1997 Chevrolet Silverado Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 35about this part
- Share
- 13%of 272 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 35 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado, 13% of the 272 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 2 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.
“Shifts hard and makes a loud sound and jerks the veh. I talked to many transmission shops. And they say that it is very common with the 97 models it cost around $300.00 dollars to fix. Something to do with shifting tube that has to be drilled out because of fluid pressure. This is also true with every veh with the same transmission. Now you now the truth so fix the problem GM. Your getting as bad as f.o.r.d.”
NHTSA complaint #10052299, filed 2004-01, 65,000 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“I currently own a 1997 Silverado ext cab fleet side. I've had my brakes serviced numerous times and it continues to pull to the left when I'm braking. Also it's very hesitant in picking up speed when passing even with major tune-ups at chevy dealerships only to be serviced. I'm constantly purchasing front tires for my truck, with front end alignments being done often with the purchase of these tires.”
NHTSA complaint #10058675, filed 2004-02“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 1999-10“Steering was known to lock up several times when truck was owned for less then six months. Was in shop for steering six times. Four wheel drive then went out. Immediately followed by the transmission. No reverse and only had 1st and 2nd. Repairs have been extremely costly. My dream is now a nightmare. The steering could be fatal to any driver I just got lucky and wasn't driving fast when it locked up.”
NHTSA complaint #713453, filed 1999-10Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 33 | 26% |
| 2016 | 1 | 20% |
| 2015 | 11 | 14% |
| 2014 | 37 | 30% |
| 2013 | 11 | 17% |
| 2012 | 11 | 16% |
| 2011 | 4 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 11% |
| 2009 | 3 | 4% |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% |
| 2007 | 21 | 11% |
| 2006 | 8 | 4% |
| 2005 | 29 | 9% |
| 2004 | 49 | 8% |
| 2003 | 81 | 12% |
| 2002 | 70 | 10% |
| 2001 | 64 | 7% |
| 2000 | 103 | 8% |
| 1999 | 97 | 6% |
| 1998 | 14 | 5% |
| 1997 | 35 | 13% |
| 1996 | 22 | 12% |
| 1995 | 20 | 8% |
| 1994 | 7 | 3% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 4 | 10% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 2 | 13% |
Other parts of the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado
62 complaintsSteering
59 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
38 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 31, 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