Model year guide

1997 Chevrolet Suburban

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 8 on record.

1997 Chevrolet Suburban — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1997 Chevrolet Suburban at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints438
Combined13 mpg
Typical price$2,243

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1997 Chevrolet Suburban recalls 3

Fuel System, Gasoline NHTSA Campaign #06E043000 · 19/05/2006

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE…

Fix: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer NHTSA Campaign #03V159000 · 28/04/2003

ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, …

Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices:exterior NHTSA Campaign #03V093000 · 07/03/2003

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS TO THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTA…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1997 Chevrolet Suburban common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 438 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

1997 Chevrolet Suburban MPG & running costs

Combined13 mpg
City12 mpg
Highway16 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$4,750

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban worth?

Low
$500
Typical price
$2,243
High
$7,995

From 8 comparable 1997 Chevrolet Suburban listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$23,750
Fuel only$23,750
Per mile$0.32

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1997 Chevrolet Suburban trims & engines on record

Trims
1500
Engines
5.7L 8-cyl

1997 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles on record

1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 15003GNFK16R8VG109106 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 15003GNFK16R2VG160133 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 15003GNFK16R7VG178160 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 15001GNFK16R2VJ328710 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 15001GNFK16R7VJ337810 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 15001GNFK16R3VJ440609 1997 Chevrolet Suburban 1997 Chevrolet Suburban3GNFK16R1VG165453 1997 Chevrolet Suburban3GNFK16R8VG138055

Other Chevrolet Suburban model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1989 1988 1987 1986

1997 Chevrolet Suburban — frequently asked questions

Does the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban?

Based on 438 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are visibility, steering, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1997 Chevrolet Suburban at about 13 mpg combined (12 city / 16 highway).

How much is a 1997 Chevrolet Suburban worth?

Comparable 1997 Chevrolet Suburban listings run roughly $500–$7,995, typically around $2,243 (from 8 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.