Total Complaints
39 filings
CHEVROLET C SERIES · model year
1997 CHEVROLET C SERIES
39 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 1997CHEVROLETC SERIES carries 39 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 1997 C SERIES is visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor with 7 filings, followed by visibility:windshield wiper/washer (4) and suspension (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 1997 C SERIES, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
39
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Crashes Reported
1 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR | 7 |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER | 4 |
| SUSPENSION | 2 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS | 2 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 1 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM | 1 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP | 1 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 1 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS | 1 |
| EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER | 1 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD | 1 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 1 |
Recent Complaints
20110517VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING WHEN THEY WANT TO. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR APPROX. 7 YEARS. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 1996 MODEL BUT GM WOULD NOT COVER MY 1997 MODEL, SAID IF I PAY TO REPLACE CIRCUIT BOARD AND SEND TO THEM THEY MAY OR MAY NOT PAY BUT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL ALTHOUGH IS JUST AS HAZARDOUS AS YEAR EARLIER MODEL. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SITUATION AS WIPERS WILL JUST STOP IN ANY POSITION AT WILL THEN NEXT TIME I TURN THEM ON THEY MAY WORK OR NOT. *TR
Mileage: 55,000
20090909STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET CHEYENNE. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SLIGHTLY PULL TO THAT DIRECTION LONGER THAN DESIRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER AND THE CONTACT HAS NOTICED THE PROBLEM SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 58,000. UPDATED 10/21/09 *BF THE PROBLEM WAS THE EVO SENSOR. UPDATED 10/20/09*JB
Mileage: 58,000
20051117VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
CONSUMER WINSHEILD WIPERS WOULD STOP AND BUZZ AT TIMES ON THE 1997 CHEVROLET CHEYENNE. *TS THE MODULE WAS REPLACED AND THE CONSUMER HAS NOT EXPERIENCED ANY MORE PROBLEMS. *JB
20051114VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL AND VEHICLE (1997 CHEVROLET PICKUP) IS NOT INCLUDED AND RECALL 03023. PARTS ARE BEING REPLACED. *NM
Mileage: 145,000
20050511TIRES
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ON HIS VEHICLE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER EXPLAINED THAT THE WIPERS WOULD NOT BE REPLACED UNTIL THEY FAILED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR WAS THAT IT BURNT LIKE A MOTHER BOARD FOR THE MOTOR AND IT BURNT ALL THE COPPER TIPS AND THE PLASTIC OFF OF THE WIRING. ALSO THE SEAT BELTS WOULD LOCK AND THEN WHILE DRIVING THE SEAT BELT WILL COME UNLOCKED. THE SEAT BELTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY ALSO. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVY CHEYENNE. THE CONTACT HAS HAD THREE SETS OF BRAKES AND THERE IS ONLY LIKE 67843 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *NM SEVERAL COMPONENTS RELATING TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM WERE REPLACED. THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES (GOODYEAR WRANGLER RTS) WERE THE WRONG SIZE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT
20050511VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ON HIS VEHICLE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER EXPLAINED THAT THE WIPERS WOULD NOT BE REPLACED UNTIL THEY FAILED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR WAS THAT IT BURNT LIKE A MOTHER BOARD FOR THE MOTOR AND IT BURNT ALL THE COPPER TIPS AND THE PLASTIC OFF OF THE WIRING. ALSO THE SEAT BELTS WOULD LOCK AND THEN WHILE DRIVING THE SEAT BELT WILL COME UNLOCKED. THE SEAT BELTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY ALSO. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVY CHEYENNE. THE CONTACT HAS HAD THREE SETS OF BRAKES AND THERE IS ONLY LIKE 67843 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *NM SEVERAL COMPONENTS RELATING TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM WERE REPLACED. THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES (GOODYEAR WRANGLER RTS) WERE THE WRONG SIZE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT
20050511SEAT BELTS:FRONT
