1997 GMC Sierra 1500 problems & reliability
83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 25 | 30% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 15 | 18% |
| Visibility | 13 | 16% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 8 | 10% |
| Power Train | 8 | 10% |
| Suspension | 6 | 7% |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 5% |
| Service Brakes | 3 | 4% |
| Structure | 3 | 4% |
| Air Bags | 2 | 2% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 82,500 miles (middle 50% between 56,184 and 119,463 miles), based on 38 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“The driver's side door handle doesn't work. I believe this was a 'recall' but I couldn't get the dealership to fix it. Real fun having to roll down the window just to open the door from inside, especially when the door's window is frozen. Obviously the vehicle is in a parked postion. The truck only had 149,000 when…”
Structure · filed Feb 10, 2021
“While driving on highway this vehicle will move right and left without no input from the driver. Also, making a left or right turn the power steering will stop,lock up start working again for no apparent reason. I have change all front tie rods twice, steering gear box, four times and the power steering pump three…”
Steering · filed Jan 30, 2017
“While turning a left turn on a highway january 28 the vehicle lost power steering. I have removed and replaced the power steering pump three times, gearbox four times, all the tiebars and componentsd twice. Gmc is aware of the steering problems and has not recalled any vehicles for power steering problems! This…”
Steering · filed Jan 29, 2017
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
11 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500. The 10 most recent:
This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
17-NA-073 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 21, 2023
This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
04-06-04-051F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 22, 2022
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8…
PIP4723F · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 14, 2022
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient…
16NA260 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 26, 2016
Vehicle Recalls
Recalls · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 30, 2014
Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
130089009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 1, 2013
Chevrolet:gmc: engineering information-fuel tank pressure sensor, dtcs p0446, p0451 or p0454 set. Gmc engineering is attempting to determine the root cause of the above concern. *pe
PIE-0043 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 1, 2010
Saab/hummer/gm: diagnostic tips/recommendations when power steering pump replacement is necessary. Analysis of returned power steering (ps) pumps that had been replaced for noise, no power assist, no or low pressure and…
SB-06-02-32-013B · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 1, 2009
Some customers may comment on front door hinge pin bushing wear, front door sag, or door chucking movement in extreme operating conditions. *tt
020864016 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 1, 2002
This technical service bulletin states that technicians may experience difficulty in removing the connectors from the park / neutral position switch, usually when trying to remove the switch during transmission service…
010730021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 1, 2001
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns name the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 in our current data. Recalls may apply only to certain VIN ranges — always confirm with a VIN check.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 1997 GMC Sierra 1500?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 82,500 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.