1997 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 64 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Silverado 2500 years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Silverado 2500 years to avoid →

Most common 1997 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems

23 of the 64 complaints (36%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes13
201
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor6
000
Fuel System, Diesel · fuel system4
100
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer3
000
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System3
000
Steering2
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components · brakes2
000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner2
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine2
000
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Equipment07E088000
Filed Oct 24, 2007121,680 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Remedy. HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 14, 201887,000 milesMT

WIPERS QUIT WHEN IN USE. WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THEY ARE UNPREDICTABLE. THEY HAVE BEEN THAT WAY FOR YEARS. MY 1999 TAHOE DOES THE SAME THING. MY 1996 SILVERADO DID THE SAME THING AS WELL AND I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE AND THE DEALER REPAIRED PROBLEM. THESE TWO VEHICLES ARE VIRTUALLY IDENTICAL TO THE 1996 SILVERADO, AND ARE SHOWING THE SAME SYMPTOMS. THE WIPERS WILL WORK ERRATICALLY ESPECIALLY IF IT'S A HEAVY RAIN AND CAN QUIT IN THE MIDDLE OF OPERATION MAKING THE VEHICLE VERY UNSAFE. PLEASE FIND OUT WHY THE 1996 SILVERADO WAS COVERED UNDER A RECALL AND THE 1997 SILVERADO AND THE 1999 TAHOE WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE SAME RECALL WHEN THEY ARE SHOWING THE SAME DANGEROUS FAULTY WINDSHIELD WIPER PROBLEMS. AGAIN THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS AND I'M FRUSTRATED THAT THE DEALER WILL NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM THAT WAS COVERED UNDER A RECALL FOR THE 96 SILVERADO. THANK YOU

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 14, 2015150,000 milesFL

I LOCKED THE TRUCK USING ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS THAT EVENING.GOT UP NEXT MORNING DOOR PANNAL HAD COUGHT FIRE.BUT MUST HAD GONE OUT FROM LACK OXGEN INCAB.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 24, 201548,200 milesIA

STOPPING AT A STOP LIGHT THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR AND PULLED RIGHT. I WENT INTO THE INTERSECTION AROUND 5 FEET. REQUIRED A MASTER CYLINDER AND LEFT FRONT HUB ASSEMBLY TO FIX PROBLEM. COST: 808.57 THIS FOLLOWS REAR BRAKE PROBLEMS AT 27,097 MILES THAT REQUIRED PADS, ROTORS, AND CALIPERS AT A COST OF 668.27. *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 1, 2012125,000 milesID

I HAVE A1997 CHEVROLET 6.5T DIESEL, I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK DOING ABOUT 45 MPH CROSSING A STOP LIGHT AND THE TRUCK JUST SHUT OFF FOR NO REASON AND A SEMI WAS BEHIND ME AND ALMOST PLOWED IN TO THE BACK OF MY TRUCK BUT HE WAS ABLE TO GO AROUND AT THE LAST SECOND. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DOING 70 MPH AND THE TRUCK DID THE SAME THING JUST SHUT OFF FOR NO REASON AND A CAR ALMOST HIT ME BUT WAS ABLE TO STOP IN TIME. ON ALL OCCASIONS I LOST ALL POWER TO EVERYTHING BRAKES,STEERING AND ENGINE POWER. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE AND AFTER THE TWO ABOVE. FOUND OUT THAT GM HAD PUT OUT AN UNDER THE TABLE RECALL OF THE PMD AND INJECTOR PUMP ON THE 6.5T DIESEL MOTOR 12YR/100,000MILES BUT DID NOT PUBLICLY SAY ANYTHING. THE OTHER THING THAT I JUST CAN'T GET OUT OF MY HEAD IS WHAT IF I HAD MY FAMILY WITH ME GOING CAMPING AND TOWING MY TRAILER WHEN THE INCIDENT HAPPENED GOING DOWN A STEP MOUNTAIN PASS AND THE TRUCK TO SHUT OFF WITH NO POWER TO STOP. I KNOW THAT CAR MAKERS HAVE A % OF ACCIDENTS BEFORE THEY WILL LOOK AT RECALLS AND DEATHS ARE INCLUDED IN THOSE %'S AND FOR GM TO HIDE THE RECALL IS VERY DISHONEST. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 2, 2012TX

