Most common 1997 GMC Z-71 problems
Share of the 8 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Z-71 complaints by model year
What 1997 GMC Z-71 owners say
Brakes
A vehicle was stopped on the roadway waiting for a vehicle in front of him to make a left turn, I saw the two stopped vehicles and when trying to apply the brakes on my 1997 GMC truck from about 200+ feet away, the brake pedal just became rock hard and truck didn't slow down or brake causing me to hit the stopped vehicle. No typical anti lock pulsations were present or felt just a rock hard pedal that couldn't be pushed down further no matter how hard I tried. There are absolutely no skip or skid type marks anywhere. I have since been cited with following to close by an officer not present during the accident, since I couldn't stop. I wish to report this and also know if other complaints exist of this nature for similar vehicles. I had other pulsations and similar hard pedal and this was suposedly repaired by replacing speed sensor and mastercylinder ay approx 56000. …
When braking vehicle pulls to the left. Dealership is not able to duplicate any problems with the truck. Also, brakes pads have been replaced 6 times in two years and nine months/ calipers have been replaced once and rebuilt twice/ driver's side rotors have been replaced twice in three months, and passenger's side rotors were replaced once. In addition, brake hoses have been replaced once. Owner is still experiencing brake problems. Please provide any further information.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 GMC Z-71 a good car?
That is a low number of complaints for a car on sale this long. So far owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 GMC Z-71?
The brakes — 4 complaints, 50% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the steering (2) and transmission & drivetrain (1).
How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Z-71 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 GMC Z-71. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 1997 GMC Z-71 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 98,000 miles; 25% 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.