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1997 Chevrolet C/K PickupsProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 72 owner complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups, most often about the visibility. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

42
CarFlaw IndexUse caution1.4× the C/K Pickups median · #2 of 10 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints722 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage92kVisibility, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 19, 2013. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups has problems

72 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Visibility300
Steering190
Service brakes, hydraulic60
Engine and engine cooling41
Power train41
Fuel system, gasoline40
Structure30
Latches/locks/linkages30
Suspension20
6 other systems61

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer

Recall 03V-159 · Apr 28, 2003 · 1,755,876 vehicles

Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.

Mileage at failure

When do visibility problems start?

92kmiles, median

Based on the odometer reading in 22 visibility complaints. 68% were reported before 100,000 miles.

median0k50k100k150k200k+
0under 30k miles15under 100k miles7100k miles or more
Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other C/K Pickups year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the C/K Pickups median. How we score

'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1997 Chevrolet C/K Pickups, and the recalls they led to.

  1. WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILUREEA02006 · closed Jul 23, 2003
    Led to recall 03V-159
  2. VACUUM BRAKE BOOSTERPE01001 · closed May 22, 2001
    No recall
In owners' words

What C/K Pickups owners report

Recent visibility complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET C/K. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID…
Complaint 10457418 · May 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET C/K PICKUP. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS THE WINDSHIED WIPERS WOULD NOT OPERATE NORMALLY. HE WOULD HAD TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND WAIT UNTIL THE RAIN STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT…
Complaint 10442483 · Jan 5, 2012 · 130,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET PICKUP QUAD CAB. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOW WIPER MOTOR WOULD FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V159000 (VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER). THE VEHICLE WAS…
Complaint 10436091 · Nov 16, 2011 · 128,397 miles

Own a 1997 C/K Pickups?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.