1997 Chevrolet Tracker problems

General information about Chevrolet-Tracker
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list

The Chevrolet Tracker, formerly the Geo Tracker, is a mini SUV produced for Chevrolet and Geo by CAMI Automotive in Ingersoll, Ontario. Although appearing as a compact SUV, the Tracker was actually certified as a light truck due to its off-road capabilities and body on frame construction. The Tracker was produced under many brands in several different editions and in many countries.

First generation

The Geo Tracker was a mini SUV introduced in late 1988 as a 1989 model. It was developed by CAMI which was a joint venture between General Motors of Canada and Suzuki. North American models were to be built in CAMI's Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada plant alongside its almost identical twin, the domestic-built Suzuki Sidekick (Escudo). Nearly all 1989 and some 1990 Trackers were built in Japan and imported to the US because of delays at the CAMI factory in Canada. In late 1989, production began in Ingersoll with about 6,100 Geo Trackers finished, with annual production projected to be around 200,000 units. In the beginning, all Canadian-made Trackers were sent to the United States to circumvent the 25 percent Chicken Tax; the Canadian market was supplied entirely from Japan. Suzuki Sidekicks were added to the production line during 1990.

The Tracker was originally powered by Suzuki's 1.6L SOHC four-cylinder engine producing 80 hp (60 kW). The trim levels in 1989 were base convertible, base two-door hardtop, two-door XL bed, and LSi hardtop. LSi equipment included air conditioner, chrome rally wheels, intermittent wipers, rear window wiper/washer, spare tire cover, three-speed GM Turbo-Hydramatic 180 automatic transmission, tinted glass, and special red/black front and rear bucket seats. In 1990 the LSi trim was made available on the convertible models also. All Trackers were four-wheel drive until a base two-wheel drive convertible was introduced in 1992. The two-door hardtop models were available until 1995 when they were discontinued to make way for the four-door hardtop wagon that was to be introduced the following year. The two-door XL bed was a North America only edition which came with four more inches in the rear and a sealed two door cab. Although Suzuki started importing four-door Sidekicks in 1991, CAMI did not start producing them until the 1996 model year, when America got a four-door Geo Tracker, now powered by Suzuki's G16B 16-valve 1.6L boasting 96 hp (72 kW). In 1997, the Geo nameplate was merged back into Chevrolet and all Geo models, including the Tracker, Tracker XL, and all subsequent editions were rebadged as Chevrolet in 1998.

The Tracker was different from most other light SUVs on the market in that it is based on a rugged light-truck chassis and certified as a light truck. Although it appeared to be a comfortable passenger SUV, it was bolstered by a sturdy off-road four-wheel-drive system with a conventional light truck engine and transmission coupled to a hi-lo, 2-4 transfer case. The Tracker had a strong front suspension with a rugged recirculating ball steering box. The conventional front differential was rigidly mounted ahead of the engine, with CV axles connecting the coil-spring front hubs to the differential case. The rear axle was a conventional light truck unit on coil springs. As a result of the truck-like underpinnings, the Tracker had a fairly truck-like ride, but the benefit was its notable durability in harsh conditions.

The production of the first-generation model of the Tracker (and Sidekick) came to an end in Ontario after 1998 in order to make way for the second generation of Tracker/Vitara. However, the first generation Sidekick continued in production in other countries until 2004.

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Common 1997 Chevrolet Tracker problems

The Chevrolet Tracker, manufactured in 1997, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues range from starting and stalling problems to engine oil leaks and engine misfires.

One of the most frequently reported problems is the car's tendency to stall or stutter, especially when the engine is hot. This issue has been attributed to various causes, including a faulty camshaft sensor, a weak battery, and worn-out spark plugs. The camshaft sensor, in particular, has been identified as a common culprit, with some owners reporting that the sensor overheats and causes the engine to stall. Replacing the sensor has been suggested as a potential solution, but some owners have reported that the problem persists even after the replacement.

Another common problem with the 1997 Chevrolet Tracker is engine oil leaks, particularly from the front crankshaft seal. This issue has been reported by several owners, who have noted that the leak can cause a significant drop in engine performance and fuel efficiency. While some have suggested replacing the seal as a potential solution, others have reported that the leak persists even after the replacement.

The car's engine has also been reported to misfire, causing the check engine light to come on. This issue has been attributed to various causes, including faulty spark plugs, weak battery, and engine misfires. Some owners have reported that the problem persists even after replacing the spark plugs, suggesting that the issue may be more complex than initially thought.

