1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 26%of 72 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 55,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups, 26% of the 72 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Steering is unpredictable, it has a mind of its own. I have taken it to the dealer I bought it from and they still cant figure out the problem. With all the complaints I see on this website why is nothing being done to fix this problem? This has happened since I first purchased vehicle. This is a very dangerous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10053169, filed 2004-01, 56,000 miles“1997 Chevrolet k 20 pickup truck steering .vehicle has variable speed sensor that failed causing steering problems when cornering........happened on a slick road and almost had an accident.....I have done some research and found out that 1997 1998 and 1999 trucks had this type steering..as many owners as I could find have all had this problem and every Chevrolet dealer I called have had admitted they have had countless trucks in for this repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10058292, filed 2004-02, 48,000 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“1) burnt electrical wires for the electric fuel pump. Location is inside the gas tank. Had to replace the fuel pump to rectify the problem. Explosion hazard. 2) power steering- wheel would jerk vehicle towards oncoming traffic. Happens without warning. Noticed many complaints on this problem without anything being done about it. Even by the ntsb! Is someone receiving a kickback on this thing or what? 3) burnt electrical connection-connector between the HVAC cooling fan and the selector switch inside of dash. …”
NHTSA complaint #10023715, filed 2003-06, 55,000 miles“I've had this problem since I bought my truck 4 years ago. I've put on 2 new power steering pumps, new lines, new sensor. The problem started with what seemed like slack and an occasional phantom jerk. It will run fine for a while and then all of the sudden the steering seems to bind with no warning. I guess it won't get noticed until it a few people die. I've had several close calls myself.”
NHTSA complaint #10074684, filed 2004-06Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups
30 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsTires
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 30, 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