GMC C/K Problems by Year

We compared every GMC C/K model year from 1997–2002 using 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 1 recall and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 1997, which drew far more complaints than other C/K years at the same age. The best years are 2002, 1999 and 2000.

5model years
55complaints
1recalls
1997worst years
2002, 1999best years

Complaints by model year

199719981999200020022511865
Owner complaints per model year, GMC C/K. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20025−33%—BrakeAverage
20006−22%—BrakeAverage
19998−22%—BrakeAverage
1998111.6×1Window & WiperAverage
1997252.9×—Window & WiperCaution

* Complaints compared with the median C/K year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common GMC C/K problems

  • Brakesworst: 1997
    2342%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 1997
    1731%
  • Steeringworst: 1997
    611%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 1997
    35%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 1997
    24%
  • Electrical systemworst: 1997
    24%
  • Body & structureworst: 1998
    24%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 1997
    12%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 1999
    12%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2000
    12%
  • Air bagsworst: 2002
    12%

Latest GMC C/K recalls

Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior

NHTSA recall 03V-093 · Mar 7, 2003 · 507,171 vehicles

Certain sport utility vehicles, Mini vans, and pickup trucks May develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.

Remedy: Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on April 24, 2003.

Frequently asked questions

What years of the GMC C/K should you avoid?

1997 — this year has the most complaints relative to other C/K years at the same age, led by windows, wipers & sunroof problems in the 1997.

What is the best year for the GMC C/K?

2002 has the fewest complaints compared with other C/K years at the same age, followed by 1999 and 2000. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common GMC C/K problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (23), windows, wipers & sunroof (17) and steering (6). Brake complaints peak in the 1997 model year.

How many recalls has the GMC C/K had?

1 recall across 1997–2002. The model year with the most is 1998.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.