1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems
NHTSA has received 78 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and 38% of them involve brakes. After that come fuel system (9%) and tires (9%).
At a glance
- Complaints
- 78 filed with NHTSA
- Most reported
- Brakes 39% of complaints
- Crashes and fires
- 6 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
- Typical mileage
- 50,000 miles 13 complaints with mileage
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%.
When problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 3 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 3 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 2 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 1 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 0 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 0 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Among the 13 complaints that report mileage, the typical (median) problem appeared at about 50,000 miles.
Safety-related details: 6 complaints mention a crash; 1 complaint mentions a fire.
Looking only at complaints filed within five years of the model year (so older and newer years are comparable), the 1997 ranks 6th most-complained-about out of 23 model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with enough data (52 complaints in that window).
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.
While driving the vehicle stalled unexpectedly which caused an accident. Cause unknown. Dealer cannot determine problem. Please provide details.
When stepping on the brake pedal to stop, brakes failed twice, once resulting in a collision. The brake pedal felt soft and went to the floor. Also, brake fluid leaked out of the truck. Has had the brakes repaired twice.
While driving the vehicle at 25 MPH and upon applying force to the brake pedal to make a normal stop, the pedal traveled to the floorboard, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a collision. Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer unable to determine the cause of the problem.
Consumer called complaining about the gas tank. Vehicle only has 84000 miles. Fuel tank split between two to three inches in between the tank. Manufacturer was contacted, and stated that there was a recall on 1998 model, but consumer never received a recall letter, and manufacturer will not reimburse the money.dealer was not contacted, vehicle was repaired at an independent shop.
When trying to stop vehicle by applying the brakes brake pedal went all the way to the floor, resulting in brake failure. Also, power steering failed when trying to turn left. Independent mechanic replaced the power steering pump, and made some repairs to the braking system. However, brakes still operated poorly.