1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 26about this part
- Share
- 43%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 43% of the 61 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 3 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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10068388, filed 2004-05, 56 miles“When trying to stop vehicle by applying the brakes brake pedal went all the way to the floor, resulting in brake failure. Also, power steering failed when trying to turn left. Independent mechanic replaced the power steering pump, and made some repairs to the braking system. However, brakes still operated poorly.”
NHTSA complaint #10057527, filed 2004-02, 50,000 miles“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. The clip which holds the master cylinder rod to the brake pedal broke allowing the rod to slip off.”
NHTSA complaint #10113672, filed 2005-03, 235,000 miles“In an emergency or panic stop ABS brake system malfunctioned. Once consumer applied the brakes there was 3 or 4 seconds of no braking power. As a result, consumer rear ended another vehicle. Manufacturer said that it was a normal behavior of the vehicle and was performing by design.”
NHTSA complaint #10061628, filed 2004-04, 20,000 miles“I have a 1997 chevy 3500 4x4 pickup truck. Ever since I bought it I have had problems with the antilock brakes. They seem to come on at slow speeds unexpectedly. I had them replaced 1 time at a cost of $700, however within 3 months the problem recuerred. I cannot afford to keep repairing them as upon talking to other owners of the same type of vehicles by GM this is a common problem the solution to which is to remove the ABS fuse rendering the system inoperative. I understand there is an investigation about this problem for years 1999-2001. …”
NHTSA complaint #10120040, filed 2005-05Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 25% |
| 2024 | 12 | 24% |
| 2022 | 4 | 14% |
| 2021 | 5 | 12% |
| 2020 | 7 | 17% |
| 2019 | 3 | 14% |
| 2018 | 1 | 5% |
| 2016 | 10 | 20% |
| 2015 | 10 | 19% |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% |
| 2012 | 1 | 4% |
| 2011 | 2 | 7% |
| 2009 | 1 | 10% |
| 2008 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 10% |
| 2006 | 17 | 33% |
| 2005 | 17 | 37% |
| 2004 | 21 | 51% |
| 2003 | 24 | 57% |
| 2002 | 23 | 46% |
| 2001 | 37 | 51% |
| 2000 | 38 | 48% |
| 1999 | 22 | 47% |
| 1998 | 24 | 36% |
| 1997 | 26 | 43% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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