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
- 10
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 10 complaints
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 | 25 |
| 2009 | 5 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 20 |
| 2012 | 9 |
| 2013 | 14 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 30 |
| 2016 | 19 |
| 2017 | 13 |
| 2018 | 14 |
| 2019 | 13 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2024 | 49 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Only 10 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Steering
4 of 10 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing tie rod assembly and pump.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-04-23
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1998-04-23
Service brakes
4 of 10 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
2 of 10 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing seal and axle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-01-03
Visibility
1 of 10 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer.
Show complaint excerpts
No summary listed for above vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-04
Structure
1 of 10 total reports mentions: structure.
Safety timeline
3 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
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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R
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 3500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 97V037000 · Seats
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 07E088000 · Equipment
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, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.