1997 Chevrolet Pickup Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 28%of 75 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup, 28% of the 75 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving the vehicle's steering wheel would become loose. The consumer had problems making right and left hand turn. The dealership's mechanic was notified of this problem but the cause has not been determined.”
NHTSA complaint #10054198, filed 2004-01, 63,000 miles“While driving the steering becomes very loose and the suddenly catches. I have have contacted the dealership and they feel certain it is a power steering speed sensor. I have encounter many other consumers who have experienced the same problem. This should be a recall item. Very dangerous while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #752633, filed 2001-09“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10215809, filed 2008-01, 138,000 miles“Since first purchased, this vehicle has a tendency to pull to either the right or left without cause. I took it to the dealer and they replaced a steering sensor unit, but the problem continued. They then told me that nothing was wrong with the truck. Since then I have experienced this sudden pulling at least 50 times. A friend of mine also bought a new 1997 chev. P.u. And has had the exact same problem. Today he called me and said there is a web site devoted to this same problem. On icy roads and for the inexperienced driver, this could be a potentially fatal defect. …”
NHTSA complaint #732538, filed 2000-09“Driver's seat rocks. I had the seat bracket replaced twice under warranty and now the seat bracket has play in it again. This is un-safe because when you accelerate (at any speed) the seat rocks back effecting the grip on the steering wheel and reach to the accelerator and brake. The dealership tells me there is no recall and I could pay to have the bracket replaced. This would make three times and there would be no guarantee it won't work its way loose again. This item probably requires a re-design. P.s. I'm of average built 6 feet tall, 180 pounds so my size shouldn't be causing the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #743292, filed 2001-03Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1 | 10% |
| 2001 | 1 | 6% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
| 1999 | 1 | 3% |
| 1998 | 1 | 1% |
| 1997 | 21 | 28% |
| 1996 | 2 | 3% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1991 | 2 | 13% |
| 1990 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup
25 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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