CHEVY ADMITS A PROBLEM, I THINK MINE HAS SUCH IT STALLS FOR NO REASON AFTER A COMPLETE $700 TUNE UP..SHOP SAYS HAS SYMPTOMS, WHY NOT RECALL? THIS IS DANGEROUS. $243 LOW TO REPAIR TO $450.. NICE... *TR

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Oct 29, 2010244,537 miles00

I OWN A 1997 SILVERADO 6.5 DIESEL ENGINE, W/279K MILES, TRUCK WAS RUNNING OK BUT THE LAST FEW MONTHS ENGINE STALLING AND STOP WITHOUT REASON, TOOK IT TO A REPAIR CENTER, DIAGNOSE WITH FUEL INJECTION PUMP FAILURE, DIESEL DEALER EXPLAINED THIS IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT, FUEL INJECTION PUMP HAS AN ELECTRONIC COMPONENT (PMD) LOCATED ON THE SIDE OF THE PUMP WHEN ENGINE GETS HOT SENT FAILURE SIGNAL TO THE MAIN COMPUTER. CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE TO VERIFIED THE ISSUE, ANSWERED THAT YES INDEED THEY AGREED ABOUT THE PROBLEM ALSO SAID THEY HAD 'CAMPAIGN' NOT A RECALL TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT DIDN'T MAKE ANNOUNCEMENT TO PUBLIC. I ASKED FOR HELP TO FIX THE PROBLEM WAS TOLD THAT I RUN OUT OF OPTIONS THEY ONLY HONOR THIS PROBLEM FOR 10 YEARS OR 120K MILES? I WAS NOT AWARE AND NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM GMC. THIS IS A ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN WITH TERRIBLE CONSEQUENCES, IF THE ENGINE STOPS OR STALL GOING DOWN THE HILL IN ANY URBAN OR RURAL AREA; PASSING ANOTHER CAR IN A BUSY HIGHWAY AND STALLING OR JUST THE ENGINE QUIT RUNNING. CROSSING A BUSY INTERSECTION WITH KIDS INSIDE AND NO POWER (HORRIBLE ACCIDENT WITH SERIOUS INJURIES AND CASUALTIES!!) I USUALLY AM TOWING A HORSE TRAILER ON BUSY HIGHWAY AND SUDDENLY STALL OR STOPPING IN FRONT OF A SEMI-TRAILER, CROSSING A RAIL ROAD AND STALLING IN THE MIDDLE WITH PEOPLE INSIDE A TRAIN COMING ITS WAY! THESE ARE A FEW CONSEQUENCES THIS FAILURE CAN CREATE, WHILE THIS IS A FACTORY FAILURE AND POOR DESIGN. I HAD REPLACED THE (PMD) AND AFTER SPENDING

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Oct 12, 201054,000 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET K2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECAUSE THEY WOULD FUNCTION PROPERLY ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIR COSTS AS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL RELATED TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS (COULD NOT FIND THE RECALL IN NHTSA DATABASE). THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000. UPDATED 01/11/2011*LJ UPDATED 03/28/11

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel
Filed Mar 1, 2010143,548 milesPA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500 DIESEL TRUCK. THE SENSOR IN THE ENGINE HAS CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SHUT OFF UNEXPECTEDLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE, SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF, AND ALLOW IT TO RESET. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST TWICE A DAY SINCE THE FALL OF 2009. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT EXCEEDED THE 120,000 MILE WARRANTY. HIS VEHICLE CAN BE REPAIRED AT HIS EXPENSE FOR $1200. THE GM MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE THE WARRANTY LIMIT HAD EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,548.

Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
Filed Dec 20, 200820,000 milesTX

MY BRAKES HAVE NOT WORKED PROPERLY SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW. THE DEALER HAS SAID THEY WORK PROPERLY AND ABS SYSTEMS WORK DIFFERENT THAN THE OLD SYSTEMS. IF I HAVE TO HIT THE BRAKE QUICKLY, THE PEDAL GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE DOES NOT STOP. BRAKES NEED TO BE PUMPED TO STOP EFFECTIVELY BUT THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE AT TIMES, ESPECIALLY IN CITY DRIVING. I HAVE HAD MANY MANY CLOSE CALLS AND HAVE BUMPED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME ONCE AND SMASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE ONCE. MY INSURANCE RATES WERE RAISED FOR SEVERAL YEARS AS A RESULT. I HAVE TO DRIVE THIS PICK-UP TRUCK VERY CAUTIOUSLY BUT I'M WORRIED THAT SOMETHING MORE SERIOUS COULD HAPPEN TO ME OR MY WIFE WHILE DRIVING. GM HAS A RECALL ON 1999-2002 SILVERADOS FOR THIS TYPE OF BRAKE PROBLEM. I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT THEY DON'T SEEM TO CARE THAT I HAVE THE SAME SAFETY HAZARD WITH MY 1997 SILVERADO WITH 44,000 MILES ON IT. WHY ISN'T MY VEHICLE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL? THESE BRAKES HAVE BEEN DEFECTIVE SINCE DAY 1. *TR

