2017 GMC Sierra problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2017 GMC Sierra sits mid-pack among Sierra years: 77 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 67, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
Transmission leads the complaint categories with 23 reports (30% of the total).
77
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2017 compare to other Sierra years?
What are the most common 2017 GMC Sierra problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 23 | 30% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 20 | 26% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 8 | 10% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE "CHEVY SAKE". AT SPEEDS OVER 70MPH EXCESSIVE VIBRATION INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THIS IS WELL DOCUMENTED ON-LINE, PARTICULARLY VARIOUS GM FORUMS AND YOU TUBE VIDEOS. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT GM DENIES IT IS A PROBLEM, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN DOING SOME BUY BACKS AND IF YOU READ SOME OF THE DEALER BLOGS…”
“AS I WAS BACKING UP I APPLIED MY BRAKES AND FOR SOME REASON NOTHING HAPPENED WHICH RESULTED IN MY HITTING MY WIFE'S CAR AND DAMAGING HER DRIVERS SIDE QUARTER PANEL. WHEN I ASKED GMC ABOUT THE ISSUE THEY SAID IT WAS JUST AN ERROR ON MY PART. NOW I FIND OUT THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE BRAKING…”
“WHEN REVERSE IS ACTIVATED AT NIGHT, THE BACKUP CAMERA COMES ON AT FULL BRIGHTNESS AND IS NOT DIMMABLE. THE BRIGHT SCREEN PREVENTS VIEW OF THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR AND SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCES VISIBILITY IN THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR WHILE REVERSING. THE SCREEN CANNOT BE DEACTIVATED AND BLINDS THE DRIVER.…”
“The contact owns a 2017 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed with the defroster activated, a smoke odor was detected inside the vehicle. The contact's wife checked the rearview mirror and saw flames coming from the rear windshield. The contact's…”
“GMC HAS REFUSED TO FIND A FIX FOR THE HEATER CORD DEFECT WHICH IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASON WHY I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I LIVE IN IDAHO. GMC SHOULD COMPENSATE OWNERS UNTIL FIXED.”
2017 GMC Sierra — common questions
Is the 2017 GMC Sierra reliable?
It is close to typical for the Sierra: 77 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and no investigations on file.
What are the most common 2017 Sierra problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (23 complaints), brakes (20 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints).
Does the 2017 GMC Sierra have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2017 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.