1997 GMC Sierra: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 GMC Sierra: 0 recalls, 238 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Before 1999, Sierra was a trim level on GMC's C/K pickup, not a separate model. Owners often file these reports under the trim name. For the full picture, also see the .
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 5 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (63): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (16), noise or vibration (9).
- Steering (63): the most common themes are steering problems (53), noise or vibration (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (28): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (12), noise or vibration (5), leaks (3).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (24): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1997 GMC Sierra has 238 owner complaints, ranking #7 of 28 Sierra model years for complaints (1.7× the average Sierra year). Complaints peaked in 1999 (55 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 78,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (246 complaints, 2 recalls), 1998 (190 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Diesel |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Diesel |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
FAQ
Does the 1997 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 GMC Sierra. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1997 GMC Sierra problems?
Owners have filed 238 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (63), steering (63), transmission & drivetrain (28).
What gas mileage does the 1997 GMC Sierra get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 15 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 GMC Sierra repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.