1997 GMC Sierra 1500 Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 22%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 112,033miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500, 22% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 112,033 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Driving downhill at 25 MPH and applied brake to slow down to drive over small bridge. Brake pedal went to the floor and brake warning light illuminated. I depressed brake several times to stop and pedal went to floor without the vehicle stopping. I found brake fluid leaking from steel brake line along drivers side rear frame rail.”
NHTSA complaint #10393449, filed 2011-03, 112,033 miles“The trouble I am having is with the braking system . It has been professionally maintained but the problem still persists. The brakes lockout at slow speeds and I have to use 2 feet to press down the pedal and stop the truck . If I were driving and stopped at a light there would be no problem .however if I were then to release the pedal and apply it again the ABS seems to activate and I basically cannot stop the vehicle. I did hit someone once but it didn't do much damage because I was going slow under 5mph. …”
NHTSA complaint #10326392, filed 2010-04, 165,000 miles“Metal brake line to rear axle split open causing loss of brake fluid and rear brakes. I had the dealership replace the failed line at a cost to me of +$300. I have the failed part.”
NHTSA complaint #10141946, filed 2005-11, 78,600 miles“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 complete replacement of all brake lines.”
NHTSA complaint #10807084, filed 2015-11, 111,087 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10441620, filed 2011-12, 210,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 3% |
| 2025 | 7 | 6% |
| 2024 | 11 | 3% |
| 2023 | 17 | 3% |
| 2022 | 30 | 5% |
| 2021 | 25 | 4% |
| 2020 | 55 | 11% |
| 2019 | 114 | 17% |
| 2018 | 44 | 14% |
| 2017 | 108 | 30% |
| 2016 | 106 | 31% |
| 2015 | 229 | 32% |
| 2014 | 144 | 19% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 6 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 6 | 3% |
| 2008 | 10 | 3% |
| 2007 | 25 | 10% |
| 2006 | 67 | 46% |
| 2005 | 50 | 28% |
| 2004 | 67 | 32% |
| 2003 | 105 | 58% |
| 2002 | 127 | 77% |
| 2001 | 108 | 77% |
| 2000 | 131 | 72% |
| 1999 | 103 | 65% |
| 1998 | 18 | 31% |
| 1997 | 18 | 22% |
| 1996 | 2 | 40% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500
25 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology