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1997 GMC Sierra 3500 problems

The most common problem on the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 is brakes. It has fewer complaints than a typical Sierra 3500 model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
9
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 problems

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

  • Brakes
    4
  • Steering
    4
  • Transmission
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Engine
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Brakes
    4
  • Steering
    4
  • Transmission
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Engine
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Seats
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 1

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 1 recalls for the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500

Technical service bulletins for the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 9

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

What 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 15, 2003 · Brakes · 95,000 miles · NV · crash

My brakes failed when I got into a wreck, the peddle went to the floor its like my brakes were not there. I have a 97 gmc k3500 4 door long bed 4 wheel drive, I felt that I should have been able to stop,I also have to replace my front brakes every year no matter what kind I buy.

Filed Aug 31, 2002 · Visibility · AR

No summary listed for above vehicle.

Filed Oct 2, 2000 · Body, Brakes · TX

Brake booster malfunctioned, causing no braking ability which may have resulted in a crash. Also, driver and passenger rear seatbelts , were locked up, could not use the seatbelt and won't protect the occupant in event a crash. Dealer replaced both seatbelts. The rear of cab was not welded properly. Dealer had to weld the rear cab to front. Rear axle seal will go out, causing oil to go into the brake shoes, resulting in no rear brakes. The engine stalled. Had to get a rebuilt engine, and the manufacturer put out a tsb but has no solution. *ak the engine fell apart just after warranty expired. The steering suddenly locked while the vehicle was making a turn.

Filed Aug 10, 2000 · Steering · CO

Power steering pump failed unexpectedly while driving at approximately at 65 MPH, causing loss of power steering and power brakes, which could have resulted in a crash.

Filed Jul 23, 1999 · Brakes · WV

The ABS braking system malfunctioned, causing brake pedal to the floor and resulting in extended stopping distance, which almost cause a crash. Please provide further information.

Filed May 11, 1999 · Brakes · WI

Under normal braking and on regular road conditions when applying the brakes truck pulls to the left and the pedal is soft. The front brakes were replaced at 21,000 miles and rear brakes were replaced at 22,000 miles. Owner still experiencing problems with brakes. Please provide further details.

Filed Apr 23, 1998 · Steering · NY · crash · 2 injuries

Insured person was driving on highway at 55mph when left side inner tie rod broke, causing loss of control. Hit three other vehicles and causing two injuries. Dealer notified.

Filed Apr 23, 1998 · Steering · NY · crash · 2 injuries

Insured person was driiving on highway at 55mph when front right inner tie rod end broke, causing loss of control. Hit three other vehicles, causing injuries to two. Dealer notified.

Filed Mar 20, 1997 · Seats · FL

While driving the driver's side seat frame broke, causing the seat to fall backwards.

Filed Jan 3, 1997 · Transmission · TX · crash

Vehicle's rear axle became detched from vehicle when applying brakes. Bolts from the mfr plant were missing. This occurred with only 300 miles on the car.

Compare the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500

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Questions about the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500

Is the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 reliable?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500, fewer than a typical Sierra 3500 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500?

Brakes, with 4 complaints. Next is steering (4).

How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Sierra 3500 have?

1 recall, covering seats.

What year does the GMC Sierra 3500 have bad brakes?

The GMC Sierra 3500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2001 (16 complaints), 2004 (14 complaints) and 2000 (12 complaints).

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