1997 GMC Pickup: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern visibility; the 1995 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving front windshield wipers failed intermittently. Recall 03v159000 was issued on this problem. However, dealership would not repair because this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. *ak *nm”Owner report · Visibility · Apr 2004
“Consumer states wires inside the gas tank leading to the fuel pump were burned, which caused the fuel pump to stop working.*jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Mar 2002
“Windshield wipers failed to wipe after brief rainstorm . Once the truck dried, the wipers would work. The left and right rear turn signal electrical assemblies failed within 2 weeks of each other and further diagnosis revealed an open circuit in each assembly which caused the turn signal to fail to flash. Bulb tested good. The personal at the auto parts store stated they had a lot of these assemblies being requested for replacement. I have never had a wreck with my vehicle. I believe this is a manufacturing defect by gm supplier because the brake light portion would continue to work. *jb *nlm **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*764581”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“I had 2 blowouts within 100 miles while traveling approximately 70 mph the tires were checked for proper inflation prior to the trip. When I took them to my local firestone dealer they were quick to shift the blame and accepted no responsibility. I have since replaced all four of the original equipment tires on my truck but thought you might be interested in light of all of the firestone problems. My tires were 16" and didn't seperate, they just blewout. (tiresize: 245/75r16)( dot number: tire size: 245/75r16 )”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2000
“I had 2 blowouts within 100 miles while traveling approximately 70 mph the tires were checked for proper inflation prior to the trip. When I took them to my local firestone dealer they were quick to shift the blame and accepted no responsibility. I have since replaced all four of the original equipment tires on my truck but thought you might be interested in light of all of the firestone problems. My tires were 16" and didn't seperate, they just blewout. There was still 50% of tread life on the tires at the time of the blowouts. (tiresize: 245/75r16)( dot number: tire size: 245/75r16 )”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2000
“Knocking sound coming from engine when first cranked up. Dealer replaced main bearing, but noise persisted. They then replaced the lifters and noise still remains. They are now pulling the engine and tearing it down for inspection.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 1998
“While driving at any given speed and taking foot off the accelerator, the engine continues to keep running. Also, it takes about 5 seconds after taking foot off the accelerator for the truck to slow down. Consumer contacted the dealer and they told the consumer that's how it suppose to operate, dealer also told consumer that the engine was programmed to run in that manner. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 1997
“Recall notice regarding vehicle's windshield wipers.*mr the consumer misplaced the recall letter relater to the windshield wipers. The consumer request that another copy be sent so that the recall can be completed. *nm”Owner report · Visibility · Jan 1901
“Consumer took vehicle in for recall in the month of march. Dealer did not have the right part for the vehicle.consumer was told by the dealer to wait unitl he will receive a second recall notice. Consumer has received second notice. He has been waiting to get vehicle fixed ever since. *ak”Owner report · Seats
“Windshield wipers work intermittently. At times, only one speed of operation is available. One dealer told me that gm had knowledge of this defect(bad solder joints on circuit board?) but would not issue/initiate a recall or assist owners financially in repair of the problem. *ak”Owner report · Visibility
Recalls - 2 campaigns
CERTAIN E SPEED RACING COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: E SPEED RACING WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT E SPEED RACING 909-923-3636.
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: K2 MOTOR WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMEBER 17, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT K2 MOTOR AT 1-909-839-2992.
How other years compare
Check your exact Pickup by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1997 GMC Pickup reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 GMC Pickup. The most complained-about area is visibility.
Does the 1997 GMC Pickup have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.