1997 Chevrolet Van problems
The Chevrolet Van or Chevy Van (also known as the Chevrolet/GMC G-series vans and GMC Vandura) is a range of vans that was manufactured by General Motors from the 1964 to 1996 model years. Introduced as the successor for the rear-engine Corvair Corvan/Greenbrier, the model line also replaced the panel van configuration of the Chevrolet Suburban. The vehicle was sold both in passenger van and cargo van configurations as well as a cutaway van chassis that served as the basis for a variety of custom applications.
Produced across three generations (1964–66, 1967–70, and 1970–96), the model line was sold under a wide variety of model names under both the Chevrolet and GMC brands. The first two generations were forward control vehicles (with the engine placed between the seats); the third generation adopted a configuration placing the engine forward of the driver. The second and third generations shared powertrain commonality with the C/K pickup truck model line.
After the 1996 model year, GM retired the G-Series vans, replacing them with the GMT600-platform Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana.
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Common 1997 Chevrolet Van problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 1997 Chevrolet Chevy Van, several common problems have been reported:
- Fuel Pump and Fuel Filter Problems: Some owners have experienced issues with the fuel system, such as low fuel pressure, worn-out fuel pumps, and clogged fuel filters. Neglected maintenance, like not replacing the fuel filter promptly, can lead to premature fuel pump failure and engine performance issues.
- Spark Plug and Spark Plug Wire Wear: Worn-out spark plugs and spark plug wires have caused starting problems and engine misfires in the 1997 Chevy Van. In some cases, the spark plugs were of an old design that proved to be problematic, affecting the ignition system's efficiency and fuel combustion.
- Electrical and Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Concerns: Complaints have highlighted issues with the powertrain control module (PCM) not fitting correctly, leading to control module malfunctions. Additionally, there have been reports of electrical problems, including anti-theft device unlocking and potential corrosion or water intrusion in the PCM.
- Transmission and Automatic Transmission Oil Pump Design: Problems related to the automatic transmission, specifically the oil pump design, have been noted. Identifying the first and second design of the oil pump is crucial for maintenance and potential repairs to ensure proper transmission function.
- Visibility and Exterior Mirror Vibration: Some complaints have focused on rearview mirror shake or vibration issues, affecting visibility and potentially compromising safety. Addressing these concerns promptly is essential to maintain safe driving conditions.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1997 Chevrolet Chevy Van highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt diagnosis of issues, and addressing safety-related concerns to ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
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 miles can a Chevy van last?
A well-maintained 2021 Chevy Express can last around 200,000 miles, which is similar to other full size vans like the Ford Transit. Regular annual maintenance costs are also average for a large van, at $870 per year, according to data provided by Repair Pal.
How many miles per gallon does a 1997 Chevy conversion van get?
EPA rating: 14 mpg city/18 highway. Truett's tip: The full-size Chevy Express conversion van is comfortable, well- equipped and pleasing to drive.
When did Chevy stop making the express van?
2025
The Chevrolet Express will Be No More in 2026
GM is considering electrifying the future of its commercial fleet, so the last Chevrolet Express will stop being manufactured after 2025.
Are Chevrolet vans 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.
What is the gas mileage on a 1997 Chevy van?
EPA rating: 14 mpg city/18 highway. Truett's tip: The full-size Chevy Express conversion van is comfortable, well- equipped and pleasing to drive. It just may be the next best thing to a motor home.
How many miles can a Chevy van last?
A well-maintained 2021 Chevy Express can last around 200,000 miles, which is similar to other full size vans like the Ford Transit. Regular annual maintenance costs are also average for a large van, at $870 per year, according to data provided by Repair Pal.
What is the recall on the Chevy 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.
