1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
1GNEK13R1VJ338144
Vehicle record for the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe (VIN 1GNEK13R1VJ338144). Black, wagon / suv, gasoline / lpg. Registered in Zakarpattia. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Specifications, registration region and recall data.
Should you buy it? Worth a look — but negotiate
Weighed from safety recalls, known problems and market price.
- 2 recall campaigns exist for this model year. Check this VIN on NHTSA.gov to confirm the repairs were done.
- Owners most often report service brakes trouble on this model — inspect it closely.
💵 A fair offer is around $2,549 (typical range $550–$8,995). Start a little below and leave room for anything the inspection turns up.
Full vehicle history report
Everything below is in the paid report for VIN 1GNEK13R1VJ338144, compiled live from NMVTIS and licensed providers the moment you unlock it. Not every vehicle has every record type — the report shows what is on file, and says so when nothing is. The 2 recall campaigns for this model year are shown further down.
📜 Title & ownership
- Title statusClean, salvage, rebuilt, junk, flood or lemon — from the national title database (NMVTIS)🔒
- Title brand historyEvery brand ever applied, by state, with what each one means🔒
- Title & registration recordsHow many times it has been titled, where, and the years-per-owner pace🔒
- Decode consistency checkThe provider's decode cross-checked against ours — a mismatch is a cloned-VIN warning sign🔒
🛞 Odometer
- Odometer timelineEvery reported reading with its date and state, drawn as a timeline🔒
- Rollback checkFlags any reading that goes backwards🔒
- Miles per yearThis car's pace against the US average🔒
💥 Damage, loss & theft
- Total-loss recordsInsurance total-loss declarations, with the reporting insurer type and date🔒
- Salvage & junk-yard recordsSalvage, junk and auction dispositions, including export flags🔒
- Theft screenActive and recovered theft records🔒
- Accident indicatorsDamage events reflected in title data (NMVTIS does not carry police crash reports)🔒
- Flood-exposure checkTitle activity in a disaster area soon after a major flood or hurricane🔒
💰 Liens & value
- Liens, impounds & exportOpen liens with the lender, tow/impound and export records🔒
- Market value for this exact carRetail adjusted for its mileage and state, trade-in, loan value, auction low/avg/high and retail by condition🔒
- DepreciationDrop from original MSRP, yearly rate and a one-year projection🔒
- Sticker vs dealer invoiceWhat it cost new, and what the dealer paid🔒
🧰 Factory warranty & equipment
- Remaining warrantyBasic, powertrain and rust coverage left, estimated from the first title date and odometer🔒
- Standard equipment & coloursWhat this trim came with from the factory, and the colours it was offered in🔒
🚨 Recalls on this VIN
- Per-VIN recall statusWhether each campaign has been repaired on THIS car, remedy availability, do-not-drive and stop-sale flags, dealer labour time🔒
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page cost nothing.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe data →
📋 All factory specifications on file8 more fields from the manufacturer's VIN record (NHTSA vPIC)
🏭 Manufacturing & other
Values are as reported by the manufacturer for this VIN pattern; blank or "not applicable" fields are omitted.
What's a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe worth?
What comparable 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
Exact-VIN valuations are part of the history report, available for US-titled vehicles.MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe.
Frontal crash testSource: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe 4-DR. 4x4. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe — ranges cover the 4 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 4
SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION Closed
ODI HAS RECEIVED ONE (1) COMPLAINT ALLEGING THAT THE 2ND ROW PASSENGER-SIDE SEAT BELT RELEASE BUCKLE ANCHOR DETACHED FROM SEAT FRAME DURING A SIDE IMPACT CRASH. DURING THE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT WAS THROWN FROM HIS SEAT, PARTIALLY EJECTED THROUGH THE REAR QUARTER WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE. OCCUPANT SUSTAINED INJURY. GM HAS SUBSEQUENTLY CHANGED SEAT BELT ANCHORING DESIGN IN MY 2000. ODI HAS COMPLETED A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGAT…
NHTSA #PE01023 · Seat Belts · opened Jul 2001 · closed Dec 2001BATTERY LEAKS ACID Closed
NHTSA #EA00013 · Electrical System · opened May 2000 · closed Jun 2002BATTERY LEAKS ACID Closed
ODI HAS RECEIVED 21 COMPLAINTS WHERE OWNERS ALLEGE THAT THE STANDARD GM FACTORY SUPPLIED AC DELCO BATTERY CASE FAILED, RESULTING IN THE LEAKAGE OF SULFURIC ACID. OF THE 21 COMPLAINT VEHICLES, SIX SUBURBAN, THREE TAHOES, AND ONE YUKON OWNER(S) COMPLAINED ABOUT A LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID FROM DETERIORATION OF THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE LINE AS A RESULT OF SULFURIC ACID CONTAMINATION. THE REMAINING 11 COMPLAINTS PERTAIN PRIMARILY…
NHTSA #PE99073 · Electrical System · opened Dec 1999 · closed May 2000ERRATIC POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE DRIV Closed
THE OFFICE OF DEFECT INVESTIGATION (ODI) HAS INVESTIGATED ALLEGATIONS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST FLUCTUATIONS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. FOR DETAILS AND A BASIS FOR THE INVESTIGATION CONCLUSIONS, PLEASE SEE THE CLOSING REPORT IN THE EA99-011 PUBLIC FILE. ODI HAS NOT IDENTIFIED A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLE POPULATION. FUTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES ON THIS SUBJECT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARR…
NHTSA #EA99011 · Steering · opened May 1999 · closed Feb 2001An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 66
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 66.
