1997 Chevrolet Express 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 problems
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here is a detailed analysis of these issues:
- Power Train: Automatic Transmission
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced issues with the automatic transmission, with three recalls issued for this problem. The ODI Numbers for these recalls are 756199, 742544, and 723260.
- Electrical System: Wiring: Fuses and Circuit Breakers
A recall was issued for the 1997 Chevrolet Express due to problems with the electrical system, specifically the wiring and fuses. The ODI Number for this recall is 729528.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced issues with the service brakes, specifically the antilock, traction control, and electronic limited slip. A recall was issued for this problem, with the ODI Number being 725911.
- Exterior Lightings: SABERSport
A recall was issued for the 1997 Chevrolet Express due to problems with the exterior lightings, specifically the combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies. The recall number for this issue is 2009-04-07.
- Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced issues with the fuel system, specifically the delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. A recall was issued for this problem, with the recall number being 2000-04-17.
- Engine and Engine Cooling: Exhaust System: Emission Control
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced problems with the engine and engine cooling, specifically the exhaust system and emission control. Several complaints have been reported for this issue, with affected components including the exhaust system and emission control.
- Equipment: Electrical
A recall was issued for the 1997 Chevrolet Express due to problems with the equipment, specifically the electrical system. The recall number for this issue is 103100.
- Exterior Lighting: Tail Lights
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced issues with the exterior lighting, specifically the tail lights. Several complaints have been reported for this issue, with affected components including the tail lights.
- Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: Fuel Gauge System
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced problems with the fuel system, specifically the delivery and fuel gauge system. Several complaints have been reported for this issue, with affected components including the fuel gauge system.
- Power Train: Automatic Transmission
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced issues with the power train, specifically the automatic transmission. Several complaints have been reported for this issue, with affected components including the automatic transmission.
- Seat Belts
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced problems with the seat belts. Several complaints have been reported for this issue, with affected components including the seat belts and front buckle assembly.
- Steering: Hydraulic Power Assist: Pump
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced issues with the steering, specifically the hydraulic power assist and pump. Several complaints have been reported for this issue, with affected components including the steering and hydraulic power assist pump.
- Structure: Body: Door: Hinge and Attachments
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced problems with the structure, specifically the body and door hinge and attachments. Several complaints have been reported for this issue, with affected components including the structure, body, and door hinge and attachments.
- Structure: Body: Trunk Lid
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced issues with the structure, specifically the body and trunk lid. Several complaints have been reported for this issue, with affected components including the structure and body trunk lid.
- Suspension: Front: Springs: Coil Springs
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced problems with the suspension, specifically the front and coil springs. Several complaints have been reported for this issue, with affected components including the suspension and front coil springs.
- Tires: Tread/Belt
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced issues with the tires, specifically the tread and belt. Several complaints have been reported for this issue, with affected components including the tires and tread/belt.
- Visibility: Rearview Mirrors/Devices: Exterior
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced problems with the visibility, specifically the rearview mirrors and devices. Several complaints have been reported for this issue, with affected components including the visibility and rearview mirrors/devices.
- Wheels
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has experienced issues with the wheels. Several complaints have been reported for this issue, with affected components including the wheels.
These problems have been reported by owners of the 1997 Chevrolet Express and have been compiled based on complaints submitted to the NHTSA and other sources. It is important to note that not all vehicles of this make, model, and year will experience these issues, but it is crucial for owners to be aware of these potential problems and to address them promptly if they occur.
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 long do Chevy Express engines last?
If you have a 4.3 V6 250,000 miles would be good. If you have a 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L V8 all are LS based engines. Those engines if cared for properly 300,000 is not uncommon. If you drive it like you stole it all the time you will be lucky to make 150,000 miles.
How many miles does a Chevy Express get?
Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 20 MPG, offering 620 miles of range out of the 31 gallon tank. Gas costs are similar to other vans, at $369 per month. Value 8/10 – The 2019 Chevrolet Express is cheaper than a lot of other full size vans with reasonable depreciation rates, making it an attractive value.
What is the recall on the Chevy Express van?
Recall # N202325160 Date: 03/18/2021 Recall: General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles equipped with 6.6L gasoline engines. The positive battery cable terminals may contact a fuse block assembly attachment post and cause an electrical short circuit.