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ON HIS VEHICLE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER EXPLAINED THAT THE WIPERS WOULD NOT BE REPLACED UNTIL THEY FAILED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR WAS THAT IT BURNT LIKE A MOTHER BOARD FOR THE MOTOR AND IT BURNT ALL THE COPPER TIPS AND THE PLASTIC OFF OF THE WIRING. ALSO THE SEAT BELTS WOULD LOCK AND THEN WHILE DRIVING THE SEAT BELT WILL COME UNLOCKED. THE SEAT BELTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY ALSO. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVY CHEYENNE. THE CONTACT HAS HAD THREE SETS OF BRAKES AND THERE IS ONLY LIKE 67843 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *NM SEVERAL COMPONENTS RELATING TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM WERE REPLACED. THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES (GOODYEAR WRANGLER RTS) WERE THE WRONG SIZE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT
20050511SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ON HIS VEHICLE WAS SUPPOSED TO BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER EXPLAINED THAT THE WIPERS WOULD NOT BE REPLACED UNTIL THEY FAILED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WOULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE PROBLEM WITH THE MOTOR WAS THAT IT BURNT LIKE A MOTHER BOARD FOR THE MOTOR AND IT BURNT ALL THE COPPER TIPS AND THE PLASTIC OFF OF THE WIRING. ALSO THE SEAT BELTS WOULD LOCK AND THEN WHILE DRIVING THE SEAT BELT WILL COME UNLOCKED. THE SEAT BELTS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY ALSO. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVY CHEYENNE. THE CONTACT HAS HAD THREE SETS OF BRAKES AND THERE IS ONLY LIKE 67843 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. *NM SEVERAL COMPONENTS RELATING TO THE BRAKE SYSTEM WERE REPLACED. THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT TIRES (GOODYEAR WRANGLER RTS) WERE THE WRONG SIZE AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. *TT
20050407VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. CONSUMER CONTACTED MANUFACTURER.*AK
20050308VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
INTERMITTENTLY THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING POOR VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY OR SNOWY WEATHER. DEALER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED, AND THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAD NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED.*AK
Mileage: 90,000
20041118SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
FRONT SEAT BELTS INTERMITTENTLY UNLOCKED FROM THE BELT BUCKLE. ALSO, FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS. *AK
Mileage: 62,000
20041118VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
FRONT SEAT BELTS INTERMITTENTLY UNLOCKED FROM THE BELT BUCKLE. ALSO, FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS. *AK
Mileage: 62,000
20040913VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
Mileage: 32,000
20040909FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER AFTER THE VEHICLE LOST PRESSURE. CURRENTLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. *AK THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING BECAUSE THE MOTOR WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE THE MAIN CAUSE FOR ALL OF THERE PARTS TO MALFUNCTION AND BREAK DOWN, THE ABS BRAKES WERE ACTIVATING ON DRY PAVEMENT AT SLOWER SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER AND VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND WOULD INTERMITTENTLY CLUNK AND FOUND LOOSE PITMAN ARM, THE VEHICLE WOULD SKIP AND SHAKE, AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GAVE INSUFFICIENT EFFICIENCY. *SC THE FUEL INJECTION WAS REPAIRED. THE SERVICE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR ANYTHING DEALING WITH THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAS NOT YET BEEN CORRECTED. *TC
Mileage: 53,329
20040909VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER AFTER THE VEHICLE LOST PRESSURE. CURRENTLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. *AK THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING BECAUSE THE MOTOR WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE THE MAIN CAUSE FOR ALL OF THERE PARTS TO MALFUNCTION AND BREAK DOWN, THE ABS BRAKES WERE ACTIVATING ON DRY PAVEMENT AT SLOWER SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER AND VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND WOULD INTERMITTENTLY CLUNK AND FOUND LOOSE PITMAN ARM, THE VEHICLE WOULD SKIP AND SHAKE, AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GAVE INSUFFICIENT EFFICIENCY. *SC THE FUEL INJECTION WAS REPAIRED. THE SERVICE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR ANYTHING DEALING WITH THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAS NOT YET BEEN CORRECTED. *TC
Mileage: 53,329
20040909POWER TRAIN
