1997 GMC C/K Pickup: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 25 owner complaints on record; most reports concern visibility; the 1998 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
25
owner complaints
1
fire reports
-
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaigns1 fire report
Common problems
Computed from 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Limited data: only 25 complaints on record for this model year - too few for percentage statistics. Bars show raw report counts; read them as individual owner reports, not reliability rates. For a fuller picture, check nearby model years.
Visibility (windshield, wipers, defroster, mirrors)9 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)6 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)4 complaints
Service Brakes, Air (brakes)2 complaints
Equipment1 complaint
Service Brakes (brakes)1 complaint
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2014
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2010
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Visibility · May 2007
“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”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2007
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2006
“'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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2005
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Air · Jul 2005
“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?”Owner report · Visibility · Jul 2005
“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”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2004
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all C/K Pickup years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact C/K Pickup by VIN
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Is the 1997 GMC C/K Pickup reliable?
NHTSA has 25 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 GMC C/K Pickup. The most complained-about area is visibility.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.