1997 GMC Sierra problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 302 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.5 times the median Sierra year — the 1997 model ranks #6 of 36 Sierra years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 76 reports (25% of the total).
302
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1997 compare to other Sierra years?
What are the most common 1997 GMC Sierra problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 76 | 25% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 64 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 33 | 11% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 24 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 19 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 14 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 13 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 12 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 11 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Other | 6 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 6 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 5 | 2% | — flat |
| Lighting | 5 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 4 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH AND UPON APPLYING BRAKES THEY FELT AS IF THEY WERE BRAKING. HOWEVER, BRAKES LOCKED UP, CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO INTO A SKID, AND RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED DEALER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK”
“I HAVE BEEN HAVING A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING WHEEL JERKING TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN MAKING A SLIGHT TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. IT CAUSES ME TO OVERCORRECT MY STEERING. IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE IN THE LAST YEAR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE STEERING GETS VERY LOOSE. I FEEL THIS IS SOMETHING THAT GM SHOULD…”
“THREE YEAR OLD SON WAS ABLE TO SHIFT VEHICLE OUT OF PARK AND CAUSED VEHICLE TO ROLL INTO HOUSE. DEALER/ MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED AT THIS TIME. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS MATTER.*AK”
“FAULTY WINDSHIELD WASHER MODULE. REPAIRED PAR BUT IT WAS NOT APART OF THE RECALL DUE TO VIN NUMBER. *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING FOR 5 OR MORE SECONDS. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A RESULT OF A FAULTY WINDSHIELD WASHER MODULE…”
“VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. HAD COASTED TO SIDE OF ROAD. RESTARTED & VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE DIFFERENTIAL SEAL WAS LEAKING OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING NOISES IN THE UNIVERSAL JOINT. TAKING VEHICLE TO MECHANIC. ALSO, LEAF SPRING ON PASSENGER'S SID EFAILED/REPLACED/SMELLED OIL DUE TO PCV VALVE…”
1997 GMC Sierra — common questions
Is the 1997 GMC Sierra reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 302 complaints put the 1997 model at #6 of 36 Sierra years. It is one of the Sierra years to avoid.
What are the most common 1997 Sierra problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (76 complaints), steering (64 complaints), transmission (33 complaints).
Does the 1997 GMC Sierra have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1997 GMC Sierra.
Which GMC Sierra years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2002, 2003, 1998, 2004, 1994, 2005, 2014, 1993. The cleanest record among Sierra years belongs to 1979.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.