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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
5,571 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Chevrolet Silverado transmission problems

transmission problem

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1997 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #29

Jun 032003

(reported on)

Silverado

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,572 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Nar 6-03-2003 automatic transmission burned up as a result of overdrive.

- Santa Fe Springs, CA, USA

problem #28

Mar 072003

Silverado 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I currently own a 1997 Silverado ext cab fleet side. I've had my brakes serviced numerous times and it continues to pull to the left when I'm braking. Also it's very hesitant in picking up speed when passing even with major tune-ups at Chevy dealerships only to be serviced. I'm constantly purchasing front tires for my truck, with front end alignments being done often with the purchase of these tires.

- Sanford, FL, USA

problem #27

Oct 162003

Silverado

  • miles
Consumer was complaining about a transmission problem. Transmission changed roughly when exiting off a ramp. Driver had to turn vehicle off and wait 5-10 seconds, then restart to reset the computer.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #26

May 082003

(reported on)

Silverado

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The transmission made a sound while in 1st gear. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for repairs.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #25

Jun 202002

Silverado 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Continual problems with transmission faliure. Should look into other instances.

- Tempe, AZ, USA

problem #24

Aug 272002

Silverado

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The A/T hesitates coming out of a turn at 15 mph when accelerating and is slow to shift up in gears. On wet pavement the transmission catches and spins the rear wheeels causing the vehicle to go side ways. This has been annon going problem. The dealer put in a new transmission when it was only going to be serviced. I was charged $2,600 for the transmission. The only problem is it does the same thing and now leaks fluid. The hotter the transmission gets, the worse it performs. The anti lock brake system does not operate evenly on the brakes. This is evident on the unusual wear to the rear brakes. On an emergency stop the rear brakes lock up. In the past the dealer said it was because there is no weight in the bed of the truck. I have battled and repaired the brake system since purchasing the truck. Finally everthing mentioned gave out, the only response from the dealer was that the truck has to many miles. Additionally I have filed a complaint with the state of California automotive Consumer Affairs for the concerns, false and misleading statements, writings by the dealer. The vehicle is somewhat ok on dry pavement, but loss of control on wet pavement. I did contact Chevrolet assistance in writing. They acknowledged my response, but declined to discuss the defects with the transmission and brake system.

- Trabuco Canyon, CA, USA

problem #23

Jul 142001

Silverado

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Transmission went out at 40,000 miles. Consumer was told that transmission was not under warranty. Battery and alternator failed, short circuit fuse caused failure of brake lights and turn signals. Injector failed. Water pump failed. Vehicle jumped out of gear, was towed to dealer who informed consumer that transmission needed replaced, consumer is angry that a vehicle with such low mileage would have transmission failure and Chevrolet will not asist in repairs.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #22

Jul 082001

(reported on)

Silverado

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
According to the dealer, the transmission valve is failing and this is a common problem with these vehicles and is temperature related.

- Grovetown, GA, USA

problem #21

May 072001

(reported on)

Silverado

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Transmission slams from 1st to 2nd when hot or vehicle is carrying a load. Transmission specialist tells me that this is a common problem with these trucks. Manufacturer denies a problem exists.

- Grovetown, GA, USA

problem #20

Apr 012001

Silverado

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I drove the truck to the gas station and it was fine. I restarted the truck to leave and when I shifted to reverse, nothing happened. I pushed the truck back and it would go forward in only 1st and 3rd gear.

- Leesburg, GA, USA

problem #19

Apr 052001

(reported on)

Silverado

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving a loud noise occurred following locking up of transmission cause unknown.

- Hanford, CA, USA

problem #18

Jan 082001

Silverado 4WD

  • miles
At 62,000 miles fan clutch broke and now transmission needs to be replaced, 2nd gear is gone. The rear seal is leaking and was replaced already at 18,600 the front brakes were repaired at 25,600 then at 35,300 the entire front brakes completely replaced rotors and all(problems with calipers) the repairing dealer claimed it wsn't covered under warranty even though all repairs we done by Chevrolet dealers. Now I am facing approximately $2,000. In repairs to the transmission.......Chevrolet give me a brake. E.

- Quincy, MA, USA

problem #17

May 312000

(reported on)

Silverado

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
A fire started under the middle console, causing transmission to malfunction. Dealer and manufacturer have been contacted.

- Coucil Bluffs, IA, USA

problem #16

Mar 011999

Silverado

  • miles
While driving down the road on a right hand curve the steering wheel seems to try to turn right by itself. You have to hold it steady to keep it from going off the road.

- Olney, TX, USA

problem #15

Oct 011999

Silverado 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
This vehicle has been a nightmare. The brakes have failed, the steering column has gone out, I had to replace all the tires and get a front end alignment, the alternater went out, and the transmission has never worked correctly. It clanks loudly when shifting gears, doesn't idle correctly, and shuts off. I have had it rebuilt on three separate occasions. On one occasion it even caught on fire. The transmission is back in the shop now.( dot number: Tire size: 16 inch )

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #14

Oct 091999

Silverado 4WD

  • miles
Steering was known to lock up several times when truck was owned for less then six months. Was in shop for steering six times. Four wheel drive then went out. Immediately followed by the transmission. No reverse and only had 1st and 2nd. Repairs have been extremely costly. My dream is now a nightmare. The steering could be fatal to any driver I just got lucky and wasn't driving fast when it locked up.

- Kouts, IN, USA

problem #13

Jul 191999

Silverado

  • miles
Ever since I bought this truck it has been nothing but a problem. From tires, electric mirrors, electric windows, clanking/banging drive shaft noise and other little quirks. The only thing that I feel that will last (longer than my payments) is the motor. The dealer of this auto wasn't much better; "they" just said that it was agood thing that I purchased the extended warranty!!!

- Macungie, PA, USA

problem #12

Sep 201999

Silverado

  • miles
When driving at any speed the steering wheel will go from different lanes, and there is vibration wihtin the steering wheel. Glove compartment won't close all the way, and the engine check light won't go off. Also, there is a knocking noise coming from the transmission when shfiting from 3rd to 4th gear vehicle had been into the shop two times, and the dealer can't determine the cause.

- Salida, CA, USA

problem #11

Jun 291999

Silverado 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Shift cable clip fell off causing loss of control of vehicle, shift cable had been replaced prior in 1997. Mjs

- Weavervill, CA, USA

problem #10

Aug 081999

(reported on)

Silverado 4WD

  • miles
The numbers failure and fatalities and anything that has a series of 9 is only in the boxes so that the form would advance to the next step. Everytime I drive the truck as it is shifting to third gear the rear differental or the tranmission makes a loud klunking sound. I also have a rattle under the vehicle that the dealer says that is the shocks. They have tightened them up but they still rattle. I have contacted GM myself but they refuse to help. My voice is just not loud enough.

- Gloversville, NY, USA

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