If this occurs, power steering fluid could flow onto hot engine parts, and an engine compartment fire could occur. Dealers will inspect for three screw clamps to the power steering hose joints. If the clamps are not the screw type, dealers will replace the clamps.
- Starting Problems: The Chevrolet Express 3500 1997 may have starting problems, which can be caused by a variety of issues, including a draining battery, a bad ground on the starter, or rust on the positive cable. These issues can lead to problems with starting the vehicle, and may require repair or replacement of the affected parts.
- Engine Issues: Owners have made 74 complaints over 25 model years, mostly about engine issues. The Express ranks 7th in reliability out of 40 Chevrolet models.
How many miles does a Chevy Express 3500 last?
The 2019 Chevrolet Express lasts around 200,000 miles, with some alternator and A/C issues reported. At $24,975 to $39,975, it's a decent value for a practical old-school full-size van if you need to haul a lot of people or cargo.
How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Express 3500?
Fuel Economy
| City | 11 mpg |
|---|---|
| Highway | 16 mpg |
| Combined | 12 mpg |
Are Chevy Express vans reliable?
The Chevrolet Express 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 21 for commercial vans. The average annual repair cost is $963 which means it has poor ownership costs.
What's the difference between 2500 and 3500 Chevy Express van?
The difference between the 2500 and 3500 models are in the gross weight each can handle and the payload. The 2500 can carry up to 8,600 pounds and tow up to 3234 pounds. The 3500 can carry up to 9900 pounds and two up to 4,192 pounds.
How many miles does a Chevy Express 3500 last?
The 2021 Chevrolet Express lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average wheel noise and fuel pump issues reported.
Are Chevy Express vans reliable?
The Chevrolet Express 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 21 for commercial vans. The average annual repair cost is $963 which means it has poor ownership costs.
How many MPG does a Chevy Express 3500 get?
Fuel Economy
| City | 12 mpg |
|---|---|
| Highway | 16 mpg |
| Combined | 14 mpg |
What's the difference between 2500 and 3500 Chevy Express van?
The difference between the 2500 and 3500 models are in the gross weight each can handle and the payload. The 2500 can carry up to 8,600 pounds and tow up to 3234 pounds. The 3500 can carry up to 9900 pounds and two up to 4,192 pounds.
1997 Chevrolet Express 3500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Express 3500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Suspension problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Chevrolet Express 3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Chevrolet Express 3500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Chevrolet Express 3500.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-15
- VIN: 1GCGG25R5V1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: I SEEM TO BE EXPERIENCING THE EXACT KIND OF IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTION THAT HAS BEEN THE CAUSE OF THE MASSIVE GM RECALL THIS YEAR. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT THE RECALL DOESN'T SEEM TO GO BACK TO 1997. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE IT FIRST STARTED TO HAPPEN A WEEK OR SO AGO. THE ENGINE AND EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL JUST SHUTS OFF FOR NO REASON. IT HAS HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AT PARKING LOT SPEEDS, DRIVING AROUND TOWN, AND EVEN PARKED AT IDLE. IT JUST UP AND DIES FOR A SECOND OR TWO, FOLLOWED BY ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS COMING ON LIKE YOU HAD JUST TURNED THE KEY BACK ON. SEEMS TO ME LIKE THE GM IGNITION SWITCH RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE OLDER VEHICLES THAT WERE APPARENTLY AFFECTED AS WELL AS THE ONES ALREADY ON THE LIST. *TR
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-06
- VIN: 1GCHG35RXV1
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: I WAS PICKING UP ITEMS IN A HOME DEPOT PARKING LOT, WHEN THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND I DISCOVERED THE BRAKE LINES TO THE REAR HAD RUSTED THROUGH AND EMPTIED OUT ALL THE BRAKE FLUID. WHEN IT WAS ON THE LIFT AND BEING REPAIRED, I FOUND THAT THE REAR LEAF SPRING MOUNTS ARE NEARLY CORRODED AWAY. THIS IS NOT A PART DESIGNED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Chevrolet Express 3500 problems:
Q&A: Common Problems with 2003 Chevy Express 3500 Van
Oct 21, 2008 ... 2003 Chevy Express 3500 has problems starting it and keeping running - Answered by a verified Chevy Mechanic.
1997 Chevrolet Express 3500 Problems and Complaints - 25 Issues
Top 1997 Chevrolet Express 3500 Problems · Tail Light Wiring in Cargo Area May be Damaged · Replace Fuel Filter Every 30,000 to Prevent Fuel Pump Failure.
Q&A: 1997 Chevy Express - Why is my oil gauge at 80? Silverado ...
Jun 9, 2019 ... There are 2 common problems which can cause this issue. One: The oil pressure sensors are common to fail and even leak oil into the connector.
1997 Chevrolet Express 3500 - Check engine light p1345
Dec 12, 2009 ... I don't work on many Chevys but fuel pump failure seems common particularly if you tap on the bottom of the tank while cranking and the car ...
I'd like to buy a Chevy Astro Van, what are the problems I should ...
Mar 10, 2023 ... Would anyone be willing to educate me on what to look out for when buying a used Chevy Astro Van. I don't have a specific year in mind, ...
Other years of Chevrolet Express 3500
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