1997 GMC Sierra 1500 Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 11%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the fuel system of the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500, 11% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,500 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Truck will not start. Not hearing the electic fuel pump in gas tank. Truck towed for repairs. During fuel pump replacement. Noticed the connector inside the gas tank arced and burned with 2 inches of insulation burned off the wires supplying power to the fuel pump. 1997 Gmc truck. I guess this connector that mates through the tank has had a history of arcing burning here. Also the connector defect isnt easily noticable to the technician. Causing intermittent fuel pump failure as in my case. Has there been any history of fire/exposion with these connectors on GM vehicles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10116190, filed 2005-03, 144,000 miles“I have owned my 1997 Gmc k1500 sierra since 1999 and have experienced continuous momentary loss of power steering control due to a failing vss sensor located on the steering column. This loss of power steering control occurs at any speed and direction. I have had this component replaced twice over the years and the sensor starts to intermittently fail within 6 months. Every individual I have talked to over the years who has owned a GM 1997-1999 c/k full-size vehicle has experienced this sudden loss of control in the steering wheel at one time or another. …”
NHTSA complaint #10041642, filed 2003-10, 20,000 miles“Automatic transmission slams into gear recently, changed fluid helped for a couple of months - windshield wiper motor works when it feels like it - fuel gauge has not worked since 1999 and other people I know have the same problems with their general motor trucks.”
NHTSA complaint #10016949, filed 2003-05, 55,000 miles“The truck stopped running while driving,tried to start the truck with no luck. Had it towed to the dealership where they replaced the fuel pump. Truck ra for about a month and then got to where it wouldn't run and now it wont even start. I had it towed back in and they tested the fuel pump and it was good. The dealership researched that year and found that there was a problem with the fuel injector sticking causing it to do that. There was a public service announcement out warning people about this problem with these trucks. The parts are well over $700. …”
NHTSA complaint #10274994, filed 2009-06, 175,000 miles“I understand their have been a high number of fuel pump failures in these vehicles. The tow truck driver and service advisor already knew what was wrong with the truck before they even looked at it. Also the tow truck driver told me his own fuel pump failed on his Gmc truck at 38,000 miles. This is a lease vehicle that is to be turned in in four months and I had to put a $400 fuel pump in it.”
NHTSA complaint #722193, filed 2000-05Related recalls
- 98V187000Aug 10, 1998Vehicle description: crew cab pickup trucks. The front, inner corner of the fuel tank can contact the body sill either intermittently or constantly. This…Covers: GMC Sierra 1500 1997–1998, Chevrolet C10 1995–1998, GMC C15 1995–1996
Related service bulletins
- 10209734Mar 22, 2022This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 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…
- 10034428Feb 1, 2010Chevrolet:gmc: engineering information-fuel tank pressure sensor, dtcs p0446, p0451 or p0454 set. Gmc engineering is attempting to determine the root cause of the above concern.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 | 7% |
| 2025 | 7 | 6% |
| 2024 | 22 | 6% |
| 2023 | 38 | 8% |
| 2022 | 32 | 5% |
| 2021 | 42 | 7% |
| 2020 | 27 | 6% |
| 2019 | 27 | 4% |
| 2018 | 11 | 4% |
| 2017 | 7 | 2% |
| 2016 | 9 | 3% |
| 2015 | 13 | 2% |
| 2014 | 15 | 2% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 12 | 4% |
| 2010 | 6 | 4% |
| 2009 | 11 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 8 | 6% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 9 | 4% |
| 2003 | 7 | 4% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 17 | 12% |
| 2000 | 14 | 8% |
| 1999 | 7 | 4% |
| 1998 | 4 | 7% |
| 1997 | 9 | 11% |
| 1996 | 1 | 20% |
| 1994 | 1 | 8% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500
25 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 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