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BrakesPart report

1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups Brakes Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
11%of 72 total for the year
Median mileage
77,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups, 11% of the 72 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 77,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The antilock brakes on 1997 Chevrolet w/t 4wd pickup kept activating on dry pavement. I understand GM has had similar problems with other trucks but won't recognize the problem with this truck. This is my second complaint and I just emailed GM again about the problem. They told me to take it to a dealer to have it diagnosed. I would have to pay for the service and GM would contact the dealer to see if they (GM) would pay to repair it. I don't want to do this because I'm afraid I might get stuck with the whole bill. …”

NHTSA complaint #10148794, filed 2006-01, 18,000 miles

“I have a 1997 Chevrolet silverado truck. Over the last several months I have been experiencing random failure in the anti-lock brakes, they engage in situations where there is no reason to. Recently I viewed a report that your organization is investigating the same problem with 1999 - 2002 models, but the problem in that investigation exactly describes my problem. Since the problem is random, you cannot be prepared when you don't quite stop as fast as expected. My truck is in excellent condition and I cannot expect my son to be able to handle this situation as he is an in-experienced driver. …”

NHTSA complaint #10119419, filed 2005-05, 89,000 miles

“Brakes failed, inspection revealed completely rusted out brake lines, frame, suspension components, steering components, and crossmembers. Vehicle is not repairable and is no longer usable.”

NHTSA complaint #10536109, filed 2013-08, 65,000 miles

“Anti lock brakes engage at slow speeds (less than 5 MPH) on dry pavement. Vehicle stopping distance was increased causing low speed collision. No injuries but minor property damage. This problem still exists. Co-worker has a 98 with same problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10254910, filed 2009-01, 100,000 miles

“The contact stated while attempting to apply brake pressure at various speeds the brakes failed. This occurred without warning during normal braking on normal roads. The dealership turned the rotors, packed the wheel bearings, replaced the cylinders, sealed in rear axles, replaced the brakes and pads however the problem still exists. The manufacturer has been alerted. Updated 6/19/2006 -”

NHTSA complaint #10158840, filed 2006-06, 77,000 miles

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20021071%
20011042%
20001853%
19992465%
19982431%
1997811%
1996418%
199529%

Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
30 complaints
Steering
19 complaints
Engine cooling
4 complaints
Fuel system
4 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
4 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
3 complaints
Body and structure
3 complaints
Suspension
2 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Electrical system
1 complaints
Interior lighting
1 complaints
Tires
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology