1997 Chevrolet Silverado Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 6%of 272 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 27,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, 6% of the 272 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 27,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Approximately in 2006, with only 30,000 miles, I noticed antifreeze pooling under my 1097 Silverado pickup. I took my vehicle to an auto repair shop and was told that it needed a new radiator. The radiator was replaced. Approximately one month later the same problem. The radiator was again leaking. The radiator was replaced three times until the owner of the repair shop stated that he would no longer replace the radiator and explained that the 1997 Silverado pickup was known for a condition called. Electrolysis. …”
NHTSA complaint #10648881, filed 2014-10, 30,000 miles“The turn signals on the vehicle, 1997 z-71, Silverado have not been working dependably since 1997. We took the vehicle to connel Chevrolet 3 different times to fix the problem and the turn signals still go out sporadically. We did take the vehicle to fort knox ky where the turn signals were working since 1999. And now (april 3 2003) the turn signals are not working properly again. All the fuses are fine and the light bulbs are all brand new and the turn signal is still not working.”
NHTSA complaint #10014257, filed 2003-04, 4,000 miles“Fuel injectors plug up every 10,000 miles, water pump went out at 40,000 miles, alternator went out at 45,000 miles all in all this truck is a piece of crap.”
NHTSA complaint #10023512, filed 2003-06, 25,000 miles“The air-conditioner was cooling fine one day then the next it wouldn't blow cool air at all. So I take it to the Chevrolet mechanic he said the compressor was shot and it would cost about $700 to fix it. One evening I went to crank my truck and it wouldn't do anything but click well guess what it was the starter not cheap another $60. …”
NHTSA complaint #707323, filed 1999-06“The contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that while parked, the driver's side panel caught on fire. Also, the contact mentioned that the power locks and the power windows failed to operate properly. The fire department was not contacted. The vehicle was not destroyed. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The manufacturer had been notified. The approximate failure mileage was 187,600. Updated 9/29/14 updated 2/26/2015”
NHTSA complaint #10627600, filed 2014-08, 187,600 milesElectrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 10 | 8% |
| 2016 | 1 | 20% |
| 2015 | 9 | 12% |
| 2014 | 20 | 16% |
| 2013 | 6 | 9% |
| 2012 | 4 | 6% |
| 2011 | 5 | 7% |
| 2010 | 8 | 13% |
| 2009 | 17 | 22% |
| 2008 | 48 | 30% |
| 2007 | 38 | 21% |
| 2006 | 14 | 8% |
| 2005 | 64 | 20% |
| 2004 | 159 | 26% |
| 2003 | 116 | 17% |
| 2002 | 25 | 4% |
| 2001 | 30 | 3% |
| 2000 | 38 | 3% |
| 1999 | 51 | 3% |
| 1998 | 20 | 7% |
| 1997 | 16 | 6% |
| 1996 | 4 | 2% |
| 1995 | 8 | 3% |
| 1994 | 12 | 6% |
| 1992 | 3 | 8% |
| 1991 | 1 | 6% |
| 1990 | 2 | 8% |
| 1989 | 1 | 5% |
| 1988 | 3 | 20% |
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 complaintsSeats
13 complaintsAir bags
8 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 28, 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