1997 GMC Sierra 3500 Problems & Complaints

Average23% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sierra 3500 at the same age

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Sierra 3500 at the same age. The most reported problem area is the steering (4 complaints). One recall covers this model year.

10complaints
1recalls
4crashes
0fires
4injuries
0deaths

Most common 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 problems

  • Steering
    440%
  • Brakes~95,000 miles
    440%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    220%
  • Seats
    110%
  • Engine & cooling
    110%
  • Seat belts
    110%
  • Body & structure
    110%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof
    110%

Share of the 10 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

GMC Sierra 3500 complaints by model year

’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26101219263620724241116255220914731191314135120322850175
Owner complaints per model year, GMC Sierra 3500. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Sierra 3500 years: 2012, 2014, 2013. Years to avoid: 2024, 2020, 2023, 2025, 2022. Compare all years →

1997 GMC Sierra 3500 recalls (1)

Seats

NHTSA recall 97V-037 · Mar 7, 1997 · 624,433 vehicles

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 3500 owners say

Steering

Brake booster malfunctioned, causing no braking ability which May have resulted in a crash. Also, driver and passenger rear seatbelts , were locked up, could not use the seatbelt and won't protect the occupant in event a crash. Dealer replaced both seatbelts. The rear of cab was not welded properly. Dealer had to weld the rear cab to front. Rear axle seal will go out, causing oil to go into the brake shoes, resulting in no rear brakes. The engine stalled. Had to get a rebuilt engine, and the manufacturer put out a TSB but has no solution. The engine fell apart just after warranty expired. The steering suddenly locked while the vehicle was making a turn.

Jan 1997

Insured person was driiving on highway at 55mph when front right inner tie rod end broke, causing loss of control. Hit three other vehicles, causing injuries to two. Dealer notified.

Linkages › Tie rod assembly · Jan 1998 · crash · 2 injuries

Brakes

My brakes failed when I got into a wreck, the peddle went to the floor its like my brakes were not there. I have a 97 GMC k3500 4 door long bed 4 wheel drive, I felt that I should have been able to stop,I also have to replace my front brakes every year no matter what kind I buy.

95,000 miles · Mar 2003 · crash

Brake booster malfunctioned, causing no braking ability which May have resulted in a crash. Also, driver and passenger rear seatbelts , were locked up, could not use the seatbelt and won't protect the occupant in event a crash. Dealer replaced both seatbelts. The rear of cab was not welded properly. Dealer had to weld the rear cab to front. Rear axle seal will go out, causing oil to go into the brake shoes, resulting in no rear brakes. The engine stalled. Had to get a rebuilt engine, and the manufacturer put out a TSB but has no solution. The engine fell apart just after warranty expired. The steering suddenly locked while the vehicle was making a turn.

Power assist › Vacuum · Jan 1997

Frequently asked questions

Is the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 a good car?

Based on 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Sierra 3500 rates average: 23% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Sierra 3500 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 3500?

The steering — 4 complaints, 40% of all complaints for this model year, most often about linkages › tie rod assembly. Next are the brakes (4) and transmission & drivetrain (2).

How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 have?

There is 1 recall for the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500, the most recent from March 7, 1997 (seats). 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 3500?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2014 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2020, 2023, 2025 and 2022. See the full GMC Sierra 3500 years comparison.

At what mileage do 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 95,000 miles; 0% 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.