Steering › Column
Filed Sep 25, 200790,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET C2500. THE CONTACT HEARD A SQUEALING NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW POWER STEERING PUMP. THE POWER STEERING PUMP WAS REPLACED, HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MECHANIC THEN STATED THAT THE METAL CRUMBLED FOR THE WORM STEERING SHAFT. HE MADE THE REPAIR AND THERE HAD BEEN NO FURTHER OCCURRENCES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 90,000.

Steering
Filed Aug 11, 200616,000 milesOK

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO STEER AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AFTER AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE IDLING ARM AND PITMAN ARM. THE FRONT END WAS REALIGNED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. TWO DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS DETERMINED THERE WAS A DEFECT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT CONTACTED. UPDATED 9/5/2006 - THE FAULTY PART WAS THE STEERING WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *NM

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Apr 11, 200610,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILED DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN FOR INSPECTION. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V159000, REGARDING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 05/02/06. *JB

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Mar 28, 2006101,000 milesOR

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WAS DIFFICULT TO CLOSE DUE TO THE LATCH. ALTHOUGH THE DEALER WAS ALERTED, NO APPOINTMENT WAS MADE FOR REPAIRS. *AK

Fuel System, DieselCrash
Filed Nov 24, 2005OH

1997 K 2500 TRUCK PROBLEM WITH ENGINE STALLING AND SURGING WILL STALL AT HIGH SPEEDS AND WITH HYDRO BOOST THERE ARE ONLY 10 % BRAKING POWER THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES WITH EACH TIME A FAILURE OF A PMD BOX ON ENGINE THAT THE DEALER SAYS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM SINCE 1994 I HAVE HAD REPLACED 4 TIMES WITH THE RESULT THE SAME A DANGEROUSLY CLOSE CALL WHEN THE VEHICLE SURGES IN TO TRAFFIC OR THE BRAKES FAIL WHEN THE ENGINE STALLS AFTER LOOKING THE DEALER WAS PUSHED BUY EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE OEM PART BUT NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REPAIR THE RISK OF DRIVING AFTER I LEAVE THE DEALER AND A FAILURE HAPPENS I HAVE TO BELIEVE THIS IS A PROBLEM ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND ACCIDENT OTHER THAN MINE MUST HAVE HAPPENED THE DEALER AND THE STANADINE DEALER IN TOLEDO ADMIT THESE ARE A CONTINUING PROBLEMS THAT IS NOT GOING AWAY. THE SAFETY CONCERN IS REAL AND MUST BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOME ONE IF NOT ALREADY GETS KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Feb 12, 2005132,000 milesNE

1997 CHEVROLET 6.5 TURBO DIESEL PICKUP. HAD FAILURE OF THE ELECTRONIC INJECTION PUMP. THIS CAUSED THE TRUCK TO UNEXPECTEDLY SHUT DOWN AT VARIOUS POINTS OF A TRIP. CHEVROLET HAS A RECALL, BUT HAS MILEAGE AND YEAR LIMITATIONS. COMMON PROBLEM AND CHEVROLET WOULD NOT COVER BECAUSE MY VEHICLE HAD 132,000 MI AND RECALL WAS SOMETHING LIKE 10YR/120,000. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Feb 4, 2005106,000 milesNJ

TURNED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ON AND THEY ONLY CAME UP TO THE PARK POSITION FOR INTERMITTENT OPERATION. POSITIONED THE SWITCH TO LOW AND HIGH AND THE WIPERS DID NOT MOVE ANY FURTHER. SHUT OFF AND WIPERS SHUT OFF. WIPERS WOULD NOT RESTART ON REPEATED TRIES. TRIED LATER AND WIPERS WORKED PROPERLY. NOW THEY OPERATE SOMETIMES AND SOMETIMES ONLY ON INTERMITTENT AND LOW, NOT ON HIGH. BUT, SOMETIMES ON HIGH. I HAVE NOT HAD THE PROBLEM REPAIRED YET, BECAUSE EVERYTIME I GO TO THE DEALER, THEY ARE WORKING. *JB

