1997 GMC Sierra 3500
Only 10 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 10 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 |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 10 |
| 1998 | 12 |
| 1999 | 19 |
| 2000 | 26 |
| 2001 | 36 |
| 2002 | 20 |
| 2003 | 7 |
| 2004 | 24 |
| 2005 | 24 |
| 2006 | 11 |
| 2007 | 16 |
| 2008 | 24 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 20 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 30 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 12 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 27 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2024 | 40 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 10 total reports mention: steering.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 19980423
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
NHTSA ODI report, 19980423
1 of 10 total reports mentions: visibility.
Show complaint excerpts
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020904
1 of 10 total reports mentions: structure.
1 of 10 total reports mentions: steering.
1 of 10 total reports mentions: steering.
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
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 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V037000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 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 3500?
The most-reported component is steering:linkages:tie rod assembly, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 have?
3 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.