FaultScore

FaultScore report

1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems

Owners have filed 693 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with NHTSA between 1996 and 2024. The largest single group is the brakes. Across this model's run it ranks 21 of 32 worst.

B

FaultScore 40/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

How this is worked out

The numbers

693

Complaints

31

Crashes reported

16

Fires reported

15

Injuries reported

1 complaint reports a death.

90,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

8%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 47 vs 50 Severity 47 vs 50 Early failure 13 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 47
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 47
9.1% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 13
8% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 1997 compares with every other Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Brakes 149 21.5%

15 crashes, 0 fires · median 86,711 mi

Steering 146 21.1%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 70,000 mi

Median failure at 97,190 miles

0 crashes, 3 fires · median 87,671 mi

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 132,500 mi

1 crashes, 3 fires · median 61,444 mi

Suspension 36 5.2%

3 crashes, 0 fires · median 96,500 mi

0 crashes, 8 fires · median 124,614 mi

Airbags 16 2.3%

9 crashes, 0 fires · median 95,725 mi

Seats 14 2.0%

Median failure at 56,000 miles

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 109,783 mi

Equipment & Accessories 8 1.2%

Median failure at 73,000 miles

Doors, Latches & Locks 8 1.2%

Median failure at 147,000 miles

Seat Belts 8 1.2%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 132,000 mi

Lights 6 0.9%
Tires 4 0.6%
Other & Unspecified 3 0.4%
Wheels 2 0.3%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip 86 31.0%
Hydraulic Power Assist System 49 17.7%
Automatic Transmission 33 11.9%
Windshield Wiper/Washer 32 11.6%
Fuel Pump 25 9.0%
Motor 24 8.7%
Steering Wheel/Handle BAR 14 5.1%
Front 14 5.1%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 1 0.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 5 3.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 17 10.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 33 20.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 39 23.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 47 28.5%
150,000+ miles 23 13.9%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Dec 1996 peak 18 Jan 2024

Recalls on the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

07E088000

EQUIPMENT

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 132,000 miles Summerfield, NC Crash 1 injured

SEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE CONTACT DROVER OVER BLACK ICE AND SLID OFF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT SIDESWIPED TWO TREES BEFORE CRASHING HEAD ON INTO ANOTHER TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED YET THE SEAT BELT DETACHED FROM THE LOCK AND THE ENTIRE UNIT THAT HELD THE SEATBELT IN PLACE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE BURNS AND A BROKEN NOSE AS A RESULT. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SALVAGE LOT. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 132,000.

NHTSA complaint #10377172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cedar Rapids, IA Fire

POWER TRAIN

1997 CHEVROLET CK1500, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED HE STARTED TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING AND THE ENGINE REVVED HIGH. AS HE WAS PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SOON AFTER, FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS RE-BUILT ONE WEEK PRIOR. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0553-89. *JB UPDATED 04/14/10

NHTSA complaint #10321989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 113,450 miles Great Bend, KS 2 injured

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET K-1500. WHILE DRIVING 30MPH THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT NOTICE. THE PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED FIRST AND THE DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYED AFTERWARDS. THERE WERE TWO INJURIES. BOTH PASSENGERS SUSTAINED BRUISES ON THEIR INNER FOREARM. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 113,450.

NHTSA complaint #10200179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wallkill, NY Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

97 CHEVY K1500 ABS FALSE ACTIVATION. DEALERS RESPONSE WAS THERE IS NO KNOWN PROBLEM AND IS NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE. REFUSED TO INVESTIGATE WITHOUT PAYMENT. ABS ACTIVATES AT SLOW SPEED AND WHEN BRAKES ARE NOT APPLIED AT ALL. CAUSED MINOR COLLISION WHICH WAS NOT REPORTED.

NHTSA complaint #10200057 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 24,380 miles Dennard, AR Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET K1500. WHILE DRIVING 52 MPH, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER WERE INJURED. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT HAS A POLICE REPORT AND PHOTOS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 24,380.