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed Jul 9, 200460,000 milesNV

(1) ONGOING (2) POWER STEERING SUDDENLY GOES TO TOO MUCH ASSIST TO NORMAL ASSIST, ESPECIALLY IN LEFT HAND TURN (3) DEALERSHIP SAYS ITS "EVO" SENSOR, WANTS $280 TO FIX IT. THIS PROBLEM IN 1997 CHEV C/K PICKUP TRUCKS READS LIKE A RASH IN QUANTITY REPORTS TO NHTSA, YET NHTSA SEEMS TO WANT MANY DEATHS BEFORE REQUIRING A DEALER RECALL. DO SOMETHING!!!*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors
Filed Mar 22, 2004CA

WHILE STARTING UP THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT START AT ALL. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC REPLACED THE FUEL INJECTOR DUE TO WORN OUT PARTS. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Mar 5, 2004NY

WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON AND WENT OFF ON THEIR OWN. THIS CAUSED POOR VISIBILITY FOR THE DRIVER. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC INFORMED CONSUMER VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER A RECALL.*AK

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed Jan 20, 200472,500 milesNV

POWER STEERING PROBLEM IDENTICAL TO KNOWN DEFECTS AFFECTING GM CARS. I HAVE IDENTICAL SYMPTOMS REGARDING SUDDEN ROTATION OF THE STEERING WHEEL IN A LEFT TURN. THE UPCOMING RECALL OF 1996-7 CARS DOES NOT INCLUDE PICKUP TRUCKS BUILT IN THE SAME TIME FRAME. MY '97 3/4 TON CHEVROLET WAS BUILT IN SEPT OF 96, AND HAS THE SAME SYMPTOMS. MY (RENO,NV) CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP IT WILL COST ME APPROX $240 TO FIX IT. PLEASE INVESTIGATE TO EXPAND THE RECALL, AS I'VE HAD A FEW CLOSE CALLS ALREADY! *AK

Fuel System, Diesel
Filed Nov 13, 2003KY

I OWN TWO 1997 CHEVY DIESEL VEHICLES. ONE IN A CK3500 AND THE OTHER IS A K2500 SUBURBAN, BOTH ARE CURRENTLY NOT RUNNING. THEY BOTH ARE DEMONSTRATING THE SAME PROBLEM. THE CERTIFIED GM DEALERS ARE TELLING US THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE FUEL INJECTION PUMP AND THEY ARE COVERED BY WARRANTY. THE PROBLEM IS THEY ARE STATING THAT THE INJECTOR IS RUINED DUE TO THE FUEL PUMP AND FILTER. IN TURN I'M TO PAY FOR REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP, FUEL FILTER, FUEL TANK, ELECTRICAL FILTER HARNESS AND HAVE THE INJECTION CLEANED. ALL TOTAL $1354.84. THIS IS CURRENTLY ON THE SUBURBAN ONLY. THE TRUCK WILL NOT START AND OF COURSE I CAN'S AFFORD THIS ON BOTH AT THE MOMENT. I CAN NOT GET A STRAIGHT ANSWER FROM THE DEALER ON WHAT CAUSED THE PROBLEM AND WHY GM WILL PAY THE $2000 TO $3000 INJECTION PUMP AND NOT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM. I HAVE CALLED GM'S HOTLINE TO NO AVAIL. I FIND IT SURPRISING THAT THE SAME THING IS WRONG WITH BOTH VEHICLES. *LA

Tires › Valve
Filed Sep 4, 2003158,000 milesVA

WHILE DRIVING, THE SPARE TIRE FELL OFF DUE TO THE CABLE BREAKING OFF. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK THE PROBLEM COULD BE THE VALVE STEM ON THE TIRE WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED THE CABLE TO BIND. *SCC *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Aug 26, 2003CA

CONSUMER IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN RECALL ON WINDSHIELD WIPERS. RECALL NUMBER UNKNOWN. DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.*AK

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Mar 31, 2003122,000 milesIN

THE DRIVER'S SEAT COLLAPSED. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Mar 19, 200355,000 milesPA

WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR FAILED AT NIGHT, IN HEAVY RAIN CAUSING LOSS OF VISIBILITY. I PULLED OVER AND MANUALLY MOVED WIPER BLADE TO RESTART WIPERS. MOTOR CONTINUED TO FAIL INTERMITTENTLY UNTIL IT WAS REPLACED *NLM.

