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1997 GMC Sierra 2500 problems

The most common problem on the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500 is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sierra 2500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
14
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
7
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 1997 GMC Sierra 2500 problems

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

  • Brakes
    7
  • Tires
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Locks
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Brakes
    7
  • Tires
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Seats
    1

Recalls 2

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 2 recalls for the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500 7

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

What 1997 GMC Sierra 2500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 18, 2012 · Tires · 100,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 gmc c2500 pickup equipped with cooper mastercraft tires, size p265/75/r16. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the tread separated from the tires and caused damage to the vehicle. The contact was able to safely drive the vehicle to a local body shop. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage on the tires was 31,000 the failure and current mileages on the vehicle was 100,000.

Filed Apr 17, 2012 · Brakes · 175,000 miles · DE

Corroded brake line failure. Loss of rear brakes, front worked.

Filed Jul 15, 2011 · Tires · 141,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 gmc sierra 2500 with bf-goodrich all terrain tires, line size lt265/75/16. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle exhibited a loud abnormal noise as the contact lost control of the vehicle. The driver side rear tire tread separated causing damage to the back of the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who advised that they would contact him at a later date. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN and dot numbers were unavailable. The failure and current mileage was 141,000.

Filed Feb 3, 2011 · Fuel system · 98,000 miles · VA

1997 gm 6.5 turbo diesel pmd failure. Loss of control very unsafe. Why does gm fail to recall the pmd????

Filed Apr 9, 2010 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · KY

Brake line failure on 1997 gmc pickup. @ different occasions and separate areas in brake lines. Old lines discarded. Appeared to be a rust issue.

Filed Jul 30, 2004 · Visibility · 160,000 miles · KY

While driving in rainy weather front windshield wipers failed intermittently. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Nov 18, 2003 · Locks · 56,000 miles · CA

I own a 97 gmc truck. Currently, the truck has a little over 55,000 miles. Approximately, 2 years ago the interior door handle failed to open the driver side door. I took the vehicle to lehmers in concord and they repaired the problem at no charge to me... It was still under warranty. Last week the same problem occurred on the driver side and "started to show signs of the same problem" on the passenger side door. Since the vehicle was out of warranty, I decided to "save a buck" and fix the problems myself. After removing the driver side interior handle assembly, I was shocked to find the handle itself cracked I.e. The handle assembly is poorly designed. (it's plastic.) I took the handle assembly to the dealership and showed the broken handle to the service manager and explained how this was the second handle. The service manager said, "their hands were tied" and could not help me because everything was out of warranty. The service manager did not find any service bulletins concerning door handles. (I also subscribe to an online service manual provider called alldata.com. They include technical bulletins the service shops get from gm. I did not find any bulletins concerning door handles.) while still at the dealership, I bought a new handle. It looks exactly like the old one. It comes with a 1-year warranty. I called gmc and they said that because the item is out of warranty, they couldn't help me. The customer service rep also said there was no record of any other door handle problems.

Filed Oct 30, 2001 · Brakes · NJ

When applying brakes hard they do not work. Also, when applying brakes to stop vehicle, they let go and donot hold. Vehicle is at dealership.

Filed Apr 2, 2000 · Brakes · OH

False engagement of anti-lock brakes.

Filed Feb 3, 2000 · Visibility · NC

While raining windshield wipers will move real slow or they may stop completely. It is an intermittent reoccurring problem. Dealer claims vehicle is not under warranty.

Compare the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500

Sierra 2500 vs Ford F-250 SDSierra 2500 vs Ram 2500Sierra 2500 vs Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Other model years

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Questions about the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500

Is the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500, fewer than a typical Sierra 2500 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500?

Brakes, with 7 complaints. Next is tires (2).

How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500 have?

2 recalls, covering seats.

What year does the GMC Sierra 2500 have bad brakes?

The GMC Sierra 2500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2002 (78 complaints), 2003 (73 complaints) and 2001 (62 complaints).

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