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER AFTER THE VEHICLE LOST PRESSURE. CURRENTLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. *AK THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING BECAUSE THE MOTOR WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE THE MAIN CAUSE FOR ALL OF THERE PARTS TO MALFUNCTION AND BREAK DOWN, THE ABS BRAKES WERE ACTIVATING ON DRY PAVEMENT AT SLOWER SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER AND VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND WOULD INTERMITTENTLY CLUNK AND FOUND LOOSE PITMAN ARM, THE VEHICLE WOULD SKIP AND SHAKE, AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GAVE INSUFFICIENT EFFICIENCY. *SC THE FUEL INJECTION WAS REPAIRED. THE SERVICE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR ANYTHING DEALING WITH THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAS NOT YET BEEN CORRECTED. *TC
Mileage: 53,329
20040909SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER AFTER THE VEHICLE LOST PRESSURE. CURRENTLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. *AK THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING BECAUSE THE MOTOR WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE THE MAIN CAUSE FOR ALL OF THERE PARTS TO MALFUNCTION AND BREAK DOWN, THE ABS BRAKES WERE ACTIVATING ON DRY PAVEMENT AT SLOWER SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER AND VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND WOULD INTERMITTENTLY CLUNK AND FOUND LOOSE PITMAN ARM, THE VEHICLE WOULD SKIP AND SHAKE, AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GAVE INSUFFICIENT EFFICIENCY. *SC THE FUEL INJECTION WAS REPAIRED. THE SERVICE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR ANYTHING DEALING WITH THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAS NOT YET BEEN CORRECTED. *TC
Mileage: 53,329
20040909STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER AFTER THE VEHICLE LOST PRESSURE. CURRENTLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. *AK THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING BECAUSE THE MOTOR WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE THE MAIN CAUSE FOR ALL OF THERE PARTS TO MALFUNCTION AND BREAK DOWN, THE ABS BRAKES WERE ACTIVATING ON DRY PAVEMENT AT SLOWER SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER AND VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND WOULD INTERMITTENTLY CLUNK AND FOUND LOOSE PITMAN ARM, THE VEHICLE WOULD SKIP AND SHAKE, AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GAVE INSUFFICIENT EFFICIENCY. *SC THE FUEL INJECTION WAS REPAIRED. THE SERVICE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR ANYTHING DEALING WITH THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAS NOT YET BEEN CORRECTED. *TC
Mileage: 53,329
20040909SUSPENSION
FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER AFTER THE VEHICLE LOST PRESSURE. CURRENTLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY. *AK THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING BECAUSE THE MOTOR WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE THE MAIN CAUSE FOR ALL OF THERE PARTS TO MALFUNCTION AND BREAK DOWN, THE ABS BRAKES WERE ACTIVATING ON DRY PAVEMENT AT SLOWER SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTER AND VEHICLE PULLED TO THE LEFT AND WOULD INTERMITTENTLY CLUNK AND FOUND LOOSE PITMAN ARM, THE VEHICLE WOULD SKIP AND SHAKE, AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER GAVE INSUFFICIENT EFFICIENCY. *SC THE FUEL INJECTION WAS REPAIRED. THE SERVICE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR ANYTHING DEALING WITH THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAS NOT YET BEEN CORRECTED. *TC
Mileage: 53,329
20040421STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A STEERING PROBLEM. WHILE DRIVING CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL DUE TO POWER ASSIST FAILURE. ALSO, THIS OCCURRED WHEN VEHICLE VEERED IN EITHER DIRECTION. WHILE CONSUMER WAS TRYING TO REGAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE POWER ASSIST FAILED MOMENTARILY. THIS FAILURE WAS DUE TO A BAD STEERING SENSOR.*AK *LA
Mileage: 90,200
Compare 1997CHEVROLETC SERIES to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations 2 Open
EA25007Engineering AnalysisOpen
Loss of motive power due to engine failure
PE23022Preliminary EvaluationClosed
Loss of Motive Power due to the Battery Energy Control Module
PE20016Preliminary EvaluationClosed
Electric Vehicle Battery Fires
EA20002Engineering AnalysisClosed
Outboard Front Seat Belt Anchor Cable Failure
PE20011Preliminary EvaluationClosed
Fuel Line Leak
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 1997 CHEVROLET C SERIES have?▼
The 1997 CHEVROLET C SERIES has 39 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 CHEVROLET C SERIES?▼
The most-complained component for the 1997 CHEVROLET C SERIES is VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR with 7 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER and SUSPENSION.
Is the 1997 CHEVROLET C SERIES safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.