MotorDeets

1997 Chevrolet C20: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1997 Chevrolet C20: 2 recalls, 2 owner complaints.

2vehicle recalls
2owner complaints
0mention a crash
–best combined mpg
1997 Chevrolet C20
Photo: Noah Wulf · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Seats Vehicle recall #97V037000 · 1997 · 624,433 vehicles

What's wrong: These vehicles exhibit a condition in which a pinch point exists in the recliner mechanism that can trap and pinch a person's hand or finger(s) when the easy-entry feature is activated.

Why it matters: This pinching can cut the hand or possibly sever the finger(s) without prior warning.

The fix: Dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.

Seats Vehicle recall #97V176000 · 1997 · 6,418 vehicles

What's wrong: One or two of the front seat mounting bolts were not installed. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 207, "seating systems."

Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, a seat with this condition will not protect the occupant as required by the standard.

The fix: Dealers will check all seat mounting bolts and install any missing bolts.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Fuel system1
Brakes (hydraulic)1

What owners describe

The 1997 Chevrolet C20 has 2 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 11 C20 model years for complaints (well below the 5 average). Neighboring years: 1996 (0 complaints, 4 recalls), 1998 (0 complaints, 1 recalls).

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1997 Chevrolet C20.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1997 Chevrolet C20 manual

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FAQ

Does the 1997 Chevrolet C20 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1997 Chevrolet C20. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1997 Chevrolet C20 problems?

Owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (1), brakes (hydraulic) (1).

Where can I get a 1997 Chevrolet C20 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other C20 years

19901991199219931994199519961997199820002001