1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 10%of 61 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 10% of the 61 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 30,000 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.
“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“Steering problems. Since my truck was new I have had problems with the power steering. I have intermittent loss of power steering, particularly when going at low speed. Sometimes there is also unintended power assist that pulls the car in the opposite direction. I have complained about it a dealer and been told there is nothing wrong. I have had it checked by a GM dealer and been told there is nothing wrong. But the problem persists. Sometimes, when I pull into my driveway, which is usually a left hand turn, I totally lose the power steering. …”
NHTSA complaint #10053119, filed 2004-01, 30,000 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 making right hand curve steering will lock up for a second. Then, loosen up and go out of control. Took vehicle in to have it serviced. Was told that there were other complaints about the same problem, and gmc is looking into it.”
NHTSA complaint #860014, filed 2000-04Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2022 | 1 | 4% |
| 2021 | 2 | 5% |
| 2018 | 2 | 11% |
| 2016 | 15 | 29% |
| 2015 | 4 | 8% |
| 2014 | 2 | 20% |
| 2013 | 7 | 27% |
| 2012 | 3 | 13% |
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 10% |
| 2006 | 4 | 8% |
| 2005 | 6 | 13% |
| 2004 | 2 | 5% |
| 2003 | 2 | 5% |
| 2002 | 1 | 2% |
| 2001 | 3 | 4% |
| 2000 | 9 | 11% |
| 1999 | 6 | 13% |
| 1998 | 5 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 3500
26 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsTires
7 complaintsEngine cooling
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 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