The 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 686,123 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the steering. Last updated July 5, 2026.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS. 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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
SEATS97V1760001997-10-076,418 affected
Defect
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."
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, A SEAT WITH THIS CONDITION WILL NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANT AS REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL CHECK ALL SEAT MOUNTING BOLTS AND INSTALL ANY MISSING BOLTS.
SEATS97V0370001997-03-07624,433 affected
Defect
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.
Consequence
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.
Complaints by component
STEERING
13
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
7
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
7
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
6
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
6
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
4
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
4
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
4
SERVICE BRAKES
3
Total complaints100
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“The driver's side door handle doesn't work. I believe this was a 'recall' but I couldn't get the dealership to fix it. Real fun having to roll down the window just to open the door from inside, especially when the door's window is frozen. Obviously the vehicle is in a parked postion. The truck…”
“While turning a left turn on a highway january 28 the vehicle lost power steering. I have removed and replaced the power steering pump three times, gearbox four times, all the tiebars and componentsd twice. Gmc is aware of the steering problems and has not recalled any vehicles for power steering…”
“While driving on highway this vehicle will move right and left without no input from the driver. Also, making a left or right turn the power steering will stop,lock up start working again for no apparent reason. I have change all front tie rods twice, steering gear box, four times and the power…”
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 gmc sierra 1500. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v381000 (air bags). The part to do the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made…”
“Steel hydraulic brake line under truck bed and running along driver side frame ruptured while driving. Result was loss of loss of pressurization/brake fluid, mushy brake pedal, and greatly decreased braking performance. Inspection reveals significant rust areas on all steel brake lines requiring…”
“Tl* the contact owns a 1997 gmc sierra 1500. The contact stated that the abs failed. While driving, the brake pedal had to be depressed simultaneously for the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v045000 (service…”
“My ignition cylinder is binding badly and im concerned that my vehicle is going to have the same problems as other gm vehicles. *tr”
“Brake lines are severely corroded. Luckily there was no accident. Also own an 87 & 83 mercedes benz, no issues with corrosion on any fuel or brake lines. Brakes are the most important system on a vehicle. Gm should be made to fix this, this is negligent corporate behavior. *kb”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500 as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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