Steering
Filed Jan 8, 200345,000 milesIL

WHILE IN MOTION AND IN A SLOW TURN THE AMOUNT OF FORCE REQUIRED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL CHANGES, RESULTING IN SUDDEN AND ABRUPT MOVEMENTS. THIS SOMETIMES RESULTS IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JG *JB

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock
Filed Dec 5, 2002MI

UPON COMING TO A ROLLING STOP, UNDER DRY ROAD CONDITIONS, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES OVER COMPENSATE, MAKE AN 'ELECTRONIC GROAN', AND STIFFEN. THIS CAUSES THE BRAKES TO LOSE EFFECTIVENESS. DT

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Aug 7, 2002FL

WHEN DRIVING 60 MPH AND COMING OFF THE RAMP, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND ALSO MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE PEDAL WENT TO FLOORBOARD, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE WAS APPLIED IN ORDER TO STOP VEHICLE. *AK *SCC

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Apr 29, 2002TN

USING WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THEY WILL WORK FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES, THEN STOP FUNCTIONING COMPLETELY, RESULTING IN A VISUAL PROBLEM. *AK CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY, REPLACING TIRES EVERY 30000 MILES, AND ALSO ENGINE BELT FAILED. *YD

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components
Filed Mar 14, 2002TX

BRAKE PEDAL GOES HALF WAY DOWN. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, HAD BRAKES REPAIRED. DEALER INDICATED THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH ADJUSTMENT TO KEEP BRAKE PEDAL FROM GOING DOWN. *AK THERE WAS NO BRAKING BY THE REAR WHEELS BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ADJUSTMENT ON THE WHEEL. *YH

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Nov 1, 2001CA

COVERTER COMPLETLY FAILED. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor
Filed May 16, 2001TX

FRONT ROTORS WARPED AT 38000 MILES. HAD THEM TURNED AND REPLACED.*AK

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Apr 2, 2001PA

WATER GETS UNDER CARPET WHERE AIRBAG SENSOR IS LOCATED, CAUSING LIGHT TO BE ILLUMINATED WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DEALER HAS BAAN NOTIFIED.*AK

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Feb 9, 2001CA

AT 40,000 MILES FUEL GAUGE STOPPED OPERATING, UNABLE TO DETERMINE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN TANK; DEALER NOTIFIED, AND INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THE PART WAS OUT OF ITS WARRANTY, AND NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK

Seats1 injured
Filed Nov 1, 2000CA

SUFFERED SERIOUS FINGER WOUND AND SUBSEQUENT BACTERIAL INFECTION DUE TO MECHANISM CRUSHING SAID FINGER. DEALER HAD ASSURED THAT ALL RECALLS WERE PERFORMED ON VEHICLE PRIOR TO INCIDENT. *AK

Tires › Tread/Belt
Filed Aug 13, 2000AZ

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK AND THE LEFT REAR TIRE FELL APART. THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE AND CAUSED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE TRUCK. APPROXIMATELY 90 - 95 % OF THE TREAD CAME OFF, ONLY A SMALL PIECE WAS LEFT ON THE TIRE. WHEN SHE TOOK IT TO OUR LOCAL TIRE DEALER HE INSPECTED THE TIRES AND SAID SOME OF THE OTHERS WERE ALSO SHOWING SIGNS OF THE SAME PROBLEM; TREAD / TIRE SEPARATION. THROUGH THE DEALER AND GENERAL TIRE CUSTOMER SERVICE I WAS GIVEN 4 TIRES AT HALF PRICE. I HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY TRIED TO GET REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE DAMAGE TO MY TRUCK. AT THIS POINT GENERAL TIRE IS SAYING THAT THE TIRE WAS DAMAGED BECAUSE THE TIRE HAD BEEN PATCHED. MY TIRE DEALER WHO PATCHED THE TIRE IS SAYING THAT THEY DID THE JOB ACCORDING TO THE MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS. I AM IN THE MIDDLE AS EACH PARTY IS POINTING TO THE OTHER ONE. I HAVE NEVER HAD TIRES THAT WERE AS BAD AS THESE. I BOUGHT THE TRUCK IN 1997, ONE YEAR OLD, WITH 7600 MILES ON IT. I MAKE IT A PRACTICE TO CHECK THE TIRES MONTHLY AND HAVE THE TIRES ROTATED ANNUALLY. THIS TRUCK IS NO EXCEPTION TO THAT PRACTICE. THESE TIRES AT THE TIME OF FAILURE WERE PROBABLY WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF NEEDING TO BE REPLACED AS THE TREAD WAS GETTING THIN. GIVEN THAT THE TRUCK ONLY HAD 20K MILES ON IT DOES NOT SPEAK VERY HIGHLY OF THE TREAD WEAR ON THESE TIRES. I HAVE A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE TIRE MANUFACTURER SAYING THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DAMAGE. THEIR TIRE SEPARATED AND CAUSED THE DAMAGE. AS THE DEALER STATED TO ME AND GENERAL TIRE THE

