Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 1 of 5 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Structure. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
5 reports
120,000 miles · Feb 4, 2003
Fuel System, Other
BAD FUEL PUMP ON 1997 CHEVY G20 CONVERSION VAN. BARE WIRES (INSULATION HAD BURN OFF) THE FUEL PUMP WHICH IS LOCATED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. I CONTACTED GM ABOUT THE PROBLEM, CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID THERE IS NO RECORD OF THIS PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC SAID I WAS LUCKY ME AND MY FAMILY WEREN'T BLOWN UP. I HAVE THE FUEL PUMP AT HOME FOR EX…
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BAD FUEL PUMP ON 1997 CHEVY G20 CONVERSION VAN. BARE WIRES (INSULATION HAD BURN OFF) THE FUEL PUMP WHICH IS LOCATED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. I CONTACTED GM ABOUT THE PROBLEM, CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID THERE IS NO RECORD OF THIS PROBLEM. THE MECHANIC SAID I WAS LUCKY ME AND MY FAMILY WEREN'T BLOWN UP. I HAVE THE FUEL PUMP AT HOME FOR EXAMINATION OR INSPECTION.
NHTSA ODI #10005256
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2001
Power Train
BESIDES STRANDING ME WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT TWICE, LOSING POWER ON THE INTERSTATE IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC IS HAZARDOUS. BUT TWICE I NEARLY CRASHED WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT, IN A CURVE ON THE INTERSTATE. THE VAN IS A HORSE TO MUSCLE AND THE SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING NEARLY COST ME CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I'M SU…
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BESIDES STRANDING ME WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT TWICE, LOSING POWER ON THE INTERSTATE IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC IS HAZARDOUS. BUT TWICE I NEARLY CRASHED WHEN THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT, IN A CURVE ON THE INTERSTATE. THE VAN IS A HORSE TO MUSCLE AND THE SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING NEARLY COST ME CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I'M SURE IF MY WIFE OR DAUGHTER WERE DRIVING THEY WOULD HAVE CRASHED. I CANNOT BE THE ONLY PERSON HAVING CHRONIC PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING AND TRANSMISSIONS OF 97 CHEVY VANS. GET THESE VEHICLES OFF THE ROAD (AT LEAST MINE) BEFORE THEY KILL A BUNCH OF INNOCENT PEOPLE.*AK
NHTSA ODI #742179
Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2001
Service Brakes, HydraulicTires
WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE WOULD WANDER SIDE TO SIDE AND PULL TO SIDE. SOMETIMES COULD FLIP OVER. THEN, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER , AND THEY FOUND TREAD SEPARATION. FIRESTONE, FIREHAWK TIRES. *AK CONSUMER STATES WHEN VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE FOUND TO HAVE BROKEN BELTS A…
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WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE WOULD WANDER SIDE TO SIDE AND PULL TO SIDE. SOMETIMES COULD FLIP OVER. THEN, TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER , AND THEY FOUND TREAD SEPARATION. FIRESTONE, FIREHAWK TIRES. *AK CONSUMER STATES WHEN VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WERE FOUND TO HAVE BROKEN BELTS AND TIRES WERE UNABLE TO BE ROTATED, BALANCED OR ALIGNED, CONSUMER WAS ADVISED BY MECHANIC TO GO TO FIRESTONE ABOUT THE TIRES, WHEN CONSUMER ARRIVED SHE WAS TOLD THEY HAD TOO MANY VEHICLES TO SERVICE. CONSUMER ALSO WAS ADVISED THAT BRAKES WERE NEEDED.*JB
NHTSA ODI #882138
Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 1998
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BRAKES FAILED.
NHTSA ODI #534429
Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 1997
Structure
SUNVISOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE AND INSIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #517945
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
1997 Chevrolet G20 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year