NHTSA complaint #10191120 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Livonia, MI Crash

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

1997 CHEVY SILVERADO K1500 Z71. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE WAS PREVENTING ME FROM STOPPING AT LOW SPEEDS. THEY HAVE RECALLED ALL THE NEWER MODELS TO FIX THE DEFECT, BUT NOT THE OLDER MODELS. THE ONLY WAY TO DISABLE THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE IS TO CUT THE ANTI-LOCK SPEED SENSOR FOR IT. ANTI-BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AFTER. AT LEAST, I HAVE BRAKES. I WAS INVOLVED IN MANY ACCIDENTS, FORTUNATELY, WITH NO MAJOR INJURIES OTHER THAN MANY BUMPER SCRATCHES AND DENTS. TO AVOID HITTING A CAR AT STOP, I HAD TO RUN OFF THE ROAD INTENTIONALLY MANY TIMES. THIS TRUCK COULD GET PEOPLE KILLED IF THEY ARE NOT RECALLED.

NHTSA complaint #10157787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 75,000 miles Ironton, OH

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving at 55 MPH, the corner of the front seat fell through the floor structure. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was stated that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that the original frame to repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11564482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 351,000 miles Oklahoma City, OK

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 351,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #11255074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 76,000 miles Dover, DE

VISIBILITY/WIPER

THE WIPERS JUST STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF A STORM AND I HAD TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND I TRIED EVERYTHING I COULD TO GET THE WIPERS TO WORK I CALLED A FRIEND AND HE SAID TO TAP THE WIPER MOTOR AND IT DID GET THE WIPERS TO WORK UNTIL I GOT HOME AND THE NEXT DAY I CALLED AND GOT A NEW WIPER MOTOR AND INSTALLED IT ON MY TRUCK AND I HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM SINCE. THE WIPER MOTOR WAS NOT CHEAP AND I'M ON A FIXED INCOME. I WOULD LIKE TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF THE WIPER MOTOR I'M NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE TIME IT TOOK ME TO REPLACE IT. I HOPE THAT YOU CAN HELP ME OUT WITH THIS MATTER. THANK YOU

NHTSA complaint #10918150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 258,669 miles Forest City, NC

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS WERE DEACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 258,669.

NHTSA complaint #10913624 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 125,000 miles Lyons, GA

STEERING

WHEN DRIVING AND ENTERING A CURVE THE POWER STEERING JERKS TO THE DIRECTION OF STEER. THIS IS SAID TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING POSITION SENSOR CAUSING THE VARIABLE ASSIST STEERING TO OVER-COMPENSATE AND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VEER DANGEROUSLY. THE FORUMS ARE FULL OF PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM THAT HAS PLAGUED THIS SYSTEM.

NHTSA complaint #10911224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,236 miles Roland, IA

SERVICE BRAKES

MAIN BRAKE LINE THAT FEEDS THE REAR BRAKES FAILED ON MY TRUCK WHILE I WAS AT A GM DEALER PARKING LOT. THE BRAKE LINE ROTTED AWAY. HAD THE BRAKE LINE BROKE A FEW MINUTES EARLIER I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED WHILE GETTING OFF OF THE INTERSTATE AND NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP! WHEN THIS BRAKE LINE BURST I LOST ALL STOPPING ABILITY.

NHTSA complaint #10662920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 164,000 miles Idyllwild, CA

ENGINE

I GOT THE TRUCK IN 2011 AND WHEN THE TITLE CAME IN THE MAIL IT HAD A NOTE THAT THE TRUCK HAD BEEN A DEALER LEMON LAW BUYBACK. MY PROBLEM NOW IS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I CALLED CHEVROLET FOR SOME ASSISTANCE AND WAS TOLD TO HAVE A CHEVROLET DEALER DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER WANTED TO REPLACE MOST OF THE CHECK ENGINE RELATED PARTS AND SENSORS AT A COST TO ME OF ABOUT $4000.00. I THINK THAT I AM BEING OVER SOLD. I PAID THE $85.00 AND HAD 2 OTHER TEST AND 2 DIFFERENT DIAGNOSE COST FROM $1500 TO CHANGE INJECTORS. ANOTHER.GM RECALL BUT MILEAGE PROBLEM. CHEVROLET DECLINED ANY HELP. I THINK IF IT WAS A LEMON THERE MUST HAVE HAD A BIG PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP THE TRUCK IT STILL LOOKS GOOD. ALSO THE WIPERS DON'T WORK AT TIMES THERE WAS A RECALL ON THEM BUT AGE AND MILES MAY BE A PROBLEM. I COULD USE SOME HELP. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #10621202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 164,000 miles Idyllwild, CA

