1997 Chevrolet Express: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train; the 1996 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet express. The contact stated that a fuel odor came from the vehicle and the vehicle leaked fuel onto the ground. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available. Updated 04/22/16*lj updated 05/31/18*jb”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2015
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2006
“Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 75 mph, the front driver side tire blew out. The vehicle was pulled over into the median and the tire was changed. Two hundred miles later, the passenger side rear tire blew out. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder and the tire was replaced. The tires were sent to the manufacturer which determined the blowouts were a result of road hazards. Updated 4/6/2006 - the consumer believes the failure was due to tread separation. *nm”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“The transmission had an overheating problem that caused the vehicle to switch to "safe" mode. Safe mode compensated the transmission heat problem by hard shifting. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialty repair shop where I learned that the problem was in the design of the transmission. It was the opinion of the repair shop that gm knew of the problem but would not issue a recall because the issue was not life threatening. Cost of modification was $1,600.*jb”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2005
“While shifting transmission down shifted on its own. A loud noise was heard coming from the front. Consumer drove vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that transmission needed to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2004
“Fuel guage failure on my 1997 express van. Guage showed fuel tank empty. Estimated repairs= $600.00. This has happened to friends with same year chevrolets. Internet full of complaints for 1997 and 2000 years. This is a serious safety issue, and a very costly repair that many cannot afford. Please, please help. I am submitting the same fuel guage failure complaint for a 2000 chevrolet blazer regarding an incident that put my teenager in serious jeopardy!*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Feb 2004
“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. *nm”Owner report · Wheels · Dec 2003
“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. *nm”Owner report · Wheels · Dec 2003
“Firestone, 245 75 r16, dot # an11b1a517, original equipment, 30000 miles mounted on a 1996, chevrolet, express. While driving at highway speeds there was some tread separation on back left tire.*ak *slc”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2001
“Consumer contacted dealer on may 07,2001 in reference to recall# 00v110000 and manufacturer's recall 00031. Dealer stated that parts were not available ,and no future date was given on when parts will be available.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
PASSENGER VANS. THESE VANS EXPERIENCE FUEL ODORS OR LEAKAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED EVAPORATIVE EMISSION PIPE ASSEMBLY.
How other years compare
Check your exact Express by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 Chevrolet Express reliable?
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 Chevrolet Express. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 1997 Chevrolet Express have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.