1997 Gmc SIERRA 1500: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
66 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
82,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 1997 model year. Data snapshot: . 38 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 10 of 66 complaints (15.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Steering behavior | 17 | 25.8% |
| Braking behavior | 14 | 21.2% |
| Transmission and shifting | 6 | 9.1% |
| Fuel system concerns | 5 | 7.6% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 1.5% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Steering | 10 |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission | 6 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 6 |
| Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System | 6 |
| Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer | 6 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip | 4 |
| Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor | 4 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump | 3 |
Steering: 10; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 6; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 6; Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist System: 6; Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer: 6; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 4; Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor: 4; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 7 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 7 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 6 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 11 |
| 150,000 and above | 5 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 7; 50,000 to 74,999: 7; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 11; 150,000 and above: 5
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (11). 28 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 11 |
| 2001 | 2 |
| 2002 | 4 |
| 2003 | 7 |
| 2004 | 8 |
| 2005 | 7 |
| 2006 | 4 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 5 |
| 2012 | 4 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
2000: 11; 2001: 2; 2002: 4; 2003: 7; 2004: 8; 2005: 7; 2006: 4; 2007: 2; 2008: 1; 2009: 2; 2010: 2; 2011: 5; 2012: 4; 2014: 1; 2015: 2; 2016: 1; 2017: 2; 2021: 1
Pattern summary
Steering leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 17 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 14 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 6 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10016949 · 2003-05-03 (May 3, 2003)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SLAMS INTO GEAR RECENTLY, CHANGED FLUID HELPED FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS - WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WORKS WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT - FUEL GAUGE HAS NOT WORKED SINCE 1999 AND OTHER PEOPLE I KNOW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR GENERAL MOTOR TRUCKS. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 55,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10016949 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10017085 · 2003-05-06 (May 6, 2003)
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY REAR DIFFERENTIAL BROKE RESULTING IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL. LOST POWER STEERING CONTROL AS WELL AS BRAKING ABILITY. THE LEFT WHEEL ENDED UP DETACHING THREE FEET AWAY FROM WERE THE WHEEL IS TO BE MOUNTED TO THE TRUCK. *NLM
Owner-reported narrative. 59,736 miles reported. Look up ODI 10017085 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10017997 · 2003-07-03 (July 3, 2003)
THE STEERING HAD PLAY IN AND WANDERED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THE STEERING SENSOR WAS REPLACED. *NLM *CB
Owner-reported narrative. 59,826 miles reported. Look up ODI 10017997 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10022445 · 2003-06-26 (June 26, 2003)
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. *JB PH *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 48,865 miles reported. Look up ODI 10022445 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10030351 · 2003-07-29 (July 29, 2003)
VARIABLE SPEED STEERING IS VERY INTERMITTENT. *AK
Owner-reported narrative. 30,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10030351 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10033097 · 2003-08-19 (August 19, 2003)
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR MY 1997 GMC SUBURBAN. THE CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS 03023. THE DEFECT WAS RELATED TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR STOPPING WHICH HAS RECENTLY HAPPENED TO US DURING HEAVY RAINS. WHEN I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP (TUCKS TRUCKS IN HUDSON MA), THEY REFUSED WORKING ON THE VEHICLE AS THE GM SYSTEM SHOWED A CAMPAIGN STATUS AS "CLOSED". I CONTACTED GM AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IT. IN THE MEAN TIME I HAVE WIPERS THAT STOP WORKING INTERMITTENTLY DURING RAINSTORMS. I AM CURIOUS TO KNOW HOW MANY OF THESE CAMPAIGNS …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10033097 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10041642 · 2003-10-11 (October 11, 2003)
I HAVE OWNED MY 1997 GMC K1500 SIERRA SINCE 1999 AND HAVE EXPERIENCED CONTINUOUS MOMENTARY LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONTROL DUE TO A FAILING VSS SENSOR LOCATED ON THE STEERING COLUMN. THIS LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONTROL OCCURS AT ANY SPEED AND DIRECTION. I HAVE HAD THIS COMPONENT REPLACED TWICE OVER THE YEARS AND THE SENSOR STARTS TO INTERMITTENTLY FAIL WITHIN 6 MONTHS. EVERY INDIVIDUAL I HAVE TALKED TO OVER THE YEARS WHO HAS OWNED A GM 1997-1999 C/K FULL-SIZE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED THIS SUDDEN LOSS OF CONTROL IN THE STEERING WHEEL AT ONE TIME…
Owner-reported narrative. 20,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10041642 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10053064 · 2004-01-13 (January 13, 2004)
POWER STEERING ASSIST TENDS TO PULL THE WHEEL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT WITH TOO MUCH ASSIST AFTER BARELY TURNING THE WHEEL ONE WAY OR THE OTHER (HAS ALWAYS DONE THIS SINCE NEW). WINDSHIELD WIPERS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN ACTING UP WHEN ACTIVATING THE WASHER MECHANISM. SOMETIMES THEY WON'T WORK, SOMETIMES THEY STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WIPE CYCLE. THE DATE BELOW IS A REQUIRED FIELD, BUT THE INCIDENTS HAVE HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW.
Owner-reported narrative. 25,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10053064 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
97V037000 · Seats
Reported: 1997-03-07 (March 7, 1997)
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 RECLINER MECHANISM THAT CAN TRAP AND PINCH A PERSON'S HAND OR FINGER(S) WHEN THE EASY-ENTRY FEATURE IS ACTIVATED.
Consequence: THIS PINCHING CAN CUT THE HAND OR POSSIBLY SEVER THE FINGER(S) WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTOR COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
NHTSA campaign record ↗97V176000 · Seats
Reported: 1997-10-07 (October 7, 1997)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS. ONE OR TWO OF THE FRONT SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS WERE NOT INSTALLED. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS."
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, A SEAT WITH THIS CONDITION WILL NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK ALL SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS AND INSTALL ANY MISSING BOLTS.
NHTSA campaign record ↗98V187000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly
Reported: 1998-08-10 (August 10, 1998)
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS. THE FRONT, INNER CORNER OF THE FUEL TANK CAN CONTACT THE BODY SILL EITHER INTERMITTENTLY OR CONSTANTLY. THIS MOVEMENT CAN CAUSE A DISCERNIBLE NOISE AND, OVER TIME, CAN WEAR A HOLE IN OR CRACK THE FUEL TANK AT POINT OF CONTACT.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN FUEL LEAKAGE AND A DISTINCT FUEL ODOR IF THE TANK WERE FILLED ABOVE THE LEVEL OF THE HOLE OR CRACK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD RESULT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK FOR WEAR AND, EITHER INSTALL A SPACER BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER, OR IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.
NHTSA campaign record ↗