1997 GMC C/k Pickup
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › C/k Pickup › 1997
These records cover every 1997 GMC C/k Pickup. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
25 complaints1 involved a fire
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel system, gasoline · Service brakes
Brakes failed. I parked with parking brake, looked underneath and noticed fluid leak on pavement. further inspection showed that rusty brake line developed a pinhole. other brake lines are rusty. Will likely fail later. fuel line IS also very rusty. Will likely fail later. *tr
- Electrical system · Visibility
1997 GMC pick up drivers door caught on fire in the middle of the night location was the electrical mirror switch the truck was unoccupied.*tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Everytime I slow down to stop, the brake pedal growls and it feels as if the anti-lock brakes come on. the truck keeps rolling, and I've almost hit the vehicle in front of me numerous times. it's a 1997 GMC sierra. *tr
- Equipment · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Switch/wiring
Sir or ma'am, I bought a 1997 GMC sierra c/k series 1500 pickup in 1999. Recently while driving in the rain my windshield wiper became inoperative. This has happened several times and seems to fix itself after they dry out. I researched this problem on the internet and have found that GMC…
Sir or ma'am, I bought a 1997 GMC sierra c/k series 1500 pickup in 1999. Recently while driving in the rain my windshield wiper became inoperative. This has happened several times and seems to fix itself after they dry out. I researched this problem on the internet and have found that GMC recall hundreds of thousands of its vehicles for this exact same problem. I contact GMC and they say that my vehicle has not been recalled for this problem when I know it IS a factory defect and a severe safety problem because the driver has no visibility, while raining, when this happens. here IS the information for my vehicle: 1997 GMC sierra c/k1500 pickup I think GMC should repair this befre I have an accident and possibly seriously injure someone. thanks robert jones. *tr
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Windshield wiper circuit board and cover recalled due to defective - board developed cracks which would cause the wipers to not work. GMC issued a recall of which I did not receive a notice. when the dealer was contacted regarding repairs, I was told that the recall had expired?, and that GMC would no longer replace the defective part at no charge to the customer. I had the repair work done at my expense. *Tr
- Steering
We have a 1997 GMC Z71 4 wheel drive . The steering grabs and jerks when accelerating, for example when entering a curve as you speed up to make the curve the steering will jerk the driver's hand and arm . The vehicle has done this for sometimes. I have seen from your web site there has been an investigation before. My sister had a suburban the same year model that did the samething. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Antilock brakes activate when stopping on dry pavement, significantly increasing the stopping distance. repair was made at my cost several years ago. problem recurred after about 2 years. dealer who made the first repair said this IS a problem with corrosion on the anti-lock sensor. gm customer…
Antilock brakes activate when stopping on dry pavement, significantly increasing the stopping distance. repair was made at my cost several years ago. problem recurred after about 2 years. dealer who made the first repair said this IS a problem with corrosion on the anti-lock sensor. gm customer service recently said that this IS a recall item for the same model truck, but staring with 1998 trucks, not 1997. my 1997 has less than 40,000 miles on it. I feel this IS a significant safety defect, and GMC should be forced to recall. It IS only be my diligence that there has not been an accident. GMC suggested I submit a complaint to you. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Approximately a year and a half ago my windshield wipers would stop functioning at times during operation. according to your website this problem was supposed to be recalled under recall #03v159000 or gm recall 03023. but after checking my vin a dealer and the manufacturer contend that although…
Approximately a year and a half ago my windshield wipers would stop functioning at times during operation. according to your website this problem was supposed to be recalled under recall #03v159000 or gm recall 03023. but after checking my vin a dealer and the manufacturer contend that although some vehicles were recalled for this problem, mine and some others were only supposed to be (i never received any such notification) receive "special notification" of this potential hazard. my concern IS how could this possibly be any more risk for one vehicle than another that would allow for the disparity in the level of manufacturer responsibility. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
I own a 1997 GMC sierra extended cab pickup (GMC K15), [xxx]. My problem IS failure of the windshield wiper motor. the nhtsa has a campaign# 03v-159 which was subject to a renotification recall earlier in 2005. upon checking with GMC I was told that the recall did not apply to my vehicle even…
I own a 1997 GMC sierra extended cab pickup (GMC K15), [xxx]. My problem IS failure of the windshield wiper motor. the nhtsa has a campaign# 03v-159 which was subject to a renotification recall earlier in 2005. upon checking with GMC I was told that the recall did not apply to my vehicle even though many other 1997 GMC pickups and suvs were subject to the recall. I explained that I received a recall earlier in 2003, which I still have, that allowed for a recall. at that time I did not have the motor replaced because I was not experiencing problems. after the 2003 recall period had closed I began having the motor failure and was told it was too late. I don't understand why the renotification should not apply to my vehicle now since my vehicle was identified in the earlier recall in 2003. I continue to have wiper motor problems which occur mostly when it rains. this IS a serious safety hazard and an admitted defect by GMC. thank you for your assistance. please reply to my email with your response. *nm updated 07/19/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6)
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
'97 GMC 1500 series pick-up. at slow speed, anti-lock brakes engage irregularly causing several near misses due to inability to stop vehicle in normal distance. has happened on numerous occasions prior to the date provided below. *Jb
- Service brakes, air › Antilock › Wheel speed sensor
ABS brakes activating when slowing to under ten mph. Believed to be a wheel bearing leaking onto the ABS sensor in the wheel. To be repaired soon.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
The windsheild wipers on our GMC Z-71 truck have stopped working (or work intermittantly). I heard about the recall from my nephew and contacted the dealer who said there was no recall. I looked it up on your site and there IS one, so now where do I go?
