1997 Chevrolet K2500 Suburban
Introduction
The 1997 Chevrolet K2500 Suburban is a full-size SUV offered with three engine options: a 270 horsepower, 350 cubic-inch V8 with 373 ft-lbs of torque, a 305 horsepower, 350 cubic-inch V8 with 330 ft-lbs of torque, and a 290 horsepower, 350 cubic-inch V8 with 350 ft-lbs of torque. Transmission options include a 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and a 4-speed manual transmission. The K2500 Suburban is well-liked for its spacious interior, powerful engines, and rugged off-road capabilities. Common complaints include poor fuel economy, limited interior storage, and outdated styling.
Engine
270 hp 350 V8
- Intake manifold gasket failure
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant and/or oil leaks from the area where the intake manifold meets the engine block. Engine may overheat or experience rough idling.
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Vortec fuel injector failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfiring, rough idling, or difficulty starting. Fuel injector may become clogged or faulty.
- Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
305 hp 350 V8
- Distributor cap and rotor failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfiring, rough idling, or stalling. Distributor cap and/or rotor may become cracked or worn.
- Solution: Replace the distributor cap and rotor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
- Throttle position sensor failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine may hesitate or stall when accelerating. Throttle position sensor may become faulty or miscalibrated.
- Solution: Replace the throttle position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
- Recalls: None Found
290 hp 350 V8
- No Issues Found
Transmission
4-speed Automatic Transmission with Overdrive
- Overdrive solenoid failure
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission may not shift into overdrive, resulting in poor fuel economy and reduced performance. Solenoid may become worn or faulty.
- Solution: Replace the overdrive solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
4-speed Manual Transmission
- Clutch master cylinder failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears or clutch pedal feels spongy. Master cylinder may become faulty or leak fluid.
- Solution: Replace the clutch master cylinder.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Leaf spring breakage
- Description/Symptoms: Sagging or uneven ride height. Leaf springs may break or crack due to heavy loads or off-road use.
- Solution: Replace the damaged leaf springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Shock absorber failure
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced ride comfort, poor handling, or uneven tire wear. Shock absorbers may leak fluid or become worn.
- Solution: Replace the worn shock absorbers.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Alternator failure
- Description/Symptoms: Dimming headlights, electrical problems, or difficulty starting. Alternator may fail to charge the battery.
- Solution: Replace the alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Starter solenoid failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting or engine cranks but fails to start. Solenoid may become faulty or worn.
- Solution: Replace the starter solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door handle breakage
- Description/Symptoms: Door handle may break or become loose. Handle may become brittle or worn.
- Solution: Replace the broken door handle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
- Tailgate latch failure
- Description/Symptoms: Tailgate may fail to latch properly. Latch mechanism may become worn or faulty.
- Solution: Replace the tailgate latch assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Seat belt retractor failure
- Description/Symptoms: Seat belt may not retract fully or may become stuck. Retractor mechanism may break or become worn.
- Solution: Replace the seat belt retractor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- HVAC blower motor failure
- Description/Symptoms: Heater or air conditioning may not work or may produce excessive noise. Blower motor may fail or become worn.
- Solution: Replace the blower motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 1997 Chevrolet K2500 Suburban is known for its strong engines, spacious interior, and off-road capabilities. However, it can suffer from several issues, including intake manifold gasket failure, distributor cap failure, transmission solenoid failure, leaf spring breakage, and seat belt retractor failure. These issues vary in severity and cost to fix, but many can be addressed with moderate maintenance and repairs.