64 of the 693 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 are about the transmission — 9% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 87,671 miles.
64
Complaints
0
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
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.
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.
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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE SUN SHELL ON MY TRANSMISSION BROKE TAKING OUT REVERSE 2ND AND 4TH GEARS. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH GM TRANSMISSIONS. ITS A 97 CHEVY 1500 Z71 4X4.
NHTSA complaint #10253048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILED, HAD TO BE REPLACED AT 20,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10193482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH I BEGAN FOR AN UPCOMING STOP SIGN, TWO SCHOOL BUSES WERE ALREADY STOPPED AS I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE PEDDLE WENT QUICKLY TO THE FLOOR WITH LITTLE RESULTS, I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE TRUCK IN LOW GEAR, TURNED ONTO THE SHOULDER AND WITH THE EMER. BRAKE AND WHAT LITTLE BRAKE THAT WAS LEFT I WAS ABLE TO GET STOPPED SAFELY. I WOULD LEARN THE WELDING ON THE UPPER SHOCK BRACKET HAD FAILED ALLOWING MOVEMENT WHICH ALLOWED METAL TO RUB AGAINST THE BRAKE LINE WHICH RUNS PAST THAT AREA. THE LINE FAILED WITH THE LOSE OF FLUID AND THE BRAKES. REPAIRS INCLUDED REPLACING OF THE UPPER FRT.SUSP CONTROL ARM ASSY MISC BRACKETS AND SHELDS AND REWELDING UPPER SHOCK BRACKET. IT ALSO INCLUDED REPLACEMENT OF THE BRAKE LINE.
NHTSA complaint #10114387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHEN DRIVING WITH OVERDRIVE ON CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE OVERDRIVE SWITCHED TO DRIVE. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT TRANSMISSION FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #10079897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
I HAD A TORQUE CONVERTER PUT IN MY 97 CHEVY Z71. WHILE THE REPAIRES WERE DONE, THE REPAIR SHOP BROKE MY SHIFT CABLE AND I WAS CHARGED FOR THAT. A $70 CABLE COST ME $140.00. THEY BROKE IT, NOT ME. THEY SHOULD BE RESPONDSIBLE FOR THE COST OR AT LEAST SPLIT THE BILL ON THAT CABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10068059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE RADIATOR'S COOLANT SYSTEM FAILED, RESULTING IN FLUID ACCUMULATION IN THE TRANSMISSION ON TWO OCCASIONS. WAS FIXED TWICE, CAUSING A TOW BY THE DEALER ON THE SECOND TIME. THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUED TO SHIFT HARD FROM FIRST TO SECOND, HAD ANOTHER DEALER LOOK AT IT, SAID IT WAS "JUNK." NOTIFIED GM, THEY DID NOTHING BECAUSE THE FIRST DEALER DIDN'T REPORT THE PROBLEM. HAD TO PAY FOR A TRANSMISSION OVERHAUL AT 70,000 MILES... VERY EXPENSIVE! THE FUEL INDICATOR HAS ALSO FAILED. THE FUEL PUMP HAS FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE DOOR HANDLES HAVE FALLEN OFF. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAVE FAILED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT IS OVER THE 70,000 MILE LIMIT OF REPLACEMENT. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE MASTER CYLINDER. HMMM... MAYBE THE DEALER WAS RIGHT ABOUT BEING JUNK WITHOUT A WARRANTY. SO SAD THAT WE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR PRODUCTS LIKE THIS.