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc
Filed Jul 18, 2000CO

ABOUT EVERY 10,000 IN THE LAST 3 YEARS BRAKES ROTORS/ CALIPERS AND PADS NEED TO BE REPLACED WHICH CAUSES EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed May 20, 2000TX

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY IN A BLINDING RAIN STORM, THEY STOPPED WORKING WITH THE WIPERS STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN. I HAD A HORRIBLE TIME GETTING TO THE SHOULDER TO STOP. THEN THEY STARTED WORKING AGAIN A FEW MINUTES LATER. THEY'VE DONE THIS FOUR TIMES IN DIFFERENT STATES ON DIFFERENT ROADS AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. FROM READING YOUR SITE, CHEVROLET APPARENTLY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM ON 1.5 MILLION TRUCKS IN THE PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR (1996), WHICH WAS FIXED WITH A RECALL. I ALSO NOTED THAT YOU HAVE LOGGED OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME MODEL YEAR (1997). THANK YOU. SINCERELY, [XXX]. *AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Apr 4, 2000GA

WINDSHIELD WIPERS BECAME INOPERABLE, OBSTRUCTING THE VIEW OF THE DRIVER. A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED ON VEHICLE'S MAKE/MODELS. HOWEVER THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads
Filed Feb 17, 2000AL

AFTER TWO MONTHS HAD TO HAVE ROTORS CHANGED. WHEN PRESSING BRAKES FRONT END SHUTTERS AND ROTORS ARE WARPING. IF IN AN EMERGENCY, TRUCK WILL NOT STOP AS SOON AS IT SHOULD, AND THE WHOLE FRONT END WOULD SHAKE. CHEVROLET HAS PROVIDED NO HELP. *AK *ML

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrash1 killed
Filed Feb 9, 2000TN

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED THEY LOCK UP AND SKID, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE, CAUSING A COLLISION. THER E WERE NO INJURIES, BUT ONE FATALITY. DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Feb 7, 2000MD

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Nov 25, 1999WA

WE TOOK DELIVERY OF OUR NEW ORDERED PICKUP ON 3/21/97. FROM THE FIRST DAY WE EXPERIECED FRONT WHEEL LOCKUP AND SKIDDING OF OUR FRONT TIRES, IT ALSO PULLS VERY HARD TO THE SIDE THAT LOCKS UP. IT SEEMS TO LOCK UP ONE WHEEL AT A TIME, NOT BOTH AT THE SAME TIME. THIS IS INTERMITTENT AND WE CAN NOT TELL WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN THE NEXT TIME. WE HAVE HAD IT IN GOOTEE CHEVROLETS REPAIR SHOP SEVERAL TIMES AND IT HAS BEEN THERE FOR MANY DAYS, THEY SAY THEY CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM SO THEY WILL NOT FIX IT. MY WIFE IS NOW SO SCARED SHE DOESN'T WANT TO DRIVE IT ANYMORE. SHE HAS HAD MANY, MANY CLOSE CALLS BY ALMOST HITTING OTHER CARS. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALERSHIP IF I CAN USE THEIR SCAN TOOL AND PLUG IT INTO TO TRUCK SO THAT WHEN IT HAPPEN IT WILL PICK IT UP, BUT THEY WOULD DO IT. THEY ARE TELLING ME THEY CAN'T FIND IT SO I SHOULD CONTACT GM. GOOTEE SAID IT'S NOT THEIR PLOBLEM IF THEY CAN'T PICK IT UP ON THEIR SCAN TOOL WHILE THEY HAVE OUR PICKUP. I HAVE A CLAIM NUMBER WITH GM FOR THIS PROBLEM THAT WAS FILED SHORTLY AFTER WE BOUGHT THE PICKUP, THE NUMBER IS 9801159918.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder
Filed Sep 29, 1999WA

