1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 61 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (38% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 61 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet c3500. The contact stated that the windshield wipers worked intermittently or not at all on low speeds. As of december 11, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The dealer stated that his VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 03v159000 (visibility: windshield wiper/washer). The contact felt that his vehicle should be included in the recall. The failure mileage was 150,000 and current mileage was 205,000. Updated 03-04-08 *bf”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2006
“While driving and upon making a stop the brake pedal went completely to the floor. Vehicle then surged forward. It felt as if something disengaged, and the pedal went to the floor. Consumer had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Consumer found that a clip broke which left the brake pedal swinging. *ak the clip which holds the master cylinder rod to the brake pedal broke allowing the rod to slip off. *nm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2005
“Driving on interstate while raining. Windshield wiper failure, could not see, had to stop and wait for rain to stop. Took vehicle to dealer to fix.”Owner report · Visibility · Feb 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“I lost my power steering and brakes on my 3500 chevy. 1997 pick up truck, there is only 56.000 miles on this truck. I had the truck towed in and had the power steering pump replaced at my cost, I called the chey. Factory and the girl said they haven't had a problem with the pumps. All I know is I'm glad I wasn't traveling at highway speeds as you can't controll the steering or the braking on this truck.”Owner report · Steering · May 2004
“We have a 1997 chev one ton truck with 6 tires. We checked our tires yesterday and found them to have cracks in several of the side walls and one even seemed to be starting a bubble. These tires have been maintained by air pressure checked and rotated. There is about 27,000 miles on these tires lt225/75/r16”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2003
“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.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jul 2003
“Consumer states the the distributor gear teeth broke, causing the engine to shut off while the consumer was still driving, which almost caused loss of control. Nlm the gear teeth broke because of excessive wear on the teeth of the distributor gear. The distributor shaft is slightly bent. *jg”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2002
“The problem occurs because the diesel filler cap is not labeled nor is the filler door nor does the manual contain any notice. The cap on a 1997 vehicle (non-diesel fits on a diesel) one is apparaently vented one is not. But there is not way to as certain which is vented in which is not. The aftermarket dealers do not show a distinction. Apparently, the cap I placed on the vehicle was not vented and resulted in the tank imploding to the point that the intake tube and sensor were bent within 6 inches if the top of the tank. The tank was flattened. Gm needs to mark these filler caps. Dt”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Dec 2001
“Pe00 020; consumer was traveling about 72mph on highway and heard a noise. He was able to pull over, and saw that driver's side left front tread separated. General tires, p235/7016 . *ak”Owner report · Tires · May 2001
“Driving 60mph heard a loud pop. Pulled over & saw the left rear tire had lost all tread. Tread had hit vehicle & bent fender. Part of tread was still on tire which had deflated. Placed spare on. Took vehicle to tire retailer & had it replaced. Other 3 tires were okay. 1997, chevrolet 3500(replacement) with 13,000 miles. Firestone, steel tex, r4s lt 265/75r16, dot vnw81xm278. *ak *slc”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
How other years compare
Check your exact Silverado 3500 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 Silverado 3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 61 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (38% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 65,000 miles or less.
Does the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. 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.