1997 Chevrolet Pickup recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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."
What could happen: 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1997 PICKUP.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 08E050000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-909-839-2992.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Summary: K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. 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."
Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS, THE LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY BE AFFECTED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY HONDA, FORD, OR CHRYSLER LLC. CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (26), Hydraulic (26), Steering (23), Visibility (wipers / glass) (7), Wheels / tires (6).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
11/13/2012 · Body / structure
1997 CHEVROLET PICKUP 1500. CONSUMER STATES DRIVER DOOR HANDLE BROKE OFF FROM INSIDE *TGW
01/23/2008 · Steering
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET PICKUP. WHILE TURNING LEFT AT 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND PLACED THE GEAR INTO PARK. HE THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED. HE HAD TO DO THIS TWICE BEFORE TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER DID NOT WANT TO INSPECT TH…
03/02/2005 · Steering
THE STEERING WHEEL GETS LOOSE AT LOW SPEEDS, MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THUS, INCREASING THE CHANCE OF A CRASH. MANUFACTURER WILL BE CONTACTED BY CONSUMER.*AK WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNS AT LOW SPEEDS THE VEHICLE OVERSTEERS. *TC
10/12/2004 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A WINDSHIELD WIPER PROBLEM. WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENLY. CONSUMER FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT ONE OF THEM. *AK *SC
08/30/2004 · Wheels / tires
VEHICLE'S LEFT FRONT FIRESTONE STEELTEX TIRE CAME APART WHILE DRIVING. *MR THE TIRE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPAIRED. *SC *JB
08/09/2004 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WHILE DRIVING IN A RAINSTORM WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. RECALL 03V159000 WAS ISSUED. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
06/29/2004 · Seat belts
THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK THE RIGHT SEAT BELT DUE TO AN INTERNAL PROBLEM CAUSED THE BELT NOT TO COME OUT. *SC *JB
06/08/2004 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WHEN DRIVING IN THE RAIN WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALERSHIP. *AK