In addition to these issues, the 1997 Chevrolet Tracker has also been reported to have problems with its fuel system, including clogged fuel filters and faulty fuel pumps. These issues have been reported to cause the engine to stall or stutter, particularly when the car is driven at high speeds.

Overall, the 1997 Chevrolet Tracker has several common problems that can affect its performance and reliability. While some of these issues can be resolved with simple repairs, others may require more complex solutions. It is essential to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage to the car and ensure its safe operation.

How much horsepower does a 1997 Geo Tracker have?

95 hp1997 Geo Tracker / Horsepower

All 1997 Tracker trim variations have 95 horsepower.

Is a 1992 Geo Tracker fuel injected?

The Tracker's powerplant is a 1.6L LA SOHC engine with electronic fuel injection. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on all models, and a 3-speed automatic transmission is optional.

Does Chevy make geo trackers?

In North America, the first generation Tracker was sold as a Chevrolet in 1998 after GM discontinued the Geo brand.

How many miles per gallon does a 1997 Geo Tracker get?

Based on data from 10 vehicles, 176 fuel-ups and 38,833 miles of driving, the 1997 Geo Tracker gets a combined Avg MPG of 26.07 with a 0.53 MPG margin of error.

Is Chevrolet Tracker a good car?

Recent Reviews

Good looking and very practical car for everday driving. It does not have that lot of features compared to others but it gives you the amenity you need - comfort, safety, fuel economy, speed and power and you look handsome while you're driving the car. Tracker is the most macho crossover in the road.

What happened to Chevy Tracker?

On January 27, 2004, production of the Chevrolet Tracker was discontinued at the CAMI plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, and replaced with the Chevrolet Equinox.

Why won't my Chevy Tracker start?

The most common reasons a Chevrolet Tracker won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

What kind of motor is in a Chevy Tracker?

CHEVROLET Tracker 1.8L AWD 6AT (140 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.8L AWD 6AT (140 HP)
Cylinders:	4
Displacement:	1796 cm3
Power:	103 KW @ 6300 RPM 140 HP @ 6300 RPM 138 BHP @ 6300 RPM
Torque:	131 lb-ft @ 3800 RPM 178 Nm @ 3800 RPM

1997 Chevrolet Tracker car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Tracker problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Air bags problems
Tires problems
Steering problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Chevrolet Tracker vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1997 Chevrolet Tracker complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Chevrolet Tracker.

2014-07-08

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2006-07-12
Number Of Injuries: 1
Crash: 1
VIN: 2CNBJ1363V6
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET TRACKER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN THE STOP SIGN AND REAR ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FLIP THREE TIMES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERAL LACERATIONS, FRACTURED HER LEFT ARM AND INJURED HER BACK. ALSO, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. UPDATED 8/28/14*CN

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2008-10-29

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2005-10-29
Crash: 1
VIN: 2CNBE1866T6
Components: TIRES
Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET TRACKER. THE VEHICLE HAD COOPER TIRES. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE TREAD COMPLETELY SEPARATED FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER AND WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE CONTACT HAS A COPY OF THE POLICE REPORT AND PICTURES OF THE FAILED INCIDENT. A POLICE OFFICER CONCLUDED THAT THE CRASH RESULTED FROM TIRE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 70,000. UPDATED 11/25/08. *LJ UPDATED 11/25/08. *JB

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2002-11-14

STEERING PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2002-10-30
VIN: PLEASE PROV
Components: STEERING
Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING THE TIE ROD FAIL CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. DEALER NOTIFIED. MR

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2000-07-26

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
Crash: 1
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: CONUMER WAS INVOLVED IN 35 MPH COLLISION IN WHICH VEHICLE VERY EASILY ROLLED OVER, ALSO DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1997 Chevrolet Tracker problems:

1997 Geo Tracker Problems and Complaints - 8 Issues

https://repairpal.com/1997-geo-tracker/problems

Top 1997 Geo Tracker Problems · Engine Oil Leak From Front Crankshaft Seal · Sticking Accelerator Pedal · Front Brake Rotor Wear Can Cause Pulsations · Front ...

Are Geo Trackers Worth Buying? : r/geotracker

https://www.reddit.com/r/geotracker/comments/f5y4eu/are_geo_trackers_worth_buying/

Feb 18, 2020 ... Common problems. Parts availability/prices. Engine / Mechanical problems. Geo Trackers look very cool, and it would be sweet to own one, so if ...