1997 GMC Sierra 1500 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 30%of 83 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,913miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the steering of the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500, 30% of the 83 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,913 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“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“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 steering pump three times. This is very serious and hazardous issue !!!! Many drivers have the same problem and has expressed it on the internet. Gmc has not put out any recall to fix it. Additionally, this problem is a life or death situation! …”
NHTSA complaint #10948581, filed 2017-01, 120,950 miles“Power steering assist tends to pull the wheel to the right or left with too much assist after barely turning the wheel one way or the other (has always done this since new). Windshield wipers have recently been acting up when activating the washer mechanism. Sometimes they won't work, sometimes they stop in the middle of the wipe cycle. The date below is a required field, but the incidents have happened numerous times since I purchased the vehicle new.”
NHTSA complaint #10053064, filed 2004-01, 25,000 miles“Vehicle suddenly pulls to the right at highway speeds. Seems more prevalent in cooler weather. Lack of power assist at times, too much assist at other times.”
NHTSA complaint #10088901, filed 2004-08, 60,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10032462Aug 1, 2009Saab/hummer/gm: diagnostic tips/recommendations when power steering pump replacement is necessary. Analysis of returned power steering (ps) pumps that had been replaced for…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 3% |
| 2025 | 3 | 2% |
| 2024 | 7 | 2% |
| 2023 | 13 | 3% |
| 2022 | 13 | 2% |
| 2021 | 34 | 6% |
| 2020 | 38 | 8% |
| 2019 | 42 | 6% |
| 2018 | 30 | 10% |
| 2017 | 25 | 7% |
| 2016 | 38 | 11% |
| 2015 | 81 | 11% |
| 2014 | 156 | 21% |
| 2012 | 3 | 3% |
| 2011 | 10 | 4% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 6 | 4% |
| 2005 | 18 | 10% |
| 2004 | 21 | 10% |
| 2003 | 15 | 8% |
| 2002 | 7 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
| 1998 | 6 | 10% |
| 1997 | 25 | 30% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Sierra 1500
18 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 30, 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