1997 GMC Sierra 1500
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Sierra 1500 › 1997
These records cover every 1997 GMC Sierra 1500. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition may cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
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).
Vehicle description: crew cab pickup trucks. the front, inner corner of the fuel tank can contact the body sill either intermittently or constantly. this movement can cause a discernible noise and, over time, can wear a hole in or crack the fuel tank at point of contact.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can result in fuel leakage and a distinct fuel odor if the tank were filled above the level of the hole or crack. in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel tank for wear and, either install a spacer between the fuel tank and the front crossmember, or if necessary, replace the fuel tank.
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. one or two of the front seat mounting bolts were not installed. this does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 207, "seating systems."
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, a seat with this condition will not protect the occupant as required by the standard.
Remedy
Dealers will check all seat mounting bolts and install any missing bolts.
Vehicle description: extended cab and 2-door utility vehicles equipped with reclining seats and the easy-entry feature. these vehicles exhibit a condition in which a pinch point exists in the recliner mechanism that can trap and pinch a person's hand or finger(s) when the easy-entry feature IS activated.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This pinching can cut the hand or possibly sever the finger(s) without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.
Owner complaints
83 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
The driver's side door handle doesn't work. I believe this was a 'recall' but I couldn't get the dealership to fix it. real fun having to roll down the window just to open the door from inside, especially when the door's window IS frozen. obviously the vehicle IS in a parked postion. the truck only had 149,000 when the handle stopped working.
- Steering
While driving on highway this vehicle will move right and left without no input from the driver. Also, making a left or right turn the power steering will stop,lock up start working again for no apparent reason. I have change all front tie rods twice, steering gear box, four times and the power…
While driving on highway this vehicle will move right and left without no input from the driver. Also, making a left or right turn the power steering will stop,lock up start working again for no apparent reason. I have change all front tie rods twice, steering gear box, four times and the power steering pump three times. This IS very serious and hazardous issue !!!! Many drivers have the same problem and has expressed it on the internet. GMC has not put out any recall to fix it. Additionally, this problem IS a life or death situation! If you want all the documentation please call aamco 770-823-1142..please don't wait until someone dies due this steering issue!! Btw this steering has been going on for over two years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My next course of action will be to call the media to get some answers. Reply the soonest!!!! *tr
- Steering
While turning a left turn on a highway january 28 the vehicle lost power steering. I have removed and replaced the power steering pump three times, gearbox four times, all the tiebars and componentsd twice. GMC IS aware of the steering problems and has not recalled any vehicles for power steering…
While turning a left turn on a highway january 28 the vehicle lost power steering. I have removed and replaced the power steering pump three times, gearbox four times, all the tiebars and componentsd twice. GMC IS aware of the steering problems and has not recalled any vehicles for power steering problems! this steering problem IS very severe issue and a extreme hazard on the road, especially; when the lose of power steering happens any time without warning. If you want all the documentation please call aamco (678) 619-0817. The power steering problem will kill someone. I have had many close calls while driving this vehicle for the past two (all the parts are new, not rebuilt) btw, the steering IS very loose and makes the driver over correct while driving. please reply the soonest *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra 1500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra 1500. The contact stated that the ABS failed. While driving, the brake pedal had to be depressed simultaneously for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. the manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v045000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000.
- Service brakes
Steel hydraulic brake line under truck bed and running along driver side frame ruptured while driving. result was loss of loss of pressurization/brake fluid, mushy brake pedal, and greatly decreased braking performance. inspection reveals significant rust areas on all steel brake lines requiring complete replacement of all brake lines.
