Check a VIN

1997 GMC Z-71 problems

The most common problem on the 1997 GMC Z-71 is brakes. It has 2.0 times the complaints of a typical Z-71 model year.

Typical year2.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
8
Recalls
0
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 1997 GMC Z-71 problems

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

  • Brakes
    4
  • Steering
    2
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

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

  • Brakes
    4
  • Steering
    2
  • Engine
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1997 GMC Z-71 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 1, 2010 · Brakes · 89,400 miles · MA

Vehicle failed to stop because of brake line failure. Brakeline bust because if rust. Had to replace brakeline.

Filed May 25, 2005 · Steering, Visibility · 14,000 miles · NE

Dt: power steering violently went out of control, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. This has been an ongoing problem, the sensor has been replaced once. Also, windshield wipers did not work, they were not dependable when needed. The windshield wipers were defective. And the consumer had to fixed them. The manufacturer will not acknowledge the problem in the 1997 year vehicles.

Filed Mar 8, 2004 · Brakes · 97,741 miles · NY · crash · 1 injury

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. After still feeling unusual brake pedal pulsations I was told it is a condition that may intermitently exist and is normal. 1997 gmc truck VIN # [xxx]. *ak updated 07/26/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Feb 11, 2003 · Engine · TX

The vehicle experienced a coolant leak from the manifold.

Filed Dec 20, 2002 · Fuel system · 148,000 miles · SC

Consumer stated vehicle will intermittently stall while driving. Consumer would not be able to restart until 15-30 min later. Dealer discovered that the wiring from the top of the fuel tank into the fuel pump has completely melted insulation causing the wire to split. Also the plug on both sides melted along with the wiring in tank. Ts

Filed Aug 30, 2000 · Brakes, Transmission · NY

Abs brake problems: when applying brakes they grab, then slip, and pedal jerks down. Consumer has a situation of not being in control. This happens at slow speed. It appears that truck will stop in plenty of time, but does not. Truck was taken to the dealership for this problem. Right hub was replaced. *ak the left hub required replacing front brake. Abs sensor failed in wheel hub.

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Steering · AR

Steering sensor went out. Vehicle's steering does not respond. Can do it anywhere anytime when making turns. Seems to be most prevalent when weather is hot. Dealer replaced the 1st time at no cost. Said they had replaced several already. New component is now doing the same thing just not as bad yet. When you make a turn or come out of a turn steering wheel may have up to 1/2 a wheel of turn with no response. I know this has occurred on other vehicles. My brother in-law has a suburban and his did the same. The potential is there for serious accidents.

Filed Jul 26, 2000 · Brakes · TX

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.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 1997 GMC Z-71 before you buy

Compare the 1997 GMC Z-71

Other model years

19961997199819992000

Questions about the 1997 GMC Z-71

Is the 1997 GMC Z-71 reliable?

Owners have filed 8 complaints about the 1997 GMC Z-71, 2.0 times a typical Z-71 model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1997 GMC Z-71?

Brakes, with 4 complaints. Next is steering (2).

How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Z-71 have?

No recalls on record.

Share your experience with the 1997 GMC Z-71

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1997 GMC Z-71?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history
Is this car on a recall?Check VIN