1997 Chevrolet Silverado review from North America

The transmission started to shift hard between 1st and 2nd after 36,100 miles. Because it was past 36,000 miles I had to request from GM a waiver on the warranty to fix it. They did. It now has about 75,000 miles and the other I started to hear a grinding noise when it shifted out of first to second. The mean time failure is uncanny.

At about 50,000 miles the solder in the the alternator/generator melted on a hot day and the electrical system failed. I had to search 6 Auto-zones to find one that had an alternator in stock. It was cheaper then the dealers price and came with a lifetime warranty.

At about 60,000 miles my windshield wipers have stopped working correctly. They seem to stay on after I turn them off and on their own switch between delay and regular mode. I have to jiggle the switch on and off many times before the will shut off in the fully retracted position.

At 65,000 miles leaks started to form around the manifold covers and one of the hoses to the radiator. I replaced all the hoses and belts, but some leakage was still evidenced by the reduction of coolant in the reservoir. The shop quoted me $800 to change the manifold gaskets and told me that they have seen this problem in the trucks many times in the past. I elected for a 3 dollar container of stop leak (the aluminum powder type) and have not had a problem now for over a year. I still have half the tube of stop leak left.

Around 60,000 miles the center light in the radio console burned out.

The truck is still very comfortable to drive, and from that perspective I enjoy it a lot. The interior for the most part has stayed together well. It does concern me that such a mature aspect of the vehicle (transmission) could be released into production with such poor longevity.