- Electrical system
My ignition cylinder IS binding badly and im concerned that my vehicle IS going to have the same problems as other gm vehicles. *tr
- Visibility/wiper
You turn on the wipers and they don't work or start and than stop to which you must get out of the truck and give a pull on the wiper arm to get it started again. *Tr
- Service brakes
Brake fluid began leaking from under the driver side door. Closer inspection revealed the brake line had corroded and began to leak. This was replaced in january 2011. After replacing both front brake pads and pressing the brake pedal, the brake line on the passenger side burst and after inspecting…
Brake fluid began leaking from under the driver side door. Closer inspection revealed the brake line had corroded and began to leak. This was replaced in january 2011. After replacing both front brake pads and pressing the brake pedal, the brake line on the passenger side burst and after inspecting this brake line as well, it was corroded and finally gave way due to the extra pressure exerted by the new unworn brake pad. The amount of corrosion seemed excessive for this to happen so suddenly. In both cases, the vehicle was not in motion and no harm was caused due to early recognition of the problem. *tr
- Steering
Going into a turn my steering will jump auto store said it was a steering sensor. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
TL* the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra 1500. The contact stated that after engaging the brakes and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and they were unable to diagnose the failure. The contact stated that he replaced the hubs, rotors…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra 1500. The contact stated that after engaging the brakes and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and they were unable to diagnose the failure. The contact stated that he replaced the hubs, rotors, calipers, and master cylinder as a temporary remedy, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 14,000 and current mileage was 38,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake lines are severely corroded. Luckily there was no accident. also own an 87 & 83 mercedes benz, no issues with corrosion on any fuel or brake lines. Brakes are the most important system on a vehicle. Gm should be made to fix this, this IS negligent corporate behavior. *kb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Brake fluid loss due to corroded brake line. This IS the third occurrence of this problem on this vehicle.
- Structure › Frame and members
Rusted frame and side panels this IS a 1997 gms sierra Z71. 85,000 miles. frame IS rusted to the point it will not pass inspection and IS not road safe. this IS unacceptable for a vehicle of this age and so few miles. *tt
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
TL* the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra 1500. The contact stated that the oxidized plastic headlights were not bright enough to illuminate the roadway. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the defect but provided no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. updated 12/16/11
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Driving downhill at 25 mph and applied brake to slow down to drive over small bridge. Brake pedal went to the floor and brake warning light illuminated. I depressed brake several times to stop and pedal went to floor without the vehicle stopping. I found brake fluid leaking from steel brake line along drivers side rear frame rail.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving during a rainstorm, the windshield wipers stopped functioning. The contact pulled over and the wipers began working intermittently. Most recently, the wipers stopped functioning altogether. The vehicle was taken to an…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving during a rainstorm, the windshield wipers stopped functioning. The contact pulled over and the wipers began working intermittently. Most recently, the wipers stopped functioning altogether. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The contact called the manufacturer who referred him to nhtsa. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 67,550. The current mileage was 69,836.
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering
The trouble I am having IS with the braking system . It has been professionally maintained but the problem still persists. The brakes lockout at slow speeds and I have to use 2 feet to press down the pedal and stop the truck . If I were driving and stopped at a light there would be no problem…
The trouble I am having IS with the braking system . It has been professionally maintained but the problem still persists. The brakes lockout at slow speeds and I have to use 2 feet to press down the pedal and stop the truck . If I were driving and stopped at a light there would be no problem .however if I were then to release the pedal and apply it again the ABS seems to activate and I basically cannot stop the vehicle. I did hit someone once but it didn't do much damage because I was going slow under 5MPH. This has been happening since I bought the truck 5 years ago but I figured it was how the truck was supposed to be. This problem happens under 15 mph. You can hear the ABS motor activate but the feeling you get from the response of the pedal IS hard like the vacuum booster IS bad but only temporary. If you get this problem it seems that if I release the pedal and tap it the brakes will return but one day it will be too late and there may be someone lying under my truck. I must also say that I am a mechanic and police officer so I do know something about vehicle handling response and repair. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
The truck stopped running while driving,tried to start the truck with no luck. Had it towed to the dealership where they replaced the fuel pump. Truck ra for about a month and then got to where it wouldn't run and now it wont even start. I had it towed back in and they tested the fuel pump and it…
The truck stopped running while driving,tried to start the truck with no luck. Had it towed to the dealership where they replaced the fuel pump. Truck ra for about a month and then got to where it wouldn't run and now it wont even start. I had it towed back in and they tested the fuel pump and it was good. The dealership researched that year and found that there was a problem with the fuel injector sticking causing it to do that. There was a public service announcement out warning people about this problem with these trucks. The parts are well over $700. Nothing IS being done by gm to fix the problem so the truck IS not drivable until it gets fixed. Gm needs to take responsibility and fix these vehicles since they are aware of the problem. *Tr
- Steering
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra 1500. while driving 25 mph around a curve, the vehicle began to shake and the steering felt as if it were turning more than it should. the failure has been occurring for the last four years, but the vehicle has not been inspected. the contact IS in the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra 1500. while driving 25 mph around a curve, the vehicle began to shake and the steering felt as if it were turning more than it should. the failure has been occurring for the last four years, but the vehicle has not been inspected. the contact IS in the process of taking the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. the manufacturer would not provide compensation because there were no recalls. the failure mileage was 100,000 and current mileage was 140,000.
