1997 Chevrolet Silverado Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 7%of 272 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, 7% of the 272 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When making a left or right turn, the steering wheel gives and causes temporary steering loss. Ts the vehicle also sustained the following failures, the pcv valve malfunctioned causing the #2 and #3 heat shields in the transmission to crack. This malfunction was repaired and now the 4 low gear is inoperable. Also, the fuel pump, oxygen sensor, air conditioner compressor and pump malfunctioned. Noticeably after purchase, the driver side seat gives when braking.”
NHTSA complaint #8023926, filed 2002-12, 69,000 miles“Consumer states after turning off the engine, there was a motor running that was vibratiing the whole vehicle. Consumer looked under vehicle and saw ABS burning red cherry hot.”
NHTSA complaint #10029404, filed 2003-07, 36,500 miles“Engine intake anti-freeze leak is a known problem for 1997 chevy trucks and should be a factory paid for fix. But no they don't want to do that, we as consumers have paid as much as 600.00 to 700.00 to have GM dealers to do this. Witch I think is wrong!!!!!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10131166, filed 2005-08“This vehicle has been a nightmare. The brakes have failed, the steering column has gone out, I had to replace all the tires and get a front end alignment, the alternater went out, and the transmission has never worked correctly. It clanks loudly when shifting gears, doesn't idle correctly, and shuts off. I have had it rebuilt on three separate occasions. On one occasion it even caught on fire. The transmission is back in the shop now. ( DOT number: tire size: 16 inch )”
NHTSA complaint #717147, filed 2000-01“In approximately a five week period, my truck has failed to start twice and died once as I crossed a busy intersection. Both times the truck failed to start, the dealer installed a new fuel pump, (now on my third pump) and after the vehicle died in the intersection while moving about 20 MPH, a new distributor cap and rotor was installed but the failure could also be fuel pump related. In both cases the mechanic stated on the repair order that the wiring had shorted out. The service manager indicates that he has no solutions and this is not an uncommon occurance. …”
NHTSA complaint #705622, filed 1999-04Related service bulletins
- 10014959Mar 1, 2005Replacement of connector when replacing fuel tank module/fuel pump module.
- 10012714Oct 1, 2004Revised diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p1345 crankshaft position (ckp) - camshaft position (cmp) correlation diagnostic procedure.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 1 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 5% |
| 2009 | 4 | 5% |
| 2008 | 4 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 3% |
| 2006 | 7 | 4% |
| 2005 | 20 | 6% |
| 2004 | 24 | 4% |
| 2003 | 26 | 4% |
| 2002 | 58 | 8% |
| 2001 | 91 | 10% |
| 2000 | 88 | 7% |
| 1999 | 61 | 4% |
| 1998 | 15 | 5% |
| 1997 | 20 | 7% |
| 1996 | 13 | 7% |
| 1995 | 15 | 6% |
| 1994 | 5 | 2% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1992 | 7 | 18% |
| 1990 | 2 | 8% |
| 1989 | 3 | 14% |
| 1988 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado
62 complaintsSteering
59 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsElectrical system
16 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