1997 GMC Sierra
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › GMC › Sierra › 1997
These records cover every 1997 GMC Sierra. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
238 complaints6 involved a crash5 involved a fire4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
1997 GMC sierra. Consumer writes in regards to issues with the engine. the consumer stated, according to the owner's manual, the vehicle should be able to pull 6,000lb load. But, the vehicle misfired, lost speed, and stalled while pulling less than 4,000lbs. The failure occured at speeds of 55-65mph.
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
Electrical system shuts down at low and high speeds. replaced battery, battery connections, cables and alternator but the problem persists over the years. it IS a dangerous hazardous situation. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
My brake line failed above the fuel tank, lost pressure to the braking system which resulted in no brakes. why would car manufactures use steel brake lines that can rot out very quickly when exposed to normal driving elements. *tr
- Electrical system
I was returning to albuquerque, nm from amarillo, tx pulling a trailer with an antique stove in my trailer. immediately before leaving amarillo, I had my friend check all of the trailer lights and their functioning. they all worked fine. I took the scenic route through hereford entering onto…
I was returning to albuquerque, nm from amarillo, tx pulling a trailer with an antique stove in my trailer. immediately before leaving amarillo, I had my friend check all of the trailer lights and their functioning. they all worked fine. I took the scenic route through hereford entering onto interstate highway 40 at santa rosa, nm at about 9:00 pm - it was dark. before long a semi passed me an he flicked his headlights. I wasn't sure what the flicking of his lights meant. about 30 miles later a semi passed me right before a big hill. he immediately lost his speed going up the hill and in a few moments I was right behind him. I did not want to pass him since I was pulling the trailer, so I stayed behind him as he continued to slow down to around 55 mph. another semi approached very fast from behind and there were other cars in the fast lane. at the last second the semi swerved around me to the left and passed me and honked his horn at me. he narrowly missed running into the rear of my trailer. this time I new something was up, so I pulled out at the clines corners exit and stopped as soon as I could. sure enough, all of the lights on the trailer were out. I pushed on the wiring coupler and they all came on. I went about 10 more miles and pulled off at another exit to check the lights. they were still on, but I pushed the coupler together to help ensure it was working loose. all of the trailer lights went out and no matter how much I played with the coupler they would not come back on. I spent the next 45 minutes laying on the cold pavement with a flashlight cutting the wire to the license plate light on my truck and splicing in some wire to get the lights on the rear of the trailer to light up. I also had to create a new ground wire. the coupler system IS made by velvac near milwaukee, wi. I would be happy to send you the leftover junk parts. Dan
- Structure
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra. the contact stated that his vehicle has galvanized-braided steel tailgate support cables that have corroded and fractured. the dealer stated that his model year was excluded from nhtsa campaign ID number 06v066000 (structure:body:tailgate:hinge and…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra. the contact stated that his vehicle has galvanized-braided steel tailgate support cables that have corroded and fractured. the dealer stated that his model year was excluded from nhtsa campaign ID number 06v066000 (structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments). the contact would be responsible for the repair costs. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 39,000 and current mileage was 44,000.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra. the windshield wipers would not operate. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer). the current and failure mileages were…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra. the windshield wipers would not operate. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer). the current and failure mileages were 90,433. updated 12/12/2007 *bf the consumer stated the defect originally happened 2 years ago and was repaired by the consumer by cleaning the unit and sealing the warped cover with silicon. The consumer stated vehicle to be repaired by gm dealer on november 13, 2007 updated 12/12/07 *tr
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › High/low beam dimmer switch
While driving at night, I tried to select high beam with the stem mounted light switch. I heard a chattering noise in the steering wheel area and the exterior lights flickered dimly on and off. I also smelled electrical smoke. Deselecting high resulted in low beam exterior light with no chattering, flickering or smoke. *tr
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle's driver side door pins shattered causing the door to malfunction when attempting to open it from the inside. also, the windshield wiper motor malfunctioned as well. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the repairs should be covered under a recall. the dealer needed documentation that would support the recall work. no repairs had been made.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light
