1997 Chevrolet Express problems
The 1997 Chevrolet Express has 35 complaints on file with NHTSA. The largest share (17%) concerns brakes. Next are transmission (17%) and engine (9%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 35 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Brakes 17% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 3 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
Where the complaints are
Share of this model year's complaints by the part of the car involved. One complaint can name more than one part, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What the data shows
Safety-related details: 3 complaints mention a crash; 1 injury reported.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1997 ranks 8th most-complained-about out of 11 model years of the Chevrolet Express with enough data (19 complaints in that window). It is also covered by 1 safety recall campaign.
What owners wrote
A few complaints as filed, shortened and with personal details removed. The first ones are among the most serious reports for this model year; the rest are typical.
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.
ABS brake failure same as for 1996/ reported to dealer/ tested and no problem found. But accident did occur due to brake failure.
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.
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.
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.