This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17-NA-073 · Equipment · Feb 2023This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…
Bulletin PIP4723F · Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Record…
Bulletin PIP4723D · Electrical System · Jan 2020This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
Bulletin 19NA273 · Electrical System, Equipment · Dec 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…
Bulletin PIC4696E · Equipment · Nov 2019This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Sep 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the…
Bulletin PIC4696D · Equipment · Sep 2019This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Bulletin 17NA073 · Equipment · Feb 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve th…
Bulletin PIC4696C · Equipment, Equipment Adaptive/mobility · May 2018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorde…
Bulletin PIP4723C · Electrical System, Equipment, Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2017Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the TAHOE. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 2
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Other
Certain vehicles (not involved in recall 98-150), may experience a windshield wiper failure due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. If this were to occur in a severe weather situation, driver's visibility could be reduced, which could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealer will replace defective wiper motor until 7 years or 112…
Transport Canada #2003064 · Mar 2003Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles exhibit a condition in which a pinch bolt exists in the recliner mechanism that could trap and pinch a person's hand or finger(s) when the easy entry feature is activated. This pinching could cut the hand or possibly sever the finger(s) without prior warning. Correction: a protector will be installed over the recliner mechanism.
Transport Canada #1997049 · Mar 1997Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a line of full-size SUVs from Chevrolet, marketed since the 1995 model year. Marketed alongside the GMC Yukon for its entire production, the Tahoe is the successor to the Chevrolet K5 Blazer, while the Yukon replaced the full-sized GMC Jimmy. Both trucks derive their nameplates from western North America, with Tahoe referring to Lake Tahoe and Yukon referring to the Canadian Yukon.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 2
EQUIPMENT
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE COD…
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
NHTSA Campaign #07E088000 · 24/10/2007FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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 AP…
Remedy: 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).
NHTSA Campaign #06E043000 · 19/05/2006Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 21 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 432 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 24 involved a crash 🔥 3 involved a fire 🚑 9 reported injuries
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 432
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE IN MOTION SEAT BELT WOULD COME UNDONE OR WOULDN'T UNLOCK FROM LOCK IN ORDER TO USE. BRAKES WOULD SLIP. MY BOYFRIEND WAS KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED WHICH THEN CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO MALFUNCTION AND THE BRAKES STUCK SO HE WASN'T ABLE TO SLOW DOWN SUFFICIENTLY.
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11354732STEERING
WHEN TURNING ONTO AN ON-RAMP (USUALLY RIGHT) THE VEHICLE WILL MOMENTARILY LOSE POWER STEERING AND THE STEERING WHEEL WILL JERK RIGHT. THIS JERKING MOTION ALSO HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH NO TURNING INVOLVED. EVEN THOUGH THERE IS MORE JERKING MOTION ON A TURN BOTH ARE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR …
NHTSA ODI #11220291ENGINE
1997 CHEVROLET TAHOE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD REMANUFACTURED ENGINES INSTALLED WITH SAFETY DEFECTS. *AS *TR
NHTSA ODI #11181850SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKE FAILURE DUE TO BRAKE LINE CORROSION. FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLE IN MOTION AT EXPRESSWAY SPEED, PANIC STOP, BRAKES FAILED AND NEARLY CAUSED COLLISION. BRAKES DO NOT WORK
NHTSA ODI #11156719SUSPENSION,SEAT BELTS
LOWER RIGHT BALL JOINT ON VEHICLE FAILED CAUSING TRUCK TO LOSE CONTROL SIDE SWIPE A PARKED CAR AND TRAVEL ANOTHER 70 FEET KNOCKING OVER A STOP SIGN. DRIVERS SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT HOLD ME IN SEAT CAUSING ME TO GO FORWARD HITTING HEAD ON STEERING WHEEL. I CRACKED A MOLAR TOOTH AND BOTH KNEES WERE INJURED HITTING THE TRIM PIECE UNDER INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *TR
Crash · 1 injured · NHTSA ODI #10700881UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE AT TAX TIME IN 2014. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY TRUCK. IT'S A LIFTED, AUTOMATIC 4WD WITH FRONT AND BACK TOWING PKG, AND PERFECT FOR THE MOUNTAIN ROADS AND SNOW WHERE I LIVE. LESS THAN A MONTH AFTER I BOUGHT IT I HAD TO TRAVEL 300 MILES TO TUCSON AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT, DIDN'T HAVE THE MONEY TO GET IT FIXED SO I TRANSFERRED MY JOB AND S…
NHTSA ODI #10671581ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 1997 CHEVY TAHOE. THE OTHER DAY WHILE LISTENING TO THE EXPANDING RECALL OF GM VEHICLES I TRIED TO REMOVE MY KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. TO MY SURPRISE ONCE THE VEHICLE IS STARTED I CAN REMOVE MY KEY, SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR AND DRIVE WITHOUT A KEY IN THE IGNITION. MAYBE THIS IS DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, BUT IT HAS ONLY 148000 …
NHTSA ODI #10614502SERVICE BRAKES
STARTED VEHICLE ,AFTER SHORT WARM UP,APPLIED BRAKE AND FOOT IMMEDIATELY WENT TO FLOOR. BLOW OUT IN REAR LINE NEAR BACK OF FUEL TANK. REPAIRED LINE. IN PROCESS OF BLEEDING BRAKE LINE ANOTHER BLOW OUT OCCURRED TOP OF FRAME NEAR REAR OF LEFT TIRE. PURCHASED PREBEND STAINLESS STEEL KIT FROM "CLASSIC TUBE" AND INSTALLED.$400. [XXX] GOOD THING I WASN'T DRIVING. …
NHTSA ODI #10490864+ 424 more complaints on record.
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