AI Damage1997 Chevrolet G VAN: common problems
Owners of the 1997 Chevrolet G VAN filed 6 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 6
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 50% of all complaints
- 2 Electrical system 33% of all complaints
- 3 Fuel system 33% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 17% of all complaints
- 5 Vehicle speed control 17% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 3 complaints (50% of all).
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (33% of all).
- Fuel system: 2 complaints (33% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (17% of all).
- Vehicle speed control: 1 complaints (17% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 6 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
After replacement of abs system the abs light came on. When warning was lit the abs system failed. Mechanic said that contact would have to pump the brakes. However, in rainy conditions brakes seemed to cause extended stopping distance, and pulled the vehicle to right.
Problems with 1997 chevrolet g-van transmission. The consumer had to replace his transmission 3 times because of leaking. Chevrolet has only issued a bulletin for 1991-1995 gmc truck g vans regarding a leak in the rear extension housing but the problem is still occurring in the 97 models.
I've replaced 2 starters, 2 fuel pumps, 1 speedometer, 3 batteries, and fuel leaks over the years. There were also 2 recall items, one dealing with the fuel system. All of my work has been with local chevy service centers, but not very happy.
I have a 1997 chevrolet g van highway driven with only 29,000 miles and the transmission shifts hard from 1st to second gear only when hot. Dealer found a defective valve boby assembly.timed out of warrenty cost $900 to repair. The transmission should have lasted dlonger than 29,000 miles.
Consumer states that when cruise control is engaged the vehicle continues to accelerate, instead of stopping at desired speed. Vehicle is a 1997 chevrolet cg11405 van. Ts
Consumer received a recall notice, and took the vehicle to the manufacturer and work was completed, consumer stated that fuel gauge began fluctuating after the the recall work was done, the fuel gauge will jump from full to 1/4 tank while driving.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 13,278 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 36% most complained about).
On average one model year of the G VAN has 2 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 6, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Fuel system. Fuel smell, leaks, rough running, fuel-system codes.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet G VAN?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, electrical system, fuel system. Total complaints: 6. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (33%), warning lights, check engine (17%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1997 Chevrolet G VAN?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1997 Chevrolet G VAN from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1997 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.