1997 GMC Sierra 2500 Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Sierra 2500 years
- Far fewer complaints than other years 28th of 30 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500. That ranks 28th out of 30 Sierra 2500 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (7 complaints, 50%), typically at around 132,500 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 injury. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.
- 14owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 1complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 1997 GMC Sierra 2500 problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 7 | 50% | 132,500 | — | — |
| Tires | 2 | 14% | 120,500 | — | — |
| Visibility | 2 | 14% | 160,000 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 1 | 7% | 98,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 7% | 56,000 | — | — |
| Seats | 1 | 7% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
1997 GMC Sierra 2500 recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Seats
Problem: 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.
Fix: Dealers will check all seat mounting bolts and install any missing bolts.
Seats
Problem: 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.
Fix: Dealers will install a protector cover over the recliner mechanism.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
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…
Corroded brake line failure. Loss of rear brakes, front worked. *js
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…
1997 gm 6.5 turbo diesel pmd failure. Loss of control very unsafe. Why does gm fail to recall the pmd???? *tr
Brake line failure on 1997 gmc pickup. @ different occasions and separate areas in brake lines. Old lines discarded. Appeared to be a rust issue. *tr
Other GMC Sierra 2500 years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Sierra 2500 | 10 | 1 |
| 2025 Sierra 2500 | 28 | 1 |
| 2024 Sierra 2500 | 106 | 4 |
| 2023 Sierra 2500 | 33 | 1 |
| 2022 Sierra 2500 | 43 | 3 |
| 2021 Sierra 2500 | 52 | 6 |
| 2020 Sierra 2500 | 78 | 9 |
| 2019 Sierra 2500 | 32 | 7 |
| 2018 Sierra 2500 | 35 | 5 |
| 2017 Sierra 2500 | 37 | 6 |
| 2016 Sierra 2500 | 59 | 6 |
| 2015 Sierra 2500 | 89 | 6 |
| 2014 Sierra 2500 | 30 | 2 |
| 2013 Sierra 2500 | 46 | 3 |
| 2012 Sierra 2500 | 31 | 3 |
| 2011 Sierra 2500 | 63 | 4 |
| 2010 Sierra 2500 | 10 | 5 |
| 2009 Sierra 2500 | 31 | 5 |
| 2008 Sierra 2500 | 63 | 3 |
| 2007 Sierra 2500 | 83 | 3 |
| 2006 Sierra 2500 | 66 | 1 |
| 2005 Sierra 2500 | 115 | 1 |
| 2004 Sierra 2500 | 143 | 1 |
| 2003 Sierra 2500 | 160 | 0 |
| 2002 Sierra 2500 | 134 | 1 |
| 2001 Sierra 2500 | 134 | 2 |
| 2000 Sierra 2500 | 48 | 1 |
| 1999 Sierra 2500 | 36 | 0 |
| 1998 Sierra 2500 | 15 | 1 |
| 1997 | 14 | 2 |
See all GMC Sierra 2500 problems by year, every GMC model, or the GMC VIN decoder.
Similar GMC models
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Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500?
Owners most often report service brakes, hydraulic, tires, visibility problems. The top one, service brakes, hydraulic, accounts for 7 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500?
Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 1997 GMC Sierra 2500 a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Sierra 2500 model years, the 1997 has far fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.