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1997 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

The most common problem on the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 is steering, typically around 60,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sierra 1500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
83
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
11
Worst area
Steering
Fuel economy
13-18mpg

The worst 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Steering
    25
  • Brakes
    18
  • Visibility
    14
  • Fuel system
    9
  • Transmission
    8
  • Suspension
    6
  • Seat belts
    4
  • Body
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Lights
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500

Wipers 13ABS 7Power steering loss 6Fuel pump 5Pulling 5

Trouble codes owners of the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 mention

C1500 2

Recalls 3

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported August 10, 1998 · 55,272 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
This condition can result in fuel leakage and a distinct fuel odor if the tank were filled above the level of the hole or crack. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could result.
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.

Recall number 98V187000 · Recall details

SeatsReported October 7, 1997 · 6,418 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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."
Risk
In the event of a vehicle crash, a seat with this condition will not protect the occupant as required by the standard.
Remedy
Dealers will check all seat mounting bolts and install any missing bolts.

Recall number 97V176000 · Recall details

SeatsReported March 7, 1997 · 624,433 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
This pinching can cut the hand or possibly sever the finger(s) without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.

Recall number 97V037000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 11

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 11 bulletins for the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500

1997 GMC Sierra 1500 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.3L 6‑cylRWD1520-2116-18
5.0L 8‑cylRWD1417-1915-16
4.3L 6‑cyl4WD1418-1915-16
5.7L 8‑cylRWD13-1417-1815
6.5L 8‑cyl DieselRWD141715
6.5L 8‑cyl Diesel4WD141715
5.0L 8‑cyl4WD11-131713-14
5.7L 8‑cyl4WD11-1216-1713-14

What 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 10, 2021 · Body · NH

The driver's side door handle doesn't work. I believe this was a 'recall' but I couldn't get the dealership to fix it. Real fun having to roll down the window just to open the door from inside, especially when the door's window is frozen. Obviously the vehicle is in a parked postion. The truck only had 149,000 when the handle stopped working.

Filed Jan 30, 2017 · Steering · 120,950 miles · GA

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 770‑823‑1142..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!!!!

Filed Jan 29, 2017 · Steering · 120,695 miles · GA

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 (678) 619-0817. 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

Filed Oct 27, 2016 · Airbags · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 gmc sierra 1500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Dec 9, 2015 · Brakes · 140,000 miles · WI

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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v045000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Nov 26, 2015 · Brakes · 111,087 miles · MD

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.

Filed Aug 15, 2014 · Electrical · 238,129 miles · SC

My ignition cylinder is binding badly and im concerned that my vehicle is going to have the same problems as other gm vehicles.

Filed Dec 20, 2012 · Visibility · 30,000 miles · NC

You turn on the wipers and they don't work or start and than stop to which you must get out of the truck and give a pull on the wiper arm to get it started again.

Filed May 25, 2012 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · IN

Brake fluid began leaking from under the driver side door. Closer inspection revealed the brake line had corroded and began to leak. This was replaced in january 2011. After replacing both front brake pads and pressing the brake pedal, the brake line on the passenger side burst and after inspecting this brake line as well, it was corroded and finally gave way due to the extra pressure exerted by the new unworn brake pad. The amount of corrosion seemed excessive for this to happen so suddenly. In both cases, the vehicle was not in motion and no harm was caused due to early recognition of the problem.

Filed Mar 24, 2012 · Steering · 96,000 miles · PA

Going into a turn my steering will jump auto store said it was a steering sensor.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 before you buy

Compare the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500

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Other model years

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Questions about the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500

Is the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?

Owners have filed 83 complaints about the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500, fewer than a typical Sierra 1500 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500?

Steering, with 25 complaints, typically around 60,000 miles. Next is brakes (18).

How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 have?

3 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and seats.

What year does the GMC Sierra 1500 have bad steering?

The GMC Sierra 1500 model years with the most steering complaints are 2014 (156 complaints), 2015 (81 complaints) and 2019 (42 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 get?

Official estimates for the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 range from 13 to 18 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 20-21 highway.

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