1997 Chevrolet Silverado Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 3%of 272 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 144,289miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, 3% of the 272 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 144,289 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Abs brake failure; when applying the brakes truck slowed down a little, but did not come to a complete stop, causing driver to rearend another vehicle. This happened on dry pavement, no inclement weather. Driver had plenty of braking distance. The air bags did not deploy when this happened. The truck was towed to the dealer with major bumper damage.”
NHTSA complaint #833323, filed 1999-01“While driving, the consumer was involved in a front end collision. Upon impact, the air bags deployed. As a result of the deployment, the air bags burned the consumers face and arms. Please provide further information.”
NHTSA complaint #10073818, filed 2004-05“Inflater module. The consumer stated the inflator module was designed poorly. The wires break due to wear in the steering wheel, probably from tilting of steering wheel. This causes the air bag computer to short out.”
NHTSA complaint #10009117, filed 2003-02“While driving at 5 MPH, the front passenger's side air bag deployed, hitting the consumer. Contacted dealer, who was not willing to do anything. The dealer discovered that the module malfunction was due to water damage. After futher dismantling the console in order to repair, it was discovered that the water damage was due to a leak in the left cowl area. Consumer feels that gmc should be liable for not having adequate sealing to prevent water from seeping into the cowl area.”
NHTSA complaint #8014331, filed 2002-07“Consumer was driving at approximately 35 MPH, applied brakes but vehicle did not stop in time,and rearend vehicle in front. Upon impact, dual airbags did not deploy, causing back and neck injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #881237, filed 2001-02Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 5% |
| 2016 | 2 | 40% |
| 2015 | 6 | 8% |
| 2014 | 8 | 6% |
| 2013 | 11 | 17% |
| 2012 | 15 | 22% |
| 2011 | 13 | 17% |
| 2010 | 8 | 13% |
| 2009 | 16 | 21% |
| 2008 | 62 | 38% |
| 2007 | 40 | 22% |
| 2006 | 11 | 6% |
| 2005 | 28 | 9% |
| 2004 | 31 | 5% |
| 2003 | 21 | 3% |
| 2002 | 30 | 4% |
| 2001 | 48 | 5% |
| 2000 | 53 | 4% |
| 1999 | 33 | 2% |
| 1998 | 7 | 3% |
| 1997 | 8 | 3% |
| 1996 | 11 | 6% |
| 1995 | 10 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado
62 complaintsSteering
59 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsSeats
13 complaintsTires
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado
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