Dt*: the contact stated that the ABS was unwarrantable activating, causing increased stopping distances during low speed brake applications. there IS a recall regarding the ABS however the vin IS not included in the recall. This occurs each time the vehicle IS driven. there were no previous occurrences that lead up to these incidences.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Dt*: the contact stated in august of 2005 while the vehicle was traveling at 45 mph the muffler fell out of the exhaust. The vehicle was taken into a independent repair shop where a dual muffler was installed. The muffler was not a orginal part on the vehicle; it was installed by an indepentent repair shop.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt*: the contact stated the ABS engaged at speeds of 10mph and below. as a result, the stopping distance was increased. there IS a nhtsa recall # 05v379000 concerning the ABS. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it IS not included in the recall due to the vin. the vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection, but no repairs were made.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt*: the contact stated when coming to a stop at speeds below 10 mph, the vehicle would not stop. excessive pressure had to be applied to the brake pedal. an independent repair shop replaced the ABS wheel sensors. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 05v379000, regarding the antilock brakes. the vehicle…
Dt*: the contact stated when coming to a stop at speeds below 10 mph, the vehicle would not stop. excessive pressure had to be applied to the brake pedal. an independent repair shop replaced the ABS wheel sensors. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 05v379000, regarding the antilock brakes. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it IS not included in the recall due to the vin. updated 03/22/06. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt*: the contact stated the anti-lock brakes engaged at 10 mph. there IS a nhtsa recall, # 05v379000, regarding the anti-lock brakes. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it IS not included in the recall due to the vin. the serpentine belt was replaced. Updated 03/17/06. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Antilock brakes continually seize up and the vehicle continues to roll forward at slow rates of speed. Exact same problem we had with our 2002 chevy avalanche that was just fixed under recall 12/05. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt: the contact stated the windshield wipers work intermittently. he believes it IS a problem with the wiper motor circuit board. the vehicle has not been inspected by the dealer. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Brake line that runs along frame rail severely rusted and failed under braking, causing me to nearly rear end another car. I removed it from the truck and took it by the dealer and the service department said this IS common for a vehicle with 78,000 miles to have this type of failure. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Anti-lock brake system activates at low speed and the truck will not stop. the "brake" light stays lit on the dashboard. I understand many GMC trucks were recalled for this same exact problem, but it begins with trucks a couple of years newer than my 1997 sierra truck. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
After parking during my work shift, I attempted to leave work at 1530. Applying the brake to shift into "drive",the pedal went completely to the floor, and the ABS light came on. I was unable to pump up the brake, and had to have the truck towed to a local dealer. It was determined the brake line…
After parking during my work shift, I attempted to leave work at 1530. Applying the brake to shift into "drive",the pedal went completely to the floor, and the ABS light came on. I was unable to pump up the brake, and had to have the truck towed to a local dealer. It was determined the brake line had rotted out. The gas tank must be removed to effect repair. I had driven the truck from long island, ny to mays landing , nj (about 145 miles) without incident, but the dealer told me I could have lost braking power at any time.*jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt: the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra k1500 pickup. The consumer was experiencing the same type of problem with the ABS brakes as stated in nhtsa recall campaign 05v379000. The consumer stated that she replaced the wheel speed sensor as well as the wheel bearing several times, both where…
Dt: the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra k1500 pickup. The consumer was experiencing the same type of problem with the ABS brakes as stated in nhtsa recall campaign 05v379000. The consumer stated that she replaced the wheel speed sensor as well as the wheel bearing several times, both where replaced in less than a year each time. The gm manufacturer was contacted and they said that the consumer vehicle was not covered under the recall at this time and I she would be receiving a recall letter. The contact did not know other people who experienced this problem as well. The contact stated has been having the ABS brakes for about four years. The ABS has been replaced five times. some of these replacements have been done under warranty because they were within a year from the last replacement. *Ak *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Hydraulic › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings · Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Dt: 1997 GMC sierra c1500 pick up truck - the consumer complained about steering and brake problems. took the truck to the GMC shop and they said that the steering box wore out, and needed to be replaced because it had play in the wheel. it has not been replaced as of yet. also, while driving…