1997 Chevrolet Van car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Van problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Fuel system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Structure problems
- Equipment problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Chevrolet Van vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Chevrolet Van
The NHTSA has received 35 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Chevrolet Van. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Chevrolet Van vehicles.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-19
- VIN: 1GNDU06E3VD
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I HAVE A 1997 CHEVY VENTURE. I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE RACK AND PINION. THERE IS A RECALL ON THEM BUT CHEVY SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL. I FIRST TALKED TO SOMEONE ON THE PHONE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT YES THERE WAS A RECALL. THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO THE CHEVY DEALER. I TOOK IT AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL. SO I CALLED THE CHEVY 800 NUMBER AGAIN AND NOW THEY SAY THERE IS NO RECALL. BUT I STILL SEE THE RECALL HERE. SO WHAT CAN I DO. *TR
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-09
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: IN ONLY FOUR MONTHS, ALL 4 OF MY GOODYEAR REGATTA TIRES WITH ONLY 50,000 MILES ON THEM BLEW OUT WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. (4 DIFFERENT INCIDENTS). THE COMPANY HAD AUDACITY TO TELL ME THAT THESE WERE ALL THE RESULTS OF "ROAD HAZARDS" AND THAT THE SAME COULD HAPPEN TO ANY TIRE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 40 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD A BLOW OUT UNTIL ALL FOUR OF THESE TIRES BLEW OUT OVER A PERIOD OF 4 MONTHS. HAS TO BE THE TIRES, NOT THE ROADS. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-06
- VIN: 1GCHG35R6V1
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS WERE BLINDING TO OTHER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED ABOUT 10 TIMES.*AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-06
- VIN: 1GCHG35R3V1
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: DT: THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS WERE BLINDING TO OTHER VEHICLES. THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED ABOUT 10 TIMES.*AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-20
- VIN: 1GNDX06E5VD
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING LOCKED ON TAKING A LEFT TURN WITHIN A PARKING LOT. REMEMBERED THAT CHEVROLET HAD SERVICED A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE IN FEB 2003. HOWEVER, THEY ONLY REPLACED THE LOWER PINION BEARING, BUT DID NOT REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR. TOOK IT TO THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY. THEIR INSPECTION POINTED TO A WORN STEERING GEAR AS THE CAUSE OF THE STEERING LOCK. THIS HAPPENED WITHIN 17,000 MILES OF THEIR SERVICING THE RECALL. READ ABOUT NUMEROUS FAILURES UNDER INVESTIGATION (PE01038) ALL POINTING TO THE SAME FAILURE. GM DID NOT SERVICE THE RECALL ADEQUATELY - THEY HAVE A FAULTY RACK AND PINION WHICH IS A GLARING SAFETY ISSUE. THEY SHOULD BE REPLACING THE COMPLETE RACK AND PINION AS PART OF THE RECALL. HAD TO PAY FOR NEW RACK AND PINION AND LABOR CHARGES, OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. *JB
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-15
- VIN: 1GBFG15R1V1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY TRANSMISSION FAILED ON MY 1500 VAN. IT SUDDENLY FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS INFORMED THAT THE "REVERSE INPUT HOUSING BEARING" FAILED AND HAD SHREDDED INTO METAL SHARDS THROUGHOUT THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. AS SUCH, THE TRANSMISSION MUST BE REPLACED VS. REPAIRED. $3,000. FAILURE AT 64,920 SEEMS UNREASONABLE FOR A WELL MAINTAINED VEHICLE THAT IS DRIVEN WITH CARE. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE REPLACEMENT WILL FAIL AND AN ACCIDENT AND INJURIES MAY RESULT. I'VE HEARD THIS TRANSMISSION HAS A HIGH FAILURE RATE. DT
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GBFG15WXV1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: THE FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTIONED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONSUMER WANTS EITHER TO RETURN THE VEHICLE OR THE DEALER TO REIMBURSE THE REPAIR EXPENSES. *YH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION GASKET FAILED.(CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNS VEHICLE)*JB
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED BOTH HEADLIGHT LENS COVERS FELL OUT, DUE TO WATER BUILDING INSIDE. (CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNES VEHICLE) *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COOLANT LEAK.(CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNES VEHICLE)*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-01
