1997 Chevrolet Pickup problems
Chevrolet has produced full sized pickup trucks under many nameplates and platforms. Almost all Chevrolet branded vehicles were also available under the GMC brand as well.
Full-size pickup trucks
Pre-1960 models
Chevrolet C/K
The Chevrolet C/K is a line of pickup trucks and other vehicles manufactured by Chevrolet from 1960 to 2002. It was discontinued and replaced by the Chevrolet Silverado.
Chevrolet Silverado
Introduced in 1998, the Chevrolet Silverado replaced the Chevrolet C/K as Chevrolet's flagship line of pickup trucks.
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Common 1997 Chevrolet Pickup problems
The 1997 Chevrolet pickup, also known as the C/K 1500, is a popular vehicle, but like any other vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues based on complaints from owners:
- Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Failure or Circuit Issues: Some owners of the 1997 Chevrolet pickup have reported issues with the PCM, which can cause problems with the engine, such as difficulty starting, stalling, or poor performance. The PCM is a critical component of the vehicle's electronic control system, and any issues with it can have a significant impact on the vehicle's overall performance.
- Fuel Filter Clogging: Another common problem with the 1997 Chevrolet pickup is clogging of the fuel filter, which can cause hesitation at freeway speeds due to a lack of sufficient fuel to the engine. This problem can be particularly frustrating for drivers who have to deal with it at high speeds, and it can also lead to more serious engine problems if left unaddressed.
- Steering Gear Overheating: The 1997 Chevrolet pickup is known to have issues with steering gear overheating, which can be caused by a lack of specified play in the steering system. This can result in failure of the steering gear at the most inconvenient times, and it can also lead to more serious problems with the vehicle's steering system.
- Fuel Injection Issues: Some owners of the 1997 Chevrolet pickup have reported issues with the vehicle's fuel injection system, which can cause the engine to continue running at speed for several seconds after the throttle is released. This can be a particularly dangerous problem in traffic, and it can also lead to more serious engine problems if left unaddressed.
- Lifters Bleeding Down: Another common problem with the 1997 Chevrolet pickup is lifters bleeding down, which can cause a rattling noise when the engine is started. While this problem is typically not a cause for concern, it can be frustrating for drivers who have to deal with it, especially if the noise persists for an extended period.
- Tail Light Boards: The 1997 Chevrolet pickup is known to have issues with the tail light boards, which can cause the tail lights to fail or malfunction. This can be a particularly dangerous problem, especially when driving at night or in low-visibility conditions.
- Wiper Board Failure: The wiper board in the 1997 Chevrolet pickup is known to fail, which can cause the windshield wipers to stop working or malfunction. This can be a particularly frustrating problem, especially during inclement weather.
- Grounds: The 1997 Chevrolet pickup is known to have issues with the vehicle's grounds, which can cause a range of electrical problems, including intermittent starting, stalling, or poor performance.
- Door Pins and Bushings: The 1997 Chevrolet pickup is known to have issues with the vehicle's door pins and bushings, which can cause the doors to bind or not close properly.
- Engine Oil Leaks: The 1997 Chevrolet pickup is known to have issues with engine oil leaks, which can be caused by a range of problems, including worn or damaged gaskets, seals, or other components.
Overall, the 1997 Chevrolet pickup is a reliable and capable vehicle, but like any other vehicle, it has its share of common problems. By being aware of these issues and addressing them promptly, owners of the 1997 Chevrolet pickup can help ensure that their vehicle remains safe, reliable, and enjoyable to drive for years to come.
What's the worst year for Chevy 1500?
2014
2014 Chevy Silverado 1500
If you were to look at Chevy Silverado's since 2005, it has been widespread that 2014 was known as the worst year for the 1500 due to its malfunctioning heating and air conditioning system. Its AC condensers were leaking, which required frequent replacements.
How many miles can a 1997 Chevy Silverado last?
When well maintained, the average mileage life of a Chevy Silverado can be anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles. That's around 10 to 20 years of service depending on how many miles you'd be driving around Galesburg with your Silverado.
What years did Chevy trucks have transmission problems?