Is the Chevy Express reliable?
The Chevrolet Express 3500 Reliability Rating is 2.5 out of 5.0, which ranks it 13th out of 21 for commercial vans. The average annual repair cost is $1,013 which means it has poor ownership costs. The frequency of repairs is average, but when issues do arise, they are more likely to be severe than with other models.
How long do Chevy Express engines last?
If you have a 4.3 V6 250,000 miles would be good. If you have a 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L V8 all are LS based engines. Those engines if cared for properly 300,000 is not uncommon. If you drive it like you stole it all the time you will be lucky to make 150,000 miles.
How many miles does a Chevy Express get?
Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 20 MPG, offering 620 miles of range out of the 31 gallon tank. Gas costs are similar to other vans, at $369 per month. Value 8/10 – The 2019 Chevrolet Express is cheaper than a lot of other full size vans with reasonable depreciation rates, making it an attractive value.
What engines are in the Chevy Express?
6.6L V8. Max trailering weight of up to 9,600 lbs.
1997 Chevrolet Express car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Express problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Structure problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Chevrolet Express vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Chevrolet Express
The NHTSA has received 30 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Chevrolet Express. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Chevrolet Express vehicles.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-01
- VIN: 1GBFG15M8V1
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A FUEL ODOR CAME FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE LEAKED FUEL ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 04/22/16*LJ UPDATED 05/31/18*JB
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-28
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A HOOK ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE CONTACT'S HEAD STRUCK THE HOOK, WHICH RESULTED IN THE CONTACT LOSING CONSCIOUSNESS AND HERNIATING TWO DISCS. THE MANUFACTURER SENT A REPRESENTATIVE, WHICH DETERMINED THIS IS HOW THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-02-13
- VIN: 1GBFG15R2V1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 75 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER INTO THE MEDIAN AND THE TIRE WAS CHANGED. TWO HUNDRED MILES LATER, THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE BLEW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE SENT TO THE MANUFACTURER WHICH DETERMINED THE BLOWOUTS WERE A RESULT OF ROAD HAZARDS. UPDATED 4/6/2006 - THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO TREAD SEPARATION. *NM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-15
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE TRANSMISSION HAD AN OVERHEATING PROBLEM THAT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWITCH TO "SAFE" MODE. SAFE MODE COMPENSATED THE TRANSMISSION HEAT PROBLEM BY HARD SHIFTING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TRANSMISSION SPECIALTY REPAIR SHOP WHERE I LEARNED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS IN THE DESIGN OF THE TRANSMISSION. IT WAS THE OPINION OF THE REPAIR SHOP THAT GM KNEW OF THE PROBLEM BUT WOULD NOT ISSUE A RECALL BECAUSE THE ISSUE WAS NOT LIFE THREATENING. COST OF MODIFICATION WAS $1,600.*JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-15
- VIN: 1GBFG15R2V1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DT: WHILE DRIVING SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASH PANEL. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CHEVROLET DEALER, WHO PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WHICH SHOWED THAT TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING. THE DEALER NOTED THE NEXT STEP WOULD BE TO CHECK THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. DUE TO THE COLOR OF THE FLUID IT WAS DETERMINED A NEW TRANSMISSION WOULD BE NEEDED. THE DEALER REFERRED THE CONSUMER TO OTHER INDEPENDENT SHOPS, AND THEY TOO CONFIRMED WHAT THE DEALER SAID. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME AND PARKED IT. NO CORRECTIONS OR REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE CONSUMER CALLED CHEVROLET MANUFACTURER, AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED CHEVROLET AGAIN, AND THEY ESCALATED HIS CONCERNS BUT OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. *AK UPDATED 05/06/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR FAILED. UPDATED 05/06/08
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-09-13
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TAIL LIGHT SOCKET FAILURE, NEW SOCKETS ARE GOING TO BE INSTALLED. *JB
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-02
- VIN: 1GBFG15R8V1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT WAS MOUNTED ON MIDDLE CAPTIAN CHAIR, STARCRAFT CONVERSION VAN. CABLE BROKE FROM NORMAL USAGE?
