Most common 1997 GMC C/K problems
Share of the 25 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC C/K complaints by model year
Best C/K years: 2002, 1999, 2000. Years to avoid: 1997. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 1997 GMC C/K:
Erratic steering boost while driving
Alleged that the variable effort steering unit intermittently provides full boost tot he power steering gear at moderate to high speeds.
Windshield wiper failure
As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, GM has expanded the population of safety recall 98v-150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my m/l vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.
What 1997 GMC C/K owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
I own a 1997 GMC sierra extended cab pickup (GMC k15), [redacted]. My problem is failure of the windshield wiper motor. The NHTSA has a campaign# 03v-159 which was subject to a renotification recall earlier in 2005. Upon checking with GMC I was told that the recall did not apply to my vehicle even though many other 1997 GMC pickups and suvs were subject to the recall. I explained that I received a recall earlier in 2003, which I still have, that allowed for a recall. At that time I did not have the motor replaced because I was not experiencing problems. After the 2003 recall period had closed I began having the motor failure and was told it was too late. I don't understand why the renotification should not apply to my vehicle now since my vehicle was identified in the earlier recall in 2003. I continue to have wiper motor problems which occur mostly when it rains. …
Sir or ma'am, I bought a 1997 GMC sierra c/k series 1500 pickup in 1999. Recently while driving in the rain my windshield wiper became inoperative. This has happened several times and seems to fix itself after they dry out. I researched this problem on the internet and have found that GMC recall hundreds of thousands of its vehicles for this exact same problem. I contact GMC and they say that my vehicle has not been recalled for this problem when I know it is a factory defect and a severe safety problem because the driver has no visibility, while raining, when this happens. Here is the information for my vehicle: 1997 GMC sierra c/k1500 pickup I think GMC should repair this befre I have an accident and possibly seriously injure someone. Thanks robert jones.
Brakes
Antilock brakes activate when stopping on dry pavement, significantly increasing the stopping distance. Repair was made at my cost several years ago. Problem recurred after about 2 years. Dealer who made the first repair said this is a problem with corrosion on the anti-lock sensor. GM customer service recently said that this is a recall item for the same model truck, but staring with 1998 trucks, not 1997. My 1997 has less than 40,000 miles on it. I feel this is a significant safety defect, and GMC should be forced to recall. It is only be my diligence that there has not been an accident. GMC suggested I submit a complaint to you.
When I step on the brake pedal during normal stops, when the vehicle speed slows to under ten miles per hour, I hear the antilock brake motor activate and the brake pedal will pulsate and no matter how hard I push on the pedal the truck will not slow down. This happens every time I step on the brake. I have almost had many accidents because of this problem. I have not had the problem corrected yet. I have disconnected the antilock system.
Steering
I own a 97' GMC z-71. I've been having problems with the steering on my truck for the past 3 months. It gets in a bind when turning and I lose my power steering part of the turn and then I regain it coming out of the turn. I have a friend with a 96' Chevy tahoe 4x4 that has the same problem, and another friend with a 98' Chevy silverado that has come across the same problem, almost resulting in a crash. We all have changed our power steering pumps and still have the same problem. I also have trouble turning my wheels when sitting still or at slow speed ( I run 285/75/16 radials) and it causes an inconvenience in tight turning or in a parking lot. I hit a car in the rear because my truck couldn't turn fast enough in a local store parking lot.
Continuous sterring problem with left hand turns at any speed. This is the very same problem described on many of the other 1997 GM vehicles already recalled by the company. The dealer claims there is no recall for my particular vehicle and I will have to pay full price of rack & pinion repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 GMC C/K a good car?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 C/K rates use caution: 2.9× as many complaints as a typical year of the C/K at the same age. It is one of the C/K years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 GMC C/K?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 11 complaints, 44% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield wiper/washer. Next are the brakes (7) and steering (6).
How many recalls does the 1997 GMC C/K have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 GMC C/K. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC C/K?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002, 1999 and 2000. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997. See the full GMC C/K years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 GMC C/K problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 86,000 miles; 21% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.