Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
Three year old son was able to shift vehicle out of park and caused vehicle to roll into house. Dealer/ manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information on this matter.
After driving for about 1 hour on the highway, we exited and came to a stoplight that is when the transmission started shifting hard from first to second gear. When I got home I went on-line and that is when I realized that I am not the only 1997 GMC Sierra owner that has this very same problem, there are literally hundreds if not thousands of us out there with the exact problems with this vehicle. I would like to know if there is a recall being considered at this time?
Vehicle stalled while driving. Had coasted to side of road. Restarted & vehicle shut off. The differential seal was leaking oil. The vehicle was making noises in the universal joint. Taking vehicle to mechanic. Also, leaf spring on passenger's sid efailed/replaced/smelled oil due to pcv valve failure, an dtransmission would not shift into drive or reverse.
Consumer has multiple problems with vehicle. Bearings in the drivetrain are defective/ alignment/brakes repaired/rear end replaced, and other problems developed due to the bearing. An authorized GMC repairman told consumer that's the way GMC makes vehicles. Consuemr insisted that has had nothing but bad expriences with the vehicle, and manufacturer.
While the consumer was driving, the vehicle started to jerk hard when transmission was going into first gear and returning to slower arterials. Also, fluid was leaking at rear end of the vehicle. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and dealer said it was bad torque converter.
Transmission kicks at slow speeds not all the time, dealer changed computer module did not reslove the problem dealer would not garrantee transmission replacement, GMC asked about recalls but I did not receive a repy appears to be faulty trans electical part.
Transmission hard shifts from 1-2nd after driving for several miles. I can turn off the ignition and this will solve the problem for about 10 miles. Then it will start shifting hard again. Engine light is on. Dealer couldn't diagnose the problem.
While driving about 20 MPH consumer heard a noise and vehicle slowed down, transmission had gone out. Consumer states while driving there was a nosie and vehicle would not shift into 2nd, 4th, or reverse and had no compression braking on a hill .
While driving the vehicle experienced sudden acceleration at a high speed without prior warning which almost resulted in an accident. Was able to stop the vehicle with the brakes. Also, dealer replaced the transmission.
I purchased this truck in January 1998. 2 weeks later it was in the shop. This pattern continued each time. The complaint was concerning transmission. But each time they would replace something else instead. The truck was in the shop for over 50 days in a years time. On October 4, 1999 I was on my way to work when the truck going down the highway, jammed in 1st gear. The truck was towed. It took the dealer 10 days to make a decision on repairing the truck. They were well aware of this problem, and it is still a major hassle to get it repaired. Contacted GM and had to have them intervene. Had they of fixed the truck the prior 5 times it was in for repair this wouldn't have happened. They continually denied problems existed with the transmission. This is a vortex truck I don't know if there are other existing problems with this year of truck and transmission problems. …
Transmission complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 GMC Sierra, 12% of the model year's 238 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 GMC Sierra transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.