1997 GMC Sierra 3500: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 10 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering.
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 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My brakes failed when I got into a wreck, the peddle went to the floor its like my brakes were not there. I have a 97 gmc k3500 4 door long bed 4 wheel drive, I felt that I should have been able to stop,I also have to replace my front brakes every year no matter what kind I buy. *nlm”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Mar 2003
“Under normal braking and on regular road conditions when applying the brakes truck pulls to the left and the pedal is soft. The front brakes were replaced at 21,000 miles and rear brakes were replaced at 22,000 miles. Owner still experiencing problems with brakes. Please provide further details. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 1998
“Insured person was driiving on highway at 55mph when front right inner tie rod end broke, causing loss of control. Hit three other vehicles, causing injuries to two. Dealer notified. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Jan 1998
Show 5 more owner reports
“Insured person was driving on highway at 55mph when left side inner tie rod broke, causing loss of control. Hit three other vehicles and causing two injuries. Dealer notified. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Jan 1998
“The ABS braking system malfunctioned, causing brake pedal to the floor and resulting in extended stopping distance, which almost cause a crash. Please provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 1997
“Brake booster malfunctioned, causing no braking ability which may have resulted in a crash. Also, driver and passenger rear seatbelts , were locked up, could not use the seatbelt and won't protect the occupant in event a crash. Dealer replaced both seatbelts. The rear of cab was not welded properly. Dealer had to weld the rear cab to front. Rear axle seal will go out, causing oil to go into the brake shoes, resulting in no rear brakes. The engine stalled. Had to get a rebuilt engine, and the manufacturer put out a tsb but has no solution. *ak the engine fell apart just after warranty expired. The steering suddenly locked while the vehicle was making a turn. *yh”Owner report · Steering · Jan 1997
“Vehicle's rear axle became detched from vehicle when applying brakes. Bolts from the mfr plant were missing. This occurred with only 300 miles on the car. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 1996
“Power steering pump failed unexpectedly while driving at approximately at 65 mph, causing loss of power steering and power brakes, which could have resulted in a crash. *ak”Owner report · Steering
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sierra 3500 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 3500 reliable?
NHTSA has 10 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 have open recalls?
3 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.