1997 GMC C/K Pickup recalls & problems
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls for the 1997 GMC C/K Pickup and 25 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is visibility (11 reports), followed by steering (6). NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations that include this vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.
1997 GMC C/K Pickup problems by component
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Injuries | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Steering | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Service Brakes, Air | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Electrical System | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Power Train | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
NHTSA investigations
Latest owner complaints
Fuel System, Gasoline · Aug 16, 2014 · 127,250 miles · NJ
Brakes failed. I parked with parking brake, looked underneath and noticed fluid leak on pavement. Further inspection showed that rusty brake line developed a pinhole. Other brake lines are rusty. Will likely fail later. Fuel line is also very rusty. Will likely fail later. *tr
Service Brakes · Aug 16, 2014 · 127,250 miles · NJ
Brakes failed. I parked with parking brake, looked underneath and noticed fluid leak on pavement. Further inspection showed that rusty brake line developed a pinhole. Other brake lines are rusty. Will likely fail later. Fuel line is also very rusty. Will likely fail later. *tr
Electrical System · Feb 16, 2011 · 180,000 miles · GA · fire
1997 GMC pick up drivers door caught on fire in the middle of the night location was the electrical mirror switch the truck was unoccupied.*tr
Visibility · Feb 16, 2011 · 180,000 miles · GA · fire
1997 GMC pick up drivers door caught on fire in the middle of the night location was the electrical mirror switch the truck was unoccupied.*tr
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 11, 2008 · 135,000 miles · NH
Everytime I slow down to stop, the brake pedal growls and it feels as if the anti-lock brakes come on. The truck keeps rolling, and I've almost hit the vehicle in front of me numerous times. It's a 1997 GMC sierra. *tr
Equipment · Sep 18, 2007 · 91,500 miles · AZ
Sir or ma'am, I bought a 1997 GMC sierra c/k series 1500 pickup in 1999. Recently while driving in the rain my windshield wiper became inoperative. This has happened several times and seems to fix itself after they dry out. I researched this problem on the internet and have found that GMC recall hundreds of thousands of its vehicles for this exact same problem. I contact GMC…
Visibility · Sep 18, 2007 · 91,500 miles · AZ
Sir or ma'am, I bought a 1997 GMC sierra c/k series 1500 pickup in 1999. Recently while driving in the rain my windshield wiper became inoperative. This has happened several times and seems to fix itself after they dry out. I researched this problem on the internet and have found that GMC recall hundreds of thousands of its vehicles for this exact same problem. I contact GMC…
Visibility · May 30, 2007 · MT
Windshield wiper circuit board and cover recalled due to defective - board developed cracks which would cause the wipers to not work. Gmc issued a recall of which I did not receive a notice. When the dealer was contacted regarding repairs, I was told that the recall had expired?, and that GMC would no longer replace the defective part at no charge to the customer. I had the…
Steering · Apr 18, 2007 · AR
We have a 1997 GMC z71 4 wheel drive . The steering grabs and jerks when accelerating, for example when entering a curve as you speed up to make the curve the steering will jerk the driver's hand and arm . The vehicle has done this for sometimes. I have seen from your web site there has been an investigation before. My sister had a suburban the same year model that did the…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 10, 2006 · 10,000 miles · OH
Antilock brakes activate when stopping on dry pavement, significantly increasing the stopping distance. Repair was made at my cost several years ago. Problem recurred after about 2 years. Dealer who made the first repair said this is a problem with corrosion on the anti-lock sensor. Gm customer service recently said that this is a recall item for the same model truck, but…
Visibility · Oct 5, 2005 · 86,000 miles · CO
Approximately a year and a half ago my windshield wipers would stop functioning at times during operation. According to your website this problem was supposed to be recalled under recall #03V159000 or GM recall 03023. But after checking my VIN a dealer and the manufacturer contend that although some vehicles were recalled for this problem, mine and some others were only…
Visibility · Sep 7, 2005 · 120,000 miles · MN
I own a 1997 GMC sierra extended cab pickup (GMC k15), [xxx]. My problem is failure of the windshield wiper motor. The NHTSA has a campaign# 03V-159 which was subject to a renotification recall earlier in 2005. Upon checking with GMC I was told that the recall did not apply to my vehicle even though many other 1997 GMC pickups and suvs were subject to the recall. I explained…
Other GMC C/K Pickup years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 1997 GMC C/K Pickup have any recalls?
No safety recalls are listed for the 1997 GMC C/K Pickup in NHTSA's recall database. Recalls can still be issued later, so check again by VIN before buying.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 GMC C/K Pickup?
Based on 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are visibility (11), steering (6), service brakes, hydraulic (4).
Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 1997 GMC C/K Pickup?
Owners reported 0 crashes, 1 fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.
Is NHTSA investigating the 1997 GMC C/K Pickup?
NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations that include this vehicle, most recently EA02006: Windshield wiper failure.