1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 140about this part
- Share
- 25%of 555 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 140 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 25% of the 555 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 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 along a curve, the steering wheel will jerk and cause the vehicle to swerve. This happens with slight to moderate curves, as well as severe curves. The problem began to occur within the first couple of years after we purchased the vehicle when it was new. The problem seems to worsen during cold weather. We have tried to correct the problem in several ways, but nothing has been effective.”
NHTSA complaint #10181686, filed 2007-02, 25,000 miles“Steering has mind of its own. Its like that feeling when you are sitting on a chair and just about ready to go over, you catch yourself... It happens in cold weather most oftn. When you turn the wheel slightly, it justs seems for a brief second the wheel is attached to nothing. Dealer said nothing is wrong. I think I will hit a truck next winter...........”
NHTSA complaint #10025540, filed 2003-07, 70,000 miles“My son was turning into a driveway when the power assist was lost. This made the truck almost undriveable and very difficult to maneuver. I have removed the pump and found the internal shaft had broken. I am an automotive technician with over 20 years experience as well as a manager for a local government fleet. I network with a large group of experienced technicians including independent repair shops. This appears to be a common failure on these trucks.”
NHTSA complaint #10160072, filed 2006-06, 51,000 miles“1997 Chevrolet 1500 extended cab pickup 2wd when turning slightly towards the right the power assist boost increases causing the truck to quickly turn towards the right. I have noticed for many years and haven't known who to report this to. It happens quickly and I have to grab the steering wheel to keep the truck under control. I noticed the recall notice on the 1996 and 1997 cars but have had this identical over assist problem on my truck.”
NHTSA complaint #10052991, filed 2004-01, 65,000 miles“At just about any speed, when steering to left or right, steering jerks. So far, hasn't caused an accident but have had a few close calls. Will not let my wife drive this vehicle in fear of her safety and our son! Problem started intermittently about 2 years ago and has progressively gotten worse. Can't count the number of failures. It happens at least 2-3 times a day while driving. After talking with many other owners, I realized my situation was not unique.”
NHTSA complaint #10016305, filed 2003-04, 60,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 3% |
| 2025 | 4 | 4% |
| 2024 | 11 | 3% |
| 2023 | 7 | 2% |
| 2022 | 15 | 2% |
| 2021 | 43 | 5% |
| 2020 | 74 | 10% |
| 2019 | 76 | 7% |
| 2018 | 42 | 8% |
| 2017 | 58 | 8% |
| 2016 | 110 | 14% |
| 2015 | 161 | 14% |
| 2014 | 408 | 28% |
| 2013 | 10 | 3% |
| 2012 | 4 | 2% |
| 2011 | 9 | 2% |
| 2010 | 4 | 1% |
| 2009 | 9 | 2% |
| 2008 | 9 | 1% |
| 2007 | 20 | 2% |
| 2006 | 19 | 5% |
| 2005 | 45 | 9% |
| 2004 | 75 | 9% |
| 2003 | 56 | 7% |
| 2002 | 25 | 5% |
| 2001 | 16 | 3% |
| 2000 | 10 | 2% |
| 1999 | 15 | 3% |
| 1998 | 47 | 13% |
| 1997 | 140 | 25% |
| 1996 | 1 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
134 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
78 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
57 complaintsFuel system
52 complaintsEngine cooling
35 complaintsSuspension
34 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsAir bags
16 complaintsSeats
13 complaintsBody and structure
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsEquipment
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
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