1997 GMC Sierra Problems & Recalls
Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip (16.4% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip complaints here are 2.7× the median for that category across the 2075 model-years tracked on this site.
None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip | 39 · 16.4% | No official action | — |
| Steering | 30 · 12.6% | No official action | — |
| Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System | 19 · 8% | No official action | — |
| Power Train:automatic Transmission | 18 · 7.6% | No official action | — |
| Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer | 12 · 5% | No official action | — |
| Tires | 9 · 3.8% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Complaints by component
Percentages are the share of the 238 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
Recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“CONSUMER HAS MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. BEARINGS IN THE DRIVETRAIN ARE DEFECTIVE/ ALIGNMENT/BRAKES REPAIRED/REAR END REPLACED, AND OTHER PROBLEMS DEVELOPED DUE TO THE BEARING. AN…”NHTSA complaint 865836 — filed 07/21/2000 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
“WHEN FIRST PURCHASED, WE CONTACTED GM. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO 2 SHOPS, BUT THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG. OUR WARRENTY IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE…”NHTSA complaint 725213 — filed 07/10/2000 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
“I HAVE 5# OF PAPER WORK ON THIS ONE,HAD TROUBLE WITH THIE STEERING GEAR BOX AT 1150 MILES, HAD ROCKER AND LIFTERS DONE AT 4407…”NHTSA complaint 716764 — filed 01/02/2000 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1997 GMC Sierra?
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip issues are the most-reported category, cited in 39 of 238 NHTSA complaints (16.4%), followed by steering (30), steering:hydraulic power assist system (19), power train:automatic transmission (18). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 1997 GMC Sierra have?
238 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 6 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, and 4 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 1997 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
No NHTSA recall campaigns are on file for this vehicle. New recalls can be issued at any time — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 1997 GMC Sierra's reported problems?
0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