The most Chevy Silverado transmission problems appear in the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 versions. The other years and generations have a better track record with this component.
When did Chevy trucks get bad?
The 2015 year model is also one of the worst ones you can buy. It has a litany of problems, and many have transmission failures. The 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s are also infamous for transmission issues.
What's the worst year for Chevy 1500?
2014
2014 Chevy Silverado 1500
If you were to look at Chevy Silverado's since 2005, it has been widespread that 2014 was known as the worst year for the 1500 due to its malfunctioning heating and air conditioning system. Its AC condensers were leaking, which required frequent replacements.
How long can a 1997 Chevy Silverado last?
When well maintained, the average mileage life of a Chevy Silverado can be anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles. That's around 10 to 20 years of service depending on how many miles you'd be driving around Galesburg with your Silverado.
What is the value of a 1997 Chevy pickup?
1997 Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series Value - $340-$1,781 | Edmunds.
When did Chevy trucks get bad?
The 2015 year model is also one of the worst ones you can buy. It has a litany of problems, and many have transmission failures. The 2016 and 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500s are also infamous for transmission issues.
1997 Chevrolet Pickup car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Pickup problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Hydraulic problems
- Service brakes problems
- Steering problems
- Visibility problems
- Suspension problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Chevrolet Pickup vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Chevrolet Pickup
The NHTSA has received 98 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Chevrolet Pickup vehicles.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-26
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 1997 CHEVROLET PICKUP 1500. CONSUMER STATES DRIVER DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF FROM INSIDE *TGW
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-17
- VIN: 1GCEK14R7VZ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET PICKUP. WHILE TURNING LEFT AT 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND PLACED THE GEAR INTO PARK. HE THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED. HE HAD TO DO THIS TWICE BEFORE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT WANT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THEY HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR TWO DAYS AND CANNOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 138,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-02-04
- VIN: 2GCEK19R7V1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE STEERING WHEEL GETS LOOSE AT LOW SPEEDS, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THUS, INCREASING THE CHANCE OF A CRASH. MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED BY CONSUMER.*AK WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNS AT LOW SPEEDS THE VEHICLE OVERSTEERS. *TC
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-09-09
- VIN: 2GCEC19R5V1
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A WINDSHIELD WIPER PROBLEM. WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENLY. CONSUMER FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ONE OF THEM. *AK *SC
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-01
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: VEHICLE'S LEFT FRONT FIRESTONE STEELTEX TIRE CAME APART WHILE DRIVING. *MR THE TIRE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED. *SC *JB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-01
- VIN: 1GCEK14RXVZ
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING IN A RAINSTORM WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. RECALL 03V159000 WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-23
- VIN: 1GCEK14R1VZ
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE RIGHT SEAT BELT DUE TO AN INTERNAL PROBLEM CAUSED THE BELT NOT TO COME OUT. *SC *JB
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-15
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-05
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHEN THE TANK IS FULL A FOUL ODOR SEEPS THROUGH THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-15
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING COLUMN STABILIZER SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT, STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GCEC19M3VE
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. CONSUMER FELT THIS COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: PLEASE PROV
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL WOULD BECOME LOOSE. THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS MAKING RIGHT AND LEFT HAND TURN. THE DEALERSHIP'S MECHANIC WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM BUT THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *NM