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I GOT THE TRUCK IN 2011 AND WHEN THE TITLE CAME IN THE MAIL IT HAD A NOTE THAT THE TRUCK HAD BEEN A DEALER LEMON LAW BUYBACK. MY PROBLEM NOW IS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. I CALLED CHEVROLET FOR SOME ASSISTANCE AND WAS TOLD TO HAVE A CHEVROLET DEALER DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER WANTED TO REPLACE MOST OF THE CHECK ENGINE RELATED PARTS AND SENSORS AT A COST TO ME OF ABOUT $4000.00. I THINK THAT I AM BEING OVER SOLD. I PAID THE $85.00 AND HAD 2 OTHER TEST AND 2 DIFFERENT DIAGNOSE COST FROM $1500 TO CHANGE INJECTORS. ANOTHER.GM RECALL BUT MILEAGE PROBLEM. CHEVROLET DECLINED ANY HELP. I THINK IF IT WAS A LEMON THERE MUST HAVE HAD A BIG PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE TO KEEP THE TRUCK IT STILL LOOKS GOOD. ALSO THE WIPERS DON'T WORK AT TIMES THERE WAS A RECALL ON THEM BUT AGE AND MILES MAY BE A PROBLEM. I COULD USE SOME HELP. THANK YOU.

NHTSA complaint #10621202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

OKC, OK

SEAT BELTS

I WAS STOPPED FOR NOT WEARING A SEAT BELT. SEAT BELT STOPS ARE ILLEGAL. I AM EXEMPT BECAUSE OF A DISABILITY. WATCH MY VIDEO HERE, HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=QB2VETMMZT0.

NHTSA complaint #10592603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles West, TX

POWER TRAIN

I HAVE SAME PROBLEM AS THE REST , ONLY THING IS ,THERE ALL AT THE SAME TIME, WHICH IS RIGHT NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NHTSA complaint #10578133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles West, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

I HAVE SAME PROBLEM AS THE REST , ONLY THING IS ,THERE ALL AT THE SAME TIME, WHICH IS RIGHT NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NHTSA complaint #10578133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 120,000 miles West, TX

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I HAVE SAME PROBLEM AS THE REST , ONLY THING IS ,THERE ALL AT THE SAME TIME, WHICH IS RIGHT NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NHTSA complaint #10578133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 78,000 miles RED Bank, NJ

AIR BAGS

PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG KEY SWITCHED IN OFF POSITION. THE PASSENGER SIDE BAG DEPLOYED, THE STEERING WHEEL ONE DID NOT. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, NO ROAD CONDITIONS, AND THE WEATHER WAS FAIR. WE WERE NOT INJURED BUT SHOCKED US. I QUICKLY STOPPED THE TRUCK TO AIR OUT THE CONTENTS OF THE AIR BAG IN THE CAB.

NHTSA complaint #10576020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 159,000 miles Walkertown, NC

SERVICE BRAKES

NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASH WAS ON AND FLICKERING AT TIMES. CHECKED THE FLUID AND NOTICE IT WAS VERY LOW. TOPPED OFF THE FLUID AND NOTICE SPOTS UNDER THE TRUCK. CHECKED CLOSER AND SAW THAT FLUID WAS LEAKING NEAR THE ABS CONTROLLER FURTHER INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THE BRAKE LINES ALL HAD MODERATE TO SEVER RUST ON THEM AND THIS WAS CAUSING THE LOSS OF FLUID.

NHTSA complaint #10542389 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dardanelle, AR

SEATS

THERE WAS AND HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT OR CRASH THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS LOOSE JUST FROM DAY TO DAY USE. WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BRAND NEW AND ARE THE ONLY OWNERS IT HAS EVER HAD, AND WE NEED IT REPAIRED AS IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO DRIVE WITH THE LOOSE SEAT.

NHTSA complaint #10535394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 122,567 miles Swanzey, NH

SUSPENSION

I REMOVED BED OFF MY TRUCK TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP AND NOTICED SECTIONS OF MY REAR FRAME MISSING OR JUST PAPER THIN DUE TO ROT/CORROSION AND IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT'S SAD I'VE OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR 8YEARS AND TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT STILL HAS ALL OF ITS ORIGINAL BODY PANELS IN RUST/ROT FREE AND FLOORS ARE MINT JUST THE FRAME IS JUNK.

