Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 GMC Sierra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: 1997 GMC Sierra c1500 pick up truck - the consumer complained about steering and brake problems. Took the truck to the GMC shop and they said that the steering box wore out, and needed to be replaced because it had play in the wheel. It has not been replaced as of yet. Also, while driving on the road the brakes malfunctioned. The consumer was not approaching a stop, but was coming up onto a big truck, went to apply the brakes and had no brakes. The brakes were repaired with all new brake lines, but they were still making noise and id not feel right. There have been no recalls on this vehicle.
After parking during my work shift, I attempted to leave work at 1530. Applying the brake to shift into "drive",the pedal went completely to the floor, and the ABS light came on. I was unable to pump up the brake, and had to have the truck towed to a local dealer. It was determined the brake line had rotted out. The gas tank must be removed to effect repair. I had driven the truck from long island, ny to mays landing , nj (about 145 miles) without incident, but the dealer told me I could have lost braking power at any time.
I took my 1997 GMC Sierra to the dealer because there are several recalls involving this vehicle. But the dealer said all the recalls pertain to the 1999-2004 models not mine - but I am having the identical problems - drive shaft, and brakes - my brakes lock up - create lots of noise, calipher damage, etc. I believe that the recalls for the newer vehicles should apply to mine as well. The vehicle is dangerous to drive when the brakes decide not to work. My wife drives the truck and I am concerned for her safety.
Anti lock brakes activate at low speeds and for no apparent reason (weather related or other). Defect discovered several months before repairs were made at superior GMC in brighton in September 2005. Vehicle has less than 23000 miles and is used for leisure purposes. Current GM recall for identical problem does not include 1997 although defect is identical. It is an ongoing problem and therefore the number of failures documented below is an estimate.
Dt*: the contact stated when coming to a stop at speeds below 10 MPH, the vehicle would not stop. Excessive pressure had to be applied to the brake pedal. An independent repair shop replaced the ABS wheel sensors. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V379000, regarding the antilock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 03/22/06.
Dt*: the contact stated the ABS engaged at speeds of 10mph and below. As a result, the stopping distance was increased. There is a NHTSA recall # 05V379000 concerning the ABS. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection, but no repairs were made.
Dt*: the contact stated that the ABS was unwarrantable activating, causing increased stopping distances during low speed brake applications. There is a recall regarding the ABS however the VIN is not included in the recall. This occurs each time the vehicle is driven. There were no previous occurrences that lead up to these incidences.
Dt*: the contact stated the anti-lock brakes engaged at 10 MPH. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V379000, regarding the anti-lock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. The serpentine belt was replaced. Updated 03/17/06.
Brake line that runs along frame rail severely rusted and failed under braking, causing me to nearly rear end another car. I removed it from the truck and took it by the dealer and the service department said this is common for a vehicle with 78,000 miles to have this type of failure.
When applying the brakes during normal stopping vehicle continued to roll while the brakes were applied. Brakes had to be pump several times to get the vehicle to stop. Vehicle has been to the dealer on four separate occasions, and they were unable to locate the problem.
Brake complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 GMC Sierra, 28% of the model year's 238 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (39 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 GMC Sierra brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 GMC Sierra. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 GMC Sierra brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.