1997 GMC Sierra 1500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500: 3 recalls, 83 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Before 1999, Sierra 1500 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
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats Vehicle recall #97V037000 · 1997 · 624,433 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This pinching can cut the hand or possibly sever the finger(s) without prior warning.
The fix: Dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.
Seats Vehicle recall #97V176000 · 1997 · 6,418 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: In the event of a vehicle crash, a seat with this condition will not protect the occupant as required by the standard.
The fix: Dealers will check all seat mounting bolts and install any missing bolts.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #98V187000 · 1998 · 55,272 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n g3727, with date codes x52911 through x60801 sequentially or x600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing manufactured from October 18, 2005, through March 21, 2006, sold for use on the vehicles listed above and on certain school buses. (to see the school bus engine sizes, click on "document search" and then "bus applications"). The…
Why it matters: This condition May cause an inadequate seal at the connection, potentially leading to a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could occur.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Equipment Equipment recall #07E088000 · 2007 · 121,680 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain honeywell fram racing brand hp4 and hp8 oil filters that were manufactured from May 25, 2006, through September 14, 2007, and sold for use as replacement equipment for vehicles list above. The affected filters are marked with a date code a61451 through a72571 sequentially. The date code and part number appear on the filter housing. Fram racing hp4 and hp8 oil filters not bearing a date code in this range are…
Why it matters: This condition May cause inadequate sealing and loss of engine oil, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: Honeywell will replace the affected oil filters free of charge. The recall began during November 2007. Owners can contact fram customer service toll-free at 1-800-890-2075.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Steering (25): the most common themes are steering problems (22).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (15): the most common themes are warning light on (2), brake failure / soft pedal (2).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (13): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (8): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
The 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 has 83 owner complaints, ranking #29 of 33 Sierra 1500 model years for complaints (well below the 271 average). Complaints peaked in 2000 (11 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 82,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1996 (5 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (59 complaints, 2 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 |
| 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 |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 11 | 17 | 13 | Regular |
FAQ
Does the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 problems?
Owners have filed 83 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (25), brakes (hydraulic) (15), visibility (wipers, glass) (13).
What gas mileage does the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 13 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 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.