- Service brakes, air › Antilock › Control unit/module
When I step on the brake pedal during normal stops, when the vehicle speed slows to under ten miles per hour, I hear the antilock brake motor activate and the brake pedal will pulsate and no matter how hard I push on the pedal the truck will not slow down. This happens every time I step on the…
When I step on the brake pedal during normal stops, when the vehicle speed slows to under ten miles per hour, I hear the antilock brake motor activate and the brake pedal will pulsate and no matter how hard I push on the pedal the truck will not slow down. This happens every time I step on the brake. I have almost had many accidents because of this problem. I have not had the problem corrected yet. I have disconnected the antilock system.
- Steering
I own a 97' GMC Z-71. I've been having problems with the steering on my truck for the past 3 months. It gets in a bind when turning and I lose my power steering part of the turn and then I regain it coming out of the turn. I have a friend with a 96' chevy tahoe 4X4 that has the same problem, and…
I own a 97' GMC Z-71. I've been having problems with the steering on my truck for the past 3 months. It gets in a bind when turning and I lose my power steering part of the turn and then I regain it coming out of the turn. I have a friend with a 96' chevy tahoe 4X4 that has the same problem, and another friend with a 98' chevy silverado that has come across the same problem, almost resulting in a crash. We all have changed our power steering pumps and still have the same problem. I also have trouble turning my wheels when sitting still or at slow speed ( I run 285/75/16 radials) and it causes an inconvenience in tight turning or in a parking lot. I hit a car in the rear because my truck couldn't turn fast enough in a local store parking lot.*jb
- Steering
Continuous sterring problem with left hand turns at any speed. This IS the very same problem described on many of the other 1997 gm vehicles already recalled by the company. The dealer claims there IS no recall for my particular vehicle and I will have to pay full price of rack & pinion repairs.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
(1) rain storm in lubbock , texas (2) turned on windshield wipers and they would not work. (3) checked fuse. Fuse was good. Tried about 1/2 hour later and the wipers worked. Since then I have had problems with the wipers not turning off after turning on and when they did turn off they would not…
(1) rain storm in lubbock , texas (2) turned on windshield wipers and they would not work. (3) checked fuse. Fuse was good. Tried about 1/2 hour later and the wipers worked. Since then I have had problems with the wipers not turning off after turning on and when they did turn off they would not return to "home" position. Sometimes will not work at all and the washers will not work at times and at times work fine. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wipers/washers stopped and will not work. I understand there IS a recall of the crew cab model of my vehicle, but, my vehicle IS a club cab (extended cab) I do believe that all of the vehicles of this class use the same wiper/washer motor if they have intermittent wipers, so this vehicle should have been included in the recall.*ak
- Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Front end stiff and hard to steer. Also hangs on turns at times. Power steering IS ok .one technician said it was the steering box. *jb
- Power train › Automatic transmission
My husband,john, pulled up and parked our 1997 GMC k1500. When he started the vehicle again & put the transmission in reverse a horrible, metal ripping , grinding noise was heard & the pickup would not move backwards. The transmission would not shift out of first without over-reving the rpm's. we…
My husband,john, pulled up and parked our 1997 GMC k1500. When he started the vehicle again & put the transmission in reverse a horrible, metal ripping , grinding noise was heard & the pickup would not move backwards. The transmission would not shift out of first without over-reving the rpm's. we took the pickup asap to a recommended transmission shop in tulsa,ok. To replave the transmision. At this time we found out that the 'drive shell' was not updated on our late model 1997 pickup. The 'books' state that in 1997 a better shell was made to correct the weakness in this part as an update. But our pickup missed this update. Now we are out over $1700.00 to rebuild the transmission, when it should have had the updated part already installed. I am requesting any information you might have to help myself & others in my position, recoupe anything because of gm's failure to apply the upgrade as they stated.*ak
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
While driving in inclement weather windshield wipers intermittently worked. vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the windshield wiper motor needed to be replaced, and replaced it twice. however, the problem recurred. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Antilock brake activation at low speeds wont stop cant afford to pay 450 a side to fix them I think they should recall them before someone gets hurt, I had a near miss and almost crashed into the vehicle ahead of me, I unhooked the ABS until I can get it fixed and now I can stop. *la
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
When driving in the rainwindshield wipers will just stop. They may work again in a few minutes or they may not. I went to the dealer and was told my 1997 GMC k pick up was not recalled for a wiper problem.*ak
- Steering
Faulty steering system, this truck IS a death trap, IS a intermittent problem, when it acts up steering feels notchy, you have no real control. Was told it was probably bad tires, installed new tires, did not help. These trucks should be recalled by gm asap, this a huge and real safety issue. *jb
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
While turning left powersteering locks up for a second. Sounds just like the recent recall.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
While driving in the rain the wipers will shut off. Sometimes they will come back on and sometimes they won't. cause IS unknown. please provide any further information. ph
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, gm has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my M/L vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
- Erratic steering boost while driving
Alleged that the variable effort steering unit intermittently provides full boost tot he power steering gear at moderate to high speeds.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10032462Saab/hummer/gm: diagnostic tips/recommendations when power steering pump replacement IS necessary. Analysis of returned power steering (ps) pumps that had been replaced for noise, no power assist, no or low pressure and leaking conditions has indicated a high number of no trouble found results. All 1997-2010 vehicles and light trucks; 2010 and prior hummers H2/H3 and saab 9-7X vehicles.
Every GMC C/k Pickup model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.