NHTSA complaint #10047586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1997 CHEVROLET C-1500 P/U AUTO TRANS HAS HARD SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS AND FOUND A LARGE NUMBER OF G/M OWNERS HAVE EXPERINCED THIS DEFECT AND G/M HAS NOT OR WILL NOT RECALL OR REPAIR THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10028699 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE ROTORS FAILED. *AK THE CENTER PART OF THE ROTOR SEPARATED.*TS ALSO THE TRANSMISSION, FUEL PUMP AND ABS SENSOR WAS REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10022658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION FAILURE AT 87,671 MILES LOST SECOND GEAR, REVERSE GEAR AND OVERDRIVE DUE DEFECTIVE PART INSTALLED THAT WAS NOT HARDENED STEEL AS PER SPECIALTY TRANSMISSION THAT DID THE REBUILD OF MY TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10020623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
I HAVE A 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 P/U WITH 115K MILES. THE TRANSMISSION STARTED TO MAKE A LOW ROARING NOISE IN LOW GEAR AND WOULD QUIET DOWN AS IT SHIFTED TO A HIGHER GEAR. OVER TIME THE NOISE GOT PROGRESSIVELY LOUDER AND EVENTUALLY MADE A CLANGING SOUND AS I TOOK OFF FROM A STOP. THE NOISE WAS LOUDER THAN I'VE EVER HEARD, SO I DROVE THE TRUCK BACK HOME A PARKED IT. I'VE TOLD FRIENDS THAT I NEEDED ANOTHER TRANSMISSION AND THE MORE I TOLD THE MORE I REALIZED THAT THERE WAS OF THE SAME PROBLEMS IN OTHER CHEVROLET TRUCKS. THIS MAY BE COINCIDENCE BUT IT'S TO LARGE OF A SCALE THAT'S COSTING MANY PEOPLE LOTS OF MONEY. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10018407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILED ON MY 1997 CHEVY K1500 PICKUP. PLANETARY SUNGEAR CARRIER BROKE. $2,000 TO REPAIR. THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE FOR THIS MODEL AND DESIGN OF TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10010873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE THIRD DOOR ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT OPEN, THERE WAS A TEAR IN THE SEATS, AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS SHIFTING LATE AND HARD, THE TRANSMISSION WAS EVENTUALLY REPLACED AT 56,000, CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION FAILED ON THE SECOND VEHICLE AT 126,000 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10004713 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHEN PARKING, CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE INTO REVERSE GEAR. THE VEHICLE DIDN'T REVERSE, THE ENGINE JUST ACCELERATED. CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE INTO DRIVE GEAR WHICH RESULTED IN VEHICLE MAKING A CLANKING NOISE AND HESITATED TO MOVE FORWARD. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO INDICATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAD BLOWN AS A RESULT OF THE REACTION SHELL BRUSTING. THE DEALERSHIP ALSO INDICATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE MODEL VEHCILE. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE DETAILS. TS
NHTSA complaint #8023670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
NHTSA#98-V-069-002 TRANSFER CAS LOCK UP OF TRANSFER CAS AN OCCUR DUE TO INSUFICIENT LUBRICATION. CONSUMER STATES HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA complaint #8022512 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
VEHICLE NEVER BEEN IN A CRASH, NEVER PULLED A LOAD, NO TOW HITH ON IT, WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, HEARD A WEIRD VIBRATION SOUND WHEN IT HAPPENNED, THERE ARE OTHER REPORTS OF THIS YEAR TRANSMISSION FAILING AROUND 50,000 MILES. THERE IS NO REASON THAT A TRANSMISSION SHOULD FAIL ON A TRUCK THAT IS NOT USED FOR HEAVY USE AND WHEN CHEVY SAYS THEY ARE BUILT LIKE A ROCK, AS LONG AS YOU KEEP IT FOR 36,000 MILES WHEN THE FACTORY WARRANTY IS UP?I HAVE THE OLD PART, I PURCHASED TH VEHICLE AT 41,000 MILES, LOW MILLEAGE AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED, THE GEAR SHEARED OFF , UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AND I THINK IT IS A FAULTY PART THAT THE MANUFACTURER IS MAKING AND WHEN REPLACING IT WITH THE SAME PART IT IS JUST GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN. TOTALLY SENSELESS ! OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS MAIN GEAR ASSEMBLY AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT. I HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH A TRANSMISSION BEFORE AND THEY SHOULD CERTAINLY LAST LONGER THAN 50,000 MILES AND G.M. CHEVROLET SHOULD DO SOMETHING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM AND STAND BEHIND THEIR ADVERTISING!!!