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-04
- VIN: 1GBFG15R7V1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE SHIFTING TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTED ON ITS OWN. A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-10
- VIN: 1GBFG15R2V1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: FUEL GUAGE FAILURE ON MY 1997 EXPRESS VAN. GUAGE SHOWED FUEL TANK EMPTY. ESTIMATED REPAIRS= $600.00. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO FRIENDS WITH SAME YEAR CHEVROLETS. INTERNET FULL OF COMPLAINTS FOR 1997 AND 2000 YEARS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND A VERY COSTLY REPAIR THAT MANY CANNOT AFFORD. PLEASE, PLEASE HELP. I AM SUBMITTING THE SAME FUEL GUAGE FAILURE COMPLAINT FOR A 2000 CHEVROLET BLAZER REGARDING AN INCIDENT THAT PUT MY TEENAGER IN SERIOUS JEOPARDY!*AK
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S RIGHT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF WITH THE LUG NUTS STILL ATTACHED TO THE HUB. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE JERKED TO THE RIGHT AND RAN INTO A WALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-12-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S RIGHT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF WITH THE LUG NUTS STILL ATTACHED TO THE HUB. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE JERKED TO THE RIGHT AND RAN INTO A WALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NM
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-15
- VIN: 1GBFG15R7V1
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS 1996-2002 G-SERIES VANS (CHEVY EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA). THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE/VEHICLE CONTROL MODULE (PCM/VCM) CORRODES OVER TIME AND THE CASE ENCLOSING THE COMPUTER SPLITS OPEN ALLOWING WATER TO ENTER THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. GM HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THIS PROBLEM IN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 02-06-04-020, ATTRIBUTING IT TO LOCATION OF THE PCM/VCM AND DESIGN OF THE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS DEFLECTOR. THIS DEFLECTOR ACTS MUCH LIKE A "RAIN GUTTER" TO ROUTE WATER AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER. IT WAS POORLY DESIGNED AND INSTEAD DUMPS WATER DIRECTLY ON TO THE COMPUTER TRIGGERING CORROSION. THE CORROSION MAY ALSO BE THE RESULT OF GALVANIC ACTION (TWO DISSIMILAR METALS GENERATING AN ELECTRICAL CHARGE) AS THE COMPUTER CASE IS ALUMIONUM AND SCREWS HOLDING IT TOGETHER ARE STEEL. A SMALL CLAIMS COURT ACTION FILED AGAINST GM AND THE DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY RESULTED IN AN OFFER FROM GM TO PAY FOR ALL REPAIRS (PRIOR TO ANY HEARINGS). THIS LEADS US TO BELIEVE THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND MAY IN EFFECT HAVE A "SECRET WARRANTY" IN PLACE. TOTAL REPAIR COST WAS $1,400 BUT IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH MORE SINCE WE CHOSE TO "DRY OUT" THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RATHER THAN REPLACE THE ENTIRE WIRING HARNESS (MORE THAN $2,000 PARTS AND LABOR).
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-12-29
- VIN: 1GBFG15R2V1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: ON 12-02-01 WHILE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 5 A.M. ON MY WAY TO WORK THERE WAS A VERY LOUD SCREECHING NOISE AND I LOST ALL POWER TO THE VAN, TRANSMISSION GONE . VEHICLE TOWED TO MARK BASS CHEVROLET DEALER IN COAL CITY,IL. MILEAGE AT 107060. NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, TRANSMISSION REPLACED AT A COST OF $1863.34 TO CONSUMER PLUS TOW BILL AND RENTAL CAR FOR 1 WEEK. ON 12-29-01 DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WITH THE CRUISE AGAIN SET AT 68 MPH I AGAIN LOST THE TRANSMISSION. MILEAGE NOW AT 108219 AND VEHICLE AGAIN TOWED TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS. VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A TRANS COOLER WHICH WAS INSTALLED UPON PURCHASE BY THE DEALERSHIP AND HAS TOWED A BOAT FOR A TOTAL OF 30 MILES. 99% OF THE MILES ARE INTERSTATE MILES DUE TO WORK DISTANCE OF 100 MILES PER DAY AND TRAVELING TO VISIT MY CHILDREN AND FATHER WHO LIVE IN TEXAS AND COLORADO. VEHICLE ALSO SEEMS TO GO THROUGH AN EXCESSIVE NUMBER OF BRAKES WHICH SEEM TO BE CONTINUELY GOING OUT AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED ABOUT 6 TIMES ALL THE WAY AROUND. I PURCHAED THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THE NEED FOR COMFORT AND DEPENDABILITY IN MAKING LONG DISTANCE TRIPS WHERE I AM MOSTLY ALONE. IT HAS BEEN SERVICED ON A REGULAR BASIS AND IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. IT HAS ONLY BEEN DRIVEN BY ONE OTHER PERSON AND HAS NOT BEEN MIS-USED IN ANY WAY.*AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-15