Dt: 1997 GMC sierra c1500 pick up truck - the consumer complained about steering and brake problems. took the truck to the GMC shop and they said that the steering box wore out, and needed to be replaced because it had play in the wheel. it has not been replaced as of yet. also, while driving on the road the brakes malfunctioned. the consumer was not approaching a stop, but was coming up onto a big truck, went to apply the brakes and had no brakes. The brakes were repaired with all new brake lines, but they were still making noise and ID not feel right. there have been no recalls on this vehicle. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Anti lock brakes activate at low speeds and for no apparent reason (weather related or other). defect discovered several months before repairs were made at superior GMC in brighton in september 2005. vehicle has less than 23000 miles and IS used for leisure purposes. current gm recall for…
Anti lock brakes activate at low speeds and for no apparent reason (weather related or other). defect discovered several months before repairs were made at superior GMC in brighton in september 2005. vehicle has less than 23000 miles and IS used for leisure purposes. current gm recall for identical problem does not include 1997 although defect IS identical. it IS an ongoing problem and therefore the number of failures documented below IS an estimate. *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wipers failed during rainstorm,after researching this,i found this to be a common problem in which a recall was issued but I never received notice or my vin wasn't included in recall
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Dt:consumer owns 1997 GMC k1500 sierra pickup truck. Found recall apr. 27, 2003 nhtsa campaign ID 03v159000 for windshield wipers. Cracked circuit board. Consumer received letter in february 2003 from gm. Letter stated that some vehicles had this defect, but this was not a recall. According to the…
Dt:consumer owns 1997 GMC k1500 sierra pickup truck. Found recall apr. 27, 2003 nhtsa campaign ID 03v159000 for windshield wipers. Cracked circuit board. Consumer received letter in february 2003 from gm. Letter stated that some vehicles had this defect, but this was not a recall. According to the nhtsa there was a recall. Consumer called manufacturer and they said that his vehicle was part of the special plan. His vehicle was not part of the recall. Consumer asked if they could include his vehicle in the recall. Gm told the consumer no, that he could file a statement or report and he done so. Consumer does not have any faith in gm getting back with him. *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Wheel speed sensors failed, causing unsafe braking on uneven pavement. Numerous trips to the dealer were required before the cause of the noise/unsafe braking was discovered. Parts were replaced at a cost in excess of $800.00. Now, less than two years later, the same symptoms have returned.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Windshield wiper motor failure on 1997 GMC sierra pickup truck. wipers work when they want to and GMC and dealer does nothing about it.
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.
- 10021450Reduced steering effort (diagnose/replace steering wheel position sensor).
- 10017191Supplement to bulletin 99-06-04-047a for fuel system cleaning.
- 10014959Replacement of connector when replacing fuel tank module/fuel pump module.
- 10012714Revised diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p1345 crankshaft position (ckp) - camshaft position (cmp) correlation diagnostic procedure.
- 10010375Service engine soon light and p0300 when towing, cruising uphill or on hard acceleration.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 10007717Engine coolant leak at intake gasket. * mj
- 100055664L60-e automatic transmission oil pump first and second design identification.
- 10005439Malfunction indicator lamp on with a p0300 set and a misfire. Various models including 1996 - 1999 P32 models. Sit bulletin 1416475.
- 10005412Spring slap noise from the rear of the gmt 400 series truck.
- 10004371Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004301Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004223Malfunction indicator lamp on with a p0300 set and a misfire. Various models including the 1996-1999 P32 and the 1996-2002 GMC c/k truck.
- 10004214Poor performance from a stop in 2WD, auto or 4WD hi. 2003, 2003 cadillac ext also included.
- 10002567Windshield wiper failure due to cracked boulder joints on the controller circuit board. This special policy covers the condition for a period of seven years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service regardless of ownership or for these vehicles currently outside of this coverage until february 29, 2004.
- 10001125Special policy adjustment - windshield wiper motor failures.
- 10000749Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy.
- 10000062Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds.
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
Every GMC Sierra model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.