NHTSA complaint #760330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION BEGAN SHIFTING VERY HARD(JERKING) FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEARS AND FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR. WHEN THIS OCCURED THE CHECK ENGING LIGHT CAME ON. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEYIWOULD HAVE TO REBUILD OR REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. I HAD IT REPLACE AT A COST OF $2000.00 OUT OF MY POCKET. I SHOWED THE DEALERSHIP MY MAINTENANCE RECORDS TO VERIFY THE TRUCK HAD BEEN TAKEN CARE OF AND ASKED FOR ASSISTANCE AND THEY REFUSED. I CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE AND I WAS TOLD BY THEM "WE HELP ONLY THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAVE THEIR VEHICLES REGULAR SERVICE DONE AT DEALERSHIPS". MEANING THAT SINCE I DID NOT HAVE MY OIL CHANGED AT THE DEALERSHIP AT A COST OF APPROX $30.00 A POP VERSES HALF THAT COST FOR MYSELF THEY REFUSE TO HELP ME. THE PURCHASE COST OF $28,000.00 OBVISOUSLY NOT ENOGH FOR GM. HOW "STUPID" IS THIS? LOOK AT THE COMPLAINTS ON "THE COMPLAINT STATION". GM NEEDS TO RECALL & REINBURSE US. HOW DO WE KNOW THE REPLACEMENT TRANNY(SAME AS ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT) WON'T FAIL AGAIN. CAN'T AFFORD $2K EVERY 61K MILES.
NHTSA complaint #747563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRUCK HAS HAD CONTINUAL PROBLEMS WITH MAJOR COMPONENTS OTHER THAN WEAR AND TEAR. IT IS NOT USED FOR NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS.NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED.
NHTSA complaint #744802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE. HE WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY WHEN VEHICLE STARTED JERKING, AND VEHICLE HAD TO TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #887538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH THERE WAS A LOUD SCREECHING NOISE, LOST TRANSMISSION. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO AAMCO. FOUND A PART INSIDE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY, SUNGEAR REACTION SHELL. CONSUMER FOUND OUT THROUGH ATRA ORGANIZATION.
NHTSA complaint #886399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #885882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON CONSUMER WHILE THEY WERE DRIVING.*AK BEARING SPLINTERED, CAUSING METAL PIECES INTO TRANSMISSION OIL, THE REACTION CARRIER, OVERRUNNING CLUTCH, CLUTCH SUPPORT, OVER CLUTCH RACE, AND TORQUE CONVERTER ALL FAILED. LEFT REAR DOOR PANEL BAD, RATTLE IN SIDE DOOR, REAR SIDE DOOR REPAIRED, RIGHT SIDE DOORS TRIM PANELS BECOME LOOSE, DOOR PANLES REPLACED, SIDE DOOR PANEL RATTLES. VEHICLE HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, REAR TAIL LIGHTS NOT AT SAME HEIGHT, LEFT WINDOW SWITCH REPLACED, DOORS LOCKED WITH KEYS IN VEHICLE, INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON WHILE DRIVING, BATTERY FAILED FIVE TIMES, ANTITHEFT LIGHT ON RADIO CAUSING IT NOT TO WORK. AIR CONDITIONER WAS BLOWING HOT AIR AND VENT WOULD NOT ADJUST FROM SIDE TO SIDE. WINDOWS KEPT GETTING STUCK. AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. POWER STEERING WAS NOISY, DEALER REPAIRED POWER STEERING, POWER STEERING BECAME NOISY AGAIN. REAR SHOES WERE REPLACED. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #885890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON CONSUMER WHILE THEY WERE DRIVING.