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: OUTSIDE MIRRORS VIBRATE. BECAUSE OF VIBRATION DRIVER CANNOT SEE VEHICLE IN THE REAR. CONTACTED DEALER, AND DEALER STATED ITWAS A NON REPAIRABLE ITEM. PLEASE ADD VIN. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-05
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: FIRESTONE, 245 75 R16, DOT # AN11B1A517, ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT, 30000 MILES MOUNTED ON A 1996, CHEVROLET, EXPRESS. WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THERE WAS SOME TREAD SEPARATION ON BACK LEFT TIRE.*AK *SLC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-26
- VIN: 1GNFG15RV10
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WILL NOT MAKE A SHORT PANIC STOP AT LOW SPEEDS, EXTREME PEDAL PRESSURE HAS LITTLE EFFECT AS THE VEHICLE APPROACHES 15 TO 10 MPH AND SLOWER, CONSUMER STATED THE ABS CONTROL IS SUPPOSE TO DROP OFF AND PERMIT THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALER HE SHOULD ALLOW FOR GREATER STOPPING DISTANCE WITH ABS AND THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED, ALSO CONSUMER DISCOVERED BRAKE FLUID UNDER THE MASTER CYLINDER, THE DEALER REPLACED THE CAP SEAL DUE TO IT NOT SEALING PROPERLY. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-26
- VIN: 1GNFG15RV10
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WILL NOT MAKE A SHORT PANIC STOP AT LOW SPEEDS, EXTREME PEDAL PRESSURE HAS LITTLE EFFECT AS THE VEHICLE APPROACHES 15 TO 10 MPH AND SLOWER, CONSUMER STATED THE ABS CONTROL IS SUPPOSE TO DROP OFF AND PERMIT THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE WITHOUT LIMITATION, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY DEALER HE SHOULD ALLOW FOR GREATER STOPPING DISTANCE WITH ABS AND THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED, ALSO CONSUMER DISCOVERED BRAKE FLUID UNDER THE MASTER CYLINDER, THE DEALER REPLACED THE CAP SEAL DUE TO IT NOT SEALING PROPERLY. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-07
- VIN: 1GCFG25R3V1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER ON MAY 07,2001 IN REFERENCE TO RECALL# 00V110000 AND MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 00031. DEALER STATED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE ,AND NO FUTURE DATE WAS GIVEN ON WHEN PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE.*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-01
- VIN: FILL IN PLE
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: REAR SEAT BELTS FAIL TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. MIDDLE LAP BELT FAILS TO STAY BUCKLED. ALSO, SHOULDER BELT ON PASSENGER'S SIDE IN REAR FAILS TO PULL OUT. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-01-10
- VIN: 1GNFG15R8V1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE REACTION SHELL BROKE IN THE TRANSMISSION, DISABLING THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY WHILE IN TRAFFIC. THIS CAUSED MY WIFE WHO WAS DRIVING IT TO ESSENTIALLY STALL OUT. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS HURT, BUT THE REPAIRS TO A VEHICLE WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE TOTALED OVER $2200.00. MIGHTY POOR QUALITY. THANKFULLY THE FAILURE DID NOT TAKE PLACE WHILE SHE WAS PASSING SOMEONE, OR GOING UPHILL.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-15
- VIN: 1GCFG25W2V1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL ID 00V110000/ MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 00031. PLUG ON EMISSION PIPE ASSEMBLY IS CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK FROM VCM WIRING. IT'S ALLOWING FUEL TO COME BACK UP THROUGH TUBE.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-02-15
- VIN: 1GCFG25WXV1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY IN SHOP FOR PLUG ON EMISSION FUEL LEAKING INTO VCM WIRING, ALLOWING FUEL TO COME BACK UP. A RECALL ID # 00V110000/MANUFACTURER'S RECALL #00031 HASN'T BEEN ANNOUCED TO SEE IF OTHER COMPANY VEHICLE ARE AFFECTED.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-08