BRAKE PEDAL SANK COMPLETELY TO FLOOR AND REMAINED AT FLOOR FOR APPROXIMATELY 0.5 TO 1 SECOND BEFORE BRAKE SYSTEM BEGAN OPERATION AND PEDAL BEGAN TO RETURN TO NORMAL FEEL. CONDITION HAS HAPPENED TWO TIMES ON THIS VEHICLE. DURING MOST RECENT INCIDENT, I HAD TO REACT QUICKLY TO VEHICLES STOPPING IN FRONT OF ME, ENGINE LOAD WENT FROM MAINTAINING STEADY 55 MPH TO DECELERATION. BRAKE BOOSTER ON THIS VEHICLE IS HYDRAULIC, DRIVEN BY THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THE DELAY IN BRAKE OPERATION IS SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH, IN MY OPINION, THAT THE VEHICLE COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. HAVE NOT HAD SYSTEM SERVICED BECAUSE I CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Sep 14, 1999NH

WHEN DRIVING UNDER WET CONDITIONS BRAKES LOCK UP, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SLIDE WHEN THEY ARE APPLIED. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Aug 4, 1999CA

BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED WHEN DRIVING OVER ANYTHING THAT CAUSED THE AXLE TO MOVE. ALSO, EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System
Filed Jul 29, 1999GA

WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH AND WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THE VEHICLE WOULD GO INTO THE NEXT LANE. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 27, 1999AR

WHILE DRIVING 50MPH, STOPPED, APPLIED BRAKES AND PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE . ABS DID NOT KICK IN. DEALER CONTACTED, AND REPAIRWORK DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. IN ORDER FOR G.M TO PAY FOR MY TRUCK THE WOULD REQUIRE ME TO SIGN A RELEASE FOR ALL LIABILITY. *AK.ET.

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar
Filed Nov 23, 1998GA

WHENEVER MAKING A TURN, STEERING WHEEL FEELS LIKE IT'S FREE WHEELING. WOULD LOSE CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHEN IT HAPPENS. MAINLY OCCURS WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS. WAS INFORMED MIGHT BE STEERING COLUMN. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Oct 22, 1998NY

SUBJ: 1997 CHEV. K2500 P/U LEMON DATE: 10/22/98 10:56:25 PM EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME FROM: TBARROB1 TO: [XXX] HI, I WAS WONDERING IF YOU COULD STEER ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION ABOUT A VEHICLE THAT I HAVE AND SINCE IT WAS NEW, BURNS A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1,000 MILES AND THE MANUFACTURER STATES THAT IT IS O.K. ! THAT THIS IS O.K. TO BURN A QUART OF OIL ANYWHERE FROM 500 TO 1,000 MILES. DOESN'T THAT HURT THE ENVIRONMENT? ISN'T THERE A LAW AGAINST IT? I WOULD REALLY LIKE SOMEONE TO HELP GET G.M. TO MAKE GOOD ON THIS VEHICLE. PLEASE DROP ME A LINE IF YOU CAN HELP AT ALL! ETERNALLY GRATEFUL, [XXX] P.S. MY ORIGINAL COMPLAINT WAS FOR VALVETRAIN NOISE! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 64, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2003
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202613210Routine
202531100Routine
2024143410Routine
202347120Routine
202297320Routine
202189610Routine
20201091030Routine
201974760Routine
201853520Routine
201754550Routine
2016123620Routine
2015179670Routine
201440220Routine
201351310Routine
201253300Routine
2011104420Routine
201021510Routine
200961530Routine
2008191440Routine
2007204390Above average
2006178180Routine
20052691150Above average
20043682102Fatalities reported
2003449280Above average
2002351361Fatalities reported
2001388370Above average
2000132340Routine
199981221Fatalities reported
199873230Routine
1997 — this page64213Fatalities reported
19962000Routine
19953000Routine
19943000Routine

Compare every Silverado 2500 year →

Reading this record

3 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 24, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.