NHTSA complaint #10505163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 122,567 miles Swanzey, NH

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

I REMOVED BED OFF MY TRUCK TO REPLACE FUEL PUMP AND NOTICED SECTIONS OF MY REAR FRAME MISSING OR JUST PAPER THIN DUE TO ROT/CORROSION AND IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. IT'S SAD I'VE OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR 8YEARS AND TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF IT STILL HAS ALL OF ITS ORIGINAL BODY PANELS IN RUST/ROT FREE AND FLOORS ARE MINT JUST THE FRAME IS JUNK.

NHTSA complaint #10505163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 58,841 miles Lancaster, PA

SERVICE BRAKES

BRAKE FLUID LOST DUE TO HOLE IN LINE ONLY HAD EMERGENCY BREAK TO STOP.

NHTSA complaint #10477175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 111,643 miles Valentine, NE, NE

POWER TRAIN

I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE 3 WEEKS. ON MONDAY AUGUST 6TH, THE VEHICLE STALLED ON A STREET IN A COMMERCIAL AREA. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A PARKING SPACE. THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND I DROVE THE VEHICLE CA. 50 YARDS BEFORE ANOTHER FAILURE, WHEN I COASTED TO A STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART, AND I WAS TOWED TO MY HOME. ON WEDNESDAY AUGUS 8TH, THE VEHICLE STALLED 3X AT A DISCOUNT STORE PARKING LOT, AND FINALLY STALLED AT WORK ON THE SAME DAY. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS WAS THE PMD ON THE CHEVY 6.5L DIESEL ENGINE, AND WAS A COMMON FAILURE. THIS IS A REAL HAZARD, AS THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ALWAYS RESTART, AND WERE I GOING DOWN THE HIWAY (EXPECIALLY WITH A TRAILER), I WOULD HAVE LOST ACCELLERATION POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THIS COULD EASILY COST SOMEONE THEIR LIVES.

NHTSA complaint #10469962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 111,643 miles Valentine, NE, NE

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE 3 WEEKS. ON MONDAY AUGUST 6TH, THE VEHICLE STALLED ON A STREET IN A COMMERCIAL AREA. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A PARKING SPACE. THE ENGINE RESTARTED AND I DROVE THE VEHICLE CA. 50 YARDS BEFORE ANOTHER FAILURE, WHEN I COASTED TO A STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART, AND I WAS TOWED TO MY HOME. ON WEDNESDAY AUGUS 8TH, THE VEHICLE STALLED 3X AT A DISCOUNT STORE PARKING LOT, AND FINALLY STALLED AT WORK ON THE SAME DAY. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THIS WAS THE PMD ON THE CHEVY 6.5L DIESEL ENGINE, AND WAS A COMMON FAILURE. THIS IS A REAL HAZARD, AS THE VEHICLE DOES NOT ALWAYS RESTART, AND WERE I GOING DOWN THE HIWAY (EXPECIALLY WITH A TRAILER), I WOULD HAVE LOST ACCELLERATION POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. THIS COULD EASILY COST SOMEONE THEIR LIVES.

NHTSA complaint #10469962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 59,000 miles Lancaster, PA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET 1500 PICKUP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF THE REAR BRAKES. THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHEN HE NOTICED AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED WHO REPAIRED THE BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO PROVIDED A PARTIAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000. UPDATED 09/05/12

NHTSA complaint #10469321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 50,000 miles Elizabethtown, IN

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED WHENEVER HE APPLIED THE BRAKES. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

NHTSA complaint #10425466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 155,000 miles Bristol, WI

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

1997 CHEVY K1500 PICKUP, FUEL TANK WAS LEAKING, WENT TO REPLACE FUEL TANK AND FOUND THE FRAME CROSSMEMBER HAD RUSTED SO BAD THAT THE FUEL TANK ALMOST FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, (THIS CROSSMEMBER SUPPORTS THE FRONT FUEL TANK STRAP. WHILE LOOKING AROUND FOUND VERY HEAVY RUST AND PIECES OF THE FRAME MISSING. HAD TO FABRICATE NEW CROSSMEMBER TO HOLD NEW TANK.

