1997 Chevrolet Silverado Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 59about this part
- Share
- 22%of 272 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 59 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, 22% of the 272 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Below is a copy of the e-mail I have sent to the dealership here in auburn al. I did not get an e-mail back so called a few days late. I was told that the replacement part would be $240 . I think that this is something that has occurred in many cases and should be recalled. I know of 4 GM trucks within 1997-1998 range that have had the same problem. This problem is very dangerous! At this time nothing has been done to fix the problem and I hope that an accident is not caused because of it. Dyas, I have a 97 Silverado ext cab 2wd 1500 with a 350 vortex. …”
NHTSA complaint #10078457, filed 2004-06, 60,000 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 miles“In january 2004 the news reported a recall on Chevrolet cars with the exact probblem I have been having since 2000. The power steering will over-assist causing the steering wheel to jerk and hence the vehicle to suddenly steer right or left. It feels like the steering has a mind of its own. This will happen when on a curve or when driving in a straight line. This problem is unpredictable and has caused some near misses and scary moments, particularly when driving on slippery snow covered streets. …”
NHTSA complaint #10056775, filed 2004-02, 50,000 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“Ever since I bought this truck it has been nothing but a problem. From tires ,electric mirrors ,electric windows,clanking/banging drive shaft noise and other little quirks. The only thing that I feel that will last (longer than my payments) is the motor. The dealer of this auto wasn't much better; they just said that it was agood thing that I purchased the extended warranty!!!”
NHTSA complaint #713066, filed 1999-10Related service bulletins
- 10021450Mar 1, 2007Reduced steering effort (diagnose/replace steering wheel position sensor).
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 8 | 6% |
| 2016 | 1 | 20% |
| 2015 | 13 | 17% |
| 2014 | 19 | 15% |
| 2013 | 8 | 13% |
| 2012 | 2 | 3% |
| 2011 | 3 | 4% |
| 2010 | 6 | 10% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 9 | 5% |
| 2006 | 9 | 5% |
| 2005 | 24 | 8% |
| 2004 | 44 | 7% |
| 2003 | 80 | 12% |
| 2002 | 39 | 5% |
| 2001 | 37 | 4% |
| 2000 | 73 | 6% |
| 1999 | 69 | 4% |
| 1998 | 21 | 8% |
| 1997 | 59 | 22% |
| 1996 | 4 | 2% |
| 1995 | 2 | 1% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 5% |
| 1991 | 1 | 6% |
| 1990 | 2 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado
62 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
35 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsEngine cooling
20 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 29, 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