1997 Chevrolet Silverado Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 272 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,982miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the body and structure of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, 3% of the 272 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,982 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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.
“The cables for the rear liftgate broke on two occasions. This truck was not included in the recall replacement of the liftgate cables. The consumer was cleaning the pickup and put the tailgate down and the consumer noticed that the cable had a bulge. The cable had rusted through and only the rubber was holding it together.”
NHTSA complaint #10099090, filed 2004-11, 85,125 miles“While driving any speed, the sliding door would open without warning. The consumer would have to manually close the door. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined. Please provide more information.”
NHTSA complaint #10108593, filed 2005-01, 99,965 miles“Consumer stated tailgate cables corroded. Consumer was very concerned that they will fail. The consumer stated that both tailgate cables failed. The vehicle has experienced brake failure and windshield wiper motor failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10102028, filed 2005-01, 156,800 miles“Tailgate support cables on both sides have rotted out and snapped causing the tailgate to no longer be able to be in down position for any length of time.”
NHTSA complaint #10106381, filed 2005-01, 112,000 miles“Would like to file complaint on the frame work of 1997 1/2 ton Chevrolet pick-up. Had a head on collision with another car, causing life long disability.”
NHTSA complaint #10119458, filed 2005-05, 60,000 milesBody and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 5% |
| 2015 | 3 | 4% |
| 2014 | 16 | 13% |
| 2013 | 9 | 14% |
| 2012 | 14 | 21% |
| 2011 | 15 | 20% |
| 2010 | 12 | 19% |
| 2009 | 14 | 18% |
| 2008 | 14 | 9% |
| 2007 | 23 | 13% |
| 2006 | 6 | 3% |
| 2005 | 11 | 3% |
| 2004 | 25 | 4% |
| 2003 | 19 | 3% |
| 2002 | 36 | 5% |
| 2001 | 53 | 6% |
| 2000 | 94 | 7% |
| 1999 | 84 | 5% |
| 1998 | 10 | 4% |
| 1997 | 7 | 3% |
| 1996 | 8 | 4% |
| 1995 | 11 | 4% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 6% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
| 1989 | 1 | 5% |
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 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsTires
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 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