1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Body & Structure Problems
9 owner-reported body & structure complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (9)
While driving at 55 mph, the corner of your front seat suddenly broke through the floor of your truck. An independent mechanic determined that the subframe (the structural frame under your truck) needed to be replaced. The dealer said they couldn't find a replacement subframe, so the truck was never repaired. Fixing this problem will require replacing or reinforcing the damaged subframe structure.
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Your fuel tank was leaking, but when you tried to replace it, you discovered the frame crossmember that supports the fuel tank strap had rusted severely—so badly that the fuel tank was nearly falling out of the vehicle. You also found heavy rust elsewhere on the frame with pieces missing. You had to fabricate a new crossmember to properly support the replacement fuel tank.
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I HAVE A 1997 CHEVY SILVERADO 1500Z71. THE GALVANIZEDBRAID-STEEL TAIL GATE SUPPORT HINGE USED TO SUPPORT TAIL GATE BROKE. THEY HAD A RECALL ON THE 1999-2000 FOR THE SAME THING. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE 1997 ALSO. THE OFFICIAL NHTSA RECALL NOTICE SAYS THIS IS DANGEROUS AND THEY WILL REPLACE THEM ON THE 1999-2000 MODELS THE NEED REPLACED ON THE 1997 MODELS ALSO. *NM
I LOWERED MY TAILGATE FOR MY DOGS TO EXIT AND THE CABLES BROKE, MY DOGS SLID OUT ONTO THE GROUND, AND THE TAILGATE WAS DAMAGED BY THE BUMPER. I HAD THE TAILGATE FIXED AT A BODY SHOP, PAINTED, AND REINSTALLED. AS FOR THE CABLES: I REPLACED THEM AT THE LOCAL DEALER. THEY ARE STARTING TO CORRODE AGAIN.*AK
THE PASSENGER'S SIDE CARGO DOORS HAD A HOOK ATTACHED TO THE CENTER UPPER EDGE OF THE TOP TRACK. THE CONSUMER STRUCK HIS HEAD ON THE HOOK, KNOCKING HIMSELF UNCONSCIOUS. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO GET INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHEN HE WAS KNOCKED OUT OF THE VEHICLE ONTO THE PAVEMENT BY THE DOOR LATCH HOOK THAT WAS ON TOP OF THE ENTRANCE WAY OF THE SIDE COMPARTMENT. *SC *JB
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE'S HOOD BLEW OPEN. *MR *SC *JB
MOULDING PEELING OFF.
ENTIRE CHASSIS SHAKES AND SHUDDERS FROM 38-49 MPH. DEALER CLAIMS CHEVROLET MOTOR DIVISION HAS TOLD THEM ITS A FRAME DESIGN PROBLEM.
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 65 MPH, VEEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN REAR BETWEEN CAB AND BED, DRIVER UNAWARE, POINTED BY PASSERBY, TOTALED, ACCORDING TO DEALER, PIECE OF FRAGMENT/PAPER BLEW INTO CAB AREA. *AK