1997 GMC Sierra 1500
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 83
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
30% of complaints
Complaints per year
1997: 83 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 13 |
| 1995 | 3 |
| 1996 | 5 |
| 1997 | 83 |
| 1998 | 59 |
| 1999 | 158 |
| 2000 | 181 |
| 2001 | 140 |
| 2002 | 166 |
| 2003 | 180 |
| 2004 | 212 |
| 2005 | 177 |
| 2006 | 145 |
| 2007 | 263 |
| 2008 | 380 |
| 2009 | 234 |
| 2010 | 167 |
| 2011 | 284 |
| 2012 | 107 |
| 2013 | 115 |
| 2014 | 740 |
| 2015 | 720 |
| 2016 | 342 |
| 2017 | 354 |
| 2018 | 302 |
| 2019 | 648 |
| 2020 | 479 |
| 2021 | 585 |
| 2022 | 585 |
| 2023 | 486 |
| 2024 | 376 |
| 2025 | 117 |
| 2026 | 133 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
30% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and steering wheel/handle bar.
Show complaint excerpts
Going into a turn my steering will jump auto store said it was a steering sensor.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-03-24
The steering had play in and wandered from left to right. The steering sensor was replaced.
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-01
I experienced circumstances where as driving down the road, sometimes going around curves, my steering would give the feel of just going loose. On a couple of occasions when the steering would "Grab" Hold again I almost lost control of my truck.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-12-03
Service brakes
23% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-05-25
Visibility
16% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.
Show complaint excerpts
Automatic transmission slams into gear recently, changed fluid helped for a couple of months - windshield wiper motor works when it feels like it - fuel gauge has not worked since 1999 and other people I know have the same problems with their...
NHTSA ODI report, 2003-05-03
Fuel system, gasoline
11% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing fuel pump and fuel injection system.
Power train
10% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and differential unit.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1997-03-06Seats97V037000 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…
Remedy: Dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.
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R
1997-10-15Seats97V176000 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.
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R
1998-08-24Fuel system, gasoline98V187000 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…
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.
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R
2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…
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).
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2007-11-08Equipment07E088000 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.…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 25 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 19 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 13 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V037000 · Seats
- Recall 97V176000 · Seats
- Recall 98V187000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.