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-23
- VIN: 1GCEC14W5VZ
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. CONSUMER HAS TO REPLACE STEERING SENSOR FIVE TIMES SINCE BUYING THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW.*AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1GCEK19R1VE
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE PARKING VEHICLE, I TURNED TO LOOK BACK, UPON WHICH THE DRIVER SEAT BACK SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING COLLASPED, SPRINGING MY NECK. THE VEHICLE IS NO DRIVERABLE DUE TO THE SEAT BACK CAN NOT BE LOCKED INTO POSITION. DT
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-01
- VIN: 16CEC14W7VZ
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE VEHICLE?S HOOD OPENED UP INTO THE WINDSHIELD WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED IT OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF A CORRODED HOOD LATCH. ( CONSUMER WRITING IN ON BEHALF OF HER HUSBAND) *YH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GCEK14W2VZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-10
- VIN: 1GCEK19MOVE
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING IT BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN IN ANY DIRECTION. *JB THE POWER STEERING BECAME INOPERATIVE WHILE PARKING. *MJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-01-20
- VIN: 1GCGK29J3VE
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: AT SLOW SPEEDS APROXIMATLY 5-10 MPH THE ANTILOCK SYSTEM KICKS IN AND THE BRAKES FAIL TO STOP THE VEHICLE.MOSTLY COMING TO A SLOW STOP SUCH AS IN A PARKING LOT.I HEAR THE ABS MOTOR RUNNING AND THE BRAKE PEDAL DROPS THE VEHICLE THEN FEELS AS THOUGH IT IS NOT GOING TO STOP IN TIME.THIS IS ON A GOOD TRACTION SURFACE AND THERE IS NO WHEEL LOCK UP.IT SEEMS TO ACT UP ALMOST EVERY STOP FOR DAYS AND THEN I MAY NOT HAVE IT OCCUR FOR A FEW DAYS THEN IT RETURNS.*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 2GCEK19M0V1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: A JERKING OF THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. IT WILL JERK OR TRY TO TURN ON ITS OWN WHILE GOING STRAIGHT OR ON A TURN. IT HAS CAUSED SEVERAL NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS. THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THE STEERING ACTS UP AT DIFFERENT TIMES AND SPEEDS AND CANNOT BE PREDICTED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-24
- VIN: 1GCEK19R3VE
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT A LOCAL CONVIENCE STORE THE VACUUM BOOSTER FAILED. THIS CAUSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BE EXTREMELY RIGID. MY WIFE WA DRIVING AT THE TIME AND HAD (3 MONTHS PRIOR) UNDERGONE BACK SUGERY. IT CAUSED HE TREMENDOUS PAIN TO FORCE THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN IN ORDER TO STOP. SHE PROCEEDED TO PARK THE VEHICLE AND CALL ME. (AT HOME) I INSPECTED THE TRUCK AND DETERMINED THE BOOSTER HAD IN FACT FAILED. ( I AM AN AUTO TECHNICIAN BY TRADE) THE BOOSTER WAS REPLACED ($168) AND THE BRAKE PROBLEM WAS ALIEVEATED. IF THIS WERE TO HAVE HAPPENED WHILE TRAVELING AT A GREATER SPEED, IN A TRAFFIC SITUATION, I BELIEVE AN ACCIDENT WOULD HAVE RESULTED AND HER INJURIES COULD HAVE BEEN LIFE THREATENING. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GCEK19R2VE
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING BECOMES VERY LOOSE AND THE SUDDENLY CATCHES. I HAVE HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY FEEL CERTAIN IT IS A POWER STEERING SPEED SENSOR. I HAVE ENCOUNTER MANY OTHER CONSUMERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. VERY DANGEROUS WHILE DRIVING.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-28
- VIN: 1GCEK14R1VZ
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: OUR DEALERSHIP AND GENERAL MOTORS HELP DESK INDICATED THAT BECAUSE THE VEHICLE'S MILEAGE IS BEYOND THE EXTENDED WARRANTY CRITERIA, THEY DO NOT WANT TO FIX THE VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTERS EVEN THOUGH THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THE GM TRUCKS AS REPORTED IN THE DETROIT FREE PRESS ON JUNE 29, 2001. IS THERE ANYTHING WE CAN DO OR ANYONE TO CONTACT REGARDING THE PROBLEM? WILL THE MANUFACTURER (GM) PAY FOR THIS DEFECT? OR DOES IT HAVE TO BE A RECALL?*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-12
- VIN: 1GCGC33F2VF
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TREAD THROWN FROM TIRE CAUSING FENDER DAMAGE. *AK (DOT NUMBER: DN11BIC179 TIRESIZE: LT24575R16)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-11
- VIN: 2GCEK19R8V1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-11
- VIN: 2GCEK19R8V1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
1997 Chevrolet Pickup recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup.
- Manufacturer: K2 MOTOR CORPORATION
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
- Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
- Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Chevrolet Pickup problems:
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