Most common 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 problems
Share of the 83 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Sierra 1500 complaints by model year
Best Sierra 1500 years: 2012, 2013. Years to avoid: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2019. Compare all years →
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls (3)
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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.
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.
Seats
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."
Remedy: Dealers will check all seat mounting bolts and install any missing bolts.
Seats
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.
Remedy: Dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.
What 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 owners say
Steering all 25 →
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 times. This is very serious and hazardous issue !!!! Many drivers have the same problem and has expressed it on the internet. GMC has not put out any recall to fix it. Additionally, this problem is a life or death situation! If you want all the documentation please call aamco [phone]..please don't wait until someone dies due this steering issue!! Btw this steering has been going on for over two years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My next course of action will be to call the media to get some answers. Reply the soonest!!!!
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 problem is very severe issue and a extreme hazard on the road, especially; when the lose of power steering happens any time without warning. If you want all the documentation please call aamco [phone]. The power steering problem will kill someone. I have had many close calls while driving this vehicle for the past two (all the parts are new, not rebuilt) btw, the steering is very loose and makes the driver over correct while driving. Please reply the soonest
Brakes
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the ABS failed. While driving, the brake pedal had to be depressed simultaneously for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V045000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Steel hydraulic brake line under truck bed and running along driver side frame ruptured while driving. Result was loss of loss of pressurization/brake fluid, mushy brake pedal, and greatly decreased braking performance. Inspection reveals significant rust areas on all steel brake lines requiring complete replacement of all brake lines.
Windows, wipers & sunroof
Persistent failure of windshield wiper operation under normal vehicle operation. This LED to lack of visibility through windshield. There is a well documented recall of the wiper module assembly for GM trucks/vans. My truck is a 1997 GMC k1500. When I took my truck into the dealership, they informed me that my particular VIN was not included in the recall VIN range. There is no doubt my truck has the bad parts illustrated in the recall(s) (eg, ea02006). My complaint is that it should be included and fixed by GM, and that by some sort of VIN technicality or error, they refuse to fix. What is my course of action to rectify this situation?
Tl contact owns a 1997 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving during a rainstorm, the windshield wipers stopped functioning. The contact pulled over and the wipers began working intermittently. Most recently, the wipers stopped functioning altogether. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The contact called the manufacturer who referred him to NHTSA. The vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. The failure mileage was 67,550. The current mileage was 69,836.
1997 GMC Sierra 1500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 21 / 18 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 16 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 19 / 15 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 6.5L 8-cyl turbo diesel | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 16 / 14 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 11 / 17 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 a good car?
Based on 83 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Sierra 1500 rates better than average: 50% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sierra 1500 at the same age. 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 Sierra 1500?
The steering — 25 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about hydraulic power assist system. Next are the brakes (18) and windows, wipers & sunroof (14).
How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
There are 3 recalls for the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500, the most recent from August 10, 1998 (tank assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Sierra 1500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021 and 2019. See the full GMC Sierra 1500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 85,000 miles; 24% 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.