1997 Chevrolet Pickup: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 75 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (30% of complaints); the 1999 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet pickup. While turning left at 15 mph, the steering wheel locked. The contact shut off the engine and placed the gear into park. He then restarted the vehicle and the steering wheel unlocked. He had to do this twice before taking the vehicle to the dealer. The contact stated that the dealer did not want to inspect the vehicle. They have had the vehicle for two days and cannot determine the cause of the failure. The current and failure mileages were 138,000.”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2008
“Consumer complained about a windshield wiper problem. Windshield wipers worked intermittenly. Consumer found that there was a recall on some of these vehicles, but this vehicle was not one of them. *ak *sc”Owner report · Visibility · Sep 2004
“Vehicle's left front firestone steeltex tire came apart while driving. *mr the tire was unable to be repaired. *sc *jb”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving in a rainstorm windshield wipers failed intermittently. Recall 03v159000 was issued. However, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Aug 2004
“The consumer indicated that the passenger seat belt retractor malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the seat belt needed to be replaced. *ak the right seat belt due to an internal problem caused the belt not to come out. *sc *jb”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2004
“When driving in the rain windshield wipers failed, causing the driver to pull off the road. Consumer contacted dealership. *ak”Owner report · Visibility · Apr 2004
“The steering wheel gets loose at low speeds, making it difficult to control the vehicle. Thus, increasing the chance of a crash. Manufacturer will be contacted by consumer.*ak when the consumer turns at low speeds the vehicle oversteers. *tc”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2004
“Steering sensor was defective. Consumer has to replace steering sensor five times since buying this vehicle brand new.*ak”Owner report · Steering · Jul 2003
“While parking vehicle, I turned to look back, upon which the driver seat back suddenly and without warning collasped, springing my neck. The vehicle is no driverable due to the seat back can not be locked into position. Dt”Owner report · Seats · Dec 2002
“The vehicle?s hood opened up into the windshield while the consumer was traveling on highway. The consumer believed it occurred as a result of a corroded hood latch. ( consumer writing in on behalf of her husband) *yh”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Aug 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
How other years compare
Check your exact Pickup 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 Pickup reliable?
NHTSA has 75 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Pickup problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 88,000 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. 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.