- VIN: 1GNDM19WXVB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 02 SENSORS KEEP GOING OUT, CAUSING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GNFG15R5V1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THE ABS FAILS TO STOP THE VEHICLE DURING SHORT PANIC STOPS AT LOW SPEEDS IN WARM WEATHER BECAUSE ONE OF THE WHEELS PARTIALLY LOCKS UP, CONSUMER STATES HE DISCOVERED BRAKE FLUID UNDER THE MASTER CYLINDER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE CAP, THE CAP SEAL WAS NOT SEALING PROPERLY AND A NEW SEAL WAS INSTALLED.*YH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-01
- VIN: 1GBFG15R0V1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SIRS, I HAVE TWO EXPRESS VANS (1999 AND 1997) BOTH HAVING TRANSMISSION FAILURES BEFORE 50000 MILES. HMMMMM I SEE A PATTERN HERE. DOES ANYONE ELSE. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-29
- VIN: 1GCHG39R3V1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DEALERSHIP DOES NOT HAVE PARTS AVAILABLE TO REPAIR A RECALL ON FUEL FILLER VALVE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-01
- VIN: 1GCFG25R7V1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING NOTICED GAS GAUGE READING 1/2 OF TANK, SOON AFTER GAS INDICATOR WOULD READ A FULL TANK OF GAS. *AK DEALER REPLACED FUEL TANK SENDER UNIT WITH PUMP. *SLC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-03-01
- VIN: 1GBFG15R5V1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN WITHOUT WARNING, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING, AND BRAKE CONTROL. *AK CHECK THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALL. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED BUT STARTED STELLING AGAIN. *YH
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-14
- VIN: 1GCEG15W9V1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SIDE CARGO DOOR FROZE AT HINGES, AND DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.*AK THE CONSUMER FEELS THE DOOR WAS UNSAFE. *YH
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-08-16
- VIN: 1GBFG15RXV1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: EXPERIENCED 2 HARD 1ST-2ND GEAR SHIFTS AND SET TROUBLE CODE P1870 INDICATING INTERNAL SLIPPAGE. DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT, OR OVERHAUL. OTHER RESEARCH INDICATES COMMON PROBLEM FOR GM WITH THE 4L60E TRANSMISSION QUITE POSSIBLY STEMMING FROM SWITCHING FROM A CAST IRON VALVE BODY IN EARLIER MODELS TO AN ALUMINUM VALVE BODY IN LATER MODELS OF THAT TRANSMISSION. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-09
- VIN: 1GBHG31RXV1
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: HUGE LOUD SHIMMY/VIBRATION AT HIGHWAY SPEED, REPLACED DUE TO LARGE SIDEWALL BULGE. *AK (DOT NUMBER: BM05326-1 TIRESIZE: LT24575R16)
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GCEG15W7V1
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
- Summary: BRAKES PADS ARE TOO SMALL FOR VEHICLE, CAUSING IT TO WEAR OUT EVERY 15,000 MILES, AND DRUMS NEEDS TO REPLACED EVERY OTHER TIME. DEALER CLAIMED THIS IS WAS NORMAL.*AK TRANSMISSION HAS FAILED FOUR TIMES. THE THREE KNOBS FOR THE HEATER BROKE. POWER STEERING MAKES NOISE AND LEAK DUE TO FAULTY POWER STEERING PUMP. FRONT BRAKE MAKES NOISE. *YH
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-05-19
- VIN: 1GBFG15R2V1
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: A/C LEAKED AT REAR AIR UNIT CORRODING THE CONNECTIONS AND DOES NOT BLOW COLD AIR DUE TO THE COMPRESSOR FAILURE. YH
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-05-01
- VIN: 1GCFG25R6V1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: WHEN GAS IS USED, ESPECIALLY WITH A FULL TANK, THE GAS GAUGE WILL GO DOWN TO EMPTY AFTER DRIVING SOME DISTANCE, THEN WHEN IT GETS DOWN TO ABOUT A QUARTER TANK THE GUAGE WILL GO BACK UP AND REGISTER FULL EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE NOT BOUGHT ANY FUEL. THEN VEHICLE WILL RUN OUT WHEN GUAGE REGISTERS FULL! *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-22
- VIN: 1GCTG25M3V1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING BECAUSE THE NEGATIVE CABLE FROM THE BATTERY TO THE ENGINE BLOCK WORE A HOLE IN THE METAL BRAKE LINE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-14
- VIN: 1GBFG15R4V1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THIRD FAILURE OF THIS ITEM, DEALER AND CHEVROLET WILL NOT KNOWLEDGE PROBLEM. NO DEFECT STATED IN SUMMARY. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GBJG31R5B1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING SPEEDOMETER READS IMPROPERLY,PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, ALSO BRAKE ROTORS ARE FAULTY, POSSIBLE MANUFACTURING FLAW. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
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