MotorDeets

1997 Chevrolet Pickup: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup: 0 recalls, 75 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.

0vehicle recalls
75owner complaints
7mention a crash
15best combined mpg
No free-license photo yet

Recalls

0 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #08E050000 · 2008 · 1,921 vehicles

What's wrong: These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

Why it matters: Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility May be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.

The fix: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Brakes (hydraulic)25
Steering21
Engine & cooling6
Visibility (wipers, glass)6
Transmission & drivetrain5
Suspension5
Electrical4
Tires4

What owners describe

The 1997 Chevrolet Pickup has 75 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 11 Pickup model years for complaints (2.0× the average Pickup year). Complaints peaked in 2000 (18 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 84,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (60 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
5.0 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive141815Regular
5.0 L 8-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive141915Regular
5.7 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive141715Regular
5.7 L 8-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive131815Regular
6.5 L 8-cyl turboAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive131614Diesel

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 Pickup.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

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

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1997 Chevrolet Pickup manual
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
Check 1997 Chevrolet Pickup manual
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
Check 1997 Chevrolet Pickup manual
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 Pickup manual

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FAQ

Does the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup, but 1 equipment or tire recalls may apply. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 1997 Chevrolet Pickup problems?

Owners have filed 75 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (25), steering (21), engine & cooling (6).

What gas mileage does the 1997 Chevrolet Pickup get?

EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (5.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1997 Chevrolet Pickup 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 Pickup years

19901991199419951996199719992000200120022003