MYRModel Year Report

1997 GMC Sierra

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
1997 GMC Sierra
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had more than double the complaints of 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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, GMC Sierra Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1982: 1 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1987: 1 complaints 1988: 6 complaints 1989: 16 complaints 1990: 18 complaints 1990 1991: 12 complaints 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 72 complaints 1994: 190 complaints 1995: 261 complaints 1995 1996: 246 complaints 1997: 238 complaints 1997 1998: 190 complaints 1999: 600 complaints 2000: 443 complaints 2000 2001: 264 complaints 2002: 249 complaints 2003: 206 complaints 2004: 188 complaints 2005: 117 complaints 2005 2006: 53 complaints 2007: 59 complaints 2008: 68 complaints 2009: 37 complaints 2010: 34 complaints 2010 2011: 43 complaints 2012: 29 complaints 2013: 39 complaints 2014: 101 complaints 2015: 53 complaints 2015 2016: 6 complaints 2017: 61 complaints 2017
1997: 238 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19821
19832
19871
19886
198916
199018
199112
199230
199372
1994190
1995261
1996246
1997238
1998190
1999600
2000443
2001264
2002249
2003206
2004188
2005117
200653
200759
200868
200937
201034
201143
201229
201339
2014101
201553
20166
201761

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 31%

31% of complaints: service brakes — 73 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY
STEERING 26%

26% of complaints: steering — 63 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and steering wheel/handle bar.

POWER TRAIN 13%

13% of complaints: power train — 32 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and park/neutral start interlock switch.

CRASH
VISIBILITY 10%

10% of complaints: visibility — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and motor.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 8%

8% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

▮ 1997 — complaint volume: 238

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 GMC Sierra — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (73 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for steering issues (63 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (32 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1992 ▲ 2010 ▲ 2009

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 2000 ■ 2001

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1997 GMC Sierra reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 GMC Sierra is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 1997 GMC Sierra?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Sierra have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.