*AK BEARING SPLINTERED, CAUSING METAL PIECES INTO TRANSMISSION OIL, THE REACTION CARRIER, OVERRUNNING CLUTCH, CLUTCH SUPPORT, OVER CLUTCH RACE, AND TORQUE CONVERTER ALL FAILED. LEFT REAR DOOR PANEL BAD, RATTLE IN SIDE DOOR, REAR SIDE DOOR REPAIRED, RIGHT SIDE DOORS TRIM PANELS BECOME LOOSE, DOOR PANLES REPLACED, SIDE DOOR PANEL RATTLES. VEHICLE HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, REAR TAIL LIGHTS NOT AT SAME HEIGHT, LEFT WINDOW SWITCH REPLACED, DOORS LOCKED WITH KEYS IN VEHICLE, INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON WHILE DRIVING, BATTERY FAILED FIVE TIMES, ANTITHEFT LIGHT ON RADIO CAUSING IT NOT TO WORK. AIR CONDITIONER WAS BLOWING HOT AIR AND VENT WOULD NOT ADJUST FROM SIDE TO SIDE. WINDOWS KEPT GETTING STUCK. AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. POWER STEERING WAS NOISY, DEALER REPAIRED POWER STEERING, POWER STEERING BECAME NOISY AGAIN. REAR SHOES WERE REPLACED. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #885890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER WOULD STOP VEHICLE AND START AGAIN AND TRANSMSISSION WOULD SHIFT HARD TO SECOND GEAR, CONSUMER STATES IT KICKED, DEALER STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE SHIFT ACTUATOR IN THE VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY THAT'S MADE OF AN ALLOY THAT DOES NOT EXPAND/CONTRACT CORRECTLY WITHIN THE ASSEMBLY WHEN HOT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #881774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AND TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE, AND THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. TRANSMISIION BLEW.
NHTSA complaint #879854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AFTER COMING TO A STOP AFTER DRIVING ON FREEWAY WITH TRANSMISSION HOT VEHICLE WILL SLAM HARD INTO 2ND GEAR UPON ACCELERATION FROM INITIAL STOP. DEALERS ARE RECOMMENDING TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENTS AND OR EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. NUMEROUS WEB SITES SHOW OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS AS EARLY AS 40K MILES. I HAVE CONTACTED GM BUT FAIL TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT THAT STATES QUOTE: "THE CONDITION MAY BE CAUSED BY A SLIP-STICK CONDITION BETWEEN THE PROPELLER SHAFT SLIP YOKE AND TRANSFER CASE OUTPUT SHAFT" CORPORATE BULLETIN # 99-04-21-001 AND I BELIEVE THIS TO BE THE CASE WITH MY AND MANY OTHERS VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #739004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
AFTER COMING TO A STOP AFTER DRIVING ON FREEWAY WITH TRANSMISSION HOT VEHICLE WILL SLAM HARD INTO 2ND GEAR UPON ACCELERATION FROM INITIAL STOP. DEALERS ARE RECOMMENDING TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENTS AND OR EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. NUMEROUS WEB SITES SHOW OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS AS EARLY AS 40K MILES. I HAVE CONTACTED GM BUT FAIL TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT THAT STATES QUOTE: "THE CONDITION MAY BE CAUSED BY A SLIP-STICK CONDITION BETWEEN THE PROPELLER SHAFT SLIP YOKE AND TRANSFER CASE OUTPUT SHAFT" CORPORATE BULLETIN # 99-04-21-001 AND I BELIEVE THIS TO BE THE CASE WITH MY AND MANY OTHERS VEHICLES.
NHTSA complaint #739004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
DEALERSHIP VERY HELPFUL WITH THIS AND SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS. SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. LOOK AT THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE HTTP://WWW.THECOMPLAINTSTATION.COM/G/GM_TOC.HTM.
NHTSA complaint #739018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.