1997 Chevrolet Silverado Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 5%of 272 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 90,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the seats of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, 5% of the 272 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 90,000 miles. 2 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.
“Started from stop and the back of the driver seat flipped backwards. I was holding on the steering wheel and as I fell back my foot came off the gas pedal and the bottom of the seat slid forward. I was able to get up in time to hit brake and avoid hitting car in front. I did not sustain injury. Seat is now broken. Back will not stay up and bottom will not lock in place. Cannot drive the truck safely.”
NHTSA complaint #10043674, filed 2003-10, 71,321 miles“I was stopped in traffic and was rear ended by a ford f-150 going 20-40 MPH estimated. Both my son and I were hurled backwards because the seats collapsed backwards. We both sustained injuries to our necks and backs. I believe that if we were not rear ended or the seats wouldn't have collapsed we would have not received any injuries. I believe these seats have a potential of being dangerous and the company needs to do something about it right away before some else gets injured.”
NHTSA complaint #10144195, filed 2005-12, 101,000 miles“While traveling 35 MPH,on the highway left front seat collapsed backward then forward. Driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer. Mechanic determined that the reclining mechanism wore out. This problem has happened twice in a little over one year. The first replacement part only lasted 8000 miles. The consumer believes the part should be recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10113398, filed 2005-03, 70,325 miles“While driving at 30 MPH driver's side seat started sliding back and forth on the track. Several minutes later, the entire seat back fell backwards, and consumer nearly lost control of the vehicle. Manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10048353, filed 2003-11, 93,000 miles“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 milesSeats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 5 | 7% |
| 2014 | 7 | 6% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 4 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 6 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 1% |
| 2002 | 7 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 0% |
| 2000 | 12 | 1% |
| 1999 | 48 | 3% |
| 1998 | 13 | 5% |
| 1997 | 13 | 5% |
| 1996 | 15 | 8% |
| 1995 | 34 | 13% |
| 1994 | 23 | 11% |
| 1993 | 25 | 36% |
| 1992 | 4 | 10% |
| 1991 | 1 | 6% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 1 | 7% |
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 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 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