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1997 Chevrolet Van problems

The most common problem on the 1997 Chevrolet Van is transmission and drivetrain. It has 1.9 times the complaints of a typical Van model year.

Typical year1.9x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
27
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
5
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
14-15mpg

The worst 1997 Chevrolet Van problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Transmission
    7
  • Body
    5
  • Engine
    4
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Brakes
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    7
  • Body
    5
  • Engine
    4
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Brakes
    3
  • Lights
    3
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Tires
    2
  • Electrical
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 Chevrolet Van 5

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

1997 Chevrolet Van fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.3L 6‑cylRWD141715
5.7L 8‑cylRWD131715
5.0L 8‑cylRWD131714

What 1997 Chevrolet Van owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 26, 2007 · Steering · 158,000 miles · NC

I have a 1997 chevy venture. I have been having problems with the rack and pinion. There is a recall on them but chevy says there is no recall. I first talked to someone on the phone and they told me that yes there was a recall. They told me to take it to the chevy dealer. I took it and they said there was no recall. So I called the chevy 800 number again and now they say there is no recall. But I still see the recall here. So what can I do.

Filed Jun 22, 2007 · Tires · MI

In only four months, all 4 of my goodyear regatta tires with only 50,000 miles on them blew out while on the highway. (4 different incidents). The company had audacity to tell me that these were all the results of "road hazards" and that the same could happen to any tire. I have been driving for 40 years and have never had a blow out until all four of these tires blew out over a period of 4 months. Has to be the tires, not the roads.

Filed Jul 6, 2005 · Lights · MD

Dt: the consumer stated the headlights were blinding to other vehicles. The headlights have been adjusted numerous times and have been replaced about 10 times.

Filed Jul 6, 2005 · Lights · MD

Dt: the consumer stated the headlights were blinding to other vehicles. The headlights have been adjusted numerous times and have been replaced about 10 times.

Filed Jan 13, 2005 · Steering · 96,500 miles · NC

Steering locked on taking a left turn within a parking lot. Remembered that chevrolet had serviced a recall on the vehicle in feb 2003. However, they only replaced the lower pinion bearing, but did not replace the steering gear. Took it to the chevy dealership immediately. Their inspection pointed to a worn steering gear as the cause of the steering lock. This happened within 17,000 miles of their servicing the recall. Read about numerous failures under investigation (pe01038) all pointing to the same failure. Gm did not service the recall adequately - they have a faulty rack and pinion which is a glaring safety issue. They should be replacing the complete rack and pinion as part of the recall. Had to pay for new rack and pinion and labor charges, out of my own pocket.

Filed Nov 20, 2002 · Transmission · CA

My transmission failed on my 1500 van. It suddenly failed to accelerate and I was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealership. I was informed that the "reverse input housing bearing" failed and had shredded into metal shards throughout the transmission system. As such, the transmission must be replaced vs. Repaired. $3,000. Failure at 64,920 seems unreasonable for a well maintained vehicle that is driven with care. I'm concerned that the replacement will fail and an accident and injuries may result. I've heard this transmission has a high failure rate. Dt

Filed Apr 5, 2002 · Fuel system · LA

The fuel gauge malfunctioned several times. The consumer wants either to return the vehicle or the dealer to reimburse the repair expenses.

Filed Feb 2, 2002 · Body, Engine · MI

Consumer stated the transmission gasket failed.(consumer no longer owns vehicle)

Filed Aug 21, 2001 · Engine · FL

02 sensors keep going out, causing check engine light to come on.

Filed Jul 20, 2001 · Brakes · NY

The ABS fails to stop the vehicle during short panic stops at low speeds in warm weather because one of the wheels partially locks up, consumer states he discovered brake fluid under the master cylinder and it was determined that it was coming from under the cap, the cap seal was not sealing properly and a new seal was installed.

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Questions about the 1997 Chevrolet Van

Is the 1997 Chevrolet Van reliable?

Owners have filed 27 complaints about the 1997 Chevrolet Van, 1.9 times a typical Van model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 Chevrolet Van?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 7 complaints. Next is body (5).

How many recalls does the 1997 Chevrolet Van have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Chevrolet Van get?

Official estimates for the 1997 Chevrolet Van range from 14 to 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 17 highway.

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