1997 GMC Sierra 2500
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 14 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1997 | 14 |
| 1998 | 15 |
| 1999 | 36 |
| 2000 | 47 |
| 2001 | 134 |
| 2002 | 134 |
| 2003 | 160 |
| 2004 | 143 |
| 2005 | 115 |
| 2006 | 66 |
| 2007 | 83 |
| 2008 | 63 |
| 2009 | 31 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 63 |
| 2012 | 30 |
| 2013 | 46 |
| 2014 | 30 |
| 2015 | 89 |
| 2016 | 59 |
| 2017 | 37 |
| 2018 | 35 |
| 2019 | 31 |
| 2020 | 73 |
| 2021 | 49 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 96 |
| 2025 | 24 |
| 2026 | 6 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 14 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 14 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
BRAKES INSUFFICIENT FOR VEHICLE WEIGHT, LOCK ON WET ROADS AND DON'T APPLY ENOUGH STOPPING POWER TO ACTIVATE ABS. QCAW
NHTSA ODI report, 19981005
2 of 14 total reports mention: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040730
2 of 14 total reports mention: tires.
Show complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 GMC C2500 PICKUP EQUIPPED WITH COOPER MASTERCRAFT TIRES, SIZE P265/75/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE TIRES AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120618
2 of 14 total reports mention: service brakes, hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
CORRODED BRAKE LINE FAILURE. LOSS OF REAR BRAKES, FRONT WORKED. *JS
NHTSA ODI report, 20120417
BRAKE LINE FAILURE ON 1997 GMC PICKUP. @ DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND SEPARATE AREAS IN BRAKE LINES. OLD LINES DISCARDED. APPEARED TO BE A RUST ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20100409
1 of 14 total reports mentions: service brakes, hydraulic.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WAS PREPARING TO STOP AT ABOUT 30 MP IN DRY CONDITONS DURING NORMAL STOPPING OPERATION, BUT BRAKES BECAME INOPERATIVE, CAUSING CONSUMER TO HIT PEDESTRIAN. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19980424
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 RECLI
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTOR COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
Campaign 97V037000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 97V176000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
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. TH
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.
Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 GMC Sierra 2500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V037000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 97V176000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.