1997 GMC Sierra 1500: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 83 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is steering (28% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2020
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2016
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2015
“My ignition cylinder is binding badly and im concerned that my vehicle is going to have the same problems as other gm vehicles. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2014
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2011
“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”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2011
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2011
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2011
“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”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2011
Recalls - 5 campaigns
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 HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
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.
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."
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK ALL SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS AND INSTALL ANY MISSING BOLTS.
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, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
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: 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTOR COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sierra 1500 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 Sierra 1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 83 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500. The most complained-about area is steering (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 82,500 miles or less.
Does the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment. 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.