- Visibility
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 GMC sierra 1500. the contact stated that his windshield wipers work intermittently in the rain. he IS experiencing the same failure listed in nhtsa campaign ID number 03v159000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer). the manufacturer stated that his vehicle was not included in the recall. the contact will take his vehicle to the dealer to be repaired. the failure mileage was 80,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Truck IS continuously warping front rotors and wearing out front pads. I had new heavy duty pads and shoes and new HD rotors installed not 10000 miles ago and they are already warped and worn out. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
TL* - the contact stated that his 1997 GMC sierra 1500, IS having the same problem that the vehicles with recall # 05v379000. the contact stated that when driving under 10 mph and stepping on the brake, the ABS engages. the contact stated that the brake pedal pumps up and down. this failure has…
TL* - the contact stated that his 1997 GMC sierra 1500, IS having the same problem that the vehicles with recall # 05v379000. the contact stated that when driving under 10 mph and stepping on the brake, the ABS engages. the contact stated that the brake pedal pumps up and down. this failure has occurred on any road condition. the contact stated that he has had his brakes checked by a local mechanic and was told they can't find anything wrong with the vehicle. the contact stated that he has had 2 new rotors, brakes shoes and pads replace and the drums on the back were ground. the contact stated that this happens while driving in any gear including reverse. *nm updated 03/19/07. *Jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Persistent failure of windshield wiper operation under normal vehicle operation. this led to lack of visibility through windshield. there IS a well documented recall of the wiper module assembly for gm trucks/vans. my truck IS a 1997 GMC k1500. when I took my truck into the dealership, they…
Persistent failure of windshield wiper operation under normal vehicle operation. this led to lack of visibility through windshield. there IS a well documented recall of the wiper module assembly for gm trucks/vans. my truck IS a 1997 GMC k1500. when I took my truck into the dealership, they informed me that my particular vin was not included in the recall vin range. there IS no doubt my truck has the bad parts illustrated in the recall(s) (eg, ea02006). my complaint IS that it should be included and fixed by gm, and that by some sort of vin technicality or error, they refuse to fix. what IS my course of action to rectify this situation? *nm
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
Dt*: the contact stated the wiper/washer motor there was a recall # 03023 pertaining to intermittent failure of the wipers and a buzz under the dash due to bad solder points which failed 5 times. The service dealer and manufacturer were notified. the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin.
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.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10209734This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 10208027This 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 Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10034428Chevrolet:gmc: engineering information-fuel tank pressure sensor, dtcs p0446, p0451 or p0454 set. GMC engineering IS attempting to determine the root cause of the above concern.
- 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.
- 634339Some customers may comment on front door hinge pin bushing wear, front door sag, or door chucking movement in extreme operating conditions.
- 619742This technical service bulletin states that technicians may experience difficulty in removing the connectors from the park / neutral position switch, usually when trying to remove the switch during transmission service.
- 619741Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) IS on; the transmission IS stuck in third gear; and / or the instrument cluster IS inoperative.
Every GMC Sierra 1500 model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.