NHTSA complaint #10420024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 142,265 miles Milwaukie, OR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

WINDSHIELD WIPER DEFECT: WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL TO OPERATE CORRECTLY, OR AT ALL, DURING ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. THIS EQUIPMENT FAILURE PUTS A DRIVER AND ALL PASSENGERS AT RISK OF HARM DUE TO INHIBITED VISIBILITY. HAVE HAD TO SUDDENLY CHANGE LANES ON HIGHWAY DURING HEAVY RAIN, PULL OFF, STAND ON EDGE OF DOOR TRIM WITH TRAFFIC DRIVING BY, AND PUSH THE WIPERS MANUALLY UP AND DOWN TO GET THEM WORKING AGAIN. SOMETIMES I WILL HAVE TO OPEN THE HOOD OF THE TRUCK, PUSH THE FUSE TIGHT, PUSH THE WIPERS TO START THEM, AND THEN GO. OUR 1996 CHEVY SUBURBAN WAS RECALLED DUE TO A WINDSHIELD WIPER DEFECT, THEY HAVE WORKED FINE SINCE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT WAS REPLACED.. I HAVE CONTACTED OUR LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP TWICE TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER DEFECT REPAIRED ON THE 1997 C1500 TRUCK. SINCE THE PREVIOUS OWNER DID NOT DO IT WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, AND THE VIN NUMBER ON THE TRUCK DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL ( THE SERVICE MANAGER PULLED UP THE RECALL AND CHECKED THE VIN NUMBER OF OUR TRUCK AGAINST THE NUMBERS ON THEIR LIST ON 08/06/2011 AT 12:20 P.M.), THEY WILL NOT REPLACE IT. THIS IS BECAUSE, AS IT IS NOW NOT UNDER WARRANTY, THEY WOULD NOT BE REIMBURSED BY GM, REGARDLESS OF MY REMINDING THEM THAT NOT REPLACING IT REMAINS A SAFETY RISK TO THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEGAN IN 2001. SINCE OUR SON IS GOING TO GET HIS LICENSE, AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE TRUCK, I WOULD LIKE TO ENSURE HIS VEHICLE IS A SAFE ONE. IF I HAD KNOWN WHERE TO FILE A COMPLAINT REGARDING THIS MATTER, I WOULD HAVE DONE THIS 8 YEARS AGO. THE DEALER TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, EXCEPT REPLACE THE PART.

NHTSA complaint #10418422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 142,265 miles Milwaukie, OR

VISIBILITY

WINDSHIELD WIPER DEFECT: WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL TO OPERATE CORRECTLY, OR AT ALL, DURING ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS. THIS EQUIPMENT FAILURE PUTS A DRIVER AND ALL PASSENGERS AT RISK OF HARM DUE TO INHIBITED VISIBILITY. HAVE HAD TO SUDDENLY CHANGE LANES ON HIGHWAY DURING HEAVY RAIN, PULL OFF, STAND ON EDGE OF DOOR TRIM WITH TRAFFIC DRIVING BY, AND PUSH THE WIPERS MANUALLY UP AND DOWN TO GET THEM WORKING AGAIN. SOMETIMES I WILL HAVE TO OPEN THE HOOD OF THE TRUCK, PUSH THE FUSE TIGHT, PUSH THE WIPERS TO START THEM, AND THEN GO. OUR 1996 CHEVY SUBURBAN WAS RECALLED DUE TO A WINDSHIELD WIPER DEFECT, THEY HAVE WORKED FINE SINCE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER COMPONENT WAS REPLACED.. I HAVE CONTACTED OUR LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP TWICE TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD WIPER DEFECT REPAIRED ON THE 1997 C1500 TRUCK. SINCE THE PREVIOUS OWNER DID NOT DO IT WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY, AND THE VIN NUMBER ON THE TRUCK DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE RECALL ( THE SERVICE MANAGER PULLED UP THE RECALL AND CHECKED THE VIN NUMBER OF OUR TRUCK AGAINST THE NUMBERS ON THEIR LIST ON 08/06/2011 AT 12:20 P.M.), THEY WILL NOT REPLACE IT. THIS IS BECAUSE, AS IT IS NOW NOT UNDER WARRANTY, THEY WOULD NOT BE REIMBURSED BY GM, REGARDLESS OF MY REMINDING THEM THAT NOT REPLACING IT REMAINS A SAFETY RISK TO THE OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEGAN IN 2001. SINCE OUR SON IS GOING TO GET HIS LICENSE, AND WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE TRUCK, I WOULD LIKE TO ENSURE HIS VEHICLE IS A SAFE ONE. IF I HAD KNOWN WHERE TO FILE A COMPLAINT REGARDING THIS MATTER, I WOULD HAVE DONE THIS 8 YEARS AGO. THE DEALER TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO, EXCEPT REPLACE THE PART.

NHTSA complaint #10418422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.