- VIN: 1GNHG35R8V1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: P300 020;CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 75MPH ON HIGHWAY AND HEARD A THUMPING NOISE. WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, AND RIGHT REAR SIDE TIRE TREAD HAD SEPARATED. HE HAS CONTACTED FIRESTONE, HE RECEIVED A NOTICE. FIRESTONE,#STEELTEX R4S, P24575R16. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.*AK CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED 4 OTHER SEPARATIONS, 2 BEING TREAD SEPARATIONS AND THE OTHER BEING BELT SEPARATIONS. *SLC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-28
- VIN: 1GCGG29ROV1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THERE IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE VAN; WATER GETS INTO FUSE BOX. IT RUSTS OUT! POTENTIAL FIRE DANGER IS VERY HIGH. THE VAN IS A "CONVERSION" TO A MOTOR HOME. WE UNDERSTAND THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THESE VANS IN TEXAS.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GCFG25W2V1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ABS BRAKE FAILURE SAME AS FOR 1996/ REPORTED TO DEALER/ TESTED AND NO PROBLEM FOUND. BUT ACCIDENT DID OCCUR DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. *AK
1997 Chevrolet Express recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1997 Chevrolet Express.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: PASSENGER VANS. THESE VANS EXPERIENCE FUEL ODORS OR LEAKAGE.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED EVAPORATIVE EMISSION PIPE ASSEMBLY.
Negative 1997 Chevrolet Express car reviews
Positive 1997 Chevrolet Express car reviews
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This vehicle has been fantastic! It's amazing that in 90,000 miles, the only issues I've had were a bad computer due to a corrosion issue and an intake manifold gasket. Despite these minor setbacks, it still runs like it's brand new!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Chevrolet Express problems:
1997 Chevrolet Express 1500 Problems and Complaints - 28 Issues
Top 1997 Chevrolet Express 1500 Problems · Check Engine Light and Misfire Due to Stuck Fuel Injectors · Intake Manifold Gaskets May Leak Coolant or Engine Oil.
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Are you having problems with your 1997 Chevrolet Express?
Israel Kunze 2024-05-14
Hello! We've had our Chevy G1500 conversion van for 16 months now. When we bought it, it only had 62000 miles on it, but now it has 76000 miles. Unfortunately, we've had to spend some money on repairs in the past 16 months. We've had to replace the brakes twice, which cost us $600, and we also had to spend $1700 on a new transmission, $700 on the A/C (condenser), and $200 on a water pump. All in all, we've spent $3200 on repairs so far, and we're worried that there might be more to come.
Murl Dickinson 2024-05-13
I have a Mark III conversion van, so the interior is better than standard. While it's a good road warrior, I've had a few issues with it such as the ABS going out at 48k, the A/C at 25k, and a drive shaft leaking oil at 27k. The brakes are inadequate for such a large vehicle. At 59k, some bits and pieces of trim are departing or breaking, and I share the concern about vibrating rearview mirrors. The side door is also very flimsy. However, I am convinced that Chevy could build a better van if they tried. Now that my kids are bigger, our next car will be a Subaru, which I expect to last forever.
Ronaldo Bradtke 2024-04-14
Hi there! I wanted to share my experience with my van. I bought it used and unfortunately, at 50,000 miles, the fuel pump went bad. I've had some trouble with the air conditioning too, and have spent over $1000.00 fixing it. I was hoping for better performance from a GM product, but unfortunately, I've had some issues. Additionally, I've noticed that the fit and finish could be improved, as the outside rear view mirrors vibrate excessively. Thanks for listening!
Judge Marks 2024-02-27
Hi there! I see that you've recently purchased a vehicle to pull your camping trailer. That's great! It's wonderful to hear that after 7 years, your vehicle is still running smoothly and reliably. However, I understand that you may have some concerns about the interior fit and finish. It seems that the plastic doesn't fit cleanly and the outside mirrors vibrate. I hope that these issues don't detract too much from your overall enjoyment of your vehicle. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help!